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VOLUME 1 • 2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CLASS A 

12 Grand Island Senior High School 

14 Kearney Senior High School 

16 Lincoln East High School 

19 Lincoln High School 

18 Lincoln Northeast High School 

20 Lincoln North Star High School 

22 Lincoln Pius X High School 

24 Lincoln Southeast High School 

26 Lincoln Southwest High School 

CLASS B 

28 

39 

32 

34 

36 

38 

31 

35 

41 

40 

30 

42 

Aurora High School 

Beatrice High School+ 

Crete High School 

Hastings Senior High School 

Holdrege High School 

Lexington High School 

McCook High School* 

Norris High School 

Northwest High School+ 

Seward High School 

Waverly High School 

York High School 

CLASS C1 

44 Adams Central High School 

46 Aquinas Catholic High School 

53 Boone Central-Newman Grove High Schools* 

50 Broken Bow High School 

52 Central City High School 

- Chase County High School• 

54 Cozad High School 

56 David City High School 

58 Fairbury High School 

60 Fillmore Central High School 

62 Gibbon High School 

64 Gothenburg High School 

45 Grand Island Central Catholic High School 

68 Kearney Catholic High School 

70 Lincoln Christian High School 

76 Lincoln Lutheran High School 

71 Malcolm High School 

72 Milford High School 

49 Minden High School* 

74 O’Neill High School 

57 Ord High School* 

55 Raymond Central High School 

48 St. Paul High School 

66 Wilber-Clatonia High School 

CLASS C2 

78 

80 

82 

84 

88 

90 

94 

92 

86 

77 

108 

96 

102 

98 

83 

104 

- 

106 

Ainsworth High School+ 

Amherst High School 

Arcadia-Loup City High Schools 

Cambridge High School+ 

Centennial High School 

Centura High School 

Cross County High School 

Diller-Odell Secondary School 

Doniphan-Trumpbull High School 

Freeman High School 

Hastings St. Cecilia High School 

Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer High School 

Nebraska Christian High School 

Neligh-Oakdale High School* 

Perkins County High School* 

Ravenna High School 

Sandy Creek High School• 

Shelby-Rising City High School 

97 

89 

85 

81 

110 

- 

79 

100 

112 

Southern High School 

Southern Valley High School 

Southwest High School 

Superior High School* 

Sutton High School 

Thayer Central High School• 

Twin River High School+ 

West Holt High School 

Wood River High School 

CLASS D1 

114 Alma High School 

116 Ansley-Litchfield High Schools* 

118 Arapahoe High School 

120 Bertrand High School* 

122 Blue Hill High School+ 

124 Boyd County High School 

126 Bruning-Davenport-Shickley High Schools 

- Burwell High School• 

128 Central Valley High School* 

151 Clearwater-Orchard High School* 

130 East Butler High School 

131 Elgin-Pope John High School 

150 Elm Creek High School 

125 Franklin High School+ 

132 Friend High School* 

134 Fullerton High School 

136 Heartland Community High School 

129 High Plains Community High School 

123 Hitchcock County High School* 

145 Kenesaw High School* 

138 McCool Junction High School 

123 Medicine Valley High School* 

116 Meridian High School+ 

- Nebraska Lutheran High School• 

140 

142 

121 

119 

115 

144 

146 

117 

148 

North Central High School 

Osceola High School 

Overton High School 

Palmer High School+ 

Pawnee City High School* 

Pleasanton High School 

Shelton High School 

South Loup High School 

Tri County High School 

CLASS D2 

152 Anselmo-Merna High School+ 

154 Axtell High School 

155 Chambers-Wheeler Central-Ewing High Schools+ 

156 Dorchester High School 

- Eustis-Farnam High School• 

158 Exeter-Milligan High School 

160 Giltner High School 

162 Lawrence-Nelson High School 

- Lewiston High School• 

164 Loomis High School 

157 Parkview Christian High School* 

168 Silver Lake High School 

166 St. Mary’s High School 

153 Stuart High School* 

155 Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School+ 

- Twin Loup High School• 

- Waunita-Palisade High School• 

*GIRL’S COACH DID NOT SUBMIT TEAM INFORMATION 

+BOY’S COACH DID NOT SUBMIT TEAM INFORMATION 

• NEITHER COACH SUBMITTED INFORMATION 

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CENTENNIALBRONCOS 

2016-17 was a tale of two 

seasons for the Lincoln High 

girl’s basketball team, as 

the group put together some 

impressive showings before 

dropping seven of its last eight 

games. 

The Links finished 10-14 under 

head coach Marcus Perry, 

who will have five returning 

letterwinners on the court this 

season. 

Natayah Wilson will lead the 

charge as Lincoln High looks to 

do damage in Class A. Wilson 

averaged an impressive 15 points 

per game last season. 

Joining Wilson on the court will 

be Sirila Herrera, who knocked 

down a total of 34 3-point field 

goals last year. 

Nyagoa Gony, Briley Phillip, and 

Nyayongah Gony will be impact 

players for the Links, as well. 

“Athletic success is an ongoing 

process,” Perry said. “A few 

areas that stand out to me in 

terms of our team having a 

successful season would be 

taking care of the ball and 

execution.” 

The Links open the season 

on Nov. 30 at a tournament in 

Kearney. 

TEAM FACTS 

Head Coach: Shawn Mulligan 

Career Record: 7-11 

Assistant Coaches: 

Class: C-1 

Team Name: Patriots 

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MARCH 1, 2018 

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CLASS A CLASS C-2 

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GRAND ISLAND SENIOR HIGHGIRLS 

Even though the Grand Island 

girl’s basketball squad is coming 

off a 7-17 season, there are reasons 

for optimism, as participation 

numbers continue to increase 

within the program. 

“Our program depth continues 

to rise as we will have more 

girls competing for varsity spots 

than we have had in the past five 

seasons,” Grand Island Head 

Coach Alex Michel said. 

The Islanders are hoping the rise 

in numbers leads to continued 

improvement in 2017-18, as 10 

letterwinners and four returning 

starters are due back on the court. 

Leading the charge will be senior 

guard Sydney Wald, who averaged 

7.2 points and 2.5 rebounds a game 

last year. 

Complimenting Wald on the court 

will be senior forward Alexa 

Blase, who posted 5 points and 3.4 

rebounds a contest as a junior. 

Sophomores Lauren Hauser and 

Rya Chavez will also be key 

players, as the duo brings starting 

experience to the hardwood. 

“I believe Sydney and Alexa 

are going to have solid senior 

seasons. I look forward to them 

being great leaders for us,” Michel 

said. “Lauren Hauser and Rya 

Chavez really came on strong at 

the end of last season. They have 

been working hard this offseason 

and are ready to have a great 

sophomore year. We have 10 to 15 

other girls who will be competing 

for varsity time this season. I am 

going to feel comfortable with a lot 

of different lineups.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Islanders 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 7-17 

Playoff Appearances: 11 

Head Coach: Alex Michel 

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KEARNEY SENIOR HIGHBOYS 

The 2016-17 campaign was an 

impressive one for the Kearney 

boy’s basketball squad. 

The Bearcats went 22-5 before 

falling to Papillion-La Vista in 

the second round of the NSAA 

state tournament. 

The season was highlighted by 

a dominant 19-game winning 

streak that led the Bearcats to 

the end of the regular season and 

through districts. 

Under head coach Drake 

Beranek, who owns a 38-13 

record as a Bearcat, Kearney will 

be looking for more of the same 

in 2017-18. 

The team will be led by senior 

guard Kanon Koster, who is 

coming off a solid junior season. 

Also looking to contribute will 

be juniors Shiloh Robinson 

and Carson Schwarz, as well as 

senior forward Sam Straka. 

But for Beranek, the success of 

his team will hinder on whether 

the Bearcats are content with last 

year’s run, or are motivated to 

push even farther. 

“We were fortunate to play in 

some great environments and 

enjoy some amazing experiences 

last season,” Beranek said. 

“Having some success can either 

make you hungry for more 

or satisfied. We are excited to 

see if our program is ready to 

consistently compete at a high 

level.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Bearcats 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 22-5 


Head Coach: Drake Beranek 


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KEARNEY SENIOR HIGHGIRLS 

The Kearney girl’s basketball 

squad will have a lot of 

momentum heading into 

the 2017-18 campaign, after 

finishing 17-9 and making 

an NSAA state tournament 

appearance last season. 

Under tenured head coach 

Jason Boyd, who owns a 170- 

106 career record as a Bearcat, 

nine letterwinners return, as 

the group will look to make 

another run in Class A. 

Leading the charge for 

Kearney will be junior Alexis 

Mishou, who posted 9.5 

points and 4 rebounds during 

her sophomore campaign. 

Also playing a key role will 

be senior guard Avery Wood, 

who averaged 3.1 points, 

1.8 steals, and 2 rebounds a 

contest last year. 

Sophomore guard Adison 

Wood, and juniors Claire 

Vanderbeek and Elle Dahlgren 

will likely carve out significant 

playing time as well. 

“The Bearcats return nine 

letterwinners from the 

team that went to the state 

tournament last season and 

finished with a 17-9 record,” 

Boyd said. “We hope to build 

on that success as several of 

these returners will take on 

larger roles this season.” 

The season will get underway 

for Kearney on Nov. 30 at 

home against Papillion-La 

Vista South. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Bearcats 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 17-9 


Head Coach: Jason Boyd 



LINCOLN EASTBOYS 

The Lincoln East boy’s basketball 

squad is coming off an 18-7 

season that featured a seven game 

winning streak. The campaign 

came to a close with a 63-51 loss 

to Norfolk. 

Under head coach Jeff Campbell, 

who owns a 59-39 record at 

Lincoln East, the group will look 

to make some noise in Class A 

in 2017-18, and according to 

Campbell, his squad will have to 

come together as one to make it 

happen. 

“We want to play selfless 

basketball and have each 

player’s focus be on making their 

teammates better and become an 

overachiever,” he said. 

The Spartans will have to 

navigate a difficult schedule that 

gets underway on Nov. 30 in the 

Early Bird Classic Basketball 

Tournament in Fremont. 

“We want to consistently improve 

our level of play throughout the 

season and have every player 

fulfill their role to their maximum 

ability,” Campbell added. “Playing 

great defense and rebounding will 

help our consistency throughout 

the season. Offensively, we need 

to exploit mismatches and play 

physical.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Spartans 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 18-7 


Head Coach: Jeff Campbell 


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LINCOLN EASTGIRLS 

The Lincoln East girl’s basketball 

squad is coming off an impressive 

2016-17 season. 

senior forward Regan Sankey, 

who averaged 13.7 points a game 

last season. 

The season tips off on Nov. 30 on 

the road against Fremont. 

EARN YOUR BETTER 

The Spartans went 19-7 before 

being eliminated in the NSAA 

state tournament by Lincoln Pius 

X 44-36. 

Alli Roh, who posted 11.5 points 

a contest in 2016-17, will also be 

a key contributor for the Spartans 

come late November. 

In 2017-18, head coach Dennis 

Prichard will be back at the helm 

of the Lincoln East program. And 

although the exact make up of 

the squad is undetermined, the 

Spartans will have a core group of 

five seniors and eight letterwinners 

returning to the hardwood. 

Prichard will rely heavily on 

Seniors Mira Patel, Ellie 

Bliemeister, and Rachel Weber 

will all look to carve out 

significant roles, as well. 

When asked what the keys to a 

successful season are, Prichard 

kept it simple, stating his team 

must stay healthy and continue to 

get better each day. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 19-7 


Head Coach: Dennis Prichard 

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LINCOLN NORTHEASTBOYS 

LINCOLN HIGHBOYS 

The Lincoln Northeast boy’s 

basketball team put together 

a decent 2016-17 campaign, 

navigating a difficult schedule to 

finish with a 14-11 record. 

As a new season approaches, the 

Rockets will look to take another 

step forward, and push through 

to the NSAA state tournament 

under head coach David Mercer. 

However, the roster will have a 

different look to it this season. 

Eight seniors from last year’s 

team were lost to graduation, 

meaning a number of younger 

athletes will have to step into 

large roles in 2017-18. 

“We have a very new and young 

team, improvement each week 

will be our goal,” Mercer said. 

The season will open up for 

Lincoln Northeast on Nov. 30 at 

a home tournament. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Rockets 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 14-11 


Head Coach: David Mercer 

920 N 48TH ST. 

402.466.1911 

2555 S 48TH ST. 

402.483.7763 

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The 2016-17 season didn’t 

produce much in the way of 

wins for the Lincoln High boy’s 

basketball squad, as the team 

finished 6-18, losing 11 of its 

final 12 games. 

However, the 2017-18 campaign 

brings a clean slate for the Links 

under head coach Dan Noble, 

who will look to get back on 

the winning track, and do some 

damage in Class A. 

Noble will have eight 

letterwinners returning this 

season, but only two of them are 

seniors, meaning the Links will 

lean heavily on a large junior 

class. 

Seniors Jihad Muhammad, who 

averaged 4 points a game last 

season, and Carlos Santistevan, 

who posted 3.6 points a contest, 

will be asked to show veteran 

leadership once the campaign 

tips off. 

The Links leading returning 

scorer is junior Morgan Perry, 

who contributed 11.7 points as a 

sophomore. 

Juniors Boomer Jock, Jaden 

Horton, and Cedric Case will 

also look to carve out significant 

roles. 

“We need to defend and 

limit teams to one shot per 

possession,” Noble said. “We 

need to get good quality shots on 

the offensive end.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Links 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 6-18 


Head Coach: Dan Noble 

LINCOLN NORTHEASTGIRLS 

LINCOLN HIGHGIRLS 

Not that it is much of a surprise, 

but the Lincoln Northeast girl’s 

basketball squad was very good 

during the 2016-17 campaign. 

Winning is nothing new for 

Northeast, as head coach Steve 

Bartek owns an impressive 135- 

43 record at the helm of the 

program. 

The Rockets finished last season 

24-3, falling in the second round 

of the NSAA state tournament to 

close the season. 

Bartek will be hoping the 2017-18 

season brings continued success, 

as 10 letterwinners are expected 

to return to the hardwood. 

“The Rockets will have only one 

senior on the roster, however; 

team depth and experience will be 

a strength,” Bartek said. 

Bartek added with the loss of 

Nigeria Jones, a three-year 

starter at point guard, sophomore 

McKenna Minter will have to step 

into a big role once the season 

gets underway. 

In addition, senior forward Javi 

Shadegg, as well as juniors 

Azaiya Trainor, Kambree Rhodes, 

and Jenna Wendelin will be 

impact players for the Rockets. 

“A weakness in recent years has 

been rebounding and we will need 

to improve in that department 

if we hope to achieve our team 

goals,” Bartek added. “This group 

made it to the state semi-finals last 

year and thus team expectations 

will be high.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Rockets 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 24-3 


Head Coach: Steve Bartek 


2016-17 was a tale of two seasons 

for the Lincoln High girl’s 

basketball team, as the group 

put together some impressive 

showings before dropping seven 

of its last eight games. 

The Links finished 10-14 under 

head coach Marcus Perry, who will 

have five returning letterwinners 

on the court this season. 

Natayah Wilson will lead the 

charge as Lincoln High looks to 

do damage in Class A. Wilson 



Joining Wilson on the court will 

be Sirila Herrera, who knocked 

down a total of 34 three-point 

field goals last year. 

Nyagoa Gony, Briley Phillip, and 

Nyayongah Gony will be impact 

players for the Links, as well. 

“Athletic success is an ongoing 

process,” Perry said. “A few 

areas that stand out to me in 

terms of our team having a 

successful season would be 

taking care of the ball and 

execution.” 

The Links open the season 

on Nov. 30 at a tournament in 

Kearney. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Links 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 10-14 


Head Coach: Marcus Perry 



LINCOLN NORTH STARBOYS 

The 2016-17 season was a 

difficult one for the Lincoln North 

Star boy’s basketball squad. 

The Navigators finished the 

campaign with a 3-17 record 

under head coach Tony 

Quattrocchi, but with eight 

letterwinners returning, there is 

reason for optimism in 2017-18. 

“It was a challenging season but 

we have learned a lot from it and 

are ready to completely change 

how successful we will be,” 

Quattrocchi said. 

With five seniors returning, 

Quattrocchi will have a lot of talent 

and experience to work with. 

Senior Brock Johnson will lead 

the squad from the post position, 

after averaging 8 points and 6 

rebounds a game as a junior. 

Fellow seniors Dillon Brandt, 

who posted 9 points a contest last 

year, and guards Derek Ruhl and 

Sam Juracek will also be impact 

players for the Navigators. 

And keep an eye on sophomore 

guard Donovan Williams, whom 

Quattrocchi said is “loaded with 

talent”. 

“We have a number of returning 

players with great experience,” 

Quattrocchi added. “The team 

has a lot of the puzzle pieces to 

be very competitive. The return 

of Donovan Williams off an 

injury will have a tremendous 

difference. Consistency with 

shooting and great team 

chemistry are the tickets to a 

really good team.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Navigators 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 3-17 


Head Coach: Tony Quattrocchi 




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LINCOLN PIUS XBOYS 

Fresh off an impressive 

2016-17 season, in which the 

Thunderbolts went 20-4 before 

losing in the NSAA state 

tournament, the Lincoln Pius X 

boy’s basketball squad is poised 

for big things this year. 

Under head coach Brian Spicka, 

five seniors are expected back 

on the roster, in addition to a 

talented junior guard. 

That junior is Charlie Easley, 

who will return to the court after 

posting 13.2 points a game as a 

sophomore. 

Helping Easley shoulder the load 

will be senior guard Joe Burt, 


last season. 

Fellow seniors Thomas 

Robertson, AJ Aplleget, Jackson 

Owens, and Tyler Taubenheim 

will also need to produce for the 

Thunderbolts to be competitive 

in Class A. 

Also, keep an eye on juniors 

Holton Harman and Joe 

Dworak, who could be breakout 

candidates in 2017-18. 


successful season are, Spicka 

laid out his recipe for success. 

“Consistent rebounding and 

defense will be important for the 

Thunderbolts,” he said. 

The season gets underway on 

Nov. 30 at home against Millard 

West. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Thunderbolts 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 20-4 


Head Coach: Brian Spicka 


EARN YOUR BETTER 

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LINCOLN PIUS XGIRLS 

Not only is the Lincoln Pius X 

girl’s basketball team coming 

off a 16-8 season, but the 

Thunderbolts also return 10 

letterwinners under experienced 

head coach Bill Rice. 

That bodes well for the 

upcoming campaign, as the 

group will look to improve on a 

season that ended with a second 

round playoff loss to Millard 

South. 

Set to return to the court for 

the Thunderbolts this season is 

junior forward Kloee Sander, 

who averaged an impressive 10 

points a game last season. 

Joining Sander will be Lindsay 

Nottlemann, a senior guard 

who contributed 5.2 points per 

contest, and sophomore Lauren 

Taubenheim, who averaged 4.7 

points in 2016-17. 

Even though a number of 

players with experience will 

return, Rice said the loss of two 

key contributors will be difficult 

to overcome, and new leaders 

must emerge in order for his 

team to be competitive. 

“Replacing two starting guards 

and building confidence,” 

Rice said regarding the keys 

to success for his team. “We 

will need players to become 

leaders on the court and get the 

five on the floor organized. We 

need to play to our strengths, in 

particular a strong inside game.” 

The Thunderbolts will open the 

season on Nov. 30 when they 

host Millard West. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Thunderbolts 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 16-8 


Head Coach: Bill Rice 



LINCOLN SOUTHEASTBOYS 

If the Lincoln Southeast boy’s 

basketball squad hopes to take 

steps in the right direction 

coming off an 11-14 campaign 

in 2016-17, it will have to do so 

with a new cast of characters. 

The Knights return three 

letterwinners under head coach 

Jonah Bradley, with only one of 

them belonging to the senior class. 

That lone senior is Jack Strong, 

who will look to step into a 

leadership role after averaging 

2.2 points and 2.4 assists per 

game last year. 

Another player to watch is junior 

guard Michael Anderson, who 

averaged 8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 

and 1.2 assists during his 

sophomore campaign. 

Sophomore Isaac Gifford will 

also look to be an impact player 

for the Knights come late 

November. 

“Defensively, we must be able 

to defend the basketball one-onone 

and keep teams out of the 

paint,” Bradley said. “Defensive 

rebounding and eliminating 

second chance scoring 

opportunities are another big 

defensive key. Offensively, we 

must play three-sided basketball, 

and put pressure on teams with 

our transition game.” 


Nov. 27 against Norris in a 

jamboree. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Knights 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 11-14 


Head Coach: Jonah Bradley 

920 N 48TH ST. 

402.466.1911 

2555 S 48TH ST. 

402.483.7763 

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LINCOLN SOUTHEASTGIRLS 

The Lincoln Southeast girl’s 

basketball squad had a solid 

season in 2016-17, finishing the 

year 16-9 under head coach Kara 

Graham. 

But for the Knights to have a 

similar campaign in 2017-18, a 

youthful roster is going to have 

to step up, and learn to hold their 

own with Class A competition. 

Lincoln Southeast returns only 

two letterwinners off last year’s 

roster, and a lone senior in guard 

Maddie Renn. 

Renn, as well as junior point 

guard Cassie Nash, will have 

to lead the up-and-coming 

athletes for the Knights, as the 

underclassmen learn to gel at the 

varsity level. 

“The play of our inexperienced 

players will be key,” Graham 

said. “We have very little 

experience on varsity. We will 

need to develop chemistry.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 16-9 


Head Coach: Kara Graham 

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LINCOLN SOUTHWESTBOYS 

While the 2016-17 season didn’t 

produce the amount of success 

head coach Alex Bahe had hoped 

for, the Lincoln Southwest boy’s 

basketball squad is poised for a 

bounce back campaign. 

Bahe will enter his second year at 

the helm of the program, and will 

have eight returning letterwinners, 

as the Silver Hawks look to do 

some damage in Class A. 

Returning to the court will be 

senior guard JaQuaylon Mays, 

who earned second team all-city 

honors as a junior. 

Joining him will be junior guard 

Cam Frederick, who also turned 

heads during his sophomore 

campaign. 

“Both are combo guards that are 

capable of filling a stat sheet and 

operate best in open space in 

transition,” Bahe said. 

Complimenting Mays and 

Frederick will be senior guard 

Collin Kohl, who Bahe said, “will 

move into a starting role this 

season after (he) provided scoring 

off the bench a season ago.” 

“After one season in a new 

system, this group looks to take 

another step forward and become 

even more competitive,” Bahe 

added. “This group will play hard 

and function best in transition and 

when sharing the ball. Without 

a traditional post player on the 

roster, this group will need to 

commit to defensive improvement 

and focus on collective defensive 

rebounding every night out.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Silver Hawks 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 8-16 


Head Coach: Alex Bahe 

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LINCOLN SOUTHWESTGIRLS 

The offseason for the Lincoln 

Southwest girl’s basketball squad 

has been an enjoyable one, as the 

Silver Hawks spent the summer 

as Class A state champions. 

