BRLD Boys off to 2-0 start; Girls 3-0 so far

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team is 2-0 so far this year, topping Omaha Nation 58-49 at home in Thursday night's season opener, and then winning 65-28 at Homer on Saturday.

The Wolverines led the Chiefs 15-10 at the end of one. Omaha Nation won the 2nd quarter 12-11 to make it a 26-22 game at halftime in favor of BRLD.

The Wolverines outscored the Chiefs 17-12 in the 3rd quarter to lead 43-34 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 15 points in the 4th quarter.

Lucas Vogt led the way with 20 points while Dylan Beutler had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Darwin Snyder was also in double figures with 10 points while Jaxon Johnson had 9 points and 17 rebounds.

BRLD led the Knights 20-6 at the end of one and 40-10 at halftime.

The Wolverines outscored Homer 16-9 in the 3rd quarter to lead 56-19 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 9 points in the 4th quarter.

Johnson had 13 points and 7 rebounds while Beutler chipped in 13 points. Will Gatzemeyer added 12 while Vogt had 10 assists.

Two solid wins to start the season for BRLD.

The Wolverines (2-0) take on Walthill (2-0) on the road Thursday night.

The Blujays won 60-51 at home over Winnebago Friday night.

I expect BRLD to get challenged in this game, but find a way to win.

Walthill is a good team, but the Wolverines are a great team.

I think BRLD will be ready for the challenge that the Blujays present them, and will come out and play well.

Walthill is a Sub-District opponent so beating them and getting an edge mentally is huge for the Wolverines I feel.

It could be the first of multiple meetings between the two this season, and getting that first game is big for future games, in my opinion.

BRLD can't make this game any bigger than what it is though, and that is one game just like any other.

The Wolverines must have the same approach to this game as they've had all season.

BRLD is an experienced and veteran team, and should know how to handle the loud and rambunctious crowd they will likely see and experience Thursday night.

I'm sure the Wolverines know what's coming in terms of crowd noise and such, and should be ready for it.

After all, I'm sure BRLD has played in many hostile environments before.

It has to be business as usual for the Wolverines.

BRLD has to do what they have been doing all season, and must take care of business.

The Wolverines have to spurt out to an early lead and try to not play from behind.

BRLD has to take the crowd out of the game early and make them a non-factor if possible.

The Wolverines have to do what has allowed them to win as much as they have over the years.

BRLD has to be up for the challenge of beating Walthill, and must pass the test of taking on the Blujays on their home floor.

The BRLD Girls are off to a blazing start, walloping Omaha Nation 72-21 at home in Thursday night's season opener before winning 61-40 at Homer on Saturday, and 53-38 at Pierce Tuesday night.

The Wolverines led the Chiefs 26-4 after one, and won the 2nd quarter 14-8 to go up 40-12 at halftime.

BRLD outscored Omaha Nation 23-8 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 63-20 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 9-1.

Jordan Snyder led BRLD with 16 points, Caragan Tietz 13, Isabel Freemont 9 and Emma Beutler 8.

The Wolverines led the Bluejays 17-8 after one, and outscored Pierce 14-3 in the 2nd quarter to take a 31-11 lead into the locker room.

BRLD won the 3rd quarter 12-10 to extend their lead to 43-21 at the end of three.

The Bluejays outscored the Wolverines 17-10 in the 4th quarter.

Great start to the season for BRLD, and really good defense for the Wolverines thus far.

BRLD (3-0) takes on Walthill (0-2) on the road Thursday night.

The Blujays lost 92-19 at home to Winnebago Friday night.

I have a feeling the Wolverines are going to smash Walthill pretty good in this one.

I feel this game will be a lot like the Omaha Nation game in that BRLD dominates.

It's a game where the Wolverines have to come out early, score a lot of points, and put the Blujays away early.

BRLD has to flex their muscles in this game, and fine tune and fix any mistakes they have made so far.

This is the type of game where everyone should get to see the floor for the Wolverines.

BRLD has to use this game as a game to get experience for the younger players if the situation allows.

The Wolverines have to play well enough in the first half to give subs the opportunity to play as well.

This game should be a running clock in the 2nd half, and BRLD should win big going away.

The Wolverines have to save their energy for Clarkson/Leigh on Friday.

The Patriots lost 55-31 at home to Oakland-Craig Tuesday night in action that was aired on 107.9 the Bull so you know Clarkson/Leigh will turn in a great bounce back effort Friday night.

I think BRLD's offense is what could get them over the hump in that game.

If the Wolverines can play the type of defense they have so far this season they should be good in that game.

I think BRLD has a chance to be undefeated heading into Christmas.

That would be a huge deal and accomplishment for this team and program, but the Wolverines have to keep things going.

I look for BRLD to play well and turn in a strong performance Thursday night, and then again Friday night.

