Oakland-Craig Boys and Girls look for huge seasons

Team: Oakland-Craig

Mascot: Knights

Colors: Orange and White

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Aaron Meyer (16th season) (196-169 career record)

2018-2019 record: 12-11 (lost to Omaha Nation in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team looks to have a huge season this year.

The Knights bring back some of last year's team, including 3-year starter Wyatt Seagren (6'7, SR C), who averaged 8 points and 8 rebounds a game last year.

Head Coach Aaron Meyer expects Seagren to be a big force inside this year.  "We expect him to alter a lot of shots in the middle, grab a lot of rebounds. We'd love to see him get at a 50% clip or better inside."

Oakland-Craig also welcomes back Colton Thomsen (6'3, SR F), who averaged 9 points a game last year.

Other returning letterwinners are Jaron Meyer (5'10, JR G), Gunnar Ray (5'9, JR G), Coulter Thiele (6'2, JR F), Ian Lundquist (5'8, SR G), Blake Johnson (6'2, SR F), and Caden Nelson (6'0, JR F).

Newcomers likely to contribute are Grady Gatewood (5'9, SO), Carson Thomsen (6'1, SO), Mike Maline (6'2, JR), Amon Bryan (6'5, SO), Trey Deemer (6'1, JR), and Jaden Harney (6'0, JR).

Meyer has this preseason assessment of his team. "I think we have the potential to be a very good team if we can learn to score in the half court. Defensively we should be very strong, and we like to get out and run. We lost quite a few starters from last year’s team, but our leadership and chemistry should be solid. At the same time, we will be fairly long and athletic."

Meyer says the team had a decent summer.

The Knights lost Garrison Dodge, Robby Mayberry, Tyson Harney, Cole Bures, and Jared Mulder to graduation last year.

Lots of kids to replace, but it sounds like there is a lot of up and coming talent on this team.

I think Oakland-Craig will be faster and more athletic than they were a year ago.

I look for this team to be able to get out run and score a lot points in transition.

I think the Knights will be able to create a lot of turnovers defensively as well.

I fully expect Oakland-Craig to be right there in the end when it comes to competing for Sub-State and a berth in the State Tournament.

It should be a pretty darn good year for the Knights I must say.

Season Outlook:

The Oakland-Craig Boys look for a huge season this year.

The schedule is challenging though with Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Boys Town, Howells-Dodge, Winnebago, Wisner-Pilger, Omaha Nation, BRLD, North Bend Central, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family among the teams on the schedule.

The Knights open up the season at home on Thursday against LVSS.

Meyer expects the Raiders to be tough. "I think they'll be solid. They were good last year, they were well coached. Defensively, they didn't let teams score very many points."

I think not having a lot of practices due to a long football season could affect Oakland-Craig's offense in this game. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Meyer thinks the conference will be about as tough as it has been in a long, long time. Maybe the toughest since the expansion. There are as many rated teams as in the late 80's.

The Knights are in Sub-District C2-3 with GACC, Fremont Bergan, Yutan, and Omaha Brownell Talbot.

Bergan and Yutan figure to be the two toughest teams in the Sub-District other than Oakland-Craig.

I think it's important for O-C to play well during the course of the year in case they need a wildcard to Sub-State.

Every game, every half, every quarter, every possession, every shot, every rebound is so critical.

Everything counts, and one slip up or one mistake could make a big difference.

The Knights need to bring their best effort and game night in and night out.

This conference is absolutely loaded, and Oakland-Craig will be challenged each and every time they take to the floor.

I feel the Knights definitely have what it takes to rise to the challenge and be a great team though.

I think Oakland-Craig can go deep and far this year, and look for the Knights to have a good and solid season.

I feel this team has the potential to be the best team Oakland-Craig has had since making State in 2017.

2019-2020 Oakland-Craig Knights Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/07/19 Boys Town
12/10/19 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/13/19 Pender
12/14/19 Howells-Dodge
12/17/19 Winnebago
12/19/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/21/19 @ Madison
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Malcolm Holiday Tournament Malcolm
01/03/20 @ Omaha Nation
01/07/20 Guardian Angels Central Catholic
01/10/20 Stanton
01/11/20 @ Elmwood-Murdock
01/17/20 @ BRLD
01/21/20 Tekamah-Herman
01/24/20 North Bend Central
01/25/20 Treynor, IA Site: D.J. Sokol Arena D.J. Sokol Arena
01/28/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/14/20 @ West Point-Beemer

Team: Oakland-Craig

Mascot: Knights

Colors: Orange and White

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Joe Anderson (8th season) (92-54 record)

2018-2019 record: 23-4 (Took 3rd at State)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Oakland-Craig Girls look to reload this year after going 23-4 and taking 3rd at State a season ago.

Back for Head Coach Joe Anderson are Briar Cliff signee Kennedy Benne (5'7, SR G), who averaged 14 points a game last year, Mya Guzinski (5'7, SR PG), Jeannina Blahak (6'1, JR P), Makenna Pearson (6'0, JR P), and Edie Anderson (5'5, JR G).

The Knights said goodbye to Dacey Nelson, Ashley Denton, Grace Pille, Natalia McNeill, and Ellie Weitzenkamp last year.

Anderson has this preseason assessment of his team. "Kennedy Benne should be an All C2 player after returning to form in last year’s districts and state tourney. Replacing 5 seniors including Dacey Nelson will be a challenge. New players in the rotation include guards junior Edie Anderson and freshmen Chaney Nelson, Sadie Nelson, and Sydney Guzinski. Senior point guard Mya Guzinski at the top of class C2 the last two seasons in assists will be key to pressure defense and transition offense. Jeanina Blahak became a force rebounding and defensively in the post towards the end of last season and her continued improvement is important to a successful season. We will potentially be deeper and more athletic than last year despite the loss of three starters. The three freshmen coming in are really talented."

Anderson says there is a good mixture of veterans and younger kids coming up.

He feels the offensive attack will be more balanced this year.

Anderson discusses the offseason. "We attended a few camps, we try to do a lot of things on our own here. But we attended 3 or 4 camps and performed very well."

I think taking 3rd at State last year and seeing the football team win state this year will really help out the Knights this year.

I look for Oakland-Craig to get back down to Lincoln this year and be in the thick of things for a State Championship.