However, the impressive 2016-17 

season is in the past, and a brand 

new campaign is about to begin. 

Under head coach Jeff Rump, 

the Silver Hawks return eight 

letterwinners from the state 

championship squad, as Lincoln 

Southwest will look to repeat 

their dominance starting in late 

November. 

“A big key will be how we 

handle being the defending 

state champions,” Rump said. 

“Replacing our senior leadership 

from last season and how we 

handle a tougher schedule (will 

also be important).” 

Rump will rely heavily on junior 

post player Jaden Ferguson, who 

averaged an impressive 13.7 

points and 2.5 rebounds a game 

during her sophomore year. 

Junior Hannah Kelle, who posted 

10 points a contest last season, 

and Raegan Wells will also be key 

contributors for the Silver Hawks. 

“We return seven of our top nine 

from last year and add superstar 

transfer Jayten Coleman,” 

Rump added. “Developing team 

chemistry will be key.” 

Lincoln Southwest will open 

the season on Nov. 30 against 

Millard North. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Sliver Hawks 

Class: A 

2016-17 Record: 23-5 


Head Coach: Jeff Rump 


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AURORABOYS 

Tom Leininger has created a 

winning culture during his tenure 

as head coach for the Aurora boy’s 

basketball squad, and the 2016-17 

campaign was no different. 

The Huskies finished the season 25- 

2, winning their conference before 

falling to Scottsbluff in the state 

semi-finals. 

As a new season approaches, 

Aurora will look for more of the 

same, but will focus on pushing all 

the way to the state championship 

this time around. 

“We will have a nice mix of players 

from sophomores to seniors,” 

Leininger said. “After having a 

great off season, we are looking to 

improve on last years’ season.” 

The Huskies, who return seven 

letterwinners and two starters, will 

be lead this season by senior guard 

Henry Penner, who in addition to 

receiving a number of accolades, 

averaged 14.1 points and 7.3 

rebounds a game last season. 

He will be joined on the court by 

senior guard Baylor Scheierman, 

who posted 8.9 points and 3 

rebounds a contest in 2016-17. 

Cade Reichardt, Jordan Stevenson, 

Ian Boerkircher, and Jayden 

Herzberg are also expected to see 

significant time on the court come 

the start the of the season. 

Aurora will open the 2017-18 

campaign on Nov. 30 when they 

host Adams Central. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Huskies 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 25-2 


Head Coach: Tom Leininger 


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LEADER 

AURORAGIRLS 

Although the Aurora girl’s 

basketball squad posted a 15-9 

record in 2016-17, the group fell 

short of the state tournament for the 

second straight season. 

Under head coach Phil Thramer, the 

Huskies will look to breakthrough 

this year, and push past the district 

final. 

“We are coming off of back-to-back 

seasons of reaching the district 

championship, but came up short 

of reaching the state tournament 

in both of those contests,” 

Thramer said. “Last year we 

were able to compete with some 

of the state’s best in Class B on 

a consistent basis. We graduated 

three experienced starters who 

contributed a lot on the offensive 

end. This opens up opportunities 

for girls to step up and compete for 

starting spots and additional playing 

time.” 

Seniors Corrie Schneider and 

Brooke Williams will be the only 

returning starters for the Huskies 

this season. Schneider posted 8.1 

rebounds and 5.7 points a game in 

2016-17, and Williams averaged 7.1 

points and 1.9 rebounds a contest. 

“We have a solid foundation of 

returning players to build off of as 

we continue to develop our culture 

for girls basketball here at Aurora,” 

Thramer added. “Keys to our 

success this year will be developing 

an identity on the defensive side 

of the ball early in the season and 

maintaining that identity throughout 

the year. Offensively, we need to 

develop girls to fill different roles 

that they may have not experienced 

in past seasons.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 15-9 


Head Coach: Phil Thramer 


WAVERLYBOYS 

McCOOKBOYS 

On the heels of an 8-13 season, the 

Waverly boy’s basketball squad will 

look to bounce back in 2017-18, 

but a new cast will be tasked with 

accomplishing the goal. 

“We return five letterwinners from 

last year’s senior loaded team as we 

graduated seven seniors,” Waverly 

Head Coach Ryan Reeder said. “But 

(we) return some key pieces that got 

valuable experience playing in some 

tough environments on the road.” 

The Vikings will look for 

production from a number of 

different sources, including senior 

forward Tanner Wubbels, who 

averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds 

a contest last season. 

In addition, Alex Murray and Ben 

Carter will play vital roles as guards 

for Waverly, and Reeder noted 

sophomore Noah Stoddard could 

see extended runs on the court. 

“Tanner Wubbels, a Concordia 

commit, who was our leading 

scorer and rebounder last year, 

returns for his senior season,” 

Reeder said. “Alex Murray, a junior, 

started the second half of the season 

and became a great defender. Ben 

Carter, Jacob Hruska, and Noah 

Stoddard all came off the bench and 

played relevant minutes.” 

But like any experienced coach, 

Reeder believes his team’s 

mentality will be the deciding factor 

during the upcoming campaign. 

“If we have the attitude (that) 

success is earned, not given and 

the confidence of believing in one 

another, we have the potential to be 

a tough team down the stretch,” he 

said. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Vikings 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 8-13 


Head Coach: Ryan Reeder 


Even though the McCook boys 

basketball squad is coming off 

an 11-13 campaign, the 2017-18 

version of the Bison could be 

positioned for big things. 

McCook returns seven 

letterwinners, all juniors and 

seniors, under head coach Jeremy 

Yilk, setting the team up for a run 

this season. 

“We have a strong nucleus of 

seniors and juniors returning that 

are motivated to do great things 

this year,” Yilk said. “We will 

be looking for our experienced 

players to expand their roles from 

last season.” 

The Bison will be led by senior 

guard Hunter Potthoff, who 


a contest last year. 

In addition, seniors Zach 

Schlager, Clayton Stevens, 

and Hunter Hays all return for 

McCook. 

While the senior class is deep 

this season, there will be plenty 

of younger athletes pushing for 

playing time come December. 

“The competition for playing 

time will help us build our 

depth throughout the year,” Yilk 

added. “Our athleticism and 

aggressiveness on both ends of 

the floor will help make up for our 

overall lack of size. The continued 

development of our up-tempo 

style of play will also be key.” 

The Bison open the season on 

Dec. 2 when they host Valentine. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Bison 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 11-13 


Head Coach: Jeremy Yilk 


WAVERLYGIRLS 

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Coming off a 2016-17 campaign in 

which the Waverly girl’s basketball 

squad went 13-8, the group will 

look to keep improving and make 

some noise in Class B this season. 

Under the leadership of second 

year head coach John Cockerill, the 

Vikings return seven letterwinners, 

including a pair of talented seniors. 

But even with some experience 

coming back, Cockerill said the 

success of the team could hinder on 

one side of the ball. 

“Our big key will be our team 

defense,” he said. “We are not a big 

team, but we have a lot of athletic 

girls on this team. The girls will 

have to give their all on defense for 

this team. So we need to be fast, 

communicate well, and rebound as 

a group.” 

The Vikings will rely heavily on 

senior guard/forward hybrid Clair 

Jones, as well as senior guard 

Melissa Warner. 

The two seniors will need assistance 

from some younger athletes, 

however, so look for juniors Sydni 

Schernikau, Abigail Clark, and Alex 

Danson to step into big roles for 

Waverly this season. 

“We also play a very tough 

schedule and our depth will be 

important. We have a number of 

girls that can and hopefully will 

step up and play at a high level,” 

Cockerill added. “After one more 

year of growth, weights, and fulltime 

sports, well I expect much 

more consistency from them. It 

should be a very challenging and 

exciting year.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Lady Vikes 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 13-8 


Head Coach: John Cockerill 


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CRETEBOYS 

ON THE GO 

As the 2017-18 season 

approaches, the Crete boy’s 

basketball squad is preparing 

in hopes of having yet another 

impressive year, after going 

16-9 in 2016-17. 

The Cardinals were able to make 

it to the NSAA state tournament, 

but lost to Scottsbluff 53-42 to 

close out the campaign. 

However, come late November, 

a new face will be seen on the 

sidelines for Crete, as first-year 

head coach Garrett Borcher 

takes the reins. 

And with seven letterwinners 

returning, the Cardinals will 

look to make some noise in 

Class B. 

When asked what the keys are to 

a successful campaign, the new 

head coach kept his recipe for 

success simple. “Tremendous 

effort and a winning attitude 

every day,” Borcher said. 

The Cardinals will begin the 


battle Lakeview at home. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Cardinals 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 16-9 


Head Coach: Garrett Borcher 

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CRETEGIRLS 

The Crete girl’s basketball 

team showed signs of growth 

and development last season, 

finishing the year 14-11 under 

head coach Isaiah Dell. 

As the 2017-18 campaign 

approaches, Dell will be looking 

to build off last year’s success, 

and push the Cardinals into the 

NSAA state tournament. 

The mission will have to be 

accomplished with a fairly young 

group, as only one senior, guard 

Camry Moore, returns for Crete. 

But despite the team’s youth, 

Dell believes the talent is 

there for the Cardinals to be 

competitive. 

“We have some good experience 

coming back with our top two 

scorers being back. We are a 

young group overall and will 

need some freshmen to step in 

and play,” he said. 

Also returning to the court will 

be junior Kayla Fitzgerald, and 

sophomores Morgan Maly, Ellie 

Allen, and Jayda Weyand. 

“We always play a solid schedule 

that prepares us well for the 

postseason. It also helps our 

young players grow as the season 

goes on as well,” Dell added. 

“Their growth and ability to play 

at a high level will be a major 

factor in our success at the end of 

the season.” 


Nov. 30 against Lakeview. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 14-11 


Head Coach: Isaiah Dell 

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HASTINGSBOYS 

NORRISBOYS 

The Hastings boy’s basketball 

squad is coming off a 9-13 season 

in 2016-17 that ended with a 

district loss to Aurora 55-44. 

Looking ahead to the upcoming 

campaign, the Tigers will have 

plenty of experience to draw 

from, as 10 letterwinners and five 

seniors are expected to be back on 

the hardwood. 

The group will be led by 6-foot 

9-inch senior Christian Creech, 

who averaged 6.5 points, 3.5 

rebounds, and 2 assists a game 

last year. 

Head coach Lance Creech, who 

is entering his fifth season at 

the helm, will also rely heavily 

on seniors Duang Tang, Seth 

Simonson, Lukaas Simonson, and 

Blake Aspen. 

In addition, a number of younger 

athletes could make an impact, 

including sophomores Jake 

Schroeder and Mike Boeve. 

“We will look to replace our 

leading scorer, Vinny Schmidt, 

and leading rebounder, Zane 

Bender, from the 2016-17 

season,” Creech said. “Our 

success will be determined on 

how well we can defend in the 

paint and rebound the ball on both 

ends. We continued to develop 

depth with a very productive 

summer for Alex Swoboda, 

Keeshawn Hunt, and Jake 

Schroeder.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Tigers 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 9-13 


Head Coach: Lance Creech 


2016-17 was an up-and-down 

season for the Norris boy’s 

basketball team, as the group 

finished the year 12-12 after 

starting 6-2. 

As a new campaign approaches, 

the Titans will look to find 

consistency in a difficult 

conference under second-year 

head coach Adam Brill. 

Brill will have six returning 

letterwinners and three seniors 

back on the roster, led by guard/ 

forward hybrid Mike Wardy. 

Fellow seniors Hayden Huenink 

and Marcus Kennedy will also 

play large roles for the Titans, as 

will junior guard Jay Knudsen. 

Brill will look to juniors 

Harrison Boe and Kixten Kisko 

to contribute as well. 

“Playing together on the 

offensive and defensive 

ends of the floor (will be the 

keys to success),” Brill said. 

“Leadership from our veterans 

who have been through a year 

or two of varsity basketball. 

Accepting the challenge 

everyday.” 

Norris tips off the season on 

Dec. 1 against Plattsmouth. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Titans 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 12-12 


Head Coach: Adam Brill 


HASTINGSGIRLS 

NORRISGIRLS 

The Hastings girl’s basketball 

squad will have two advantages 

working for them as they enter 

the 2017-18 campaign. 

The first is familiarity with their 

head coach, as Greg Mays enters 

his second season at the helm of 

the Tigers. 

Second, is experience. Hastings 

has 11 letterwinners set to return 

to the court this season. 

Among those expected to make 

an impact are senior guards Julia 

Reimer and Tatiem Bender, as 

well as senior forward Emma 

Mays. 

The roster is rounded out by 

seven juniors, including Megan 

Steiner, Sydni Sullivan, Kyla 

Rickert, and Kamri Adler, all 

of whom are expected to see 

extended run this year. 

“We need to play fast 

offensively to produce more 

points while keeping our 

defensive pressure solid,” 

Mays said. “We will try to use 

our depth to push pace and 

free us up to pressure more 

defensively.” 

The Tigers will open the season 

on Nov. 30 when they travel to 

Seward. 



TEAM FACTS 

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Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 9-15 


Head Coach: Greg Mays 


impressive one for the Norris girl’s 

basketball squad, as the Titans fell 

by four points in the NSAA state 

championship to South Sioux City. 

The group finished the year with 

a 19-7 record, and under head 

coach Mark Hagerman, they will 

be more motivated than ever to 

claim the state title in 2017-18. 

The Titans return nine 

letterwinners from last year’s 

squad, including a trio of seniors: 

Rylie Bryant, Brittany Florer, and 

Val Gabel. 

Bryant was a key contributor last 

season, averaging 7 points and 

2.5 rebounds a game. 

Norris will also lean heavily on 

junior guard Maddy Ramsey, 


last year, and sophomore guard 

Taryn Tracy. 

“We will be relying on our 

senior leadership from Rylie, 

Val, and Brittany,” Hagerman 

said. “We will want to utilize 

our athleticism to play a fullcourt 

game on offense as well as 

defense. The team’s goal is to get 

back to the state championship 

game and compete for a Class B 

state championship.” 

The Titans will open the season 

on Nov. 27 at the Lincoln 

Southeast Jamboree. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 19-7 


Head Coach: Mark Hagerman 



HOLDREGEBOYS 

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The 2016-17 season was full of 

highs and lows for the Holdrege 

boys basketball squad, as the 

group finished the year 12-11 

and lost the last three contests of 

their season. 

However, an almost entirely 

new roster will take the court for 

head coach Jon Karn in 2017- 

18, making it difficult to predict 

what the new season holds for 

the Dusters. 

Only three letterwinners return 

for Holdrege this year, all of 

whom are seniors. 

That group is led by Trent Hoeft, 

who averaged 5.8 points and 2.5 

assists per game last year. 

Trevor Matousek, who posted 

4.1 points a contest as a junior, 

and Charles Weed will also be 

called upon to lead. 

“We will need to improve 

defensively and be able to 

mix it up on the defensive end 

due to our limited size,” Karn 

said. “Offensively, we will 

need to have great chemistry 

and balanced scoring to be 

competitive on a consistent 

basis. Our varsity experience 

is limited, so how we mature 

as a team will be a key to our 

season.” 

The season tips off for Holdrege 

on Dec. 1 against Adams 

Central. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Dusters 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 12-11 


Head Coach: Jon Karn 


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HOLDREGEGIRLS 

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There are a number of reasons to 

be optimistic about the Holdrege 

girl’s basketball squad heading 

into the 2017-18 campaign. 

The Dusters return 10 

letterwinners from a team that 

went 10-12 in 2016-17, and even 

though a new coach will be on 

the sidelines, experience is still 

abundant. 

Kip Stephens, who has coached 

nearly 500 games in his career, 

will take over the coaching 

responsibilities for Holdrege. 

In addition, Stephens will have 

a senior-heavy roster to rely on, 

led by guard Caitlin Piening, 


rebounds a game last year. 

Senior center Cassidy Connell, 

who posted 7.6 points and 

6.3 rebounds a contest her 

junior year, and senior guard 

Paola Alvarado will also play 

significant roles for the Dusters. 

“With this depth, we are looking 

to play a very fast-paced style 

of basketball as we look to 

put pressure on our opponents 

with our offense and defense,” 

Stephens said. “With this season, 

we are looking for a strong senior 

class, including three returning 

starters, to be our leaders.” 

The season gets underway for the 

Dusters on Dec. 1 against Adams 

Central. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Dusters 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 10-12 


Head Coach: Kip Stephens 


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LEXINGTONBOYS 

Fresh off an 8-16 season, the 

Lexington boy’s basketball 

program is looking for a fresh 

start, and will get one with a new 

face on the sidelines. 

Zach Jones will take over head 

coaching responsibilities for 

the Minutemen in the 2017-18 

season, replacing former coach 

Jonah Bradley. 

In his first year at the helm of the 

program, Jones will try to find a way 

to succeed in Class B with a fairly 

experienced group, as four seniors 

are slated to return to the court. 

Leading the charge for Lexington 

this season will be junior guard 

Kobe Block. Block will be joined 

in the backcourt by senior guard 

Andrew Saiz. 

Fellow seniors Easton Young, 

Alan Zamarripa, and Juan 

Espinoza will also look to make 

an impact, as will sophomore 

Dylan Richman. 

Juniors Jake Leger and Logen 

Callahan, and sophomore Nick 

Saiz will help round out the 

roster for the Minutemen. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Minutemen 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 8-16 


Head Coach: Zach Jones 

LEXINGTONGIRLS 

BEATRICEGIRLS 

Although the 2016-17 season 

didn’t produce much in the way 

of wins for the Lexington girl’s 

basketball squad, that doesn’t 

mean it wasn’t successful. 

The Minutemaids finished last 

year with a 3-21 record under 

head coach Hailey Madelko. 

But in the middle of a rebuild, 

the second year head coach is 

optimistic about the direction of 

the program. 

“We are in the process of 

building a better program and 

that takes time and dedication 

from each and every one of us,” 

Madelko said. 

Lexington will have five 

letterwinners returning this 

season, led by junior point guard 

Courtney Hanson. 

Joining Hanson on the court will 

be senior shooting guard Brylee 

Lauby, as well as sophomore 

center Maddi Sutton. 

“The keys to a successful season 

are to come into each day ready 

to get better,” Madelko said. 

“We have to be able to push each 

other from the freshman class 

to the senior class. We have lots 

of opportunities for girls to step 

up and have a major role on this 

team and be a leader.” 


for the Minutemaids on Nov. 30 

against Gothenburg. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Minutemaids 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 3-21 


Head Coach: Hailey Mandelko 

The Beatrice girl’s basketball team 

has a lot to be optimistic about 

entering the 2017-18 campaign. 

Not only are the Lady Orange 

coming off a 14-9 season in 2016- 

17, but a top-tier athlete is Class 

B is slated to return for her senior 

season. 

Under head coach Dennis 

Coudeyras, Beatrice returns a 

total of four letterwinners, but 

none more important than senior 

guard Michaela Jones, who earned 

all state honors in the 20-16-17 

season. 

Complimenting Jones on the 

court will be senior center 

Haley Seton, who has starting 

experience, as well as sophomore 

Addie Barnard. 

Keep an eye on sophomore 

forward Carley Leners, who 

could be poised for a breakout 

season. 

“Because of sagging defenses, 

teams play us to hold down 

returning all-stater Michaela 

Jones, so our perimeter shooters 

must shoot a good percentage 

of three-pointers,” Coudeyras 

said. “We should be a really 

strong rebounding team but need 

to improve our toughness on 

defense.” 

The Lady Orange open the 

season on Dec. 1 against 

Columbus. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Lady Orange 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 14-9 


Head Coach: Dennis Coudeyras 



SEWARDBOYS 

Last season, the Seward boy’s 

basketball squad showed signs 

of making noise in Class B, but 

ultimately ended the campaign 

with a 12-11 record. 

The season ended with a tight 

loss to Norris in the district 

tournament. 

11 team,” Cidlik said. “We need 

to utilize our athleticism and 

length to our advantage.” 

Among those returning for 

Seward is junior guard Brett 

Meyer, who averaged an 

impressive 14.1 points per game 

last year. 

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321 Jackson Ave. 

Seward, NE 

www.ehlerstv.com 

402.643.2560 

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And while only two seniors 

return for the Bluejays and head 

coach Mark Cidlik, expectations 

are high with a solid group of 

contributors ready to hit the 

hardwood come late November. 

“We have a good core of young 

talent back from last season’s 12- 

Also set to return is junior Nate 

Lliteras, who averaged 10 points 

per game, and junior Joseph 

Krause, who posted 8.7 points a 

contest. 

The Bluejays will open the 

season on Nov. 30 at home 

against Hastings. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Bluejays 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 12-11 


Head Coach: Mark Cidlik 


1519 W Highway 34 Seward, NE 

402.643.6609 

308.382.4620 

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SEWARDGIRLS 

NORTHWESTGIRLS 

Coming off an impressive 

season which featured 19 wins 

and an NSAA state tournament 

appearance, the Seward girl’s 

basketball squad will look to stay 

on the winning path in 2017-18. 

The Jays are once again under 

the leadership of tenured head 

coach Tom Tvrdy, who owns a 

stellar 271-83 career record at 

Seward. 

And with seven letterwinners 

returning along with four seniors, 

another strong campaign is 

possible. 

“If we stay healthy, we have the 

experience to have a great year,” 

Tvrdy said. “We finished 19-7 

last year and made it to the state 

semis. Six returnees have started 

multiple games.” 

Seward will look for leadership 

from senior point guard Kate 

Mullally, who averaged 6 points 

and 3 assists last season. 

Fellow seniors Kelsie Zadina, 

Kendra Placke, and Rylee Opfer 

will step into big roles, as will 

juniors Camryn Opfer, Kayla 

Luebbe, and Anna Covalt. 

The season will get underway on 

Nov. 30 against Hastings. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Lady Jays 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 19-7 


Head Coach: Tom Tvrdy 


The Grand Island Northwest 

girl’s basketball squad is coming 

off a solid 15-7 season under 

head coach Rico Burkett. 

The 2016-17 season saw vast 

improvement over the previous 

year, where the Vikings finished 

11-13. 

As a new campaign approaches, 

Northwest will look to keep 

taking steps in the right direction. 

After losing eight seniors, 

however, a young squad will 

have to step up in hurry. 

Only four letterwinners, and no 

seniors, are expected to return to 

the court for the Vikings. Burkett 

will rely heavily on sophomore 

point guard Whitney Brown, who 

posted 7 points a game and 35 

steals as a freshman. 

Also looking to contribute will be 

junior forward Whitney Jensen 

and sophomore Emily Stein. 

Juniors Megan Cooper, Megan 

Anderson, and Brook Buhrman 

will also see plenty of playing 

time. 


successful season are, Burkett 

pointed to growth, saying his 

team will need to develop 

chemistry, develop confidence, 

and develop a high basketball IQ 

in order to compete. 