The Wolverines already beat a very good team Tuesday night, and should have a good chance to win both of their remaining games this week.

Howells-Dodge Boys off to 3-0 start; Girls begin year 1-2

The Howells-Dodge Boys are 3-0 so far this season, defeating Pierce 50-47 at home in Thursday night's season opener before winning 49-35 at Stanton Friday night, and 40-34 at David City Aquinas Tuesday night.

The Jaguars and Bluejays were tied at 6 at the end of one before Howells-Dodge won the 2nd quarter 11-10 to take a 17-16 lead into the locker room.

Pierce won the 3rd quarter 19-18 to make it a 35-all game at the end of three.

The Jaguars outscored the Bluejays 15-12 in the 4th quarter.

The Jaguars and Mustangs were tied at 13 at the end of one before Howells-Dodge outscored Stanton 15-9 in the 2nd quarter to take a 28-22 lead into the locker room.

The Jaguars won the 3rd quarter 9-7 to go up 37-29 at the end of three.

Howells-Dodge doubled up the Mustangs 12-6 in the 4th quarter.

The Monarchs doubled up the Jaguars 10-5 in the 1st quarter, and led 22-14 at halftime after winning the 2nd quarter 12-9.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 13-8 to make it a 30-27 game at the end of three in favor of Aquinas.

The Jaguars outscored the Monarchs 13-4 in the 4th quarter to earn the come from behind win.

Good, solid start to the season for Howells-Dodge. The Jaguars have shown they know how to win the close games.

Howells-Dodge (3-0) plays host to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (2-0) Thursday night.

The defending Class D-1 State Champion Bulldogs won 63-60 at Battle Creek on Saturday.

That's an impressive win over a larger school for H/LHF.

As well as the Jaguars have played so far this year they're going to need to play even better on Thursday.

I feel like Howells-Dodge will need to score more and be more efficient at the offensive end to be able to beat the Bulldogs.

Making easy layups and converting at the free throw line will be very important for the Jaguars, in my opinion.

Howells-Dodge has to convert on their opportunities and chances, and can't miss out on golden opportunities to score.

The Jaguars have to do the little things well in order to win this one.

Being in proper shooting, rebounding, and defending position will be critical in this one for Howells-Dodge I feel.

The Jaguars have to play exceptionally well and their tails off to be able to knock off Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in this one.

The Bulldogs have been perfect so far, but so has Howells-Dodge.

One of these teams will no longer be perfect after Thursday night, and the Jaguars hope it is they who remains perfect following the conclusion of the game.

It's going to take a heck of an effort from Howells-Dodge to remain unbeaten, but it can definitely happen for the Jaguars.

Howells-Dodge just has to go out there and continue to play stifling defense and convert on their easy opportunities at the basket.

It's doing the simple things well that could go a long ways in determining and dictating how well the Jaguars fare in this one.

Howells-Dodge has to get pumped, fired, and jacked up, and be ready to take it to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family for four quarters.

The Howells-Dodge Girls are 1-2 to start the season, losing 43-39 at home to Pierce in Thursday night's season opener before winning 39-26 at Stanton Friday night, and then falling 41-33 at David City Aquinas Tuesday night.

The Bluejays led 11-8 after one before the Jaguars outscored Pierce 13-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 21-17 lead into the locker room.

The Bluejays outscored Howells-Dodge 17-7 in the 3rd quarter to go in front 34-28 at the end of three.

The Jaguars won the 4th quarter 11-9.

Cassie Pieper had 16 points while Brooklyn Macholan totaled 8.

The Mustangs led the Jaguars 18-16 at halftime.

Howells-Dodge outscored Stanton 11-4 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 27-22 at the end of three.

The Jaguars tripled up the Mustangs 12-4 in the 4th quarter.

Janessa Schmidt finished with 9 points while Riley Pokorny totaled 8. Macholan added 7 points and 9 rebounds.

It was a role reversal in the 3rd quarter for Howells-Dodge from game one to game two.

The Jaguars (1-2) host Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (3-0) Thursday night.

The Bulldogs won 79-30 at Plainview Tuesday night.

H/LHF has been very good so far this year.

I think Howells-Dodge is going to need to be better than they have been offensively to have a chance in this one.

The Jaguars have figured things out on the defensive end, now it's a matter of getting things figured out offensively.

Howells-Dodge has to find a way to put more shots in the hoop than they have been so far.

Scoring under 40 points isn't going to win a ton of games.

If the Jaguars can eclipse 50 in this one and play strong defense then I feel they may have a chance.

But if Howells-Dodge struggles to score and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family is clicking on all cylinders then it could be a long night for the Jaguars.

I feel this game has a chance to go similar to the way the Clarkson/Leigh game did for the Bulldogs.

The Patriots played strong defense against H/LHF and made things close and tight.