The Knights know how to win, and they work hard, and the program is very successful year in and year out.

Last year was amazing, but this year has a chance to be pretty special too.

I'm really excited to see what the three freshmen coming in can do. I have heard nothing but good things about them.

Season Outlook:

The Oakland-Craig Girls look to have a big year this year.

The schedule looks pretty favorable early on for the Knights with tough games against Clarkson/Leigh and Pender before Christmas.

Stanton, North Bend Central, BRLD, Norris, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Fremont Bergan, and West Point-Beemer will all be tough as well.

The schedule at the end of the season is very difficult for the Knights.

Oakland-Craig plays host to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in Thursday's season opener. "I know they lost a few of their top girls from last year, but I know they return a couple good guards." Anderson said.

The Knights are in Sub-District C2-2 with Tekamah-Herman, Cedar Bluffs, Mead, and Yutan.

Anderson says they don't know a whole lot about most of the teams. "A little bit unfamiliar. Other than Tekamah we're fairly unfamiliar with the teams down there in Cedar Bluffs and Yutan."

I fully expect Oakland-Craig to be just fine and find a way to win that Sub-District when it comes time though.

After all, the Wildcats, Raiders, and Chieftains probably won't know a whole lot about the Knights either.

Anderson says his team is hungry to get back down to state. "Our girls after last year they got a really good taste of the state tournament and just had a lot of fun, and really enjoyed it. And that's something they're definitely working for."

Replacing Dacey Nelson is going to be really difficult, but Benne and the incoming freshman should have a huge impact on the team.

I feel like Oakland-Craig will have more scoring depth than in years past in that they won't have to rely on one or two players to do all the scoring.

The Knights should have 3, 4, maybe even 5 girls in double figures on any given night.

It should be a fun ride a special season once again for Oakland-Craig, and I'm excited to see how it all unfolds and turns out.

2019-2020 Oakland-Craig Knights Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/07/19 Boys Town
12/10/19 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/13/19 Pender
12/14/19 Howells-Dodge
12/17/19 Winnebago
12/19/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/21/19 @ Madison
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Malcolm Holiday Tournament Malcolm High School
01/03/20 @ Omaha Nation
01/10/20 Stanton
01/11/20 @ Elmwood-Murdock
01/17/20 @ BRLD
01/21/20 Tekamah-Herman
01/24/20 North Bend Central
01/25/20 Norris Site: D.J. Sokol Arena D.J. Sokol Arena
01/28/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA
02/11/20 @ Archbishop Bergan
02/14/20 @ West Point-Beemer

Stanton Boys and Girls to field young teams this year

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: David Stoddard (2nd season)

2018-2019 record: 6-17 (lost to Wisner-Pilger in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Stanton Boys Basketball Team returns two starters from last year's 6-17 team in T.J. Larson (6'1, SR G), who averaged 10 points a game a season ago, and Parker Krusemark (6'3, SO G).

Other returning letterwinners include Mason Bruggeman (6'3, JR F), Ben Wilke (6'0, SR F), Brennan Wragge (5'5, JR G), and Adam Arens (5'9, SO G).

Newcomers likely to contribute include Abe Larson (5'10, SO), Ben Butterfield (5'10, SO), and Ian Schulzkump (6'3, JR).

Head Coach David Stoddard has this preseason assessment of his team. "Stanton returns 2 starters & will feature a young overall team in the 2019-2020 season. The Mustangs will be lead in the back court by TJ Larson and Parker Krusemark who do a good job scoring and creating for their teammates. Mason Bruggeman will be in the post with Ben Wilke and look for Abe Larson, Ben Butterfield, Adam Arens, and Brennan Wragge to play significant roles as well. "

Stanton lost Marcus Spotanski, Sam Bates, and Nathan Arens to graduation last year.

Stoddard says the offseason went really well.  "We had great attendance all summer long. We did summer league up at the YMCA in Norfolk. That was a good experience for us. Did some of the team camp circuit things."

It sounds like the Mustangs did some really good positive things this offseason that will hopefully help them this year.

Hopefully the hard work they put in leads to quite a few wins this season, but if not then I'm sure things will only get better in the future.

High School Basketball and High School Athletics in General are about more than just winning and losing.

Sure winning is nice, but the lessons these kids learn and take with them the rest of their lives is what will benefit them more in life after high school.

It's about the camaraderie and relationships and bonds that are formed between the kids.

It's about developing friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.

And that's exactly what Stanton has to do this year if they haven't done that already.

Excelling in the classroom and taking part in different community projects and things of that sort is important for the Mustangs, in my opinion.

Season Outlook:

The Stanton Boys look to grow and get better throughout the year this year.

The schedule is definitely challenging though, but I do see the potential for a couple more wins for the Mustangs this season.

Stanton hosts 2019 C-2 State Qualifier Howells-Dodge in the season opener on Friday.

Stoddard says the Jaguars are the real deal. "Very well Coached team. They have quite a bit returning I think in the backcourt. They're going to be a team that's going to pressure you full court throughout the game, kind of try to create some turnovers. They're very active on the offensive end. It's going to be a very tough game."

The Mustangs are in Sub-District C2-5 with Wisner-Pilger, Lutheran High Northeast, Hartington Cedar Catholic, and Crofton.

Stoddard says all of those teams are good. "Yeah Wisner-Pilger and Lutheran High once again just great programs. They're going to be tough. I know each team returns quite a bit from the starting department. Crofton is new this year. I think they had a pretty young team last year and returned a lot. Then Hartington Cedar Catholic I know is going to be once again a very good team too."

I think the biggest thing for Stanton is continued improvement throughout the season.

You want to see the team get better from the first game to the last.

And I think just being competitive and keeping games close like last year is a big thing for the Mustangs once again this year.

A lot of Stanton's losses were close ball games last year, and if they can narrow the gap and cut down on the number of blowouts even more than last season then they should see improvement.

I think offense and scoring will be key for the Mustangs.

Stanton has to pull the ball in the basket if they want to be successful.

The Mustangs have to work hard and have to want it more than their opponents.

Wins may not always be easy to come by given how young this team is, but Stanton has to give maximum effort and work hard at all times.

In other words the Mustangs have to earn everything that they get this season.