Nov. 25 when the Vikings face 

Kearney in the Hall of Fame 

Game. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 15-7 


Head Coach: Rico Burkett 



YORKBOYS 

On the heels of a 15-9 season, the 

York boy’s basketball squad will 

look to stay on the winning path 

in 2017-18, and make some noise 

in Class B. 

The Dukes will once again be 

under the leadership of head 

coach Scott Lamberty, who owns 

an 87-38 record at the head of the 

program. 

Depth will likely not be an issue 

for York this season, as nine 

letterwinners and four seniors 

will return to the hardcourt for 

Lamberty. 

Leading the charge will be junior 

point guard Brady Danielson, 


rebounds, and 3.7 assists per 

game as a sophomore. 

He will be complimented by 

junior big man Garrett Snodgrass, 

who posted 8.8 points and 4.8 

rebounds a contest last year. 

Seniors Tyler Cast, Simon Otte, 

and Nick Weskamp will all make 

significant impacts, as well. 

“We need to improve on our 

three-point shooting and our 

zone offensive execution to be 

successful,” Lamberty said. “We 

need to continue to get better 

in our half-court defense and 

rebound the ball better as well. 

I feel we have go-to offensive 

players and good spot up shooters, 

but attacking better off the 

dribble will be a focus for us. 

If players continue to get better 

fundamentally, we can be a pretty 

good team.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Dukes 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 15-9 


Head Coach: Scott Lamberty 


YORKGIRLS 

It was a heartbreaking ending 

to an impressive season for the 

York girl’s basketball squad in 

2016-17, as a 23-4 campaign 

came to a close with a threepoint 

loss to South Sioux City 

in the second round of the state 

tournament. 

The Dukes will be looking to 

push even further this season 

under tenured head coach Matt 

Kern, as seven letterwinners are 

expected to return. 

Senior guard Lauren Riley will 

lead the way after averaging 

14.4 points and 3.1 rebounds a 


Senior Tenly Hansen, coming 

off a season in which she 


rebounds a contest, will join 

Riley in the backcourt. 

Senior Carsyn Zumpfe, senior 

Karlee Seevers, and junior 

Hailee Pohl will also see 

significant run this year. 

“We are a veteran team with 

seven senior contributors,” Kern 

said. “These girls understand 

their roles on this team and truly 

play for each other. We will 

need to replace the leadership 

of the three seniors we lost 

to graduation. We have a few 

younger players that will need 

to step up and find their roles on 

our team. The girls on this team 

expect to compete at a high level 

in everything they do.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Dukes 

Class: B 

2016-17 Record: 23-4 


Head Coach: Matt Kern 



ADAMS CENTRALBOYS 

GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL CATHOLICBOYS 

The Adams Central boy’s 

basketball squad is coming off an 

impressive 16-9 campaign and a 

Class C-1 state runner-up finish. 

But to say it will be a new look 

Patriots team in 2017-18 would be 

an understatement. 

Adams Central lost 10 seniors to 

graduation, including the school’s 

all-time leading scorer David 

Bohlen. 

What this means for the Patriots 

and tenured head coach Zac 

Foster, is a group of younger 

athletes will have to step into big 

roles this season. 

“We have a nice collection of 

talent that is anxious for their 

opportunity to make a name for 

themselves,” Foster said. “We 

will once again play as up-tempo 

as possible and be multiple in our 

defensive approach.” 

Leading the charge for the Patriots 

will be senior Jack Keller, who 



Also carrying some of the load will 

be junior Thomas Hunt, who posted 

6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 

assists per contest in 2016-17. 

“With the amount of new faces 

expected to play for us, we 

will have much to learn early 

on,” Foster added. “But we 

hope to field a team that is very 

competitive and continue to 

represent AC in a positive way.” 

Adams Central opens the season 

on Nov. 30 against Aurora. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 16-9 


Head Coach: Zac Foster 


The Grand Island Central 

Catholic boy’s basketball team 

didn’t find a large amount of 

success during the 2016-17 

season, finishing the year 13- 

11. 

But under head coach Tino 

Martinez, who owns an 

impressive 66-39 record at 

the helm of the program, the 

Crusaders will look to bounce 

back in a big way in 2017-18. 

Martinez will put a fairly 

inexperienced group out on the 

court to start the year, as only 

five returning letterwinners and 

two seniors are expected back 

on the hardwood. 

Leading that group will be 

junior guard Jack Goering, who 

is coming off a solid sophomore 

campaign. 

Fellow junior Jacob Herbek, 

as well as seniors Jonah Bales 

and Mayra Almayra, will also 

be key contributors for the 

Crusaders this year. 

“We will need to start and stay 

healthy throughout the season 

in order to be successful,” 

Martinez said. “If we are able 

to do that, we have a chance to 

be competitive.” 

The season gets underway 

on Nov. 30 for Grand Island 

Central Catholic. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Crusaders 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 13-11 


Head Coach: Tino Martinez 


ADAMS CENTRALGIRLS 

GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL CATHOLICGIRLS 

Even though the Adams Central 

girl’s basketball squad finished 

the 2016-17 season with a 9-15 

record, there are many reasons to 

be excited about the Patriots this 

year. 

Head coach Evan Smith, who 

owns a career 21-25 record 

leading the program, will return to 

the sidelines for Adams Central in 

2017-18. 

Adams Central returns one senior, 

guard Emilea Rogers, in addition 

to a nine-member junior class. 

That class features guards Hannah 

Krabel, Madi Marker, and Beth 

Gill, as well as forwards Emma 

Ellerbee and Morgan Samuelson. 

Fellow juniors Morgan Carver 

and Sydney Shestak will also look 

to make an impact for the Patriots 

once the season gets rolling. 

Smith said that having a number 

of athletes with competitive 

experience will provide his 

squad with an advantage as the 

campaign progresses. 

“We have four or five girls that 

have seen some significant 

minutes at the varsity level, and 

we will need that experience to 

help lead us this year,” Smith said. 

“We will have to be much better 

scorers from the perimeter and 

find a way to limit our turnovers. I 

think we have a solid defense that 

will keep us in games, and help 

us when it comes to tourney time 

down the stretch.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 9-15 


Head Coach: Evan Smith 


Coming off an 11-10 campaign, 

the Grand Island Central Catholic 

girl’s basketball team will be 

looking to turn some heads this 

season under third year head 

coach Stacia Rice. 

Eight letterwinners and three 

starters return in 2017-18 for 

GICC, but none more important 

than forward Megan Woods and 

senior guard Courtney Wilson. 

Woods earned all-conference 

honors, in addition to all-state 

honorable mention recognition 

last season, while Wilson 

also earned an all-conference 

selection. 

The Crusaders will also need 

contributions from junior 

guard Jenna Lowry, as well 

as senior Lexi Kohmetcher to 

be successful in a challenging 

conference. 

“We had a great summer of 

basketball that I hope to continue 

into our season. We are really 

going to rely on our leaders with 

Megan Woods and Courtney 

Wilson,” Rice said. “With Megan 

inside and her strength as well as 

her developing her outside game 

and Courtney Wilson’s speed and 

ability to get to the hoop. We are 

going to rely on their leadership 

for our team. When they play 

well we do well. However with 

that being said, our seniors have 

really stepped up this summer. 

Lexi Kohmetcher has played the 

best basketball that I have seen 

her play this summer. She is just 

a smart player, she knows the 

game.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-10 


Head Coach: Stacia Rice 



AQUINAS CATHOLICBOYS 

The 2016-17 season didn’t go as 

planned for the Aquinas Catholic 

boy’s basketball squad, as the 

group finished 7-15. 

But under experienced head coach 

Kyle Eller, who owns a 32-38 

record as a Monarch, 2017-18 

could be a different story. 

Nine letterwinners and a large 

group of seniors are slated to 

return to the court, led by forward 

Tyler Vavrina, who averaged 

an impressive 16 points and 5 


Vavrina also earned first-team all 

conference and all state honorable 

mention awards for his play. 

He will be complimented by 

fellow seniors Matt Nadrchal, 

Kyle Ruth, Daniel Reiter, Gavin 

Rech, and Trevor Siroky. 

Juniors Zachary Zvodny, Nolan 

Hartman, and Daniel Stara will 

also see significant run come the 

start of the season. 

The 2017-18 campaign will get 

underway for Aquinas Catholic 

on Dec. 1 on the road against 

Raymond Central. 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 



Team Name: Monarchs 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 7-15 


Head Coach: Kyler Eller 


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AQUINAS CATHOLICGIRLS 

The Aquinas Catholic girl’s 

basketball team will have one 

very important asset entering the 

2017-18 season – experience. 

The Monarchs are coming off a 

10-13 season under head coach 

Vanessa Munter. But the group 

is trending in the right direction, 

and with six letterwinners and 

four starters returning, Aquinas 

Catholic could be poised for a 

breakout campaign. 

“We are a team who is beginning 

to gain more and more 

experience,” Munter said. “We 

potentially have four returning 

starters and three of those starters 

it’s their third year of being a 

starter.” 

Leading the Monarchs this 

season will be senior guard 

Veronica Kobza, as well as 

juniors Breanna Stouffer, 

Vanessa Bohuslavsky, and 

Valerie Bohuslavsky. 

Micaiah Vrbka and Kloe Ruth 

will be players to watch for 

Aquinas Catholic, as well. 

“Our year will come down to 

how well we can put together a 

post-guard game,” Munter added. 

“We have the talent and ability so 

we just need to stay focused and 

work together for our year to be 

successful.” 


Dec. 1 against Raymond Central. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Monarchs 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-13 


Head Coach: Vanessa Munter 



ST. PAULBOYS 

The St. Paul boy’s basketball squad 

finished the 2016-17 campaign with 

a 10-11 record, but expectations are 

much higher entering this season. 

Junior center Carson Morgan 

will be a force inside for St. Paul. 

Morgan averaged 9.3 points and 5.2 


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The Wildcats return nine 


Derek Reinsch, and will look to 

make some noise in Class C-1. 

“We are going to be a deep, 

experienced team this season. For 

us to take the next step forward we 

need to see us be more efficient on 

offense and a better rebounding 

team,” Reinsch said. 

The Wildcats will rely heavily 

on senior point guard Tanner 

Wroblewski, who posted 11.8 points 

and 2.8 steals a contest as a junior. 

Reinsch will also look to seniors 

Parker Klinginsmith, Thomas 

Mrkvicka, and Mike Allen, as well 

as junior Wyatt Placke, to play 

significant roles this season. 

“We have the ability to be a really 

good defensive team by playing 

our roles and it will come down to 

finishing each possession with a 

rebound or steal,” Reinsch said. 

The season will get underway for 

the Wildcats on Nov. 30 on the road 

against Gibbon. 



TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Wildcats 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-11 


Head Coach: Derek Reinsch 


608 Howard Ave 

St Paul, NE 68873 

MINDEN • KENESAW • ROSELAND • HASTINGS 

Kevin, Cody, Denise, Megan, Joelle, Erica and Kristi 

Minden • 308.832.2140 

ST. PAULGIRLS 

MINDENBOYS 

The St. Paul girl’s basketball squad 

exploded out of the gates in 2016- 

17, winning eight straight games en 

route to a 16-10 overall record. 

And although the season 

came to a close with a loss to 

Kearney Catholic in the district 

championship, valuable experience 

was gained under head coach Derek 

Runcie, who enters his second full 

season at the helm of the program. 

The Wildcats welcome back only 

five returning letterwinners this 

season, meaning some younger 

athletes will have to adapt quickly if 

St. Paul wants to make some noise 

in Class C-1. 

“The key to a successful season for 

us this year will be leadership and 

team chemistry. We lost over 65 

percent of our scoring production 

from last year and return only two 

players with extensive varsity 

experience,” Runcie said. 

Senior guard Bailey Lukasiewicz 

will be relied heavily upon this 

season, after averaging 7.6 points, 

3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per 


Runcie will also look for big things 

out of sophomore Brooke Poppert, 


rebounds a game as a freshman. 

“With so many new pieces to the 

team this year, it is somewhat of a 

mystery to how your team is going 

to respond in tough situations,” 

Runcie added. “The other exciting 

part is most of these girls, who will 

have new roles and responsibilities, 

played on the scout team against our 

varsity last year. We have a lot of 

new pieces to fit into our puzzle, but 

I am excited for the potential this 

team has. We just have to fulfill it.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 16-10 


Head Coach: Derek Runcie 


Even though the Minden boys 

basketball team is coming off a 

difficult 2016-17 season in which 

the Whippets finished 5-17, a 

bounce back campaign is very 

possible under second year head 

coach Jordan Reinertson. 

Minded struggled down the 

stretch last season, losing its 

final ten games, but with some 

experience back on the roster, 

things could be different in 2017- 

18. 

The Whippets return three seniors 

in Grant Edgecombe, Colton 

Taylor, and Bradyn Petersen. 

Juniors Elijah Lovin, Josh 

Denney, and Aidan Wheelock will 

also be impact players for Minden 

this season. 

“I believe our players are 

excited and ready to start this 

season,” Reinertson said. “We 

still have considerable room 

for growth in many areas of 

the game but our boys showed 

more commitment throughout 

the summer in improving their 

skills and basketball IQ. We 

need to continue to focus on the 

improvement process each week.” 

Minden opens the year on Nov. 30 

at home against Southern Valley. 

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TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Whippets 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 5-17 


Head Coach: Jordan Reinertson

BROKEN BOWBOYS 

According to the group’s head 

coach, the success of the Broken 

Bow boy’s basketball squad will 

hinder on two aspects of the 

game – defense and passing. 

The Indians went an impressive 

17-7 in 2016-17 under head 

coach Nate Olson, and with six 

letterwinners and five seniors 

slated to return to the hardwood, 

expectations are high. 

However, Olson said his squad 

must do the little things right in 

order to make a run this season. 

“Our keys to success will be our 

defense and our ability to share 

the ball,” Olson said. 

Leading the charge for the 

Indians will be senior point guard 

Padyn Borders, who posted 

10 points, 5 assists, and 3.2 


Complimenting Borders in the 

back court will be junior Grayson 

Garey, who averaged 5 points 

a contest during his sophomore 

campaign. 

Seniors Kevin Linn, Tanner Linn, 

and Mason McMeen, as well as 

junior Josh Harvey will all play 

big roles for Broken Bow, as 

well. 

“We have a selfless team where 

all of our members enjoy team 

success over individual success,” 

Olson added. “Determining and 

figuring out roles throughout the 

season will also be essential to 

our success.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Indians 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 17-7 


Head Coach: Nate Olson 


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difficult one for the Broken Bow 

girl’s basketball squad, as the 

Indians finished the campaign 

5-16, losing their final seven 

games. 

But a new year brings a new 

opportunity for success, as first 

year head coach Kelly Cooksley 

takes the reins of the program. 

Unfortunately for Cooksley, 

the Indians will be fairly 

inexperienced this year, as only 

four letterwinners and a pair of 

seniors return. 

“We will be extremely young,” 

Cooksley said. “We will have to 

put in the work to get better and 

be competitive. If we go through 

the motions we will get go 

through the motions results.” 

A combo of senior guards will 

carry the load for Broken Bow, 

as Jory Lowe, who averaged 7.3 

points per contest last season, is 

slated to return. 

In addition, Kate Fox, who posted 

5 points a game as a junior, will 

be back on the hardwood. 

Players to keep an eye on include 

sophomores Madison Neely, 

Majesta Valasek, and Sydney 

Carrizales, as well as junior 

Alyssa Cyboron. 

“This team has some talent, it 

is just changing the mentality 

and working to be successful at 

basketball,” Cooksley said. “If we 

have that approach, I think we can 

be successful this season.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Lady Indians 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 5-16 


Head Coach: Kelly Cooksley 



CENTRAL CITYBOYS 

Fresh off a 9-14 campaign, a 

lot of uncertainty will surround 

the 2017-18 season for the 

Central City boy’s basketball 

team. 

Not only will the Bison be 

competing in a brand new 

conference, they will also be 

under the leadership of first year 

head coach BJ Blase. 

Central City will join the Lou- 

Platte Conference in Class C-1 

this year, and will rely on a core 

of senior talent to help establish 

themselves as a team to beat. 

Senior post player Trent Wilson 

will be a leader for Central City 

come the start of the season, as 

will fellow seniors Ethan Debor 

and Dale Jones. 

Seniors Zach Rinkol and Mike 

Murray, as well as sophomores 

Josiah Olhman and Mike 

Rutherford, will also play 

important minutes for the Bison 

come early December. 

“We have good senior 

leadership, and we had a great 

summer as a team,” Blase said. 

“We played a lot of high-level 

Class B and Class C-1 teams. 

We will look to be competitive 

in our new conference.” 


Dec. 1 when the Bison travel to 

take on Gibbon. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 9-14 


Head Coach: BJ Blase 


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Coming off a 15-9 season, the 

Central City girl’s basketball 

team will have a new look to it 

this year. 

The Bison return only four 


Daniel Negus, although three 

seniors are expected back on the 

roster. 

However, it will likely be a 

sophomore that carries the load 

for Central City, as Gabrielle 

Moser averaged 10 points, 4 

rebounds, and 2 steals a game as 

a freshman. 

Senior Erica Stuart, who 

averaged 2.3 points a contest 

last year, and senior Taylor 

Wagner will also see significant 

run once the season gets 

underway. 

Negus will also look to senior 

McKenzie Makowski and junior 

Gabriella Homolka to play large 

roles for the Bison. 

“In order to be successful this 

season, we will need to continue 

to improve defensively, both 

in the full and half-court,” 

Negus said. “We will need to be 

more efficient on offense and 

replace the scoring we lost to 

graduation.” 

Central City will tip off the 

season on Dec. 1 against 

Gibbon. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 15-9 

Head Coach: Daniel Negus 


The Boone Central/Newman Grove 

boy’s basketball team will be 

hungry for success in 2017-18 after 

falling in the district final last year. 

The Cardinals finished the season 

15-9 under head coach Justin 

Harris, and with experience back 

on the roster, there are plenty of 

reasons for optimism. 

Senior post player Jessie Sullivan 

will be back on the hardwood for 

Boone Central/Newman Grove, 

after posting 13.8 points and 2.5 

assists a contest as a junior. 

“Jessie does a great job of sealing 

and touch around the rim,” Harris 

said. “He is a smart kid and a hard 

worker which makes him an even 

better player. Jessie is one of the 

best posts in C-1 and probably 

the top one in the Mid-State 

Conference.” 

Joining Sullivan on the court will 

be senior guard Dylan Gentrup, 

who averaged 13 points a game 

last year. 

“Dylan is a player that can take 

over a game with his ability to get 

to the rim and is strong to finish 

with contact,” Harris added. “He 

also can shoot the three as well. 

Dylan had a great summer and put 

himself on the coach’s radar as one 

of the top players in our class.” 

“Stay healthy,” Harris said when 

asked what the keys to a successful 

season are. “Players need to find 

their roles to best contribute to our 

team. Playing with confidence, 

heart, and close to potential every 

opportunity we get.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 15-9 


Head Coach: Justin Harris 


COZADBOYS 

RAYMOND CENTRALBOYS 

Even though the Cozad boy’s 

basketball team is coming off 

a 13-12 season, a plethora of 

experience is due back on the 

roster, making the Haymakers a 

team to watch in Class C-1. 

Entering the 2017-18 campaign, 

head coach Drew Danielson has 

eight letterwinners returning, 

including a pair of talented 

seniors. In addition, eight 

different players have starting 

experience. 


guard Trestian Siemering, who 

posted 12.9 points a game and 

made 49 three-pointers as a 

junior. 

Another sharp-shooter will be 

back on the court, as well, as 

junior Nate Neil returns after 

knocking down 45 three-pointers 

last year. 

Junior Killion Geiser and senior 

Kyle German will also be impact 

players for the Haymakers. 

“We have eight players returning 

that started a game for us last 

season so we return a lot of 

experience,” Danielson said. 

“Our key will be taking that 

next step as a program from 

being competitive in games to 

expecting to win every time we 

step foot on the floor. We did 

some good things last season, 

but I think everyone in our 

program would tell you that a 

13-12 record is not acceptable for 

Cozad boys basketball. Our boys 

are hungry to take the program to 

new heights.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Haymakers 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 13-12 


Head Coach: Drew Danielson 



difficult one for the Raymond 

Central boy’s basketball squad, 

as the group finished 2-20 under 

head coach Pat Harrington. 

But a new season brings a new 

opportunity for growth, and that 

is exactly what the Mustangs will 

be looking do with a young roster 


Only four letterwinners and 

a pair of seniors are expected 

back on the hardwood for 

Harrington. 


Mustangs will be junior shooting 

guard Dylan Thornburg, who 

will be joined in the backcourt by 

fellow junior point guard Aiden 

Urbom. 

Seniors Nate Boyd and Josh 

Palensky will look to produce 

from the forward positions, while 

sophomore guard Jaxon Eddie 

will try to make a name for 

himself in Class C-1. 

“We will need to learn from our 

mistakes as a young roster and 

continue to grow as the season 

progresses,” Harrington said. 


for Raymond Central on Dec. 1 

against Aquinas Catholic. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Mustangs 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 2-20 


Head Coach: Pat Harrington 

COZADGIRLS 

RAYMOND CENTRALGIRLS 

Under head coach Brent Frauen, 

the Cozad girl’s basketball squad 

showed steady improvement 

last year, finishing the 2016-17 

season with a 12-13 record. 

Now in his third year at the helm, 

Frauen will be looking to take the 

Haymakers to new heights, and 

will have a solid core of returners to 

help accomplish that goal. 

Although Cozad lost two key 

players from last season’s team in 

Sarah Yocom and Alyssa Schneider, 

having a number of returning 

starters could help balance it out. 

Senior post player Kennedy 

Berreckman, who was named 

third team all conference last 

season, will return to the court 

for the Haymakers, as will senior 

guard Hanna Wright. 

Senior Ellie Stallbaumer and 

junior Brenna Dugan round 

out the returners with starting 

experience for Frauen. 

Senior guard Sadie Rush, who 

missed all of last season with 

an injury, as well as Sydney 

Lindstedt and Gail Cornelius 

will also be players to watch for 

Cozad this season. 

“We have an opportunity to 

continue to build on what we 

began last year, however we will 

have to fulfill a gigantic hole left 

by the graduation of Yocom and 

Schneider,” Frauen said. “Good 

news for us is that we have Sadie 

Rush returning this year after 

she was out all of last year for an 

injury.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Haymakers 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 12-13 


Head Coach: Brent Frauen 

Following an up and down 2016- 

17 campaign, the Raymond 

Central girl’s basketball squad 

will look to take a step forward 

this season, and improve on an 

11-12 record in the process. 

Under the direction of head 

coach Shawn Ekwall, who owns 

a 26-22 record at Raymond 

Central, the Mustangs will look 

to build off the positives of last 

season, which featured multiple 

winning streaks, but five losses to 

close the regular season. 