I feel that could very well happen in this game as well in that Howells-Dodge's defense keeps them in it.

Ultimately though I feel it is the Jaguars' offense that is going to need to perform to get them over the top and hump.

Howells-Dodge has a tough battle on their hands in this one, but they can definitely do well, in my opinion.

The Jaguars just have to come out and play with a lot of passion, pride, toughness, grit, tenacity, and fight.

Howells-Dodge has to simply believe that they can win and get the job done.

The Jaguars have to come out raring to go from the get go, and must take the fight to the Bulldogs for four quarters.

Howells-Dodge has to play with the heart of a champion, and leave it all out on the court.

Pender Boys begin year 1-1; Girls start 2-0

The Pender Boys Basketball Team is off to a 1-1 start, losing 61-25 at Wakefield in Thursday night's season opener before winning 57-45 at home over Tekamah-Herman Friday night.

The Trojans led 12-10 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 9-4 to take a 21-14 lead into the locker room.

Wakefield outscored the Pendragons 20-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 41-18 at the end of three.

The Trojans outscored Pender 20-7 in the 4th quarter.

Good bounce back win for the Pendragons following Thursday night's loss.

Pender (1-1) plays host to Lutheran High Northeast (1-1) Thursday night.

The Eagles beat GACC 66-57 at home in overtime on Saturday.

LHNE isn't a bad team, but I was expecting them to be even better than they are.

I feel like the Pendragons have a chance to compete and do well in this game.

The Eagles could very well win, but I think Pender has a chance to make this a ball game.

If the Pendragons play the way they did against Tekamah-Herman then I like their chances of doing well.

If the team struggles the way they did against Wakefield though then it could be a long night.

I think the big thing is being consistent on both ends of the floor.

Pender struggled on both ends against the Trojans and flourished on both ends against the Tigers so it will be interesting to see what the Pendragons do against the Eagles.

It could be something in the middle from a final score standpoint, but we will see.

Pender has Oakland-Craig coming up on Friday so a couple of big games coming up for the Pendragons.

I think these two games will really test Pender and show where the Pendragons are at and how far they have come.

Pender must play at a high level to do well in these two ball games.

I think the biggest thing for the Pendragons is to show growth and improvement from last week to this week.

Make strides as a program from last week to this week...I think that is the biggest thing for Pender right now.

The Pendragons have to continue to focus on themselves and improve and get better.

Pender already has one win under their belt so they have to try and go out and pick up another win or two this week.

It's a matter of continuing to enhance and bolster the program with good play, wins, and success.

The Pendragons are trying to change the culture of their program and become a winning program, and doing that includes being competitive against the tougher teams on the schedule.

The Pender Girls Basketball Team won 64-52 at Wakefield-Allen in Thursday night's season opener before defeating Tekamah-Herman 56-39 at home Friday night.

The Pendragons led the Trojans 22-7 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 15-14 to take a 37-21 lead into the locker room.

Pender outscored Wakefield-Allen 19-12 in the 3rd quarter to go up 56-33 at the end of three.

The Trojans outscored the Pendragons 19-8 in the 4th quarter.

Pender led the Tigers 16-5 after one, and outscored Tekamah-Herman 20-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 36-16 lead into the locker room.

The Pendragons won the 3rd quarter 14-9 to go up 50-25 at the end of three.

The Tigers outscored Pender 14-6 in the 4th quarter.

Two very good wins for Pender to start the season.

The Pendragons (2-0) host Lutheran High Northeast (1-1) Thursday night.

The Eagles lost 55-38 at home to GACC on Saturday.

I look for Pender to beat LHNE similar to the way they beat Wakefield-Allen and Tekamah-Herman.

I think the Pendragons will come out and do very well offensively, and play stingy defense as well.

I thought Pender's offense was really good the first two games.

I think the Pendragons will continue their good and solid offensive prowess Thursday night.

Pender also has Oakland-Craig on the road Friday night so pivotal game for the Pendragons that night also.

Pender has to perform well and at a high level once again Thursday night, and then crank things up and play even better on Friday.

I've been impressed with the Pendragons so far this year, and look for Pender to improve to 3-0 after Thursday's game.

The Knights could be a real challenge though.

Oakland-Craig appears to be the real deal once again this year, and beating them doesn't figure to be easy.

The Pendragons are a good and solid team though, and I fully expect Pender to hold their own.

The Pendragons have to make sure they focus on beating the Eagles first though.

Pender has to worry about Lutheran High Northeast before they turn their attention to Oakland-Craig.

The Pendragons have three very tough road games in a row following Thursday night's game so they need a big win over the Eagles to create a lot of momentum and confidence heading into those contests.

As I mentioned in the preseason preview, I think it's important for Pender to narrow the gap against the top dogs on the schedule.

And I feel a big win over Lutheran High Northeast on Thursday would go a long ways in making that happen.