2019-2020 Stanton Mustangs Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Howells-Dodge
12/07/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/10/19 @ West Point-Beemer
12/13/19 @ Battle Creek
12/17/19 @ North Bend Central
12/20/19 Wakefield
12/21/19 @ Pender
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton
01/03/20 Wisner-Pilger
01/04/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/10/20 @ Oakland-Craig
01/11/20 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/14/20 Plainview
01/17/20 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/21/20 @ Madison
01/25/20 BRLD
01/28/20 Twin River
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/13/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh
02/21/20 Emerson-Hubbard

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Greg Wegner (5th season) (75-28 record)

2018-2019 record: 13-10 (lost to Battle Creek in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

A young team figures to see the floor for the Stanton Girls this year as the Mustangs return just three players who played last year.

The returners include Sophomore Savannah Siebrandt, Senior Jasmine Kment, and 6'0 Sophomore Sylvia Cunningham.

Seniors Morgan and Marissa Remm along with 5'5 newcomer Emma Hansen, who was homeschooled previously, make up Stanton's senior class.

Other players likely to contribute are 5'9 Sophomore Kinley Pohlman, 5'9 freshman Olivia Cunningham, and Junior Ellie Locke.

The Mustangs figure to be solid, but young.

5th Year Head Coach Greg Wegner says the team did a lot of offseason activities in house, meaning they didn't go many places.

Perhaps that focusing on themselves was a good thing for Stanton.

The Mustangs said goodbye to a very talented senior class last year in Jessie Brandl, Bree Burtwhistle, Jaiden Hartl, and Liz Christensen.

I don't think there's any doubt that the end to last season was disappointing, but perhaps Stanton put too much pressure on themselves last year.

Wegner says the team has set basic goals to be good teammates and getting better as opposed to the number of wins and making state.

I think simplifying expectations and playing together as a team is something that can help bring the team closer together when expectations perhaps are higher in another year or two.

I think the thing the Mustangs need to do is find ways to improve in all facets of the game, especially scoring, rebounding, and shooting.

Stanton is a very good defensive team, now the Mustangs just need to find an offensive identity and rhythm.

Stanton has to develop throughout the course of the season and put themselves in a good position to be playing their best basketball at the end of the year.

Season Outlook:

The Stanton Girls hope to grow and improve throughout the season.

Wegner says this season is road heavy with just 7 home games this year.

He adds the Conference is loaded once again as well.

Tough road games figure to come at West Point-Beemer, Battle Creek, North Bend Central, Pender, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Clarkson/Leigh, and Norfolk Catholic.

The Mustangs will definitely be road warriors this season.

Stanton hosts Howells-Dodge in the season opener on Friday.

Wegner says the Jaguars are solid. "Howells is always tough. They're very fundamental. They're well coached. They play defense very, very hard."

Wegner says he's more concerned with his team trying to grow, trying to develop, trying to get rid of those mental errors.

The Mustangs are in Sub-District C2-5 with the Jaguars, Clarkson/Leigh, Lutheran High Northeast, and Madison.

Wegner says the Patriots aren't a good matchup for his team. "Clarkson always plays good defense, they're tough. They're one of those teams that scout us really well. They know us. And it doesn't help that we play them a week before Sub-Districts. The weekend before Sub-Districts anyways."

As Wegner told me in our interview, Sub-Districts are a long ways off yet and things could be totally different then than they are now.

And perhaps Stanton won't matchup with the Patriots in Sub-Districts.

I think the biggest thing for the Mustangs is to continue to get better and improve game by game, week by week.

Stanton has to go out there and have fun and enjoy playing the game of basketball.

The Mustangs have to play with a lot of pride and passion, and must enjoy the ride and journey of the season.

Stanton has to work hard and enjoy the wins, but also be gracious in defeat.

2019-2020 Stanton Mustangs Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Howells-Dodge
12/07/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/10/19 @ West Point-Beemer
12/13/19 @ Battle Creek
12/17/19 @ North Bend Central
12/20/19 Wakefield-Allen
12/21/19 @ Pender
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton
01/03/20 Wisner-Pilger
01/04/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/10/20 @ Oakland-Craig
01/11/20 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/14/20 Plainview
01/17/20 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/21/20 @ Madison
01/25/20 BRLD
01/28/20 Twin River
01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA
02/13/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh
02/14/20 @ Norfolk Catholic

Wisner-Pilger Boys and Girls expect big things

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Duane Mendlik

2018-2019 record: 15-10 (lost to Wakefield in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball Team expects big and great things this year.

The Gators return two starters in 6'2 Forward Dylan Kneifl and 6'2 Colby Heller.

Head Coach Duane Mendlik says the team is scrambling to find someone to play point guard right now as Justin Pieper broke his arm the last football game of the season and may not be back this year.

Other key returners are Caden Schweers (6'0, SR C), Regan Bellar (5'8, JR), Klay Koehlmoos (JR PG/SG), Rockney Peck (JR SG), Trevor Styskal (6'0, SR SF/SG), and Cole Jacobsen (6'4, SR PG/SG/SF).

Wisner-Pilger lost Caden Jackson and Jayden Raabe to graduation last year.

I think the Gators have what it takes to be very successful this year.

Pieper is obviously a very big loss, but if Wisner-Pilger can figure out their point guard issue then they should go on to be good and have a very fine season.

I look for the Gators to make a strong run and push this year.

Coach Mendlik became the state's all-time winningest coach last year and so it would be awesome to see Wisner-Pilger make state this year.

I feel the Gators have it in them to make a postseason run this year, but there's a long ways to go before we get to that point.

Wisner-Pilger just has to come out and play with maximum effort all season long.

The Gators have to outwork, outhustle, and outplay their opponents.

Wisner-Pilger has to want it more than the other guy, and must take pride in their play.

The Gators have to work hard and earn everything they get.

Wisner-Pilger has to give 110% effort at all times and not let up at any point in the season.

Kneifl has to really step up and score and help kind of shoulder the load for this team.

I was really impressed with him last year and look for him to lead the Gators once again this season.

Season Outlook:

The Wisner-Pilger Boys look for a big year this year.

Tough games on the schedule include Lutheran High Northeast, Oakland-Craig, Wayne, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Howells-Dodge, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, North Bend Central, BRLD, and Laurel-Concord-Coleridge.

Many difficult challenges await the Gators, but none that they can't overcome and conquer.