However, Raymond Central 

brings back experience in 

the backcourt as they look to 

compete in Class C-1. 

Senior Ashley Heyen and junior 

Morgan Potter will return 

as guards for the Mustangs. 

Heyen averaged 10.2 pointsper-game 

last year, while Potter 

accumulated 7.1 points-pergame. 

Senior forward Amber Heyen, 

who stands 5-feet 10-inches tall, 

will also be a key contributor in 


According to Ekwall, getting 

consistent play from the guard 

position, keeping turnovers to 

a minimum, and cutting down 

on unnecessary fouls will be 

the recipe to success for the 

Mustangs in the upcoming 

campaign. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-12 


Head Coach: Shawn Ekwall 


DAVID CITYBOYS 

Finishing the year 6-16, 

the 2016-17 season was a 

challenging one for the David 

City boy’s basketball team. 

However, a below average 

campaign didn’t shake the 

confidence head coach Cole 

Carraher has in the Scouts. 

“I look for us to be much improved 

from last season,” Carraher said. 

David City will welcome their 

leading scorer and rebounder 

back to the court in the form of 

junior Will Danielson. 

Danielson averaged 8 points 

and 6.5 rebounds a contest as 

sophomore. 

Also returning to the hardwood 

are seniors Colin Vandenberg and 

Riley Kirby, and look for juniors 

Luis Salazar and Nick Ruth to 

turn some heads for the Scouts 

this season. 

“Our biggest key to a successful 

season is staying healthy and 

developing enough players to 

create a deeper bench,” Carraher 

added. “We don’t have a great 

deal of size, so being able to run 

the floor and putting pressure on 

teams that way will give us the 

best chance at being competitive. 

I feel this team is really ready to 

embrace that mentality and that 

style of play.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Scouts 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 6-16 


Head Coach: Cole Carraher 


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DAVID CITYGIRLS 

ORDBOYS 

The 2016-17 campaign didn’t 

go as planned for the David City 

girl’s basketball squad and head 

coach Nathan Wall, as the group 

finished 2-19. 

But with eight returning 

letterwinners back on the court for 

the Scouts this season, a seniorheavy 

group will look to get back 

on the winning path come late 

November. 

“After a strong season together, 

our keys to the season are going 

to be to shoot the basketball 

better than we did last year, and 

improve our depth as well as our 

conditioning,” Wall said. 

The Scouts will be led by a pair 

of guards who bring a plethora of 

experience. 

Junior point guard Macy Svoboda 

is coming off a season in which 

she averaged 4.7 points, 2.2 

rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. 

In addition, senior guard Olivia 

Couch, who notched 4.5 rebounds 

and 2.7 steals a contest, will be 

back to help carry the load. 

Freshman Payton Andel and Lauren 

Vandenberg are also expected to see 

significant run this season. 

“We made huge strides during the 

summer in the area of shooting, 

and our depth will improve with 

two freshmen, who proved they 

are ready to play,” Wall said. 

David City will open the season 

on Nov. 30 when it hosts 

Centennial. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Scouts 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 2-19 


Head Coach: Nathan Wall 


The 2016-17 season was a roller 

coaster ride for the Ord boy’s 

basketball squad, as the group 

finished 9-12, losing six out of its 

final seven games. 

But looking ahead to the 2017-18 

campaign, the Chanticleers return 

six letterwinners and five seniors 

under the leadership of tenured 

head coach Nick Gates. 

Ord will be led by senior guard 

Nate Wells, who averaged 8.7 

points and 3.1 assists last year. 

Joining Wells on the hardwood 

will be fellow seniors Reggie 

McKenney, Garrett Bundy, 

Austin Knapp, and Harrison 

Benton. 

Junior Hayden Grint will also 

look to carve out a significant 

role starting in early December. 

Gates said “Learning how to 

finish games and being consistent 

for four quarters” are the keys 

to success for his team. “Then 

game in and game out we have 

to keep improving,” Gates said. 

“We have some experience 

coming back and that should be 

beneficial for us. We did lose 

some offensive production and 

rebounding, but we have guys 

that have the ability to step up 

into some bigger roles.” 

Ord will open the season on Dec. 

1 against Ainsworth. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Chanticleers 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 9-12 


Head Coach: Nick Gates 



FAIRBURYBOYS 

Although the Fairbury boy’s 

basketball squad finished the 2016- 

17 season with a 9-14 record, the 

leader of the Jeffs saw plenty of 

improvement. 

And if Fairbury continues to 

trend in the right direction, 

it could be set up for a nice 

campaign in 2017-18 under head 

coach Travis Steinhoff. 

Steinhoff enters his second year 

at the helm of the program, and 

is hoping familiarity paired with 

experience will be a recipe for 

success. 

progress we made at the end of 

last year,” Steinhoff said. “We 

were much improved from game 

one to the last, last season. We 

need to continue to grow and 

work and we should be improved 

this year.” 

Fairbury will be carried this 

season by a pair of senior guards, 

as both Cayman Deboer and 

Adam Wasserman return to the 

hardwood. 


for the Jeffs on Dec. 1 against 

Lincoln Christian. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Jeffs 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 9-14 


Head Coach: Travis Steinhoff 

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“(We have to) improve on the 

FAIRBURYGIRLS 

Even though the Fairbury girl’s 


challenging 6-17 season, hopes 

are high the Jeffs can have a 

bounce back campaign in 2017- 

18. 

Under tenured head coach Amy 

Engle-Evans, Fairbury will return 

eight letterwinners, in addition to 

some up-and-coming talent. 

Sophomore post player Sara Huss 

will be back on the hardcourt for 

Fairbury, after averaging 7 points 

and 11 rebounds a game during 

her freshman year. 

“We should have a very good 

inside presence,” Engle-Evans 

said. “It will be key that we can 

knock down some outside shots in 

order to loosen up the inside for 

our posts as I think we will see a 

lot of zone versus our posts.” 

Also returning for the Jeffs is 

junior Jessa Eden, who posted 8 

points and 5 rebounds a contest 

last year. 

Seniors Macy Ohlde and Emily 

Burkley, as well as sophomore 

Cora DeBoer, will also be major 

contributors once the season gets 

underway. 

“We need to improve our defense 

intensity and with a lot of girls 

gaining valuable experience last 

year we should understand our 

principles more which will allow 

us to gamble a little more,” Engle- 

Evans added. 


Dec. 1 against Lincoln Christian. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Jeffs 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 6-17 


Head Coach: Amy Engle-Evans 


FILLMORE CENTRALBOYS 

Fresh off an impressive 16-9 

campaign, the Fillmore Central 

boy’s basketball team will look 

to keep building momentum. 

The Panthers return only five 

letterwinners and two starters 

under second-year head coach 

Jordan High. 

Senior guard Kole Karcher, who 

High called the team’s “most solid 

player,” will be back on the court 

after averaging 10.5 points and 3.1 

assists last season. 

“Kole has been a major 

contributor at FC since his 

sophomore season. He has shown 

great leadership abilities on and 

off the court, and has always been 

an amazing example to other 

players,” High added. “He can be 

a threat both as a scorer, opening 

the defense up to get other guys 

opportunities. He also has really 

good vision on the court, enabling 

him to be a great distributor.” 

Also returning will be senior 

forward Chandler Schelkopf, who 

posted 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds 

a contest his junior season. 

“We lost a lot of our scoring from 

last year in Garrett Whitley and 

Adam Hoarty, but we should be 

able to find guys who can take 

over those roles,” High said. “We 

won’t have the height advantage 

in most of our games this season, 

but we should make up for that in 

toughness. We’re hoping to build 

off of the successes we have 

had here at FC the last couple of 

seasons and continue to focus on 

the process.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Panthers 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 16-9 

Head Coach: Jordan High 


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FILLMORE CENTRALGIRLS 

The 2016-17 campaign had plenty 

of ups and downs for the Fillmore 

Central girl’s basketball squad, as 

the group ended up 10-12. 

However, valuable experience was 

gained under head coach Shad 

Eberhardt, and the Panthers will be 

prepped to make a run in 2017-18. 

Fillmore Central returns seven 

letterwinners and a core of 

four starters, including senior 

guard Jamey Broman. Broman 

averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 

rebounds, and 1.6 steals a game 

as a junior. 

Fellow seniors Alexis Schmidt, 

Grace Jacobson, and Lydia Birky 

will also look to play key roles 

for the Panthers. 

However, the effectiveness of the 

Panthers could rely on a pair of 

sophomores. 

Guard Macy Scott returns to the 

hardwood, after averaging 9.6 

points and 2.6 steals a game as 

a freshman. She will be joined 

by sophomore Halle Theis, 



“We’ll lean on these returners 

and their familiarity with each 

other to hopefully be able to 

pick up where we left off last 

year without a ton of mix ups 

and hopefully that will lead to 

us being successful,” Eberhardt 

said. “We’ll continue to rely on 

playing good pressure defense 

and looking to transition quickly 

and often and using our team 

athleticism to our advantage.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Panthers 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-12 


Head Coach: Shad Eberhardt 


GIBBONBOYS 

Despite coming off an 8-15 

campaign, the Gibbon boy’s 

basketball squad is set up for a 

bounce back season in 2017-18. 

The Buffaloes return a plethora 

of experience under head coach 

David Benge, as 10 letterwinners 

and four starters will be back on 

the hardwood. 

Leading Gibbon will be senior 

guard Collin Niemack, who 

averaged 9 points per game as a 

junior. 

Also looking to turn some heads 

will be senior guard Collin 

Dorzynski, who posted 4 points a 

contest last year, as well as junior 

Izaiah Gomez. 

Senior Chase Middleswart 

and sophomores Chi Onate 

and Nathan Holcomb will also 

see significant minutes for the 

Buffaloes this season. 

In addition, newcomers Alex 

Lopez, Logan Middleswart, 

and Ben Wiley could be impact 

players, as well. 

“We are going to return some 

experience but have major holes 

to fill in all aspects of the team,” 

Benge said. “It will be fun seeing 

who steps up into these roles 

this year. Young players will 

have much more of a chance to 

contribute.” 

The season will tip off for 

Gibbon on Nov. 30 against St. 

Paul. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Buffaloes 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 8-15 


Head Coach: David Benge 

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Coming off a difficult season in 

which the Buffaloes went 6-16, 

there is plenty to be optimistic 

about for the Gibbon girl’s 

basketball squad in 2017-18. 

Under head coach Jim 

Martenson, Gibbon will return its 

entire roster, as 12 letterwinners 

and seven seniors are expected 

back on the court. 

Leading that group will be 

senior guard Ellie Snell, who 

was named second team allconference 

during the 2016-17 

season. 

She will be complimented on the 

court by senior forward Parker 

Kenton, as well as senior guard 

Miranda Smith, who earned allconference 

honorable mention 

honors last season. 

Senior Sydni Kroll and 

sophomore Baylee Rockefeller 

also bring starting experience to 

the Gibbon roster. 

“We are looking for the 

opportunity to have an improved 

season with a nucleus returning 

from last year,” Martenson said. 

“We play in a tough conference 

(LouPlatte) and also have a very 

solid non-conference schedule 

that will force us to work and 

play the game to the best of our 

ability each and every day. We 

will strive to be better at the 

end of the season by working to 

improve every day.” 


the Buffaloes on Nov. 30 against 

St. Paul. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 6-16 


Head Coach: Jim Martenson 


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GOTHENBURGBOYS 

The 2016-17 season featured 

plenty of success for the 

Gothenburg boy’s basketball 

squad, as the Swedes went 25-3 

before falling to Wahoo in the state 

playoffs. 

Tenured head coach Roger Koehler 

will look for a repeat performance 

this season, but will have to do so 

with a new-look Gothenburg team. 

Only one starter returns in 2017- 

18, Bennet Folkers. 

Folkers, a senior, posted 7.5 points, 

4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists a 

game last season. 

He will be joined by fellow seniors 

AJ Whiting, Grant Sell, and Logan 

Carlson, who will all be looking 

to make a name for themselves in 

Class C-1. 

“We hope to feed off the 

excitement of back-to-back state 

tournament appearances. We lost 

four starters from a year ago, but 

return a lot of game experience 

with one returning starter and our 

sixth, seventh, and eighth men 

from last year,” Koehler said. “We 

should have a good group of core 

players to work around and a lot of 

hungry underclassmen working for 

playing time.” 

A negative for the Swedes is an 

injury to Sell, who tore his ACL 

this summer and will likely be off 

the court until mid-January. 

Gothenburg will open the season 

on Nov. 27 against North Platte. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Swedes 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 25-3 


Head Coach: Roger Koehler 


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GOTHENBURGGIRLS 

The Gothenburg girl’s basketball 

squad will look to improve off an 

8-16 season, as head coach Nick 

Miller enters his second year 

leading the program. 

Last season, the Swedes 

struggled to put it all together, 

and even though a core group 

of contributors graduated, 

Gothenburg will look to take 

strides in the right direction in 


Seven letterwinners and three 

seniors will be back on the roster, 

and none more important than 

power forward Gracie Stienike, 

who averaged 13 points and 6.1 

rebounds last year. 

Senior center Arleigh Costello, 


rebounds a game her junior 

campaign, and senior guard 

Natalie Kennicutt will also be 

key contributors for Miller this 

season. 

“We graduated a lot of minutes, 

but had a great summer and 

saw a lot of girls push to fill 

those roles and add depth and 

athleticism,” Miller said. “We 

want to be a team that can hang 

its hat on the defensive end, 

make other teams uncomfortable, 

and allow our offense to work off 

of that. We will rely on seniors 

and returners to set the tone, get 

into that defensive mindset, and 

compete to get better each day.” 


Nov. 27 against North Platte in a 

jamboree. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Swedes 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 8-16 


Head Coach: Nick Miller 



WILBER-CLATONIABOYS 

The Wilber-Clatonia boy’s 

basketball team will be looking 

to bounce back after a 6-16 

campaign in 2016-17. 

However, that goal will have 

to be accomplished with some 

young talent, as the Wolverines 

return only five letterwinners and 

two seniors under head coach 

Lucas Albrecht. 

“We have to gain some 

confidence in the early portion of 

our schedule before Christmas,” 

Albrecht said. “Our inexperience 

will be tested as some of our 

younger kids will be forced into 

greater roles.” 

Two starters do return for the 

Wolverines, as Hunter Cerveny, 


last season, and Josh Kalkwarf, 

who posted 3.2 points a contest, 

will both be back in uniform. 

“Both will need to take a jump 

in production and leadership,” 

Albrecht said. 

Coltin Rezabek, Preston Lee, and 

Colten Johnson will also look to 

carve out significant roles once 

the season gets underway. 

“We do have some size inside but 

not much varsity experience,” 

Albrecht added. “We hope to get 

some confidence in December 

and go from there.” 


for Wilber-Clatonia on Nov. 30 

against Tri County. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Wolverines 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 6-16 


Head Coach: Lucas Albrecht 


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WILBER-CLATONIAGIRLS 

The Wilber-Clatonia girl’s 

basketball squad will have a lot 

to prove in Class C-1 this season, 

as the Wolverines return only one 

letterwinner to the court. 

The Wolverines are coming off 

an 8-14 campaign which ended 

with an overtime loss to Fairbury 

in sub-districts. 

Jenny Wagner will be back again 

to lead the Wolverines from the 

sidelines, but the experienced 

head coach will have to find a 

way to win with a very youthful 

squad. 

Wilber-Clatonia returns only one 

senior, guard Kory Moldenhauer, 

who will look to be a leader for 

the Wolverines this season. 

Junior Rylee Hayek will also play 

a big role, as will sophomores 

Tia Kreshel, Megan Tinsley, and 

Aislim Martinez. 

“We are a very young team with 

little varsity experience after 

losing six seniors last season,” 

Wagner said. “Our young players 

will have to step up and grow as 

the season progresses in order to 

continue to see success. We have 

a great future ahead of us.” 

Wilber-Clatonia will open the 

season on Nov. 30 against Tri 

County. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Wolverines 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 8-14 


Head Coach: Jenny Wagner 



KEARNEY CATHOLICBOYS 

The Kearney Catholic boy’s 

basketball squad is not only 

coming off an impressive 21-6 

season last year, but is also 

looking forward to its first full 

season under head coach Bob 

Langan. 

Langan took over for the Stars 

after two games in 2016-17. 

However, matching last year’s 

success will be a challenge for 

Langan, who will look to reload 

his roster after a number of 

seniors graduated. 

“We graduated eight seniors who 

all contributed at some point 

last year,” Langan said. “Matt 

Masker is the only player that 

returns who played a significant 

amount of minutes.” 

Masker, a senior guard, will lead 

the charge for the Stars after 

averaging 4.1 points and 2.8 


Six other letterwinners will 

return, as well, including seniors 

Marcus Benesch, Josh Long, and 

Cole Staab. 

“To be successful, we will have 

to find a mixture of guys who are 

willing to unselfishly play for 

each other and focus on getting 

better throughout the year,” 

Langan said. “We will have more 

size than past years, so we will 

have to find a way to utilize our 

size.” 

Kearney Catholic will open the 

season on Dec. 1 at home against 

North Platte. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Stars 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 21-6 


Head Coach: Bob Langan 


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KEARNEY CATHOLICGIRLS 

Although the ending wasn’t 

what the Kearney Catholic 

girl’s basketball team had 

hoped for, the 2016-17 season 

was still one to remember for 

the Stars. 

Under long tenured head coach 

Rick Petri, Kearney Catholic 

finished 29-1, going undefeated 

during the regular season before 

falling in the NSAA state 

tournament. 

Petri, who is entering his 21 st 

year at Kearney Catholic, will be 

looking for a similar showing, 

but will have to find success 

without any starters returning. 

However, the Stars do return 

a core group of letterwinners, 

including junior guard Olivia 

Micek, who averaged 3.5 points 

a game last year and will be 

relied on heavily this season. 

Also expected back on 

the hardwood are seniors 

Madison Shoemaker, Ashlynn 

Schmaderer, and Annie Trettel. 

Sophomores Ainsley Aden and 

Liza Trettel will also look to 

turn some heads come early 

December. 

“With no returning starters and 

only three others that played 

significant minutes, our team 

will have to learn on the run,” 

Petri said. “We hope that several 

of our young players make 

significant strides as the season 

progresses, and can be a factor 

by the end of the season.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Stars 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 29-1 


Head Coach: Rick Petri 



LINCOLN CHRISTIANBOYS 

MALCOLMBOYS 

The Lincoln Christian boy’s 

basketball squad is coming off an 

up-and-down 2016-17 campaign, 

in which the Crusaders finished 

11-11. 


opportunity for Lincoln Christian 

to make some noise in Class C-1, 

as head coach Gary Nunally is 

back at the helm of the program. 

Nunally has plenty of experience 

slated to return to the hardwood, 

as nine letterwinners and five 

seniors will be back on the court. 

Much of the Crusaders’ success 

will depend on the play of a 

sophomore, however, as guard 

Justin Bubak is coming off an 

impressive season. 

Bubak was named all-conference 

a year ago after averaging 14.1 

points a contest as a freshman. 

Another impact player will be 

junior Caleb Canfield, who was 

also named to the all-conference 

team after averaging 11.8 points 


Seniors Treyson Bigler, Max 

McEwen, Josh McEwen, and 

Garrett Conrad will also see 

significant playing time for 

Lincoln Christian. 

“We had a really good summer 

with many of our guys putting in 

a lot of work,” Nunally said. “It 

will be important for all of us to 

live out our faith everyday, giving 

great effort, putting others before 

ourselves, and responding in a 

positive way to the adversity that 

every basketball season brings.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-11 


Head Coach: Gary Nunnally 


If the Malcolm boy’s basketball 

squad has plans of making 

some noise in Class C-1 this 

year, some unfamiliar athletes 

will have to make a name for 

themselves. 


coach Chris Lewandowski, 

the Clippers will be fairly 

inexperienced in 2017-18, after 

finishing 11-13 last year. 

The group lost five athletes to 

graduation, but do return five 

letterwinners, including a trio of 

seniors. 

However, much of Malcolm’s 

success will hinder on a junior, 

as forward Dylan Johnson, 

who averaged 6.5 points and 6 

rebounds last season, is set to 

take on a bigger role. 

Senior guards Beau Sackett 

and Ty Shaw, as well as junior 

forward Nate Kuhn, will also be 

impact players for the Clippers 

come early December. 

“We will have many new faces 

on the court this year after 

graduating five seniors. We 

need to have guys step up and 

be playmakers. We may be 

inexperienced but these guys are 

hard workers and fun to coach,” 

Lewandowski said. “This year’s 

team is a very competitive 

group, from the freshmen to the 

seniors, and there will be great 

competition for the spots on the 

floor. (I’m) excited to see how 

this team comes together.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Clippers 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-13 


Head Coach: Chris Lewandowski 


LINCOLN CHRISTIANGIRLS 

MALCOLMGIRLS 

The 2016-17 season was as 

good as it gets for the Lincoln 

Christian girl’s basketball team. 

The Crusaders dominated the 

regular season, finishing 28-2, 

and continued their success in 

the NSAA state tournament, 

snagging a first-place finish. 

However, success is nothing 

new to tenured head coach Nick 

Orduna, who owns a 244-156 

career record at the head of the 

program. 

In 2017-18, the defending state 

champions will look for a repeat 

performance, but will have to do 

so with only four letterwinners 

and three starters returning. 

Orduna will look to senior guard 

Chloe Dworak and senior post 

player Emily Hollenbeck as 

leaders come the start of the 

campaign. 

In addition, he will rely heavily 

on sophomore post player 

Olivia Hollenbeck, who started 

as a freshman last year, as well 

as junior small forward Tessa 

Chicoine. 

When asked what the keys to 

yet another successful season 

are, Orduna kept it simple: Stay 

hungry and stay healthy. 


for Lincoln Christian on Dec. 1 

against Fairbury. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 28-2 


Head Coach: Nick Orduna 


The Malcolm girl’s basketball 

squad is coming off an 

impressive 2016-17 campaign, 

in which the Clippers finished 

22-4 and made an NSAA state 

tournament appearance. 

Under head coach Trudy 

Samuelson, much of the same is 

expected in 2017-18, as seven 

letterwinners and a core of 

seniors will be back on the court 

for Malcolm. 


Clippers will be senior center 

Jaela Zimmerman, who averaged 

an impressive 9.4 points, 7.7 

rebounds, 4 assists, and 4.4 steals 


She will be joined on the court by 

fellow senior Chloe Schumacher, 



Junior guard Brooklyn Minzel, 


last year, as well as juniors 

McKenzie Teten and Kelsey 

Brady will also be impact players 

for Malcolm. 

“Strong, confident, and 

commanding guard play (will be 

our keys to success),” Samuelson 

said. “(We need to) develop a 

bench and dominate in the post.” 