Clarkson/Leigh Basketball Teams begin seasons 1-1

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball Team is off to a 1-1 start, losing 77-34 at home to defending Class D-1 State Champion Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Friday night's season opener, and then downing Madison 64-44 on the road Saturday.

The Bulldogs led 14-10 at the end of one and won the 2nd quarter 17-11 to take a 31-21 lead into the locker room.

Things got away from the Patriots and unraveled in the 3rd quarter as H/LHF outscored them 31-8 in the period to go up 62-29 at the end of three.

The Bulldogs tripled up Clarkson/Leigh 15-5 in the 4th quarter.

Jarred Novotny had 16 points while Carter Hanel and Eli Hays had 8 and 7 rebounds, respectively.

The Patriots got off to a strong start against the Dragons too, going up 14-2 at the end of one and outscoring Madison 15-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-10 lead into the locker room.

The Dragons won the 3rd quarter 17-11 to make it a 40-27 game at the end of three.

Clarkson/Leigh outscored Madison 24-17 in the 4th quarter.

Hays had 21 points and 9 rebounds while Novotny totaled 17 points and 7 rebounds. Hanel added 7 points and 15 rebounds while Lance Paprocki notched 7 points.

Really when you look at it the Patriots have played 6 good quarters of basketball out of 8 so far.

Clarkson/Leigh (1-1) plays host to Oakland-Craig (0-2) Tuesday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knights lost 47-38 at home to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in Thursday night's season opener, and fell 76-70 at home to Boys Town on Saturday.

Oakland-Craig was coming off a long football season though, and isn't your typical 0-2 team.

The Knights beat the Patriots pretty good last year if I remember so Clarkson/Leigh definitely has their work cut out for them.

But if the Patriots play the way they did against the Dragons and in the first half against the Bulldogs then I feel they have a chance to do well Tuesday night.

Clarkson/Leigh is down a couple guys in Tommy McEvoy and Isaak Wiese, and it could be that way all year long.

I felt like the Patriots were much more efficient offensively on Saturday than they were Thursday though.

Some of that is probably due to who Clarkson/Leigh was playing, but a lot of credit should go to the Patriots as well.

Clarkson/Leigh has to play good defense Tuesday night though.

Oakland-Craig likes to get out and run and gun and if the Knights play the way they did against Boys Town, at least from an offensive standpoint, then they're going to be very tough to beat.

The Patriots have to come into this game unnerved and fearless though.

Clarkson/Leigh has to give the Knights their best shot and all they can handle and then some.

The Patriots have to defend their home court and play with lots of fire, pride, toughness, tenacity, grit, and passion.

Clarkson/Leigh has to try and put on a show for the hometown crowd, and try and go out there and win a basketball game against a very good and quality opponent.

The Patriots have to go out there and give it their all and see the ball come off their hands and stare at the hoop when they shoot.

Clarkson/Leigh also has to follow their shot and get after loose balls and hustle and rebound well also.

Tip-off from Clarkson is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. on the Bull.

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls are also off to a 1-1 start as the Patriots lost 48-41 at home to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Friday night's season opener before winning 69-31 at Madison on Saturday.

The Bulldogs held a 15-9 lead after one, and won the 2nd quarter 10-7 to take a 25-16 lead into the locker room.

Both teams scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter, and it was a 37-28 game at the end of three in favor of H/LHF.

Clarkson/Leigh won the 4th quarter 13-11.

Kennedy Settje had 12 points while Cassidy Hoffman registered 7.

The Patriots held a 27-8 lead at the end of one against the Dragons, and won the 2nd quarter 18-11 to go up 45-19 at halftime.

Clarkson/Leigh outscored Madison 15-8 in the 3rd quarter to lead 60-27 at the end of three.

The Patriots won the 4th quarter 9-4.

Ashlynn Novotny had 17 points while Hoffman totaled 13. Settje recorded 10 while Alissa Kasik had 8. Kim Stodola chipped in 7.

I feel like Clarkson/Leigh has played really good basketball the last 6 quarters.

The Patriots (1-1) host Oakland-Craig (2-0) Tuesday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knights dominated Logan View/Scribner-Snyder and Boys Town over the weekend.

This will be Oakland-Craig's first real test, however.

The Knights boast three very talented freshmen, but I don't think they've gone up against a defense as tough as Clarkson/Leigh's, at least not yet.

It's the Patriots' job to make them uncomfortable and frustrated.

Last year's game was close and tight, and we'll see if Clarkson/Leigh can get over the hump this time.

I feel they can if they play the way they have the last six quarters.

Oakland-Craig is a very good team on both ends of the floor though so beating them will not be easy.

I think it's an advantage for the Patriots being at home though as opposed to being on the road and the game being in Oakland.