Wisner-Pilger hosts Lutheran High Northeast in the season opener on Thursday. Mendlik says the Eagles are the complete package. "They have all starters back. They're starting five, they were juniors last year that started most of the year. I'm sure they're going to try and run the ball, they usually shoot pretty well. Defensively, they're probably going to be in a man-to-man so we have to be ready for that."

Mendlik feels the East Husker Conference will be stronger this year than it was last year.

The Gators are in Sub-District C2-5 with Stanton, Lutheran High Northeast, Hartington Cedar Catholic, and Crofton. "I think Northeast is going to be good. I think Hartington Cedar Catholic's always a pretty good team. We would like to think that we're going to step up and be better. The other two teams that in there they can beat anybody on a given night. They may not be as strong when you look at them on paper, but anytime you keep score it gets to be difficult." Mendlik said.

Mendlik says goals include winning conference and making the state tournament.

I think both of those things are very possible and attainable for Wisner-Pilger.

I feel the Gators have what it takes to make a run at the end of the season and get to state.

It would be a pretty neat and special deal for Wisner-Pilger to get to State this year too.

And it can definitely happen, the Gators just have to go out there and work hard night in and night out.

Taking extra shots in practice, coming in before practice and staying after are all things great players and great teams do and so this team has to be dedicated to being great.

Wisner-Pilger has to put in the long hours and work on the court and in the classroom.

These kids have to work extremely hard to achieve and accomplish their goals and dreams.

This is a team that can make state if they put their minds to it so the Gators have to turn that dream into a reality.

2019-2020 Wisner-Pilger Gators Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Lutheran High Northeast
12/06/19 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
12/13/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/19/19 Oakland-Craig
12/20/19 @ Wayne
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Wisner-Pilger Holiday Tournament Wisner-Pilger
01/03/20 @ Stanton
01/07/20 Arlington
01/10/20 @ West Point-Beemer
01/14/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/17/20 Howells-Dodge
01/18/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/21/20 Twin River
01/23/20 @ Pender
01/28/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh
01/30/20 North Bend Central
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/11/20 @ BRLD
02/13/20 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
02/21/20 @ Madison

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Brooke Scheitel (1st season)

2018-2019 record: 7-17 (lost to Oakland-Craig in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Wisner-Pilger Girls are under new leadership as Brooke Scheitel takes over the reigns of the program, replacing Karrie Bodwell.

Scheitel, a native of Falls City, spent last year as an assistant for the Gators.

Wisner-Pilger returns 9 letterwinners, including include Macy Stuhr, Makenzi Brown, Reagan Scholting, Aspin Waterman, Karrin Jindra, Hannah Stoffel, Adi Meyer, Emily Hatterman, and Lindsey Kneifl.

Scheitel says there are many good returners and newcomers. "We have a strong returning nucleus for our team, along with an athletic freshman class. I look for our team to make big strides of improvement this year. We are fortunate enough to have both height and speed on our team. This will allow us to have many offensive and defensive options. The hard work and commitment of the athletes that I have been seeing is what will drive this team to improve each day."

Wisner-Pilger said goodbye to Jordan Wegner, Cassidy Gooch, and Taylor Stuhr last year.

Scheitel says she was very hands on with the team over the summer. "During the offseason I helped in the weightroom. And so that was one thing I wanted to do right away. There was a lot of them in the weightroom. Held them pretty accountable. They knew that I was going to be there so I think they realized that I would realize who wasn't there everyday. We did some camps this summer, we did some summer leagues."

I feel the Gators have a chance to do very well this year given their success in Volleyball and Softball.

Wisner-Pilger had a lot of success in fall sports, and I look for that to carry over into the winter.

It sounds like Coach Scheitel brings a lot of energy and passion, and I think those are two things that can and will rub off on the girls.

The Gators return a lot of good talent and players have a lot of good freshmen coming in so the present and future looks to be very bright for Wisner-Pilger.

I have no doubt the Gators can get things turned around and become a strong force for years to come in the area.

I think this year has a chance to be really good, but it's really all about laying a foundation and establishing a high level of play that hopefully future teams build and feed off of.

Wisner-Pilger has to do their best to win, and win now, all while establishing a winning culture for years to come.

Season Outlook:

The Wisner-Pilger Girls look to do well this year.

The Gators have tough games against the likes of GACC, Oakland-Craig, Wayne, West Point-Beemer, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Clarkson/Leigh, North Bend Central, and BRLD.

I feel there are lots of opportunities for wins out there for Wisner-Pilger this season though.

I think 15 wins is a very realistic number for the Gators if they work hard and play up to their potential.

Wisner-Pilger opens up the season on Thursday at home against Lutheran High Northeast.

Scheitel on the matchup. "The expectations for the girls this year have been set high, and they've been doing nothing but working to achieve them. So I'm looking forward to that game. I think it will be a good matchup. The Eagles do have some speed and some quickness, but I think that with the athletes we have we can definitely match them."

Scheitel says the team has to do the little things right.

She goes on to talk about what the team hopes to accomplish this year. "It's showing everyone, it's proving to themselves first of all, proving to the young athletes that they're role models for that winning and success those are things that we want to do."

Scheitel adds being average is not the expectation.

The Gators certainly want to be great as do all teams, and I think Wisner-Pilger can be a great team and program for years to come.

The potential and opportunity is out there for the Gators...now all Wisner-Pilger has to do is go out there and seize the opportunity and moment.

The Gators have to go out there and take charge and take the bull by the horns.

Wisner-Pilger has to expect to be great, and must go out there and do the things necessary to become a great team.

The Gators have to try and establish a winning culture, and change the team's fortunes of recent years.

The future is now for Wisner-Pilger, and the sooner they win the quicker they will be on to great things.

2019-2020 Wisner-Pilger Gators Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Lutheran High Northeast
12/06/19 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
12/13/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/19/19 Oakland-Craig
12/20/19 @ Wayne
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Wisner-Pilger Holiday Tournament Wisner-Pilger
01/03/20 @ Stanton
01/07/20 Arlington
01/09/20 Madison
01/10/20 @ West Point-Beemer
01/14/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/17/20 Howells-Dodge
01/18/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/21/20 Twin River
01/23/20 @ Pender
01/28/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh
01/30/20 North Bend Central
01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA
02/11/20 @ BRLD
02/13/20 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge

Howells-Dodge Boys looking to build off last year's success; Girls to rely on young talent to lead them

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, Silver

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Kevin Janata (2nd season)

2018-2019 record: 18-10 (lost to BRLD in first round of state)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Boys Basketball Team looks to build off of and expand upon last year's success when the Jaguars made a postseason run and qualified for state before losing to eventual state champion BRLD.