The season opens up on Dec. 1 

against Weeping Water. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Clippers 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 22-4 


Head Coach: Trudy Samuelson 


MILFORDBOYS 

For the Milford boy’s basketball 

team, a number of positives were 

seen during the 2016-17 season, 

where the Eagles finished 18-6 

under tenured head coach Tony 

Muller. 

Milford pushed for a state 

tournament appearance, but fell 

to eventual state champions 

Bishop Neumann in the district 

finals 67-61. 

While plenty of success was seen 

last year, there is a downside. 

11 seniors graduated off that 

team, leaving Muller with an 

inexperienced squad for the 

2017-18 campaign. 

Only two letterwinners and a 

pair of seniors will return for the 

Eagles. 

“Gaining varsity experience 

will be important for the 

underclassmen,” Muller said. 

Taking on a leadership role this 

season will be senior guard Jacob 

Bitterman, who posted 8.8 points, 

4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists a 

game during his junior year. 

Joining Bitterman in the back court 

will be junior guards Nate Mensik 

and Bragan Meyer, while senior 

forward Jesse Beel will look to do 

some damage in the paint. 

“We have smart basketball 

players that play hard,” Muller 

added. “Guard play will be our 

strength early, with Jacob and 

Nate as our leaders.” 

The season tips off on Nov. 30 

against Fillmore Central. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Eagles 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 18-6 


Head Coach: Tony Muller 

402-761-2110 

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MILFORDGIRLS 

Although the Milford girl’s 

basketball team is coming off 

a 10-11 season, the program is 

likely to bounce back under head 

coach Phil Stauffer. 

Stauffer, who owns a career 

81-68 record at the helm of 

the program, returns nine 

letterwinners this season, putting 

the Eagles in a position to do 

some damage during the 2017-18 

campaign. 

Another reason for optimism 

for Milford is the return of Jayla 

Policky, who averaged 8 points 

and 7.7 rebounds a contest last 

year before injuring her knee in 

the eighth game of the season. 

Policky will be joined on the 

court by Sydney Bontrager, 


rebounds a contest last season. 

Tyra Asehoff, Ryleigh Ackerman, 

Erika Rolene, and Nevaeh 

Stauffer will all be players to 

keep an eye on for the Eagles, as 

well. 

“Improvement on defense, along 

with cutting down on turnovers 

(will be the keys to success),” 

Stuaffer said. “With the top 

eight scorers all returning from 

last year we hope to be more 

consistent on offense and avoid 

scoring droughts.” 

The season gets underway for 

Milford on Nov. 30 against 

Fillmore Central. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-11 


Head Coach: Phil Stauffer 



O’NeillBOYS 

ON THE GO 

The good news for the O’Neill 

boy’s basketball squad is they are 

coming off an impressive 2016- 

17 campaign, in which the Eagles 

went 23-3 before falling in the 

NSAA state tournament to Bishop 

Neumann. 

The Eagles will be under the 

direction of head coach Seth 

Kallhoff, who is entering his 

seventh season at the helm with a 

103-50 record. 

“Our goals are always the same,” 

Kallhoff said. “We want to get 

better every practice, compete each 

and every game, and win all of our 

tournaments.” 

Leading the charge for O’Neill this 

season will be a trio of seniors, 

including point guard Justin 

Appleby, who posted 12 points and 

4 rebounds a game as a junior. 

In addition, Kallhoff said he expects 

fellow seniors Shayne Campbell and 

Trevor Dempster, as well as juniors 

Dennis Herrera and Francisco Perez 

to see significant court time as well. 

“This year we will rely on our 

senior leadership. Justin, Alex, and 

Wyatt have all been big pieces to 

our recent success and they will be 

looked upon to keep that level of 

play going,” Kallhoff added. “We 

will be looking for some newcomers 

to step up and fill some very 

important roles but we like the effort 

they have put into their game in the 

offseason. Shayne Campbell will 

look to become a jack of all trades 

because of his willingness to dive 

for loose balls and get after all the 

dirty work. That type of effort gets 

everyone’s energy up in a positive 

way and we will play better with 

him on our team.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 23-3 


Head Coach: Seth Kallhoff 


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O’NeillGIRLS 

The O’Neill girl’s basketball team 

finished 14-11 last season, gaining 

a lot of momentum throughout the 

2016-17 campaign. The success 

is a trend head coach Brock 

Eichelberger is hoping to see 

continue. 

The Eagles bring back plenty of 

experience in 2017-18, as nine 

letterwinners and seven seniors will 

return to the hardwood. 

“This year we will have a lot of 

veteran players coming back with 

varsity experience from last season,” 

Eichelberger said. “We also think 

that the maturity of this team with 

seven seniors will be a big key in 

competing every night, especially 

our big games.” 

Leading the charge for the Eagles 

will be senior point guard Samantha 

Eichelberger, along with senior 

guard Julia Bauer and junior Claire 

Morrow. 

Seniors Gabbie Scott, Aurora 

Gutshall, and Morgan Fowler 

will also play significant roles for 

O’Neill come the start of the season. 

“We really like this year’s team 

because of what they bring to the 

floor both mentally and physically. 

In our conference you have to bring 

that every single night in order 

to compete against the best in the 

state,” Eichelberger added. “We are 

really excited about this year’s team, 

not only because of our veteran 

players that are coming back, but as 

for our freshman and sophomores as 

well who will be ready to perform at 

a high level right from the start.” 


Nov. 30 against Valentine. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 14-11 


Head Coach: Brock Eichelberger 

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Petersburg, NE 68652 

(402) 386-5297 

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Fax: (402) 386-5296 

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P.O. Box 836 

1100 E. Douglas Street 

O’Neill, NE 68763 

(402) 336-1474 

Toll Free: (877) 336-1474 

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LINCOLN LUTHERANBOYS 

FREEMANBOYS 

The 2016-17 season featured 

a series of highs and lows for 

the Lincoln Lutheran boy’s 


struggled to consistently add 

marks to the win column. 

The Warriors ended the campaign 

12-11, but the 2017-18 campaign 

brings plenty of optimism for head 

coach Jason Glines, who will have 

a core group of seniors returning. 

Although only five letterwinners 

are expected back on the roster, 

six seniors will likely see action 

come the start of the season. 


forward Logan Kreizel, who 

posted 9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 

and shot 39 percent from threepoint 

land as a junior. 

Senior guard Jacob Glines, who 


year, and senior Chase DeBusk 

will also see significant run for 

the Warriors. 

“We have a good nucleus of 

returning players and a group 

of seniors who have worked 

really hard,” Glines said. “We 

should have pretty good depth 

and athleticism. Keys to success 

will be to play at a fast pace with 

good defensive pressure. Most 

importantly, love to play with 

and for our teammates. If we 

do that, we have a chance to be 

really good.” 


for Lincoln Lutheran on Nov. 

30 against Grand Island Central 

Catholic. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Warriors 

Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 12-11 


Head Coach: Jason Glines 


On the heels of a 15-10 campaign 

in 2016-17, expectations are high 

for the Freeman boy’s basketball 

team. 

As the Falcons enter the 2017-18 

campaign led by head coach Jim 

McLaughlin, plenty of experience 

is expected back on the roster. 

Nine letterwinners and five 

seniors will return for Freeman, 

led by Blake Kastanek, who 

averaged 11 points during his 

junior season. 

Tyler Adams will also play a 

crucial role for the Falcons, as 

the junior is coming off a season 

in which he averaged 11.6 points 

and 4.4 rebounds a contest. 

Seniors Lane Cacek, Jacob 

Gramann, and Korey Beu will 

all see significant run on the 

hardwood, as well. 

When asked what the keys 

to a successful season are, 

McLaughlin laid out his 

blueprints for success. He said 

building chemistry, developing 

a work-hard mindset, and 

developing pride in defense and 

rebounding will determine how 

far his team can go. 

“We didn’t graduate any 

seniors last year and inherited 

a transfer in Logan Anderson,” 

McLaughlin said. “Experience 

won’t be an issue. This team 

will need to experience learning 

what it takes to win big games. 

The tools are there to do so. I am 

excited for the season.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Falcons 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 15-10 


Head Coach: Jim McLaughlin 

LINCOLN LUTHERANGIRLS 

FREEMANGIRLS 

The Lincoln Lutheran girl’s 

basketball squad struggled to find 

consistency last season, finishing 

the 2016-17 campaign with an 

11-12 record under head coach 

Rich Olson. 

But a new season brings 

optimism for the Warriors, as 10 

letterwinners and four seniors are 

expected back on the court for 

Lincoln Lutheran in 2017-18. 

The experienced group will be 

led by senior forward Paige 

Ravenscroft, who posted 14.7 

points a contest her junior year. 

Senior forward Mackenzie 

Koepke will also be a key player, 

after averaging 14.2 points a 


And keep an eye on fellow 

senior Kayla Ernstmeyer, as well 

as guard Gabby Mason, who 

contributed 9.5 points a game in 

2016-17. 

Juniors Josie Puelz, Gretchen 

Moll, and Ella Moll will also be 

players to watch come the start of 

the season. 

When asked what aspects of 

the game will lead to success 

this season, Olson noted that 

offensive consistency and 

defensive intensity will be 

mandatory for the Warriors to 

compete in Class C-1. 

The season tips off for Lincoln 

Lutheran on Nov. 30 against 

Grand Island Central Catholic. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-12 


Head Coach: Rich Olson 

Even though the Freeman girl’s 


an 11-14 season, the Falcons are 

positioned to make an impact in 

Class C-2. 

Freeman will not only be 

familiar with second year head 

coach Kristin Kroeker, but eight 

letterwinners are expected to 

return to the hardwood. 


Falcons will be senior forward 

Abby Mason, who after missing 

most of her junior campaign 

due to injury, will be looking 

to make a name for herself in 


Mason averaged 5.8 points and 

5.8 rebounds a contest before 

her injury. 

Also expected to contribute is 

senior guard Addison Dorn, 

who posted 5.7 points a game 

last year, and senior point guard 

Brylie Hadwig. 

“Our team needs to be willing to 

get better everyday at practice,” 

Kroeker said. “We need to 

learn from our wins and losses. 

We will need all members to 

contribute to our team in order 

to be successful.” 

The Falcons will open the 


against Palmyra. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-14 


Head Coach: Kristin Kroeker 



AINSWORTHGIRLS 

TWIN RIVERGIRLS 

The Ainsworth girl’s basketball 

squad is coming off a difficult 

season, finishing 3-17 during the 

2016-17 campaign. 

But a new season will bring a 

fresh start for the Bulldogs, and 

first year head coach Stephen 

Crile will look to put the program 

on the winning track. 

“Coming in and taking over the 

girl’s program the coaches and 

I have stressed that we need to 

log hours in the gym and in the 

weight room,” Crile said. “The 

girls have done a fantastic job 

putting in work this summer, 

and we look to see that help us 

transition into conditioning and 

practice once the season starts.” 

The Bulldogs have some 

experience returning, as six 

letterwinners will be back on the 

court come early December. 

“We have also been stressing 

togetherness, family, leadership, 

and accountability. All successful 

teams have this in some way, 

shape, or form,” Crile added. 

“This summer during our camps 

we talked about shooting and 

how our percentage of made 

shots was not very good last year. 

We only had five games where 

we scored 40 or more points. We 

want to change that this season.” 


Dec. 1 against Ord. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Bulldogs 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 3-17 


Head Coach: Stephen Crile 

The Twin River girl’s basketball 

team was impressive in 2016-17, 

going 18-7 before falling in the 

C2-4 District Final to Howells- 

Dodge. 

But success for the Titans is 

nothing new under tenured head 

coach Jeff Morris, who boasts 

a 160-56 record at the helm of 

Twin River. 

Experience will be lacking, as 

only four letterwinners are slated 

to return. However, the junior 

varsity team went undefeated last 

season for Twin River, prompting 

Morris to believe the younger 

players “will adjust quickly to 

the speed of the varsity game.” 

The Titans will rely heavily 

on shooting guard Calista 

Shanle, who returns for her 

senior season, as well as juniors 

Gabriella Wieck and Halle Konz. 

Twin River will start the season 

without post player Nina Parry, 

as the senior tore her ACL and 

isn’t expected back until January. 

“We have a strong nucleus to 

build around with Cali, Nina, 

Gabi, and Halle,” Morris 

said. “They have played a lot 

of basketball for us, they are 

talented, and they understand 

our system of play. We can score 

inside, and from the perimeter. 

These kids are quick and are a 

threat on the drive.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 18-7 


Head Coach: Jeff Morris 


611 E. 4TH STREET 

AINSWORTH, NE 

402.387.1450 

Best of luck this season! 

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LEADER 


AMHERSTBOYS 

SUPERIORBOYS 

Fresh off an NSAA state tournament 

appearance and a 23-4 campaign, the 

Amherst boy’s basketball team will be 

an exciting team to watch this season. 

Under the leadership of head coach 

Bill Giffin, who owns a 91-19 career 

record with the program, the Broncos 

return three senior starters and a 

plethora of letterwinners. 

However, all eyes will once again be 

on talented senior forward Holden 

Eckhout, who posted an impressive 

16.2 points and 9.7 rebounds a contest 

during his junior year. 

“Holden Eckhout has been a key 

player for us his entire career and we 

know he will attract a lot of attention 

from opponents,” Giffin said. 

Also returning will be senior starters 

Dakota Abbott and Grant Bergstrom, 

both of which will play critical roles 

alongside Eckhout. 

“Dakota Abbott gives us size and 

shot altering ability that changed 

the landscape of games last year,” 

Giffin added. “Grant Bergstrom gives 

us some great leadership and looks 

to build off his first year of being a 

starter.” 

Trevor Lockhorn, Riley Thomsen, 

and Collen Jaixen will also be impact 

players for the Broncos this season, as 

the talented group looks to navigate its 

way through Class C-2. 

“Our schedule will be challenging, 

as it appears to be more difficult than 

past years with additional Class C 

opponents,” Giffin said. “We look to 

have a strong post presence and will 

need to have additional perimeter 

players step up to be competitive. 

Overall, I believe we will be 

competitive within our conference 

and district and have great potential to 

play into March.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Broncos 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 23-4 


Head Coach: Bill Griffin 



Superior boy’s basketball team 

will look to get back on the 

winning track and make some 

noise in Class C-2. 

However, the Wildcats will have to 

find their bearings quickly under 

head coach Luke Chadwell, as 

only four returning letterwinners 

and one senior are expected back 

on the court. 

“We will be a fairly inexperienced 

team this season,” Chadwell said. 

“Effort, execution, and gaining 

experience are keys to this 

season.” 


Wildcats will be junior McKinney 

Edwards, who averaged 4 points, 

3.6 rebounds, and 1 assist a game 

last year. 

Also looking to contribute will be 

sophomore guard Hunter Healey, 

who averaged 3.2 points per game 

in 2016-17, and junior guard 

Trenton Theis. 

Adam Baker, Jaden Hanson, and 

Adin Leibel will all be looking to 

carve out significant roles for the 

Wildcats as well. 

Superior will open the season at 

home on Dec. 2 against Republic 

County. 



TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 7-14 


Head Coach: Luke Chadwell 


AMHERSTGIRLS 

Coming off a 9-14 campaign that 

saw plenty of ups and downs, the 

Amherst girl’s basketball team will 

look to make some waves in Class 

C-2 during the 2017-18 campaign. 

Under the leadership of second 

year head coach Nathan Dietz, the 

Broncos will return six letterwinners 

to the court come late November. 

That group will be led by senior 

guard Emily Arnold, who posted 8.7 

points and 2.1 assists per contest last 

year. 

Joining Arnold in the backcourt 

will be junior Emily Palmer, who 

averaged 6.7 points and 2.6 assists 

per game her sophomore season. 

Junior Taryn Hadwiger, who will 

hold down the center position, will 

also look to make a significant 

impact after averaging 7.7 points 

and 4.5 rebounds in 2016-17. 

“We need to limit our turnovers 

and have more confidence on the 

offensive end of the court,” Dietz 

said. 

The Broncos will open the season 

on Nov. 1 when they battle Ravenna. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 9-14 


Head Coach: Nathan Dietz 




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FEBRUARY 4, 2018

ARCADIA-LOUP CITYBOYS 

The good news for the Arcadia- 

Loup City boys basketball 

squad is they are coming off an 

impressive 16-8 campaign. 

The better news, however, is 

experience will be abundant in 

2017-18, as 11 letterwinners 

are expected to return to the 

hardwood this season. 

The Rebels are led by head coach 

Aaron Habe, and will look to 

build off a successful season that 

ended with a tight sub-district 

loss to Amherst. 

Forward Nolan Baker will look 

to lead the senior-heavy roster, 

after posting 14 points and six 


Senior guard Tige Calleroz, who 

averaged 8 rebounds and 5 steals 

last year, and senior Macrae 

Maschka will also be impact 

players for the Rebels. 

“Rebounding and consistent 

shooting will be two of the 

biggest factors,” Habe said. “We 

believe as a team if we take care 

of those two things then we can 

definitely attain our goals for this 

upcoming season.” 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 



Team Name: Rebels 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 16-8 


Head Coach: Aaron Habe 


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ARCADIA-LOUP CITYGIRLS 

PERKINS COUNTYBOYS 

The Arcadia-Loup City girl’s 

basketball squad is coming off a 

decent 2016-17 season, finishing 

the campaign 11-10. 

Trevor Wright will take over as 

head coach for the Rebels during 

the 2017-18 season. 

While only five letterwinners are 

expected to return for Arcadia- 

Loup City, three starters will be 

back on the roster, providing much 

needed experience for the Rebels. 

One of those returning starters 

will be senior point guard 

Kennedy Lewandowski, who 

Wright calls “one of the biggest 

strengths of the team”. 

Joining Lewandowski on the 

court will be senior forward 

Kaylea Rasmussen, who posted 

8.1 points per game as a junior. 

Senior Kinley Krzycki will 

also be a player to watch at the 

guard position, as will forward 

Mackenzie Dahlberg. 

“I think we have a lot to offer 

with our size and our perimeter 

players. Our post players have 

great size and ability to play 

with other good posts,” Wright 

said. “Our perimeter players are 

learning how to play faster and 

under control. I think we have 

a lot to work on as individual 

players, mostly just the repetition 

of basic fundamentals. We have 

some good experience coming 

back but there are some young 

girls that will have to step up 

and play key varsity minutes this 

year.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Rebels 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-10 

Head Coach: Trevor Wright 

The biggest advantage the 

Perkins County boy’s basketball 

squad possesses heading into the 

2017-18 season is experience, 

both on the court and on the 

sidelines. 

The Plainsmen return nine 

letterwinners to the hardwood 

following a 14-11 campaign, and 

long-tenured head coach Shawn 

Cole will once again be at the 

helm. 

Cole has coached over 200 

games for Perkins County. 

The group will be led by four 

seniors, including guard Josh 

Johnston, who posted 12 points 

and 4 rebounds a game last year. 

Big man Charles Johnson will 

also return after averaging 11 

points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals a 

contest in 2016-17. 

Fellow seniors Michael Beck 

and Tyson Patrick, in addition to 

junior guard Spencer Ross, will 

also carve out a significant role 

for the Plainsmen. 


success for the upcoming season 

are, Cole was straightforward. 

“Getting through football without 

major injury, competing in 

practice to prepare for games, 

(and the) kids’ drive to win 

games,” he said. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Plainsmen 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 14-11 


Head Coach: Shawn Cole 



CAMBRIDGEGIRLS 

SOUTHWESTBOYS 

The Cambridge girl’s basketball 

team was impressive during the 

2016-17 season, cruising to a 

20-4 record before falling in the 

first round of the NSAA state 

tournament. 

Under the direction of head coach 

Jarod Albers, who owns a 39-10 

record at the helm of the program, 

the Trojans are hoping for another 

successful run as the 2017-18 

campaign approaches. 

Albers will have seven 

letterwinners and three seniors 

back on the court this season. 

Although, it will likely be a pair 

of sophomores leading the charge 

for Cambridge. 

Guard Korynn Clason will return 

for her sophomore season after 

averaging 15 points a contest as a 

freshman, in addition to earning 

second team all-conference honors. 

Fellow sophomore guard Shaye 

Porter will also be an impact 

player for the Trojans, as will 

senior Kati Moore. 

Katelynn Benson and Baylee 

Miller, both of whom are seniors, 

will also see significant run come 

the start of the season. 

“We have a lot of people returning 

that have played, but some are 

going to be asked to pick up 

some pretty important roles this 

season,” Albers said. “I think we 

have the capability to be good, we 

just need to settle into a plan and 

people need to buy into what they 

are being asked to do.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Trojans 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 20-4 


Head Coach: Jarod Albers 


On the heels of a 14-11 

campaign which featured 

a NSAA state tournament 

appearance and a five-game 

winning streak, the Southwest 

boy’s basketball squad will look 

to keep building momentum in 


Under first-year head coach 

Christian Arterburn, the 

Roughriders return only four 

letterwinners and two seniors. 

“We have some big shoes to 

fill after graduating three big 

starters,” Arterburn said. 

There will be talent on the 

roster, however, as senior 

Logan Greenlee, who posted 

6.2 points and 1.3 steals a game 

last year will return at the guard 

position. 

Joining him will be fellow 

senior guard Derek Greenlee, 

who averaged 8.2 points a 

contest last year. 

Juniors Blake Williams and 

Dylan Hofman will also be 

impact players for Southwest 


“We need to establish a game 

inside the paint,” Arterburn 

said of the keys to success 

this season. “We should be 

pretty quick and athletic. (But) 

defense will be the key to 

success this season.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Roughriders 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 14-11 


Head Coach: Christian Arterburn 

SOUTHWESTGIRLS 

The bad news for the Southwest 

girl’s basketball team is the 2016- 

17 season didn’t go as planned, 

as the Roughriders finished the 

campaign with a 6-15 record. 

The good news, however, is 

that invaluable experienced was 

gained, as seven letterwinners are 

expected to return for head coach 

Tersen Arnold. 

“After only losing one senior to 

graduation, we have almost our 

entire team returning,” Arnold 

said. “We will need to rely on 

that experience this season as we 

face a difficult schedule featuring 

a number of quality teams.” 

The Roughriders will be led by 

junior guard Nicole Dewey, who 

posted an impressive 10 points, 

10.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per 


Senior forwards Bailee Springer, 


game last season, and Ashley 

Kragelund will also be key 

contributors. 

Senior Destiney Ebert, and 

juniors Cara Oltmer and Caitlyn 

Smith will also look to carve out 

significant roles for Southwest. 

“Offensively, shot selection and 

limiting turnovers will be key,” 

Arnold said. “Defensively, we 

need to keep our opponents first 

shot shooting percentage low 

while finishing possessions with 

rebounds.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Roughriders 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 6-15 

Head Coach: Tersen Arnold 



DONIPHAN-TRUMBULLBOYS 

Coming off a season in which 

the Doniphan-Trumbull boy’s 

basketball squad posted the 

second best record in school 

history, expectations are high 

heading into the new campaign. 