I think offense and scoring will be big in this one for Clarkson/Leigh though.

The Patriots have to find ways to manufacture points, and have a lot of girls score like they did against Madison.

Clarkson/Leigh has to slow the game down and control pace.

The Patriots can't get into a track meet with the Knights.

If Clarkson/Leigh can make this a halfcourt game and grind things out, I feel they might be able to win.

But if the Patriots turn the ball over and Oakland-Craig gets numerous transition layups and buckets then it could be the type of result Clarkson/Leigh doesn't want to see.

Applying ball pressure and handling the ball will be important for the Patriots, and for both teams for that matter.

But Clarkson/Leigh has to really play suffocating defense.

I think post play will be big in this one as well.

The Knights have a couple of solid post players in Makenna Pearson and Jeannina Blahak.

Guard play figures to be big too as Oakland-Craig has a lot of good guards, including Kennedy Benne.

Tip-off from Clarkson is set for 6:00 p.m. on the Bull.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys off to 2-0 start; Girls 1-1

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys Basketball Team won 47-38 at Oakland-Craig Thursday night to open up the season, and also won 47-30 at Twin River on Saturday.

The Raiders outscored the Knights 19-11 to lead 30-22 at halftime after the game was tied at 11 at the end of the 1st quarter.

LVSS won the 3rd quarter 12-5 to build a 42-27 lead at the end of three before the Knights won the 4th quarter 11-5 to make up the final score.

Connor Larson had 17 points while Garrett Kriete totaled 12 points and 10 rebounds, good enough for a double-double. Riley Hoetfelker added 7 points.

The Raiders got up 7-5 at the end of one on the Titans, and doubled up Twin River 8-4 in the 2nd quarter to take a 15-9 lead into the locker room.

Both teams scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder maintained a 6-point advantage at 27-21 heading into the 4th quarter.

The Raiders saved their best for last, outscoring the Titans 20-9 to put the game out of reach.

Larson notched 23 points while Trystain Roseberry and Hoetfelker chipped in 9 and 8, respectively.

Good start to the season for LVSS. Can't go wrong with two wins.

The Raiders (2-0) host Wayne (0-2) Tuesday night.

The Blue Devils lost to Battle Creek and Ponca over the weekend.

Two very solid teams there, but Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is just as good if not better than those two foes, in my opinion.

I think the Raiders have a good shot to win being at home and everything.

A win would be good for LVSS's confidence too seeing as Wayne is a team in their Sub-District.

The Blue Devils have been held under 50 points in each of their last two games, and I think a lack of offense by Wayne so far this year plays right into the Raiders' hands.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is known for their tough, aggressive defense, and I'm sure the Raiders will look to stymie and stifle the Blue Devils Tuesday night.

LVSS hasn't been the most dynamic team offensively so far either, but they haven't had to be as strong as their defense has been.

I definitely think defense will win this game for whoever wins, and I like the Raiders' chances based on what I've seen so far.

Wayne has allowed over 50 points in each of their first two games, and if Logan View/Scribner-Snyder can be the first team to hit 50 I like their chances.

The Raiders are at home too, and I feel that's a big advantage for them.

LVSS plays Wahoo on Saturday so the Raiders could use a big win heading into that one.

The Blue Devils face the Warriors the night before so I'm sure they're thinking the same thing.

I feel whichever team wins Tuesday night gives themselves a better chance of beating Wahoo as opposed to if they lose.

Whoever loses Tuesday night will have a tougher time with the Warriors I'm afraid.

Both teams face Wahoo in Wahoo too so that's another obstacle and hurdle and advantage for the Warriors that both teams will have to adapt to and overcome.

First things first though, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to worry about beating Wayne at home Tuesday night.

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Girls fell 64-24 at Oakland-Craig on opening night Thursday before winning 50-18 at Twin River on Saturday.

The Knights quadrupled up the Raiders 20-5 in the 1st quarter, and doubled them up 16-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 36-13 lead into the locker room.

Oakland-Craig outscored LVSS 15-2 in the 3rd quarter to go up 51-15 at the end of three.

The Knights won the 4th quarter 13-9.

Grace Schlueter had 7 points and 7 rebounds while Maelee Beacom registered 7 rebounds.

The Raiders dominated the first quarter against the Titans, winning it 26-4, and then tripled up Twin River 15-5 in the 2nd quarter to go up 41-9 at halftime.

The Titans won the 3rd quarter 5-4 to make it a 45-14 game at the end of three.

LVSS won the 4th quarter 5-4.

Josie Kahlandt led the way with 22 points while Valerie Uehling totaled 10. Reagan Klein registered 7 rebounds.

Really nice bounce back win for the Raiders on Saturday following Thursday night's tough season opening loss.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (1-1) plays host to Wayne (0-2) Tuesday night.

The Blue Devils lost to Battle Creek and Ponca over the weekend.