3 starters return for 2nd year Head Coach Kevin Janata, and they are Blake Sindelar (6'2, SO), R.J. Bayer (6'1, SO), and Luke Rocheford (6'2, SR) running the point.

Others who figure to contribute include Darrin Pokorny (6'2, SR), Charlie Dvorak (5'11, SR), Logan Nelson (6'4, SR), and Jacob Tomcak (5'11, JR).

Janata is also excited about freshmen Lance Brester (6'1) and Aandy Dominguez (5'11).

Janata feels depth coming off the bench could be a team strength

Key losses from last year were Josh Brester, Matt Cada, Kade Hegemann, Lane Hegemann, and Cole Stewart.

Janata says the offseason was good as the team took part in the Speed Camp.

I think anytime you come off a season in which you made state and return quite a few players things are going to look bright for the following year.

I feel the Jaguars not only have a chance to get back to state this year, but do some damage when and if they get back there.

Howells-Dodge is in D-1, down from C-2 last year.

The Jaguars will have to go through Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Sub-Districts most likely, but there is a reason for having Sub-State.

I think Howells-Dodge can definitely be a returning state qualifier this year.

The Jaguars have a good mix of older and younger players that should mesh pretty well together.

I think depth could really be a good thing for Howells-Dodge, especially given the rigors of a long and demanding season.

Having extra legs to spell certain players in certain games, especially down the stretch, is huge.

The more talent and experience that's on the floor, the more successful a team is going to be.

And I certainly don't think that the Jaguars are an exception to that rule.

Season Outlook:

The Howells-Dodge Boys look to earn a return trip to state.

The Jaguars have a tough schedule once again though with the likes of Pierce, Aquinas, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Wisner-Pilger, Humphrey St. Francis, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, North Bend Central, Wakefield, and Lutheran High Northeast among the teams on the schedule.

I feel Howells-Dodge has what it takes to beat many of these teams though.

The Jaguars open up the season at home on Thursday against Pierce.

Janata says the Bluejays came on strong at the end of last year. "Coach Emory always has his team prepared. Just watching some film from last year they just play strong man-to-man defense. And they did a nice job coming on late in the season. I know they went on a winning streak there for a while, and they did pretty well in the Mid-State."

It will be interesting to see which team can carry the momentum they gained at the end of last year into this year.

Howells-Dodge is in Sub-District D1-3 with Clarkson/Leigh, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and Elkhorn Valley.

The Bulldogs figure to be the team to beat in that.

And as I mentioned before, it's likely the Jaguars will have to go through Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Sub-Districts.

Howells-Dodge may be able to get to Lincoln again regardless of how they fare against the Bulldogs though due to the new Sub-State format.

Janata says his team got a taste of what state was like last year. "Getting down to Lincoln last year I think was good for our underclassmen. They kind of saw what it was all about and they know that that's a possibility, but they kind of know what it takes and how hard you have to work to actually make that happen."

You would think making it and losing in the first round would make this team hungry to get back there this year.

Getting back down to Lincoln is certainly a goal and expectation this team has to have and must play with in mind all season long.

2019-2020 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Pierce
12/06/19 @ Stanton
12/10/19 @ Aquinas Catholic
12/12/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/14/19 @ Oakland-Craig
12/17/19 West Point-Beemer
12/20/19 @ BRLD
12/21/19 Clarkson/Leigh
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Homer Holiday Tournament Homer
01/10/20 @ Humphrey St. Francis
01/11/20 Plainview
01/17/20 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/18/20 @ Mead
01/24/20 @ Tekamah-Herman
01/25/20 Pender
01/28/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/13/20 North Bend Central
02/14/20 @ Wakefield
02/21/20 @ Lutheran High Northeast

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, Silver

Class: C-2

Conference:  East Husker

Head Coach: Scott Polacek (28th season) (387-219 record)

2018-2019 record: 9-14 (lost to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Girls Basketball Team looks for their young talent to lead them this year.

The Jaguars have three seniors out for the team in Grace Kreikemeier (5'7, SG), Alyssa Coufal (5'5, SG), and Madyson Cech (5'9, PF), who is out for a while as she is coming back from a knee injury.

Longtime Head Coach Scott Polacek says the Jaguars went to team camps at Wayne, Shelby/Rising City, Minden, and Elkhorn South over the summer, adding the team was competitive.

Grace Dvorak, Tonya Brester, Erin Prusa, Jessi Brester, and Hannah Bayer were lost to graduation last year.

Howells-Dodge certainly has some talented girls to replace, but you have to figure the young talent will step up and lead this team.

Some names that I remember from last year are Cassie Pieper (5'4, JR PG), Riley Pokorny (5'6, JR SG), Brooklyn Macholan (5'8, SO PF), Lilly Praest (5'5, SO G), and Jaedyn Ratzlaff (5'5, SO PG).

I think these five players will step up and contribute greatly for the team.

The Jaguars are still a pretty young team and so it might take a bit for them to get going.

I definitely feel Howells-Dodge will be much improved later in the year and next year, but the early part of this year could be a struggle given the schedule and youth on this team.

A lot of girls are going to have to grow up quickly because there aren't many active seniors on the roster.

Kreikemeier and Coufal have to really step up and lead the team though.

The underclassmen have to feed off their energy and enthusiasm, and follow their lead.

The Jaguars need different girls to step up on different nights, and get multiple contributions from everyone.

It has to be a complete team effort night in and night out.

Howells-Dodge has to play together as one, and go out there and give it their all night in and night out.

The Jaguars have to be one of the toughest teams if not the toughest team in the area both mentally and physically.

Season Outlook:

The Howells-Dodge Girls look for their underclassmen to carry them this year.

The Jaguars have a gauntlet right away with Pierce, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Oakland-Craig, West Point-Beemer, BRLD, Clarkson/Leigh, and Humphrey St. Francis all before mid-January.

Howells-Dodge figures to be tested early so we'll see how the Jaguars fare early on.