Led by third-year head coach 

Kelan Buhr, the Cardinals will 

return nine letterwinners from 

last year’s team, including three 

starters. Senior Logan Schuldt 

will look to carry the bulk of the 

load after averaging 12.2 points, 

5.7 assists, and 2.4 steals a game 

as a junior. 

Senior Bret Jonson, a three-year 

starter who posted 10.7 points 

a game last year, and junior 

Triston Stephens will also be key 

contributors for the Cardinals this 

season. 

“We return a great deal of 

experience and depth at the guard 

position. We will feature some 

new faces in the post and once 

again look to play an exciting, uptempo 

style of basketball,” Buhr 

said. “However, our defensive 

mentality and ability to rebound 

the basketball will dictate how 

truly good this team can be.” 

The Cardinals open the season on 

Dec. 1 on the road against Blue 

Hill. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 17-8 


Head Coach: Kelan Buhr 


TERRY M. CONNICK • CANDY DEMBOWSKI • MICHELLE KOCH 

104 W. Plum St., P.O. Box 230 • Doniphan, NE 

Office: 402.845.6568 • Fax: 402.845.4401 


DONIPHAN-TRUMBULLGIRLS 

The Doniphan-Trumbull girl’s 


an 8-14 season, and although 

the record doesn’t stand out, 

valuable experience was gained 

both on the sidelines and on the 

court. 

The Cardinals now enter year 

two under head coach Jeff 

Keasling, who spent the 2016- 

17 season getting his bearings at 

the head of the program. 

With six returning letterwinners 

due back this year, Doniphan- 

Trumbull will look to keep 

progressing and make some 

noise in Class C-2. 

A player to watch for the 

Cardinals is sophomore guard 

Katie Roach, who posted 

9 points and 4 assists as a 

freshman. 

Senior Zoe Ballard, as well 

as junior Bailey Williams will 

need to play significant roles for 

Keasling this season. 

Logan Poppe, Kalee Wiltfong, 

and Tristan Larsen will also see 

a lot of minutes in 2017-18. 

“We are a smaller team both in 

size and numbers. It is important 

for us to be extremely sound 

and disciplined defensively,” 

Keasling said. “Last season 

eight of our 14 losses were by 

single digits, with three of them 

coming at the buzzer. We have 

to figure out how to close those 

50/50 games out.” 


for the Cardinals on Dec. 1 

against Blue Hill. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 8-14 

Head Coach: Jeff Keasling 


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CENTENNIALBOYS 

SOUTHERN VALLEYBOYS 

For most teams, repeating the 

success of a 22-4 campaign can 

be difficult. However, that is 

exactly what head coach Cam 

Scholl and the Centennial boy’s 

basketball squad will attempt to 

do during the 2017-18 season. 

The Broncos impressed last 

year, dominating the regular 

season in Class C-2 before 

falling to Ponca in the NSAA 

state playoffs. 

But with seven letterwinners 

returning, Centennial has a 

unique opportunity to put 

together another impressive 

campaign. 

“We will need to develop 

some depth at the start of the 

season,” Scholl said. “Our goal 

is to win our next game and be 

playing our best at the end of the 

season.” 

The Broncos will be led by 

junior guard Jack Hirschfeld, 

who is coming off an all-state 

selection after averaging 18 

points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists 

last season. 

Senior forward Heath 

Haberman, junior guard Wyatt 

Ehlers, and sophomore forward 

Joel Bargen will also return to 

the court for the Broncos as 

impact players. 

Centennial will open the season 

on Nov. 30 when they battle 

David City. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 22-4 


Head Coach: Cam Scholl 


The Southern Valley boy’s 


a solid 2016-17 season, which 

featured the Eagles finishing 

14-11 under head coach Tylor 

Fincher, who owns a 75-42 

career coaching record. 

However, with a new campaign 

ready to begin, Southern Valley 

is preparing to do some damage 

in Class C-2, and push into the 

NSAA state tournament. 

To reach that goal, the Eagles 

will have to rely heavily on 

senior guard Chaston Burgeson. 

Complimenting Burgeson on the 

court will be senior post player 

Kade Bose, who was able to turn 

some heads as a junior last year. 

Billie Paine, Ryder Lewis, Gabe 

Haase, and Jaden Quinn will 

also look to contribute once the 

season gets underway for the 

Eagles. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 14-11 


Head Coach: Tylor Fincher 


CENTENNIALGIRLS 

SOUTHERN VALLEYGIRLS 

For the Centennial girl’s basketball 

squad, growing pains are expected 

during the 2017-18 season. 

The Broncos are coming off a 

7-17 campaign, which featured a 

mid-season coaching change as 

head coach Jake Polk took over 

with 13 games remaining. 

Now, Polk will enter his first 

full year at the helm, but will 

do so with a very inexperienced 

roster that contains six returning 

letterwinners and only one senior. 

“I believe that in order for us 

to have a successful season, we 

need to expedite the development 

of our youthful team,” Polk said. 

“With only one senior on the 

roster, we will need to have some 

young players kick in a lot of 

minutes this year.” 

One of those players will be 

sophomore Kaitlyn Fehlhafer, 


rebounds, and recorded 37 blocks 

as a freshman. 

Junior guard Brooklyn Gierhan, 


rebounds last year, as well as 

sophomore Hunter Hartshorn, will 

also see significant playing time. 

“I’m excited about the group 

we have coming back and I’m 

grateful that I’m being given 

the opportunity to lead the girls 

basketball program,” Polk said. 

“At the end of the year, we want 

to be playing our best basketball 

so that we can give our best shot 

to whomever we play in subdistricts 

and take it one game at a 

time from there.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 7-17 


Head Coach: Jake Polk 


The 2016-17 season brought a 

lot of success for the Southern 

Valley girl’s basketball team, 

as the group went 14-10 before 

a 52-40 loss in the district 

tournament. 

And although head coach Jeff 

Ellis has five letterwinners 

returning on the heels of a 

successful campaign, he said that 

leadership will define the Eagles 

this season. 

“With this group, we need to 

develop leadership both on and 

off the court,” Ellis said. “That 

leadership needs to help build 

positive relationships between 

our upper and lower classmen.” 

Ellis will likely look to a trio of 

seniors to lead, as forwards Cassi 

Bose, Becca Lennemann, and 

Halle Linner will all return to the 

court. 

Bose is the leading returning 

scorer after averaging 13 points a 


“Offensively, we need girls to 

step up in new roles and be able 

to contribute on a consistent 

level,” Ellis added. “Defensively, 

we need to be able to apply 

pressure both in the front court 

and the half court, depending on 

the situation.” 

Southern Valley will open the 


travel to Minden. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 14-10 


Head Coach: Jeff Ellis 



CENTURABOYS 

The Centura boy’s basketball 

squad finished the 2016-17 

campaign with a 13-11 record, 

marking a special occurrence 

for the Centurions — it was the 

first time in 14 years the program 

finished with a winning record in 

back-to-back seasons. 

Now, with a new season 

approaching, head coach Dave 

Oman will look to keep building 

momentum and do some damage 

in Class C-2. 

Eight letterwinners return for 

Centura, including three seniors. 

Forward Dawson Caspersen will 

lead the charge, after posting 

11.3 points and 7 rebounds a 

game last year, while earning an 

all-conference selection. 

Oman will also look for big 

things out of junior guard 

Ben Oman, who posted 10.3 

points and 4.9 rebounds as a 

sophomore. 

Junior Joe Carey, and seniors 

Willy Packer and Payton Dowse 

will also play major roles as the 

season progresses. 

“We have four starters that are 

returning, and if we can stay 

healthy and out of foul trouble, 

we could have a really nice 

year,” Oman said. “For us to 

be really successful we need to 

improve defensively, become 

better rebounders, play hard, and 

of course, play together.” 

Centura will open the season on 

Dec.1 against Sandy Creek. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Centurions 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 13-11 


Head Coach: Dave Oman 

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CENTURAGIRLS 

Although the Centura girl’s 

basketball team finished 7-17 

last year, the Centurions have 

a good chance of having a 

bounce-back season in 2017-18. 

Under head coach Jeff Thober, 

Centura will return four starters 

to the hardwood, including 

senior post player Emily 

Krolikowski. 

Krolikowski averaged an 

impressive 15.3 points and 7.3 


Also contributing on the court 

alongside Krolikowski will be a 

trio of guards – Sam Simdorn, 

Kaliegh Johnson, and Brooklyn 

Hostetler. 

Freshman Morgan Semm is also 

expected to make an impact 

in her first year on the varsity 

roster. 

“We will be a much improved 

team from last season,” Thober 

said. “Our team has a nice mix 

of upperclassmen as well as 

young players that will all help 

contribute to our success.” 

Centura will tip off the season 

on Dec. 1 against Sandy Creek. 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 



Team Name: Centurions 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 7-17 


Head Coach: Jeff Thober 


DILLER-ODELLBOYS 

ON THE GO 

The 2016-17 season didn’t go 

as planned for the Diller-Odell 

boy’s basketball team, as the 

group finished 10-15 under 

head coach Eric McMurray. 

But a new campaign brings a 

clean slate, and the Griffins 

will look to make some noise in 

Class C-2 come late November. 

However, Diller-Odell will 

have to achieve its goals with a 

relatively inexperienced roster, 

with only five letterwinners 

expected back on the court. 

Peyton Mohr will look to play a 

significant role for the Griffins 

this season, as will Shane 

Sutton. Both Sutton and Mohr 

will be seniors this year. 

In addition, juniors William 

McLaughlin, Bryston Warren, 

and Ryan Arnold will see plenty 

of action once the 2017-18 

campaign gets underway. 

“We need to develop consistent 

scoring,” McMurray said. “I 

feel we have four or five guys 

that can score in double figures 

on any given night. We cannot 

depend on one or two people to 

do our scoring.” 

Diller-Odell will open the 

season on Nov. 30 against 

Pawnee City. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Griffins 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 10-15 

Head Coach: Eric McMurray 

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DILLER-ODELLGIRLS 

The Diller-Odell girl’s basketball 

team will have some added 

motivation in 2017-18, as the 

Class C-2 runners-up came 

within nine points of winning a 

state championship last season. 

However, the upcoming campaign 

will feature a new-look Griffins 

team, as five senior starters 

graduated. Although the group will 

be youthful, head coach John Mohr 

has still set expectations high. 

“I do not consider this to be a total 

rebuilding year,” Mohr said. “Three 

letterwinners return, along with 

a good nucleus of young players, 

which will mostly make-up the 

sophomore and freshman classes.” 

Mohr added he expects big things 

out of junior Kirsten Bures, as 

well as senior Hayley Denner. 

Mackenzie Vitosh, Camaryn 

Gydesen, Emily Swanson, and 

Haley Jones will also look to 

carve out significant roles come 

the start of the season. 

“I feel that we may be strongest 

inside the paint to begin the 

season, with veterans such as 

Denner and Vitosh the potential 

starters,” Mohr said. “I believe 

that if we can find some 

consistent guard play that we 

may be formidable by the second 

half of the upcoming season.” 

“As usual, our schedule has 

many tough challenges,” Mohr 

added. “Like last year we hope 

to be playing sound, fundamental 

basketball by the time mid- 

February rolls around.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Griffins 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 22-5 


Head Coach: John Mohr 



CROSS COUNTYBOYS 

An impressive 19-7 campaign 

ended in heartbreak for the Cross 

County boy’s basketball squad 

last season, as the group fell by 

two points in the first round of 

the playoffs. 

The Cougars, led by head coach 

Dan Conway, will look to push 

even further this year, but will 

have to do it with a new-look 

roster. 

“With seven seniors graduating 

last year, we will have a lot of 

inexperienced players,” Conway 

said. “We worked extremely hard 

in the off season and showed a 

lot of progress throughout the 

summer.” 

With only three letterwinners 

expected on the roster, one 

familiar face will be returning 

point guard Colton Beebe, who 

posted an impressive 12 points, 

4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds a 


He will be joined by fellow 

seniors Kalin Gabriel and Lane 

Kelley, rounding out the senior 

class for the Cougars. 

“We need guys to continue to 

step into new roles as leaders, 

scorers, and defenders,” 

Conway added. “Our size is also 

somewhat limited, so we will 

have to play bigger than we are.” 


on Nov. 30 when Cross County 

hosts McCool Junction. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Cougars 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 19-7 

Head Coach: Dan Conway 


605.366.3332 • 402.362.9083 


CROSS COUNTYGIRLS 

The Cross County girl’s 

basketball squad will have a 

new look to it during the 2017- 

18 campaign, as only four 

letterwinners return for the 

Cougars this season. 

Under head coach Mitch Boshart, 

the group will look to gain 

familiarity with one another 

quickly, and make some noise in 

Class C-2. 

“To be successful this season we 

will have to fill roles and adjust 

to a new group on the court 

playing with each other,” Boshart 

said. “We lost a majority of our 

points, rebounds, and minutes 

played due to graduation, so we 

will find out early who wants to 

step up and fill spots.” 

The Cougars will likely rely 

heavily on senior guard Lexi 

Eller, who averaged 6 points and 

3.7 rebounds a game last year. 

In addition, Mackinzie Cole, 

Sam Theis, and Emily Noyd will 

play significant roles for Cross 

County. 

“Even though we aren’t returning 

very much in the form of 

minutes, we have some girls that 

have been in the system for the 

last two years, and we also had 

some freshmen and sophomores 

step up this summer and showed 

us that they can play,” Boshart 

added. “Our schedule, both in 

and out of conference, is loaded 

with great competition, so we 

will have to be prepared for 

tough ballgames night in and 

night out.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-11 


Head Coach: Mitch Boshart 




HUMBOLDT-TABLE ROCK-STEINAUERBOYS 

SOUTHERNBOYS 

Coming off a 9-14 campaign, 

the key word for the Humboldt- 

Table Rock-Steinauer boy’s 

basketball squad this season will 

be leadership. 

It all starts with head coach Taylor 

Dunekacke, who will be entering 

his first year at the helm of the 

program. 

In addition, with only four 

letterwinners returning, leadership 

roles will have to be filled by 

athletes on the Titans squad if 

the group plans on making some 

noise come early December. 

“We will need someone to step 

up and take a leadership role,” 

Dunekacke said. “We will have a 

lot of guys playing varsity for the 

first time.” 

HTRS will rely heavily on junior 

guard Hunter Hain Jr, who posted 



In addition, senior forward Hunter 

Sherman, who averaged 6.2 points 

and 6.4 rebounds as a junior, and 

Connor Bredemeier Jr. will look 

to play keys roles. 

“If these guys can adjust quickly, 

we can be successful,” Dunekacke 

added. “We will need to improve 

our defense and limit our 

turnovers.” 

The season tips off for the Titans 

on Dec. 1 against Diller-Odell. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 9-14 


Head Coach: Taylor Dunekacke 

The Southern boy’s basketball 

team showed growth during the 

2016-17 campaign, finishing 

the year with a 13-12 record 

after starting 3-6. 

Under head coach Zack 

Emerson, the Raiders will look 

to continue building momentum 

within the program in 2017-18, 

but will have to do so with a 

fairly young squad. 

Only two seniors, guard Dalton 

Traunericht and forward Trevin 

Saathoff, will return to the 

hardcourt this season. 

This means Southern will have 

to rely on a pair of juniors, 

Drake Adams and Nick Lyons, 

to shoulder some of the load. 

In addition, sophomores Nic 

Zito and Braden Klover will 

have to step into bigger roles 

once the season gets underway. 


successful season are, Emerson 

laid out his recipe for success. 

“Building off of last year’s 

success, younger players taking 

the next step, and leadership,” 

Emerson said. 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 



Team Name: Raiders 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 13-12 

Head Coach: Zack Emerson 


HUMBOLDT-TABLE ROCK-STEINAUERGIRLS 

SOUTHERNGIRLS 


produce much in the way of 

wins for the Humboldt-Table 

Rock-Steinauer girl’s basketball 

squad, as the Titans finished the 

campaign 4-18. 

However, last year did provide 

a young team some valuable 

experience, which is a benefit for 

first-year head coach Trent Platt. 

If HTRS hopes to make some 

noise in Class C-2 this season, 

a group of seniors will have to 

contribute. 

Platt will be looking toward 

Amber Blank, Rebecca Watson, 

Camille Svoboda, and Bre 

Reyes to provide some veteran 

leadership for the Titans this 

season. 

Juniors Bella Vasco and Matilyn 

Stalder, as well as sophomore 

Carissa Allen, will play key roles 

as well. 

“The key to our success is 

going to be how good the girls 

want to be,” Platt said. “We 

had a great summer, playing 

almost 30 games. We have our 

top scorers back that can shoot 

from everywhere. Defense and 

rebounding is always important 

for success, and we have the girls 

to do that.” 

The Titans open the season on 

Dec. 1 against Diller-Odell. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 4-18 

Head Coach: Trent Platt 


Fresh off an 11-13 season, the 

Southern girl’s basketball team 

will look to continue taking steps 

in the right direction in Class C-2 

this year. 

The Raiders will be led by head 

coach Jeff Murphy, and will 

have eight letterwinners and one 

senior returning to the court in 


Leading that group will be junior 

forward Maria Murphy, who 


a contest as a sophomore. 

Junior guard Jayme Ullman will 

also be a player to watch after 

posting 4 points and 3 rebounds a 

game, while racking up a total of 

31 steals last season. 

Fellow junior Shelbe Rainey, and 

sophomores Claire Hookstra, 

Allee Jo Wieden, and Kambree 

Singleton will also look to play 

significant roles for the Raiders 

this year. 

“We will need to score in 

transition and push the tempo 

as we are not great scorers from 

the outside,” Murphy said. 

“Utilizing post play will be a 

key factor. Pressure defense to 

keep the score down will also be 

something we must do. We have 

depth and we hope to use that to 

our advantage.” 


Dec. 1 against Palmyra. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-13 

Head Coach: Jeff Murphy 


NELIGH-OAKDALEBOYS 

The good news for the Neligh- 

Oakdale boys basketball squad 

is it is coming off an outstanding 

2016-17 season, in which the 

Warriors finished 26-4 and 

runner up at the NSAA state 

tournament. 

The bad news, however, is 

only three letterwinners return 

for head coach Frank Gade, 

meaning Neligh-Oakdale will 

have to regroup for the 2017-18 

campaign. 

The Warriors will look to two 

youngsters to carry the load, as 

power forward Austin Rice and 

point guard Cole Belitz will be 

relied on heavily by Gade. 

“(The keys to a successful 

season) are carrying success 

forward and stepping into new 

roles,” Gade said. “Building 

throughout the year will be 

crucial.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 26-4 


Head Coach: Frank Gade 


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WEST HOLTBOYS 

The 2016-17 season was an 

impressive one for the West 

Holt boy’s basketball squad, as 

the group went 16-10 before 

falling in the second round of 

subdistricts. 

The Huskies are back this 

season under the leadership 

of tenured head coach Todd 

Hale, and will have plenty of 

depth to draw from with 10 

letterwinners returning to the 

court. 

The veteran group will be led 

by senior point guard Bryce 

Kerkman, who posted 16.8 points 


Shooting guard Mason Hale, who 

averaged 13.3 points a game, and 

small forward Shayden Neptune 

will also be major contributors. 

Kooper Jelinek, Dylan Wieneke, 

and Blake Hilkemeier will also 

look to carve out significant 

roles. 

“We hope to be healthy at the 

start of the season and have a 

good start,” Hale said. “The 

majority of our C-1 and C-2 

games are early in the year. I 

think balance will be a key with 

this year’s team.” 

West Holt will open the season 

on Dec. 1 on the road against 

Creighton. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 16-10 


Head Coach: Todd Hale 


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WEST HOLTGIRLS 

The West Holt girl’s basketball 


2016-17 season, finishing with 

a 16-8 record and losing in the 

district final to Crofton. 

Entering a new campaign, 

expectations are high under head 

coach Mike Pardun, as plenty of 

experience is set to return to the 

court. 

Nine letterwinners will be back 

on the roster for the Huskies, 

including senior guard Bailey 

Kraus and senior forward Jenae 

Osborne. 

Junior forward Carlie Wetzel will 

also play a significant role for 

West Holt come early December. 

“We return a lot of experience 

and chemistry,” Pardun said. “We 

will need to develop consistency 

on the offensive end. We play 

in a very tough Niobrara Valley 

Conference where we will need 

to compete at a high level every 

night.” 

The season gets underway for the 

Huskies on Dec. 1 on the road 

against Creighton. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 16-8 


Head Coach: Mike Pardun 


NEBRASKA CHRISTIANBOYS 

The Nebraska Christian boy’s 

basketball squad has one major 

advantage working in its favor as 

the 2017-18 season approaches – 

familiarity. 

Last season, the Eagles managed to 

go 11-12 with only one senior on 

the roster and a new head coach. 

Now, the group returns eight 

letterwinners, and head coach 

Paul McHargue has a year of 

experience under his belt at the 

helm of the program. 

The success of Nebraska 

Christian and the team’s ability 

to make some noise in Class C-2 

will largely depend on the play of 

a pair of seniors. 

Guard Ben Griess, as well as 

Brennan Nokelby, will be key 

players for the Eagles and Coach 

McHargue. 

“Last year we were a young team 

with only one senior and me as 

a first year coach, so now this 

year we have a very solid group 

of seniors with experience so I 

am looking forward to this year 

as I think we can do well in our 

conference,” McHargue said. 

“Also this is an incredible group 

of young men to coach and I get 

the joy of working with them.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-12 


Head Coach: Paul McHargue 


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successful one for the Nebraska 

Christian girl’s basketball team, as 

the Eagles finished 15-7 under first 

year head coach Erin Mankin. 

Now, in her second year at the helm 

of the program, Mankin expects big 

things out of her squad this year, 

with a core group of experienced 

players returning to the court. 


guard Claire Ostrand, who has 

started for the Eagles for the 

past three years, and averaged 

13.4 points a contest last season. 

She also received first team allconference 

honors. 

Another athlete to watch this 

season is senior guard Corryn 

Falk, who has two years of starting 

experience and averaged 8.6 points 

and 6 rebounds a game as a junior. 

Juniors Adrienne Falk and Carsyn 

Ostrand will also be impact players 

for the Eagles once the season tips 

off. 

“I am excited for this season. We 

have the opportunity to coach 

a bunch of great girls. They are 

very competitive and athletic 

and will be coming off a very 

successful volleyball season,” 

Mankin said. “They are a group 

of girls that work hard and 

enjoy playing with each other. 

We will look to get better every 

game this year. We will look to 

play hard and smart every game 

and practice. Most importantly 

we will look to grow in Jesus 

Christ as coaches and players 

and honor Him in our efforts and 

performances.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 15-7 

Head Coach: Erin Mankin 



RAVENNABOYS 

While a 7-15 season may not 

seem overly impressive, the 

Ravenna boy’s basketball squad 

made huge strides during the 

2016-17 season after winning 

only one game the year before. 