I feel this game is a huge opportunity for the Raiders.

I think it's LVSS's chance to make a statement that they're a better team and force to be reckoned with.

I know Twin River is down this year, but for the Raiders to win that game and hold the Titans to under 20 points and score 50 is a big deal for this team.

It's something Logan View/Scribner-Snyder should be very proud of and look to build upon.

The Raiders have three straight road games after this one so it would be big to get this one at home.

I really feel like LVSS has a chance to make a statement before Christmas.

The Raiders can definitely beat Cedar Bluffs and Tekamah-Herman on the road, and Columbus Lakeview isn't unbeatable either.

I really feel like LVSS has a chance to have a winning record or at least be .500 heading into Christmas.

That would be a huge deal for this team and program.

The Raiders have to focus on beating the Blue Devils Tuesday night though.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to have their full attention on Wayne, and executing and doing the little things necessary to knock off the Blue Devils.

Wayne has been suspect defensively this year, and the offense has been inconsistent so we'll see what the Raiders can do against them.

I think it's a huge chance and opportunity for LVSS so we'll see what the Raiders can do.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to come out and play the same way they did early on against the Titans.

That was a very impressive first quarter and first half showing against Twin River.

If the Raiders duplicate that effort against Wayne then they could really be in business and in great shape.

Emerson-Hubbard Preview

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple, Gold, and White

Class: D-2

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Doug Mackling (2nd season)

2018-2019 record: 9-16 (lost to Elm Creek in Sub-State Final)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys expect big things this season.

The Pirates return almost everyone from last year's team that made a District Final, including Senior Forward (6'3) Nolan Belt, who averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds last year.

Other returners include Mason Hall (6'2, JR), point guard Ryan Kinnaman (5'7, JR), and returning starter Hunter Schock (6'0 SR).

Off the bench will be Brock Mackling (5'10, SO).

Garrett Blanke (6'0, SO) is another player I feel could have a big impact this year.

Jacob Kneifl and Spencer Burcham were lost to graduation last year so the Pirates will need players to step up for them.

Mackling says the team had a bit of a different offseason this year. "What we did was we hosted our own little summer camp at our house. Each Wednesday of the month of June we brought a different team in and played against them."

That is pretty cool and unique.

I think Emerson-Hubbard has a chance to be really good and make state this year, especially since they have everyone back and are in D-2.

That and the Pirates really turned things around last year and nearly made state.

I look for Emerson-Hubbard to be even better this year than they were last year.

The Pirates have to look to get up and down the floor and run and gun though.

Emerson-Hubbard has to be a very well conditioned basketball team.

The Pirates have to be in great shape and be the team that has the extra gear in the 4th quarter and at the end of games.

I only look for Emerson-Hubbard's confidence to keep growing as I'm sure it has grown a substantial amount since last year.

The Pirates have to finish what they started last year, and turn the dream of making state into a reality.


Season Outlook:

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys figure to be a very strong team this year.

The Pirates have tough games against Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Ponca, Winnebago, Osmond, Wakefield, Omaha Nation, and others.

I think the schedule sets up nicely for Emerson-Hubbard to win quite a few games this year though, I really do.

The Pirates open up the season at home on Friday against Bloomfield.

Mackling says the Lewis and Clark Conference is loaded. "I think this past year it really opened their eyes to wow we can actually compete. We play in a conference that has some of the best teams in the State. We have to go against the Ponca Indians two or three times during the season. They're a perennial state team. Winnebago Indians, they are a C-1 school so they're going to be lot bigger than us, a lot faster than us. They make it down to state quite a bit. Laurel-Concord-Coleridge is going to be pretty tough this year. Osmond Tigers."

Mackling feels Osmond will be just as good as they were last year when they finished runner-up.

He also thinks Sub-District foe Pender will be pretty strong this year.

The Pirates are in Sub-District D2-4 with the likes of the Pendragons, Wynot, Randolph, and Winside.

As far as I'm concerned Emerson-Hubbard has a great chance to win the Sub-District.

The only thing I will say though is last year the Pirates weren't expected to win their Sub-District and weren't the favorites as they were under the radar so can Emerson-Hubbard live up to expectations and perform at a high level as a favorite?

I think they can and will.

It should be a great season and a fun ride for the Pirates, and I'm excited and anxious to see how far they can go this year.

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Emerson-Hubbard not only got to state, but made a state run.

The stage is set for the Pirates to have a big year so Emerson-Hubbard has to go out there and live up to expectations and take the bull by the horns so to speak.

The Pirates have to be physical, and give an all out effort in everything that they do.