Polacek says his team has to grow from the tough early season tests. "And so even though I know our schedule is very front loaded either you survive it and keep trying to get better or it beats you down."

Howells-Dodge hosts Pierce in the season opener on Thursday.

Polacek says the Bluejays aren't an easy team to open up with. "It's always a tough way to start with them cause he's going to have them ready to go. That's a project for us just to get ourselves ready just to matchup with a team of that caliber. Obviously they're in C-1, and they're in a tough conference, which they're always pretty battle tested."

The Jaguars are in Sub-District C2-5 with Clarkson/Leigh, Stanton, Lutheran High Northeast, and Madison.

Polacek says things are wide open. "Clarkson/Leigh they're rebuilding as we are, so is Stanton, so is Lutheran High. That's definitely a Sub-District we can be competitive in. I think anybody of those five has a shot to win that."

The end of the season is when you want to be playing your best basketball, and if the Jaguars are playing their best towards the end of the season then they should do well in this Sub-District.

Perhaps Howells-Dodge will have Cech back by then, and if so that could make a huge difference.

I think the biggest thing for the Jaguars is to go out there and have fun and enjoy themselves.

Enjoy playing with and for one another.

Sacrifice for the team and have a team first attitude.

I think playing together as a team and fighting for one another will be very big, key, and important for Howells-Dodge.

The Jaguars have to stick together through the highs and lows of the season, and persevere until season's end.

2019-2020 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Pierce
12/06/19 @ Stanton
12/10/19 @ Aquinas Catholic
12/12/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/14/19 @ Oakland-Craig
12/17/19 West Point-Beemer
12/20/19 @ BRLD
12/21/19 Clarkson/Leigh
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Homer Holiday Tournament Homer
01/10/20 @ Humphrey St. Francis
01/11/20 Plainview
01/14/20 Lutheran High Northeast
01/17/20 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/18/20 @ Mead
01/24/20 @ Tekamah-Herman
01/25/20 Pender
01/28/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA
02/13/20 North Bend Central

BRLD Boys look to repeat as State Champs; Girls hoping to make state and see improved effort

Team: Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur

Mascot: Wolverines

Colors: UCLA Blue, Black, and Gold

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Cory Meyer (6th season) (107-28 record)

2018-2019 record: 27-1 (Won State)

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team returns all but one player from last year's 27-1 State Championship Team with the lone loss being Nick Ronnfeldt.

The Wolverines return all five starters, including the likes of Dylan Beutler (6'5, JR), Will Gatzemeyer (5'10, SR), Lucas Vogt (5'11, JR), Darwin Snyder (5'10, SR PG/SG), and Jaxon Johnson 6'4, SR).

Other key contributors back include Arizona Riecken, Devin Hegge, Micah Henschen, Braxton Bargmann, Kobe Lyons, and Luke Kramer (6'1, SR).

BRLD figures to be loaded once again this year, but 6th year Head Coach Cory Meyer says the offseason wasn't good as a lot of guys were busy with football, AAU Basketball stuff, and baseball.

It's a concern of Meyer's.

You have to wonder how a long football season will affect the Wolverines as well, at least early on.

I'm sure BRLD will be just fine though and go on to have another great season.

It would be an incredible feat if the Wolverines could repeat as C-2 State Champs.

It can definitely happen too...BRLD just has to go out there and play the way they did last season, and maybe even up their game some.

The Wolverines have the perfect blend of size, speed, and athleticism, in my opinion.

All of their players are very skilled and quick, and everyone having speed isn't something you see from every team.

I feel the nature of BRLD's team alone gives them an advantage against a lot of teams they play.

These kids know how to win and are proven winners, and I look for them to show that once again during the course of this basketball season.

I feel it will be another good season for the Wolverines, and think BRLD will do very good for themselves.

I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility for the Wolverines to run the table and go undefeated either, but it won't be easy.

I look at that January 3rd game at Ponca and that could be one heck of a game as could the Winnebago game at home at the end of January.

Season Outlook:

The BRLD Boys look to repeat as C-2 State Champs this year.

The Wolverines have a lot of tough games on the schedule this year, but a lot of those contests are at home.

There are some really good Northeast Nebraska matchups on the schedule this year, and it should be fun to see how some of the games play out.

BRLD hosts Omaha Nation in the season opener on Thursday. Meyer says the Chiefs are always good. "The thing about Omaha Nation is they're always salty. Just when you think ah they're going to have a down year they don't. I know Basketball is their sport over there, and they're always playing basketball, and I expect them to be very good."

The Chiefs along with Ponca, Wakefield, and Walthill are in Sub-District C2-4 with the Wolverines.

BRLD plays a very challenging schedule and has a loaded Sub-District, but I think playing these tough teams will only make the Wolverines tougher and stronger come District Final and State time assuming BRLD makes it that far.

Meyer says repeating would be quite the feat. "It'd be great, it really would be. But I expect it to be more difficult this year than it was last year just because of the talent's that coming back. I know we have a lot back, but there's a lot of teams that are around us that have actually gotten better since last year."

Meyer says repeating is a goal, saying his team has to stay hungry.

I don't think there's any doubt the Wolverines have their sights set on repeating.

That's probably all BRLD has been thinking about since last year ended.

And now that the time is almost upon us for the High School Basketball Season to get started, the Wolverines can begin their quest towards a second straight State Championship.

BRLD has to focus on playing the game and each individual game, but you have to figure repeating is in the back of these players' minds.

It's something the Wolverines will probably think of quite often throughout the season, but the thing I hope that doesn't happen is the pressure of repeating becomes overwhelming.

The biggest thing is for these kids to just play the game and do what they did last year.

Don't let the moment be too big for you.

2019-2020 BRLD Wolverines Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Omaha Nation
12/07/19 @ Homer
12/12/19 @ Walthill
12/13/19 Clarkson/Leigh
12/20/19 Howells-Dodge
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Homer Holiday Tournament Homer
01/03/20 @ Ponca
01/10/20 Pierce Site: Sioux City, Iowa CNOS Classic Sioux City, Iowa CNOS Classic
01/11/20 West Point-Beemer
01/14/20 Tekamah-Herman
01/17/20 Oakland-Craig
01/21/20 Wakefield
01/24/20 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/25/20 @ Stanton
01/28/20 Winnebago
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/11/20 Wisner-Pilger
02/14/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
02/15/20 Hastings Site: Grand Island-Heartland Classic Grand Island-Heartland Classic
02/21/20 @ Pender

Team: Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur

Mascot: Wolverines

Colors: UCLA Blue, Black, and Gold

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Rod Peters (8th season)

2018-2019 record: 15-8 (lost to GACC in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The BRLD Girls look for improvement and a State Tournament berth this season.