With seven letterwinners and 

two seniors back on the roster 

for head coach James Habe, the 

Bluejays will look to continue 

their momentum in 2017-18 and 

make their presence felt in Class 

C-2. 

The group will be led by 

impressive senior center Josh 

Bauer, who posted 15.9 points 

and 12.1 rebounds a contest last 

season. 

Joining Bauer on the hardwood 

will be sophomore guard Jake 

Jarzynka, who averaged 9.1 

points a contest, and junior 

guard Caleb Mundorf. 

Senior Kade Lockhorn, Kooper 

Schirmer, Jaden Lewandowski, 

and Markel Miigerl will all 

look to play big roles for the 

Bluejays. 

“We will need to become more 

consistent shooters,” Habe said. 

“We will also need to play at a 

fast tempo and allow our defense 

to help create offense for us.” 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 




Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 7-15 


Head Coach: James Habe 







RAVENNAGIRLS 


impressive one for the Ravenna 

girl’s basketball squad, as the 

Bluejays finished the year 

with a 23-5 record and a third 

place finish at the NSAA state 

tournament. A solid year is again 

expected under head coach Noah 

Maulsby. 


point guard Jordyn Fiddelke, who 

posted 16.1 points and 3.4 steals 

a game last year on her way to a 

second team all-state selection. 

Senior Brooklyn Fiddelke will 

also be a key piece to the Bluejay 

roster, after averaging 9.6 points 

a contest as a junior. 

Junior Mckenna Schmidt 

and senior Megan Miigerl, 

who earned second team allconference 

honors last year, will 

also play significant roles for 

Maulsby. 

But even with a strong core 

returning, Maulsby said it is 

likely the younger, up-andcoming 

athletes will determine 

how far Ravenna can go. 

“Bringing back four starters 

should make us competitive, but 

it will be key for some of our 

underclassmen and newcomers to 

provide depth,” he said. “It will 

be important for us to bring some 

of our young post players along 

because we are undersized, but I 

see a lot of potential. We have a 

good core group of players that 

have worked hard. The season 

should be a fun one as long as 

we can stay healthy and learn to 

settle into our roles.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 23-5 


Head Coach: Noah Maulsby 



SHELBY-RISING CITYBOYS 

If the Shelby-Rising City boy’s 

basketball squad has hopes to 

improve on a 7-16 season, their 

head coach knows exactly what 

areas his team will need to excel. 

“We aren’t a very big team, 

so we will have to rely on our 

speed and quickness,” Shelby- 

Rising City Head Coach Grant 

Gabel said. “We will try multiple 

things defensively to create easy 

transition buckets.” 

The Huskies will also need a 

number of young athletes to fill 

big roles, as only five returning 

letterwinners and one senior are 

expected back on the roster. 

Leading the charge will be 

junior guard Austin Coffin, who 

posted 10.6 points a contest his 

sophomore season. 

Complimenting Coffin on the 

court will be senior Brendon 

Johnston, who averaged 5.7 

points a game last year, as well 

as junior Max Hoatson. 

And keep an eye on sophomore 

Jett Pinneo, who could be poised 

for a breakout season after a solid 

freshman campaign. 

“We could have a very successful 

year if we get off to a good 

start and keep getting better 

defensively,” Gabel said. “Our 

younger kids will need to become 

consistent shooters and improve 

as a team each game.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 7-16 

Head Coach: Grant Gabel 

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SHELBY-RISING CITYGIRLS 

After a 2-6 start to the 2016-17 

campaign, the Shelby-Rising 

City girl’s basketball team 

rallied to finish 11-12, falling to 

Centennial in the C2-8 district 

tournament to close the season. 

Entering a new year, head 

coach Turner Trofholz is hoping 

that momentum can continue, 

and will rely on five returning 

letterwinners and four seniors to 

make it happen. 

The Huskies will be led by 

senior center Sydney Adams, 

who averaged an impressive 14.1 


last year. 

Point guard Emily Neujahr will 

also be an impact player, after 

averaging 6.5 points a contest her 


Clare Kohl, Kamryn Pokorney, 

and transfer Cassie Carraway 

will have significant roles, as 

well. 

“We are going to have to shoot 

the ball well this season to try 

and open the floor up to prevent 

teams from setting up zone 

defense,” Trofholz said. “We will 

need some young players to step 

up to help on all levels. We need 

seniors to be leaders and accept 

their roles.” 

The Huskies open the season on 

Dec. 1 against Cross County. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-12 


Head Coach: Turner Trofholz 



HASTINGS ST. CECILIABOYS 

Success is nothing new for 

the Hastings St. Cecilia boy’s 

basketball squad, and the 2016- 

17 campaign was no different. 

The Bluehawks finished the 

season with a 22-6 record and a 

third place finish at the NSAA 

state tournament under tenured 

head coach Kevin Asher. 

As a new season approaches, the 

Bluehawks will look to stay on 

the winning track, and are in a 

position to do just that with eight 

letterwinners and six seniors set 

to return. 

Asher will rely heavily on senior 

center Blane Boyd, who averaged 

13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds his 


Senior point guard Trey Asher, 

who posted 7.2 points a contest 

last year, and guard Grant Farmer 

will also be key contributors for 

the Bluehawks this season. 

Seniors Myles Furman, Joe 

Carey, and Chris Weidt will play 

large roles, as well, come late 

November. 


another impressive season are, 

Asher laid out his recipe for 

success. 

“How we defend, can we get 

multiple stops,” Asher said. 

“Being able to finish and win 

close games, and developing post 

depth.” 

The Bluehawks will open the 


Scotus. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Bluehawks 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 22-6 


Head Coach: Kevin Asher 




HASTINGS ST. CECILIAGIRLS 

The Hastings St. Cecilia 

girl’s basketball squad had an 

impressive showing during the 

2016-17 season, finishing 17-7 

under first-year head coach Greg 

Berndt. 

Now in his second year, Berndt 

and the Hawkettes will look to 

push all the way to the NSAA 

state championship, and keep 

building momentum with three 

starters expected back on the 

court. 

Hastings St. Cecilia will welcome 

back senior guard Kameron 

Kissinger, as well as juniors Lexi 

Vertin and Gracie Daly, all of 

whom have starting experience. 

In addition, juniors Kate Landgren 

and Lauren Parr, and sophomores 

Makenna Asher, Tori Thomas, and 

Chloe McCauley are all expected 

to do big things this season. 

However, even with some 

experience back on the roster, 

Berndt said some young athletes 

will have to fill big roles if the 

Hawkettes plan to navigate a 

challenging schedule. 

“We still have a young roster, but 

one that is talented and has state 

tournament experience,” Berndt 

said. “A good core is back to 

take on leadership roles, which 

is key with a tough schedule 

and conference. A challenging 

schedule will help prepare us for 

district play, and as our young 

team adapts to varsity action, the 

sky is the limit for this group in 

C-2.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Hawkettes 

Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 17-7 


Head Coach: Greg Berndt 




SUTTONBOYS 

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The Sutton boy’s basketball 

squad is coming off a solid 2016- 

17 season, which featured a 15-8 

record and the Mustangs winning 

10 of their final 13 games. 

Under head coach Jon Ladenhoff, 

Sutton will look to keep building 

momentum in the 2017-18 

campaign. 

The group will be led by three 

returning starters, including 

senior guard Nathan Hohensee, 


assists a game last year. 

Junior forward Seth George, 


rebounds his sophomore season, 

will be a player to watch, as well. 

Senior forward Casey Van Kirk 

also brings starting experience 

to the roster, and Samuel Nuss, 

Jordan Davis, and Garrett Nuss 

will be asked to play substantial 

minutes. 

“We have a good mix of seniors 

and juniors who have worked 

well together over the past two 

years,” Ladenhoff said. “They 

work extremely hard and have 

put in a lot of time to get better. 

We have a tough schedule, and 

we hope to be competitive as we 

go throughout the season.” 


Sutton on Dec. 1 against Friend. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 15-8 


Head Coach: Jon Ladehoff 


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SUTTONGIRLS 

Fresh off a 12-12 season, the 

Sutton girl’s basketball squad 

will have to gain familiarity with 

each other quickly if they plan on 

being competitive in Class C-2. 

The Mustangs will not only be 

young in 2017-18, featuring just 

one senior on the roster, but there 

will also be a new face on the 

sideline. 

Kyle Bottom takes over the 

head coaching responsibilities 

for Sutton, and will have to rely 

heavily on a large junior class to 

be successful. 

Players from that junior class to 

keep an eye on include Maddie 

Nuss, Natalie Dunn, Lacey 

Freking, Logan Majors, and 

Abby Osterhaus. 

Lone senior Alyssa Schurman 

will also be an impact player for 

the Mustangs come the start of 

the season. 

“The key to a successful season 

will be blending personalities 

and skill sets in a short amount 

of time,” Bottom said. “With 

only one senior and an all 

new coaching staff, it will be 

important for us to adapt quickly 

to playing together as a cohesive 

group. This summer served as 

a step in the right direction, but 

the first few weeks of the season 

will be vital in continuing that 

transition.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 12-12 


Head Coach: Kyle Bottom 


WOOD RIVERBOYS 

411 Walnut Street • Wood River, NE 

308.583.2875 

The Wood River boy’s basketball 

team is coming off a difficult 

2016-17 season, which saw the 

Eagles go 2-18. 

But a new campaign brings a 

fresh start for Wood River and 

second year head coach Joel 

Stryker. 

Seven returning letterwinners 

will be back on the court this 

season, including junior Tanner 

Hermann, who posted 9.8 points 

and 4.5 rebounds per game from 

the guard position last year. 

Senior Cade Ludwig, who 


rebounds per contest, and 

sophomore Ty Swanson will also 

play vital roles for the Eagles. 

Senior Jimmy Rojas, junior Jose 

Trejo, and junior Grant Gannon 

will also see plenty of court time 

for Wood River. 

“The keys to this season for us is 

our commitment to the defensive 

end. Our defensive numbers 

have to improve,” Stryker said. 

“As the kids enter their second 

year in a new system, I expect 

our guys to push tempo knowing 

what they can and can’t do in our 

offense. The biggest key for us 

is playing at a high intensity and 

attack everything.” 

Wood River will open the season 

on Nov. 30 against Sandy Creek. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-2 

2016-17 Record: 2-18 


Head Coach: Joel Stryker 


Mead Industries 

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WOOD RIVERGIRLS 

Coming off an 11-11 season that 

featured positive growth for the 

Wood River girl’s basketball 

squad, the Eagles will look 

to keep moving in the right 

direction in 2017-18. 

Under the direction of Phillip 

Smith, who owns a 28-41 record 

at the helm of the program, 

Wood River will return eight 

letterwinners to the court, as 

well as a core of seniors. 

Three seniors are due back 

on the roster, as Elle Luehr, 

MaKenzie Peters, and Kiley 

Codner will all take leadership 

roles come the start of the 

season. 

A few younger athletes will 

also look to make an impact, 

including juniors Ainsley 

Stewart, Cydnee Huxtable, and 

Joci Rauert. 

“Ball control, limiting 

turnovers while playing fast 

and having our speed turn into 

turnovers on defense (are the 

keys to success),” Smith said. 

“Teamwork, blending of all 

ages, pushing for a common 

goal, and not an individual goal. 

Keep improving on knowledge 

of the game, and development of 

young guards will also be key.” 

The season will start for Wood 

River on Nov. 21 against 

Lexington. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: C-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-11 


Head Coach: Phillip Smith 



ALMABOYS 

ON THE GO 



As the 2017-18 campaign 

approaches, the Alma boy’s 

basketball team will be looking 

to carry its momentum over from 

last season. 

The Cardinals finished the 

regular season at an 18-6 mark 

under veteran head coach Mike 

Brummer, and saw their season 

end with a tough loss to Burwell 

in the district final. 

But a new season brings new 

opportunities, as four returning 

letterwinners are set to take 

the court for Alma come late 

November. 

Among those returning is senior 

forward David Ehrke, a twotime 

district honorable mention 

selectee who is coming off a 

season in which he averaged 11 

points and 7 rebounds a game. 

Joining Ehrke will be senior 

forward Cooper Wright, who 

averaged 6 points, 6 rebounds, 

and 1.2 blocks a game last year. 

Senior Ty Heft and junior 

Jackson McKenzie are expected 

to see significant run in the 

backcourt for the Cardinals, as 

well. 

When asked what the keys 

to a successful season were, 

Brummer mentioned attitude, 

effort, execution, and having fun. 

Adding: “We are here to become 

better skilled athletes on the 

court, and better people off of it.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 18- 6 


Head Coach: Mike Brummer 


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703 MAIN STREET • ALMA, NE • 308.928.2606 

ALMAGIRLS 

PAWNEE CITYBOYS 

The Cardinals finished last season 

10-14 under long tenured head 

coach Amanda Siebels, but with four 

starters returning in 2017-18, there is 

plenty of reason for optimism. 

“We lost one starter off of last 

year’s team. She was a three 

year starter, which will be a huge 

position to fill,” Siebels said. 

“We had a disappointing year last 

year, and came up short in quite a 

few games. However, our team 

worked very well together and 

gained a lot of experience at the 

varsity level, which will be very 

beneficial for this upcoming year.” 


Cardinals will be Maddie Brugh, 

who is the only returning senior 

starter. However, juniors Dakota 

Hughes, Tiffany Wells, and Kayla 

Kindler all return to the hardwood 

after gaining starting experience 

last year. 

In addition, senior guards Maddie 

Cervera and Emma Smolik will 

also look to be key contributors for 

Siebels. 

“I feel that we will have a solid 

foundation to build on. These girls 

always give their all everyday 

no matter what. We had quite a 

few girls put in a lot of time and 

effort over the summer, that I think 

will pay-off big for us during this 

upcoming season,” Siebels added. 

“This is a very smart team, but 

I also feel we will be very quick 

offensively and defensively. We 

will also be trying a lot of new 

girls in some new positions, to 

compensate for our small numbers. 

This will be a great year for Alma 

Lady Cardinal basketball.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-14 

Head Coach: Amanda Siebels 



feature a high volume of wins for 

the Pawnee City boy’s basketball 

squad, as the group finished with 

a 7-17 mark. 

However, tenured head coach 

Tyler Colvin, who owns a 145- 

103 mark at the helm of the 

program, will look to flip the 

script in 2017-18, and get the 

Indians back on the winning 

track. 

Colvin will be working with a 

relatively young squad, as seven 

letterwinners return, but only two 

seniors are expected back. 

Senior forward Andrew Davis 

will be a leader on the court for 

Pawnee City, after posting 12 

points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2 steals 

a contest last year. 

Fellow senior Kaisonn Koester 

and junior Sabian Adams will 

also be asked to play significant 

roles for the Indians. 

An athlete to keep an eye on is 

sophomore TJ Mawhiney, who 


rebounds a game as a freshman. 

“We need to work as hard as we 

can everyday to improve. Taking 

care of the ball and limiting 

empty possessions offensively 

will be key,” Colvin said. ‘Our 

shooting and floor vision has to 

be better than it was last year. 

Our defensive discipline and 

awareness needs to be more 

consistent. Staying healthy will 

be important as depth is a bit of a 

concern.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Indians 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 7-17 


Head Coach: Tyler Colvin 



ANSLEY-LITCHFIELDBOYS 

SOUTH LOUPBOYS 

The success of the Ansley- 

Litchfield boy’s basketball squad 

will come down to one aspect 

of the game according to the 

group’s head coach – defense. 

The Spartans went 8-11 in 2016- 

17, but struggled to consistently 

get stops on the defensive end. 

Something that will have to 

change if Ansley-Litchfield 

hopes to be competitive in Class 

D-1 this year. 

“The biggest key to the season 

is to improve our defense,” head 

coach Troy Schirmer said. “We 

must learn to play aggressive 

and physical defense quickly.” 

The Spartans have eight 

returning letterwinners expected 

back on the roster, led by junior 

Christ Paitz, who averaged 

12.4 points, 3.8 assists and 

3.5 rebounds a game as a 

sophomore. 

Junior Justin Bailey will 

also look to make an impact 

after posting 7 points and 5.6 

rebounds a contest last year, as 

will sophomores Jaden Jones 

and Parker LeFever. 

According to Schirmer, the 

development of young talent on 

the roster could determine the 

success of his group in 2017-18. 

“We really need our younger 

players to mature quickly to help 

reach our goals,” Schirmer said. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 8-11 

Head Coach: Troy Schirmer 


For the second consecutive 

season, the South Loup boy’s 

basketball squad built quite a 

bit of momentum, finishing the 

2016-17 campaign 16-6. 


coach Jeff Cole, the Bobcats 

will look to stay on the 

winning path in 2017-18, and 

will have the advantage of 11 

returning letterwinners on the 

roster. 

South Loup will lean heavily 

on a core of five seniors, 

led by Cade Connell, who 

averaged an outstanding 21.3 

points and 6.3 rebounds a 

game as a junior. 

Another rising star for the 

Bobcats is Jack Rush. Rush, a 

senior, posted 16.1 points and 7.8 


Senior Landon Furue, who 

averaged 5.5 points a game in 

2016-17, and Spencer Johnson 

will also play vital roles for the 

Bobcats. 

“If we can stay healthy, I think 

we can have a special season,” 

Cole said. “We have had two 

really good seasons the past 

two years with key contributors 

missing multiple games or the 

season. We will have multiple 

three or four-year starters 

returning this season.” 

South Loup will tip off the 2017- 

18 campaign on Dec. 1 against 

Twin Loup. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Bobcats 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 16-6 

Head Coach: Jeff Cole 

MERIDIANGIRLS 

SOUTH LOUPGIRLS 

The Meridian girls basketball 

team is coming off an impressive 

2016-17 campaign, which saw 

the Mustangs finish 20-7 and 

earn an NSAA state tournament 

appearance. 

This season, Meridian will look 

to find similar success under 

head coach Robert Schropfer. 

Schropfer has seven letterwinners 

back on the roster including a 

core group of seniors. 

Guards Erin Johnson, Jaicee 

Sobotka, and Breanna Miller will 

be relied upon to produce, as will 

forward Hailey Schafer. 

“We need to stay healthy,” 

Schropfer said. “Younger players 

need to continue to develop and 

improve. We also have some 

sophomores that have a lot of 

potential that will help us this 

year.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 20-7 


Head Coach: Robert Schropfer 


402-433-4151 

WESTERN, NE 

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Coming off a 10-9 campaign 

that featured plenty of positives 

and negatives, the South Loup 

girl’s basketball team will rely on 

experience as they look to make 

a run in Class D-1. 

The Bobcats will be lead by head 

coach Abe Hinman in 2017-18, 

and 10 letterwinners are slated to 

return to the court. 

In addition, a core group of four 

seniors will be back, as well. 

Senior forward Shaylee Jones, 


rebounds a game her junior year, 

will look to lead the Bobcats, as 

will senior guard Vayle Berger. 

However, South Loup’s success 

may depend on how the 

Bobcats compliment the play of 

sophomore Jessie Sallach, who 


points and 9.4 rebounds a contest 

as a freshman. 

“Our guard play has to improve. 

With a strong inside presence, 

outside shooting will be key 

to keeping defenses honest,” 

Hinman said. “The leadership 

on this team has to step up 

and solidify the character of 

our group in order for us to be 

successful.” 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 




Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-9 

Head Coach: Abe Hinman 


ARAPAHOEBOYS 

PALMERGIRLS 

The Arapahoe boy’s basketball 

squad continued to take steps 

in the right direction during 

the 2016-17 season, finishing 

9-14 and winning a game in the 

subdistrict tournament. 

This season, the Warriors will once 

again be led by head coach Josh 

Strand, who holds a 24-44 record 

at the helm of the program. 

In addition, six letterwinners 

and four seniors are returning, 

setting the Warriors up to do some 

damage in Class D-1 this year. 


guard Noah Koller, who averaged 

9 points and 4 rebounds a game 

last year. 

Seniors Spencer Watson, who 

posted 8 points and 7 rebounds as 

a junior, and guard Parker Ehrke 

will also see plenty of court time 

for the Warriors. 

“We have a lot of experience 

back,” Strand said. “We don’t 

have a ton of size, so we are 

going to have to be physical and 

aggressive and play bigger than 

we are on defense. Of offense, 

we have to limit turnovers and 

play fast. We should have good 

depth, so we need to look to 

push the ball and wear teams 

down.” 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 




Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 9-14 


Head Coach: Josh Strand 


While the 2016-17 campaign 

didn’t produce a large amount 

of victories for the Palmer 

girl’s basketball team, plenty of 

experience was gained under 

head coach Brandon Rolf. 

Now, as a new season 

approaches, a senior-heavy roster 

with nine returning letterwinners 

will look to improve on last 

year’s 5-17 mark, and Rolf 

knows just the recipe to find that 

success. 

“We are going to focus on the 

vowels, and victories should 

follow,” he said. 

The vowels Rolf is referring to 

are as follows: A – Attitude, E- 

Execution, I- Intensity, O – Out 

Work, U – Unselfishness. 

With that in mind, a number of 

players will look to contribute 

for the Tigers this year, including 

senior guard Marley Roepker, 

who averaged 6.9 points per 


In addition, Rolf will look to 

seniors Stacey Bohlken and Cara 

Menke to help shoulder the load 

for Palmer this season. 

Lana Menke, Allie Kunze, and 

Brooke Bruland will also see 

significant run for the Tigers. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 5-17 


Head Coach: Brandon Rolf 


ARAPAHOEGIRLS 

The bad news for the Arapahoe 

girl’s basketball squad is they 

are coming off a difficult 1-21 

campaign. 

However, there is more than 

enough good news to inspire 

optimism for the upcoming 2017- 

18 season. The Warriors return 

plenty of experience, as first-year 

head coach Preston Blackmore 

will look to get his group on 

the winning track following a 

difficult year. 

“We return a lot of experience 

from last year. We have a good 

mix of older and younger kids 

that gained some valuable 

experience,” Blackmore said. “We 

have four of our top five scorers 

back. Our upper classmen really 

stepped up this summer providing 

great leadership in the weight 

room and at camps.” 

Alayna Whipple is one of those 

upper classmen the new head coach 

referred to, as the senior guard will 

be back on the court after averaging 

8.5 points per game last season. 

Also seeing significant minutes 

will be fellow seniors Madison 

Hanke and Nevada Gardner, as 

well as junior Mariah Watson. 

“I think the biggest key to having 

success this year will start on the 

defensive end. We need to play 

tough team defense,” Blackmore 

said regarding the keys to success 

for his team. “Also we will need to 

be able to handle pressure better this 

year. I think if we can improve in 

those two areas, we will see success 

throughout the season.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 1-21 


Head Coach: Preston Blackmore 

PALMER 

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BERTRANDBOYS 

OVERTONBOYS 

The Bertrand boys basketball 

squad has a major advantage 

heading into the 2017-18 season 

– experience at the head coaching 

position. 