2019-2020 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Bloomfield
12/13/19 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
12/17/19 @ Walthill
12/19/19 Winside
12/20/19 Ponca
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison
01/03/20 @ Whiting, IA
01/04/20 @ River Valley, IA
01/09/20 Siouxland Community Christian, IA Site: CNOS Classic Tyson Event Center CNOS Classic Tyson Event Center
01/14/20 @ Winnebago
01/17/20 Osmond
01/21/20 Homer
01/24/20 @ Wakefield
01/28/20 Pender
01/30/20 Allen
01/31-02/10 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference TBD
02/11/20 Randolph
02/14/20 @ Omaha Nation
02/21/20 @ Stanton

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple, Gold, and White

Class: D-2

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Cindi Stolze (2nd season)

2018-2019 record: 7-14 (lost to Bloomfield in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:


All I know about Emerson-Hubbard's team's personnel is that the Pirates said goodbye to Melanie Gentrup, Taylor Daum, Stephanie Ferusca, and Addison Mackling last year.

Season Outlook:

The Emerson-Hubbard Girls host Bloomfield in the season opener on Friday.

The Pirates are in Sub-District D2-2 with Wynot, Randolph, and Winside.

2019-2020 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Bloomfield
12/13/19 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
12/17/19 @ Walthill
12/19/19 Winside
12/20/19 Ponca
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison
01/03/20 @ Whiting, IA
01/04/20 @ River Valley, IA
01/11/20 Siouxland Community Christian, IA
01/14/20 @ Winnebago
01/17/20 Osmond
01/21/20 Homer
01/24/20 @ Wakefield-Allen
01/28/20 Pender
01/31-02/10 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark conference TBA
02/11/20 Randolph
02/14/20 @ Omaha Nation

Winnebago Boys look to get back to old selves; Girls hoping to be improved

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-1

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Jeff Berridge (7th season) (130-31 career record)

2018-2019 record: 10-10 (lost to Norfolk Catholic in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team looks to get back to their old selves this year.

4 seniors return for Head Coach Jeff Berridge, and the Indians have a 5th senior in a South Sioux City transfer.

Coach Berridge says a couple juniors return as do a couple strong sophomores in Javon Price and Kellen Crossbear. Berridge adds the team has 3 freshmen that can really play.

Jeriah Greyowl (5'10, PG/SG), Ed Payer (6'3, SR F/G), Jarius Bass (6'3, JR SF), and Willy Wingett (6'6, SR C) are key returners for Winnebago.

Berridge on the offseason. "This offseason was a pretty good one. We got back into a Summer League, a couple camps. Got a lot of my guys on the AAU Circuit."

The Indians kind of had an un-Winnebago like year last year. Berridge looks for that to change. "A lot of the local guys think we can get back to our old ways. I know last year we kind of fell off and just built the season even, but we're looking forward to the season."

Coach Berridge says he has the bench to get up and down the floor and run and gun like in years past. "I'm really looking forward to the season. It should be exciting. Back to old Winnebago Basketball up and down the court cause I think we got the bench to do it this year again."

I look for the Indians to get back to form and their old ways this year.

TJ Frenchman and Raul Loera Jr. graduated last year.

I think Winnebago can be very good this year.

The Indians may not have a ton of height, but they should be very quick, fast and athletic.

I think Winnebago's ability to force turnovers and get out and run in transition will be very important and critical.

The Indians have to look to run and gun at every opportunity and not let up.

Winnebago has to be very good both offensively and defensively.

The Indians have to put on a show for their fans and those who come to watch them.

It should be a season full of success for Winnebago this year, and I'm excited to follow the Indians on the blog once again this year.

Season Outlook:

Winnebago looks to get back to their old selves this year.

Challenging games on the schedule figure to come against Walthill, Omaha Nation, Adams Central, Oakland-Craig, Norfolk Catholic, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Emerson-Hubbard, Ponca, BRLD, and Wakefield.

There are a lot of good teams and tough competition on the schedule this year, but I look for the Indians to be a big force to be reckoned with.

Winnebago opens up the season at home on Thursday against Homer.

Berridge says the two teams are familiar with one another. "We got to play them a couple times this summer and in some camps and in the summer league. So we kind of seen each other what we got and stuff."

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

Berridge on the Sub-District. "Seems like it's a pretty lot of good matchup Sub-District. And I'm just looking forward to it. There are some different teams in there, so I'm always about playing different teams."

The Sub-District should be very competitive, but I think Winnebago has a good chance to be the last team standing in that Sub-District if they play up to their potential.

The Raiders and Blue Devils figure to be very tough too though.

Making it back to State would be a huge deal for the Indians no doubt.

Winnebago can definitely get back there too as long as they get back to running and gunning for 32 minutes.

I'm thinking Drew Parker (6'1, SR G) may be the transfer from South Sioux City, and feel he could make a big difference for the team this year.

It should be a very memorable season for the Indians this year.

I look for Winnebago to have a good, successful season that ends the way they would like it to.