Back for 8th year Head Coach Rod Peters are Seniors Kelsey Larsen (5'8, SR G) and KaiLynn Lovejoy (5'9, SR F), Juniors Caragan Tietz (5'9, G), Isabel Freemont 5'8, G), Aubrey Berg 5'4, G), Audra Nolting (5'8, F), and Emma Beutler (5'8, F). Other contributors include sophomores Alyssa Buchholz (5'9, F) and Jordan Snyder (6'2, F).

I feel the Wolverines will be fairly small outside of Snyder.

BRLD should be fast and athletic though so the Wolverines really have to get after things with their pressure and press.

I think getting up and down the floor and playing tough, in your face defense will be big for the team.

BRLD said goodbye to Paige Peters and Brandi Simonsen last year.

Peters adds the offseason went well. "Many of the girls showed up at 6:00 in the morning to lift weights, 5 days a week. Then we went to numerous team basketball camps, whether they were JV or Varsity, we had a really good turnout in those, I'm really pleased with what the girls did and who came. They all just make it a point to be there, and we did a lot of good things."

Peters says the Wolverines went to team camps at York, Clarkson/Leigh, Wahoo, and Shelby/Rising City.

It certainly sounds like BRLD did all the things necessary in the offseason to have a great and successful season this year.

Now it's applying all that offseason work and practice time to real game situations and finding ways to win.

Peters says team has been focusing on playing defense in practice.

I think I mentioned in blog a few times last year that the defense needed to get better.

I'm glad to see that defense is an emphasis for the Wolverines this year because defense is important.

Offense wins games, Defense wins Championships, and BRLD could find themselves down at the State Tournament this year if they excel on both ends of the floor.

The Wolverines have the offensive part of the game down, now they just have to get their defense on par with their offense.

Season Outlook:

The BRLD Girls look to be great this year.

The Wolverines have some challenging contests against the likes of Pierce, Clarkson/Leigh, Ponca, Pender, West Point-Beemer, Oakland-Craig, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and Stanton.

BRLD opens up the season at home on Thursday against Omaha Nation.

The Wolverines are in Sub-District C2-4 with GACC, Wisner-Pilger, Ponca, and Homer.

Peters says that Sub-District is stacked. "Anybody in that District can come out, and I think it'll be tough. Maybe it's the team who's shooting the best that night."

Peters adds his team needs to play harder than they have in the past. "One of our expectations is to come to practice and to games everyday with effort. And I think sometimes in the past we've lacked that. We've lacked effort in practice or we've lacked effort in games. And it's really something we've stressed this year."

Peters says qualifying for State is one of the team's goals.

BRLD has to be really intense in practices and in games to have a successful season this year, in my opinion.

The Wolverines have to take their game to a whole new level.

BRLD has to have proper technique when guarding the ball, contesting shots, and rebounding.

The Wolverines have to learn how to play solid defense to go along with their great offense.

I think defense has to be a huge point of emphasis in practice and in games for BRLD, but then again it appears it already is.

The Wolverines have to really get after things on both ends of the floor this year, and raise their level of play.

BRLD is a good, solid team, but appear to be doing the things necessary to become a great and elite team.

So the Wolverines certainly appear to be doing all the right things to become a State Qualifier and things of that sort... now it's a matter of going out there and getting results from the work that BRLD is trying to get accomplished.

The Wolverines can definitely get there too despite the fact they are still a young team this year like last year.

2019-2020 BRLD Wolverines Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Omaha Nation
12/07/19 @ Homer
12/10/19 @ Pierce
12/12/19 @ Walthill
12/13/19 Clarkson/Leigh
12/20/19 Howells-Dodge
12/21/19 Boys Town
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Homer Holiday Tournament Homer
01/03/20 @ Ponca
01/04/20 @ Pender
01/11/20 West Point-Beemer
01/14/20 Tekamah-Herman
01/17/20 Oakland-Craig
01/21/20 Wakefield-Allen
01/24/20 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/25/20 @ Stanton
01/28/20 Winnebago
01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA
02/11/20 Wisner-Pilger
02/14/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

Tekamah-Herman Boys and Girls looking to build off last year's success

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple, Vegas Gold

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Zach Rosenboom

2018-2019 record: 2-21 (lost to Yutan in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Boys Basketball Team looks to improve off last year, when they won a couple of games after not winning a game for a couple of years.

Back for Head Coach Zach Rosenboom are 6'2 SO guard Brock Rogers, who was the team's leading scorer last year at 11 ppg. 6'1 Junior Cole Freidel is also back as is Eldridge Jensen (6'2 JR G).

Other returners include Dylan Chatt, Connor Feiling, and Garrison Potadle.

Rosenboom says he and the kids are optimistic about the season. "Yeah I think our kids are due for the ball to bounce our way so to speak. Like I said previously we had some guys who dedicated themselves to getting better, getting stronger, and really looking forward to seeing how they do this season."

The Tigers graduated Alex Camp, Cameron Douglas, and Tyler Petersen last year.

I think what Tekamah-Herman did last year in winning a couple of games can definitely carry over into this year.

I look for the Tigers to build off what they did last year and find even more success this year.

I feel it will be a good season for Tekamah-Herman.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers at least doubled their win total from last year.

It won't be easy, but it can definitely happen.

I look for Tekamah-Herman to be very competitive in every game this season.

I thought the Tigers showed a lot of heart, guts, and grit last year by sticking to it and winning a couple.

And I think that's exactly what Tekamah-Herman will need to do once again this year.

The Tigers have to respond to adversity just as well as they did last year.

If Tekamah-Herman does that they figure to have a chance to have even more success than they did last season.

I feel this group has a lot of potential, now it's just simply a matter of going out there and realizing that potential and turning that potential into something real, great, and extraordinary.

Season Outlook:

The Tekamah-Herman Boys look to build off what they did last year and win more games this season.

Games I feel the Tigers have the best chance of winning are against Pender, Stanton, Whiting, IA, Clarkson/Leigh, and Madison.

I feel there's the potential for 7 or 8 wins for Tekamah-Herman this season, and at minimum five.

The Tigers open up the season at Pender on Friday.

Rosenboom says he's anxious for the season to start. "I'm really excited to get the season started. I think we have a lot of really great kids representing great families from Tekamah. And I think it's going to be a fun group to work with. Really excited to get this season going."

Tekamah-Herman is in Sub-District C1-6 with West Point-Beemer, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Wayne, and Winnebago.

Rosenboom says the kids are more confident heading into this season. "I think they know they're better. I see it from a basketball IQ thing. I can say things and they're picking it up right away, and we can look at something we did here and fix it and it's fixed."

I look for that confidence to result in some more wins this season.

I feel the Tigers will be an improved team, even better than they were last year.

These kids had a very respectable football season, and I look for that to carry over into basketball.

A few key pieces are missing from last year's team, but I look for others to step up and help fill the void left by them.

Tekamah-Herman has to come out and play hard and smart every single night out, and give it their all every time they take to the floor.

The boys have to give maximum effort and play to win as opposed to not to lose.

The Tigers have to expect to be successful and do well every time they step out on that floor.

Tekamah-Herman has to really get after things in practice and during games just like they did in the offseason.

I think fans will see the Tigers experience a good amount of success this year.

It should be a fun one for Tekamah-Herman to say the least.

2019-2020 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 @ Pender

12/07/19 Stanton

12/13/19 Wisner-Pilger

12/14/19 Twin River

12/17/19 @ Whiting, IA

12/19/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

12/21/19 @ Arlington

12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison

01/07/20 Omaha Brownell Talbot

01/11/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh

01/14/20 @ BRLD

01/17/20 Madison

01/18/20 @ West Point-Beemer

01/21/20 @ Oakland-Craig

01/24/20 Howells-Dodge

02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD

02/11/20 @ North Bend Central

02/13/20 Fort Calhoun

02/21/20 @ Douglas County West

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple, Vegas Gold

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: David Eriksen (3rd season)

2018-2019 record: 6-19 (lost to West Point-Beemer in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Girls look for a big season with the return of all 5 starters, including four 3-year starters.

Back for 3rd year Head Coach David Eriksen is Maggie Sheets (5'3, JR PG/SG), Jadyn Fleischman (SR C/PF), Halle Olson (5'6, JR SG), Anna Wakehouse (5'7, SR SG/SF), Aubrynn Sheets (5'3, SO PG/SG), Elena Jetensky (5'7, SO), Kaitlyn Quick (SO SG/SF/PF), Greta Lindberg (5'9, SR PF), and Maggie Braniff (5'7, SR SF/C).

Eriksen says the team went to four camps over the summer.

The Tigers lost Sydnee Brummond, Jennifer Graef, and Jordan Wetzel to graduation last year.

I feel Tekamah-Herman has a chance to be really good this year.

The Tigers have the experience and veteran leadership to get the job done, now it's a matter of stepping up and going out there and doing it.

Tekamh-Herman figures to have some good quickness with decent height.

The Tigers may not be the tallest team out there, but they should have some decent height.

I think it will be important for Tekamah-Herman to be able to score at a good rate.

I feel offense has been a struggle for the Tigers for a number of years now, and so things like ball handling and shooting will be critical for Tekamah-Herman I think.

Limiting turnovers and executing in the halfcourt figures to be key and vital for the Tigers.

Creating turnovers and getting steals and getting out in transition will be big too, in my opinion.

I think continuing to narrow the gap and be even more competitive this year than they were last year will be very important for Tekamah-Herman this season.

Coach Eriksen feels the Tigers improved a lot from two years ago to last year, and I'm curious to see what Tekamah-Herman can do this year.

I feel the Tigers have what it takes to win at least twice as many games as they did last year, but it's going to take a lot of hard work and dedication in order to get the job done.

It should be a fun season for the Purple and Gold.

I'm excited to see how it all turns out.

Season Outlook:

The Tekamah-Herman Girls look to do big things this season.

The schedule sets up nicely for the Tigers to win quite a few games too, at least in the early part of the season.

I feel we could see quite the turnaround for Tekamah-Herman this year.

The Tigers open up the season at Pender on Friday. Eriksen on the matchup. "They've got a lot of girls that are athletic and they all buy into his system up there. They're going to be a tough team to play with. If we want to compete and give ourselves a chance to win the game we're going to definitely have to limit their outside shooting and we're going to have to be the more aggressive team."

The Pendragons are a lot like Tekamah-Herman in that they return quite a bit of experience and talent.

I feel offense and scoring could definitely play a key role in this one.

The Tigers are in Sub-District C2-2 with Oakland-Craig, Cedar Bluffs, Mead, and Yutan.

Eriksen feels the team made strides from two years ago to last year despite having nearly the same record. "If you look at the record from last year it sure doesn't show that we improved, but you break down each game...we were definitely more physical, we were more competitive, and that confidence has really taken over the team. There were a lot of games last year that the previous year we were out of the game by halftime, but we would bring it to the 3rd or 4th quarter and really compete and give their teams everything that we had."

I think things like conditioning and endurance will be big for Tekamah-Herman this season.

The Tigers need to be on top of their game and in peak physical shape from beginning to end this year.

I feel having depth and a lot of girls who can perform at a high level with there not being much if any drop off will be critical for Tekamah-Herman to have success.

It appears the Tigers have that too so all the pieces appear to be in place for Tekamah-Herman to be successful this season.

I think Tekamah-Herman has a chance to do a lot of great things this year, now we'll see if they can go out there and make it happen.

2019-2020 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 @ Pender

12/07/19 Stanton

12/10/19 @ Douglas County West

12/13/19 Wisner-Pilger

12/14/19 Twin River

12/17/19 @ Whiting, IA

12/19/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

12/21/19 @ Arlington

12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison

01/11/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh

01/14/20 @ BRLD

01/17/20 Madison

01/18/20 @ West Point-Beemer

01/21/20 @ Oakland-Craig

01/23/20 Fort Calhoun

01/24/20 Howells-Dodge

01/28/20 @ Omaha Mercy

01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA

02/11/20 @ North Bend Central