The Indians have a good mixture of veteran and young talent, in my opinion, and as long as Winnebago plays together and for each other they should be just fine.

2019-2020 Winnebago Indians Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Homer
12/06/19 @ Walthill
12/12/19 @ Omaha Nation
12/14/19 @ Adams Central
12/17/19 @ Oakland-Craig
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout on the Elkhorn Wisner-Pilger HS
01/03/20 @ Norfolk Catholic
01/07/20 O'Neill
01/10/20 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
01/14/20 Emerson-Hubbard
01/17/20 @ Wynot
01/21/20 Ponca
01/28/20 @ BRLD
01/30/20 Pender
01/31-02/10 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference TBD
02/11/20 @ Wakefield
02/14/20 @ Crow Creek, SD
02/15-02/15 (To Be Determined) Sacred Hoops Classic Crow Creek, SD
02/21/20 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-1

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Co-Head Coaches: Treivan Bear and Robert Stoner (2nd season)

2018-2019 record: 8-12 (lost to Ponca in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Winnebago Girls look to build upon last year's 8-12 record, a season in which Winnebago nearly upset Ponca in Sub-Districts.

The Indians return four starters in PG Jayla Price, Small Forward Maddy Cleveland, and post Keisha Snyder. The 4th starter, Tia YellowThunder, is out until January as she broke her finger on a dog collar.

Amani Means and Auriah Means are also expected to step up and contribute, according to Co-Head Coach Robert Stoner.

Stoner says the bench isn't very deep, adding the team played in a Summer League in Sioux City.

Winnebago lost Kae Earth, Shaylee Kearnes, Alexandria Neff, and Daelyn Zagurski off last year's team.

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

Stoner says the girls could take offseason lifting and conditioning more seriously, adding that him and Coach Bear are trying to change that.

I feel Winnebago did a lot of nice things last year though, and look for the Indians to have a strong year this year.

I look for Cleveland to have an absolute monster season for Winnebago.

I feel the Indians have what it takes to be great this year as long as they play hard and up to their potential.

Stoner says the team wants to protect their home court, be competitive on the road, and challenge in Districts.

He adds having a winning record is a goal for the team.

I think all those goals can be achieved too as long as Winnebago puts in the hard work, time, and effort to be great and successful.

The Indians were 1 girl away from being a C-2 team, but they're in C-1 so it is what it is, Winnebago just has to adapt and adjust to it the best way possible.

The Indians have to really get after it this offseason and be a team and force to be reckoned with.

Season Outlook:

The Winnebago Girls look to improve upon and build off of last year.

The schedule appears to be somewhat challenging for the Indians though with tough games coming against Oakland-Craig, GACC, Norfolk, Catholic, Wynot, Ponca, BRLD, and Pender.

I think there are a lot of opportunities for wins out there for Winnebago though I really do.

I feel the Indians have what it takes to turn the corner and be successful.

Winnebago opens up the season on Thursday at home against Homer.

Stoner says last year's game was good. "They beat us last year down there. I think we came on late in the game, and we kind of figured some things out."

Stoner feels the team has the horses and athletes to compete this year.

Let's hope the Indians can start out the season with a win this season.

I feel Winnebago has a chance to win their first four games at least.

Stoner says the team looks to be more competitive within the Lewis and Clark Conference this year. "We struggle against some of the more physical teams in the conference, there's no doubt about that. We look to challenge them a little bit more this year." 

The Indians are in Sub-District C1-3 with West Point-Beemer, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, and Wakefield-Allen.

I feel the Cadets will be pretty good and tough this year, but think Winnebago can challenge and perhaps upset them.

And who knows, the Indians could do well enough in the regular season to pickup a wildcard to Sub-State should they not win their Sub-District.

There's a long ways to go before any of that though, and for right now Winnebago has to focus on winning games and improving every day.

The Indians have to remain hungry all season long, and play with lots of fire, pride, passion, tenacity, grit, fight, and physical and mental toughness.

Winnebago has to want things more than their opponents, and work and play harder than them throughout the course of the season.

2019-2020 Winnebago Indians Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Homer

12/06/19 @ Walthill

12/12/19 @ Omaha Nation

12/14/19 @ Adams Central

12/17/19 @ Oakland-Craig

12/19/19 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic

12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout on the Elkhorn Wisner-Pilger HS

01/03/20 @ Norfolk Catholic

01/07/20 O'Neill

01/10/20 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge

01/14/20 Emerson-Hubbard

01/17/20 @ Wynot

01/21/20 Ponca

01/28/20 @ BRLD

01/30/20 Pender

01/31-02/10 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark conference TBA

02/11/20 @ Wakefield-Allen

02/14/20 @ Crow Creek, SD

02/15-02/15 (To Be Determined) Sacred Hoops Classic Crow Creek, SD