Craig Newcomb returns to the 

sidelines for the Vikings for his 

21st year, and owns a career 224- 

181 record after finishing last 

season at 11-11. 

He will have three starters 

returning to the court, as senior 

guard Riley Johnson, senior 

forward Wyatt Wilken, and junior 

guard Tyler Callahan all bring 

experience to the hardwood. 

Newcomb will also look to 

juniors Miles Peterson and 

Austin Long to take on expanded 

roles once the season gets 

underway. 

“We return quite a bit of 

experience, but size cold still 

be a problem,” Newcomb said. 

“How healthy we come through 

football will be a big determining 

factor as to how the basketball 

season will go.” 

The season gets underway for 

Bertrand on Nov. 30 against 

Alma. 



TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-11 


Head Coach: Craig Newcomb 


The Overton boy’s basketball 

team will return five 

letterwinners to the hardwood 

in 2017-18 after a solid 14-8 

campaign last year. 

The Eagles will look to make 

some noise in Class D-1, and 

will rely heavily on a powerful 

offensive attack under head 

coach Clint Little. 

“We will need to improve 

on rebounding and defense 

from last year but we should 

be exciting to watch on the 

offensive side of the ball,” Little 

said. 

Junior forward Braden Kizer 

will lead the Eagles, after 

posting 13.2 points and 4.4 


Kizer also shot over 40 percent 

from beyond the 3-point line. 

Senior guard Brenden Meier, 

and junior guard Morgan 

Wallace will also play 

significant roles after impressive 

moments in 2016-17. 

“Scoring will be led by three 

returning starters in Kizer, 

Meier, and Wallace,” Little 

added. “Dane Watson and Chevy 

Davenport will look to provide 

rebounding and physical play 

underneath.” 

Overton will open the season 

on Nov. 30 at home against 

Arapahoe. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 14-8 


Head Coach: Clint Little 


Team Phelps 


OVERTONEAGLES 




There are many reasons to be 

optimistic about the Overton 

girl’s basketball squad heading 

into the 2017-18 campaign. 

First, the Eagles have eight 

letterwinners returning, 

including a handful of seniors. 

Secondly, the program will reap 

the benefits of familiarity, as 

head coach Nicole Arp enters 

her second full season at the 

helm. 

Last year, Overton went 10-14, 

but with experience returning on 

the court and on the sidelines, 

the Eagles will look to make 

some noise in Class D-1. 

The group will be lead by senior 

forward Sidney Enochs and 

point guard Gracie Grote. 

Seniors Tori Anderson, Jayden 

Eby, and Jaycee Wallace will 


impact once the season gets 

underway. 

“This year, we are really going 

to work on pushing the ball 

and having more of an inside/ 

outside game,” Arp said. “With 

more depth, I want to step up 

our defense and have a more 

aggressive defense to create 

turnovers and have a more fastpaced 

tempo game.” 

The Eagles will open the season 

on Nov. 30 against Arapahoe. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-14 


Head Coach: Nicole Arp 



BLUE HILLGIRLS 

MEDICINE VALLEYBOYS 

A successful season came to 

an early close for the Blue Hill 

girl’s basketball squad during 

the 2016-17 campaign. 

The group posted an impressive 

19-5 record during the season, 

but lost a tight game in subdistricts 

to Heartland 32-28. 


opportunity to push further 

for Blue Hill, as 10 returning 

letterwinners are expected back 

for head coach Tim Streff. 

Leading that charge will be 

junior Jamie Bonifas, who 

averaged 7.6 points and 5 

rebounds from the guard 

position last year. 

Also playing a major role 

will be junior forward Rylee 

Kohmetscher, who posted 

6 points and 5.2 rebounds a 

contest in 2016-17. 

Streff will also lean heavily 

on Halee Kohmetscher, Emily 

Meyer, senior Taylor Bonifas, 

and sophomore Kyra Meyer 

when the season tips off. 

“If we are able to stop the ball 

well in the half court we will 

be a tough team to beat,” Streff 

said. 


Dec. 1 against Kenesaw. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 19-5 


Head Coach: Tim Streff 


Coming off a season that saw 

positive growth for the program, 

the Medicine Valley boy’s 

basketball team will look to 

take another step in the right 

direction under head coach 

Jason Maier. 

The Raiders posted a 10-10 

record during the 2016-17 

campaign, winning five straight 

down the stretch before falling 

in the sub-district final to DCS. 

This season, Medicine Valley 

returns five letterwinners from 

that squad, as the senior-heavy 

group will look to make noise in 

Class D-1. 

The Raiders will be led 

by senior big man Joseph 

Chancellor, who posted 12 

points and 8 rebounds last 

season to go along with 41 

blocked shots. 

In addition, three senior guards, 

Landon Lenz, Sheldon Johnsen, 

and Ryan Klintworth will all 

return to anchor the backcourt. 

“We have an experienced, well 

balanced, and senior laden team 

that could have a great year,” 

Maier said. “If we play strong 

defense all year and shoot the 

ball with consistency, we could 

be hard to beat.” 

The Raiders will open the 


travel to Southwest. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-10 


Head Coach: Jason Maier 


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HITCHCOCK COUNTYBOYS 

Fresh off a 10-14 season, a 

number of newcomers will have 

to step up for the Hitchcock 

County boy’s basketball squad in 

2017-18 if the group hopes to be 

competitive. 

The Falcons lost five senior 

starters from last year’s team, and 

returns only three letterwinners 

under head coach Mike Tines. 

‘We will have to be very 

disciplined with the ball 

offensively this year as well as 

being very scrappy on defense,” 

Tines said. “We lost five senior 

starters from last year’s team so 

we will be pretty young on the 

varsity level.” 

Ironically, all three returning 

letterwinners will be sophomores 

for the Falcons, as point guard 

Pierce Utterback, Darian Hutto, 

and Chris O’Byrne will look to 

fill big roles. 

Juniors Shayne Mintling and 

Mason Bright, as well as lone 

senior Derrek Mintling, will also 

play significant minutes. 

“Our upperclassmen will have to 

be leaders in practice and on the 

court and our underclassmen will 

have to learn how to play at the 

varsity level very quickly,” Tines 

said. “Our goal this year will be 

to improve game-by-game and 

get the most out of each practice 

session.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-14 


Head Coach: Mike Tines 


BOYD COUNTYBOYS 

The Boyd County boy’s 

basketball squad will be hungry 

for success after finishing 21-3 but 

missing out on the NSAA state 

tournament last season. 

The chances of the Spartans 

putting together another strong 

season are high, as head coach 

Jim Carlson returns to the 

sidelines sporting an outstanding 

495-156 career record. 

The group will be led by guard 

Justin Drueke, who posted 11.3 

points a game as a junior while 

knocking down 67 three-pointers. 

He will be complimented on the 

court by guard/forward hybrid 

Clay Hansen, who dished out 140 

assists and snagged 53 steals last 

year. 

Senior Blake Ahlers will also 

be a player to watch, as will 

sophomore Colby Hansen, who 

racked up 20 steals during his 

freshman season. 

But even with some experience 

returning, Carlson knows some 

younger players are going to have 

to step into bigger roles in 2017- 

18, after the Spartans lost a few 

key contributors to graduation. 

“We have to replace three seniors 

including starters Matthew 

Hansen and three-time all-stater 

Caleb Rihanek, who scored 1,828 

points in his career,” Carlson said. 

“We need to be healthy coming 

out of football, increase our 

scoring, and develop depth. We 

should be able to compete with 

most teams on our schedule.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 21-3 

Head Coach: Jim Carlson 


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BOYD COUNTYGIRLS 

FRANKLINGIRLS 

The Boyd County girl’s basketball 

squad has a number of reasons 

to be optimistic heading into the 

2017-18 campaign. 

Not only are the Spartans coming 

off a 13-9 campaign that featured 

a third place finish in the tough 

Niobrara Valley Conference, but 

they are returning a core group of 

contributors under experienced 

head coach Jeff Hart. 

Hart, who is entering his sixth year 

at Boyd County, has a talented trio 

of returners on his roster, including 

senior Rhiannan Smalley, who 

posted 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds 

a game last year. 

Junior Emma Stahlecker, who 


rebounds as a sophomore, and 

senior Kelsey Reiman will also 

play major roles for the Spartans 

this season. 

“Once again, we have an 

experienced nucleus of juniors 

and seniors, but will need a group 

of freshmen and sophomores to 

really step up and provide playing 

time, scoring and defense,” Hart 

said. “We need to replace 15 points 

and 15 rebounds from last year’s 

seniors. Size will be an issue for 

us, but we hope to counter with 

aggressive defense and the ability 

to run the floor. Our conference is 

always tough and non-conference 

games with Crofton and Wausa 

early will test us.” 


Boyd County on Nov. 30 against 

North Central. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 13-9 


Head Coach: Jeff Hart 

Coming off a 10-10 season 

under second-year head coach 

Adam Boettcher, the Franklin 

girl’s basketball squad will 

have one major advantage in 

2017-18 — experience. 

The Flyers return nine 

letterwinners from last season, 

including four of the team’s five 

starters, and the entire bench. 

“This experience, as well as 

going 1-18 in 2015-16 to 10-10 

in 2016-17, will be a big key to 

our success,” Boettcher said. 

The Flyers will be extremely 

senior heavy this season, and 

will be led by guard Jordan 

Wilbur, who averaged 8.4 

points per game last year. 

In addition, seniors Lilia 

Aberle, Sierra Bruce, Haley 

Shannon and Mariah Biesecker 

will all be back on the 

hardwood come December. 

Four juniors with game 

experience are also set to return 

for Franklin, including guards 

Emma Goosic, Courtney Meade 

and Cassie Saathoff. 

The Flyers will open the season 

when they host Harvard on 

Dec. 1. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Flyers 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-10 


Head Coach: Adam Boettcher 



BRUNING-DAVENPORT-SHICKLEYBOYS 

Fresh off a 20-4 season that 

ended with a 10-point loss in the 

NSAA State Tournament, the 

Bruning-Davenport-Schickley 

boy’s basketball squad will look 

to find similar success in 2017- 

18. 

The Eagles will be led by Greg 

Schroeder, and will return five 

letterwinners to the court. 

“We have a nice core group of 

guys returning from last year, 

but we will be looking for some 

kids who have waited their turn 

the past few years to step up 

and be ready to provide depth,” 

Schroeder said. “We will also 

be looking for our returners to 

provide leadership both on and 

off the court.” 

The Eagles will be led by a group 

of four seniors, including Caden 

Norder, Holden Stengel, Garrett 

Schardt, and Anthony Beavers. 

Junior guard John Christensen 

will also look to carve out 

a significant role once the 

campaign gets underway. 

Even with plenty of experience 

returning, Schroeder said there 

is one role in particular that must 

be filled if his group wants to be 

successful. 

“We will have a new point guard 

so getting them accustomed to 

keeping the team on the same 

page will be one of our early 

season goals that we hope should 

translate to success,” he said. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 20-4 


Head Coach: Greg Schroeder 

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BRUNING-DAVENPORT-SHICKLEYGIRLS 

Head coach Shana Gerberding 

is no stranger to success at the 

helm of the Bruning-Davenport- 

Shickley girl’s basketball squad, 

and the 2016-17 season was no 

different. 

This year, with eight 

letterwinners and five seniors 

returning, expectations are high, 

but the tenured head coach 

knows her team must stay 

focused. 

“Stay mentally tough throughout 

the entire season,” Gerberding 

said of her team’s keys to 

success. “We have a tough 

schedule and tough conference so 

we have to be able to be mentally 

into it every night.” 

Five starters will be back on the 

court for the Eagles this season, 

including senior Lexi Kadel, 

who returns after a solid junior 

campaign. 

Fellow seniors Carley Elznic and 

Megan Grote, as well as juniors 

TaraLee Hudson and Jadyn 

Kleinischmidt, will also be key 

contributors once the season gets 

underway. 

“We have a very capable squad 

and if we can sub and not lose a 

step we will be in good shape and 

I’m confident that it can happen,” 

Gerberding added. “We need 

involvement from the first player 

to the last player. We worked 

hard on this over the summer 

and I’m excited to see what the 

season brings.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 16-7 


Head Coach: Shana Gerberding 


CENTRAL VALLEYBOYS 

HIGH PLAINSBOYS 

If the Central Valley boy’s 

basketball squad plans on making 

some noise during the 2017-18 

campaign, some new faces are 

going to have to shine for the 

Cougars. 

Only one starter returns for Central 

Valley from last year’s 7-16 team, 

and a new face will be on the 

sidelines, as well. 

Riley Bonifas takes the reins 

as head coach, and will look to 

rely heavily on his only player 

with starting experience, Noah 

Nekoliczak. 

Bonfias said development will be 

key for his group as they look to 

compete in Class D-1. 

“In order to be successful, our 

younger kids will have to develop 

quickly and be able to make 

contributions, especially late in 

the season,” Bonifas said. “Our 

upperclassmen will also have to be 

able to make adjustments and learn 

our new coaching philosophy. Our 

goal is to play our best basketball 

by conference time and try to build 

some momentum heading into 

district play.” 


the Cougars on Nov. 20 against 

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 7-16 


Head Coach: Riley Bonifas 


The 2016-17 campaign for the 

High Plains boy’s basketball 

squad didn’t go according to 

plan, as the group finished the 

season with a 3-16 record. 

However, the Storm will now 

have some familiarity with their 

head coach, as Tom Hofmann 

enters his second season at the 

helm of the program. 

Another reason for optimism 

are the three returning starters 

who will be back on the court 

for High Plains come early 

December. 

Sophomore point guard Keaton 

Van Housen, who averaged 9.8 

points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1 steal 

a game last year, will look to 

lead the charge for the Storm. 

Senior guard Tanner Parsons, 


contest last season, as well as 

senior center Bo Dittmar will 

also be key players for High 

Plains. 


winning season are, Hofmann 

laid out his recipe for success, 

saying his squad needs to 

limit turnovers, slow the game 

down, make free throws, 

rebound, and stay out of foul 

trouble. 

The season will tip off for 

High Plains on Dec. 1 against 

Giltner. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Storm 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 3-16 


Head Coach: Tom Hofmann 

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308-754-4611 



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HIGH PLAINSGIRLS 


difficult one for the High Plains 

girl’s basketball team. The group 

finished 2-17 on the season, and 

struggled to find consistency on 

either side of the ball. 

However, the 2017-18 campaign 

brings a new opportunity to find 

success under head coach Greg 

Wood. 

High Plains has a core group of 

athletes returning, including five 

seniors. 

Among that group are Cara 

Demers, Aylse Carlson, Doreli 

Marino, Emily McNaught, and 

Madie Young, who averaged 

13.7 points a contest as a junior. 

There is also a group of upand-coming 

players to keep an 

eye on, including sophomores 

Justice Majerous, Cassidy 

Rieken, and Hannah Tonniges. 

When asked about the keys 

to success for High Plains, 

Wood laid out his recipe for an 

improved season. 

“We have to play more 

consistent, younger girls are 

going to have to contribute 

more, and we need our seniors 

to step up and lead this season,” 

he said. 

High Plains will tip off the 

season on Dec. 1 against Giltner. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Storm 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 2-17 

Head Coach: Greg Wood 


EAST BUTLERBOYS 

ELGIN-POPE JOHNBOYS 

The East Butler boy’s basketball 

team put together a solid 

2016-17 season under tenured 

head coach Greg Jahde, as the 

Tigers went 16-9 before falling 

to Guardian Angels Central 

Catholic to close the campaign. 

Now, East Butler will look to 

keep the momentum rolling 

into a new season and push 

its way through the Class D-1 

competition. 

Five letterwinners are set to 

return to the court for the Tigers, 

led by senior Trevor Havlovic, 



Joining Havlovic will be 

talented sophomore Jaden 

Rhynalds, who tallied 2.3 steals 

and 9.4 points a game in 2016- 

17, and senior guard Carter 

Stara. 

Senior forwards Jakub Janak 

and Camden Robley, as well as 

senior guard Taylor Jirovsky, 

will all battle for significant 

playing time as well. 

“We will need to work on 

developing some depth,” Jahde 

said. “We will also need to find 

ways to get the ball to our main 

two scoring threats, that being 

Jaden and Trevor.” 

The Tigers will open the season 

on Nov. 30 against Cedar Bluffs. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 16-9 


Head Coach: Greg Jahde 


Although the Elgin/Pope John 

boy’s basketball squad is coming 

off a dissappointing 6-16 season, 

there is a lot to be excited about 

entering the 2017-18 campaign. 

The Wolfpack return seven 

starters to the court this season, 

and will look to take a step in the 

right direction under second year 

head coach Michael Becker. 

Elgin/Pope John’s biggest 

strength will be in the backcourt, 

as three game-tested guards are 

set to return this season. 

That group is led by 6-foot junior 

Kyle Schumacher, who averaged 

6.6 points per game last season. 

Hunter Reestman, who is also 

a junior, will see significant run 

after contributing 8.5 points and 

4 rebounds a contest last year, 

and senior Ashton Evans will 

round out a deep and talented 

guard position for the Wolfpack. 

“We will need to have strong 

team rebounding and efficient, 

consistent guard play this year,” 

Becker said. 

The Wolfpack will open the 

season on Dec. 1 when they 

battle Niobrara-Verdigre. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Wolfpack 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 6-16 


Head Coach: Michael Becker 


EAST BUTLERGIRLS 

ELGIN-POPE JOHNGIRLS 

Coming off a season in which 

the East Butler girl’s basketball 

squad went 5-16, the 2017-18 

campaign will feature a new look 

Tiger squad. Plenty of playing 

time is up for grabs under head 

coach Kevin Behne. 

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” 

Behne said. “I expect the team to 

be competitive every night. We 

graduated three starters and those 

spots are up for grabs. There will 

be competition for the starting 

positions and I can see myself 

experimenting with two or three 

possible starting lineups.” 

There is some experience 

returning for East Butler, as 

seniors Anna Rigatuso and Abby 

Pierce will be back on the roster. 

In addition, juniors Madison 

Helman and Kaitlyn Hain both 

have varsity experience. 

But the fate of the Tigers’ 

season will depend on new 

faces, such as juniors Erin Barta 

and Brooklyn Jones, as well 

as sophomores Amanda Aerts, 

Olivia Bohac, and Lexis Haney. 

“My major concern is that we 

develop consistent shooting. We 

shot 33 percent from the field last 

year and averaged only 34 points 

per game. If shooting doesn’t 

improve, it could be a long 

season,” Behne said. “We’ve 

got a young team and those 

youngsters will have to step up 

and help out on the varsity level.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 5-16 


Head Coach: Kevin Behne 


impressive one for the Elgin/ 

Pope John girl’s basketball 

squad, as the Wolfpack 

dominated the regular season, 

finishing with a 19-5 record. 

Unfortunately, the season came 

to a close for the squad and 

head coach Randy Eisenhauer 

following a 10-point loss to 

Heartland in the NSAA state 

tournament. 


team, and the Wolfpack return 

four letterwinners to the court in 

2017-18, including junior guard 

Allyson Wemhoff. 

Wemhoff averaged an impressive 



In addition, senior forwards 

Paige Meis and Lydia Behnk 

will also be back on the floor. 

Meis contributed 12.4 rebounds 

a game last year, while Behnk 


rebounds. 

But with a number of 

underclassmen on the roster, 

Eisenhauer said his team must 

mature quickly if they want to 

repeat the success of last year. 

“We will have to have our 

younger players step up this 

year,” he said. “We will need to 

find consistency in our scoring 

column as we lost many great 

scorers from last year’s team.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Wolfpack 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 19-5 


Head Coach: Randy Eisenhauer 



FRIENDBOYS 

The 2016-17 season for the 

Friend boy’s basketball squad 

not only featured a 13-12 

overall record, but also dramatic 

improvement over a 6-16 

campaign the year before. 

The Bulldogs will look to keep 

building momentum under head 

coach Brian Arp. 

However, that goal will have to 

be accomplished with only four 

returning letterwinners and low 

turnout numbers. 

“We need to stay healthy,” Arp 

said. “We have low numbers, but 

what we have is good enough to 

keep us competitive.” 

The Bulldogs will have an 

experienced athlete leading the 

squad, as point guard Kolby 

Houlden returns for his senior 

season. Houlden posted 10.1 

points and 4.7 assists a game as a 

junior. 

Complimenting Houlden in the 

backcourt will be senior shooting 

guard Darren Segner, who 

averaged 9.7 points a game last 

year and shot 36 percent from 

three-point land. 

Senior forward Ray Sharkey and 

sophomores Jacob Bottom and 

Mason Kelley will also look to 

make an impact for Friend. 

“Kolby is going to be our leader 

and we will go as far as he takes 

us,” Arp said. “If we do not turn 

the ball over that will be key.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 13-12 


Head Coach: Brian Arp 


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FULLERTONBOYS 

Coming off a 2016-17 season 

in which the Fullerton boys 

basketball team finished 11-12, 

some younger athletes will have 

to fill big roles for the Warriors 

this season. 

Fullerton returns only one senior 

in the form of guard Riggs 

Patton. 

That means juniors TJ Dubas and 

Brent Wetovick will have to be 

leaders for the Warriors, as will 

sophomore Brandon Rassmussen. 

Juniors James Lesiak and 

Ryan Hellbusch will also see 

significant playing time come the 

start of the season. 

“We must take care of the ball 

and must force turnovers from 

the opponents,” Fullerton Head 

Coach Richard Plumbtree said. 

“We also need to find some 

leaders who can take over and 

lead this team since we only have 

one senior. We play some very 

tough opponents that dominated 

us last year, and we need to play 

as a team so we can compete 

with those teams this year.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-12 


Head Coach: Richard Plumbtree 


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FULLERTONGIRLS 

The 2016-17 season did not 

produce the amount of success 

the Fullerton girls basketball 

team is used to, but the 2017-18 

campaign is a chance to get back 

on track. 

The Warriors will once again be 

led by head coach Stacy Kramer, 

who boasts an impressive 88- 

51 record at the head of the 

program. 

Kramer will have eight 

letterwinners back on the roster 

this year, but the loss of post 

player Halle Plumbtree to 

graduation could pose a problem. 

“We lost our experienced size in 

the paint with the graduation of 

Halle Plumbtree,” Kramer said. 

“She was injured last year for 

part of the season and the other 

post players gained valuable 

experience that will be required 

this year.” 

The Warriors will expect big 

things out of returning seniors 

Kenna Swertzic and Shaylee 

Horacek, while Caitlyn Beed and 

Katelyn Warner will also look to 

make an impact. 

Newcomers Stormy Herman and 

Hanna Plumblee will see court 

time for Fullerton, as well. 

“Our guard play will need to 

continue to improve to take the 

pressure off of post players,” 

Kramer said. “We will be 

playing younger ball handlers 

and post players that will need to 

step up as the season progresses 

for us to extend into the post 

season.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-13 


Head Coach: Stacy Kramer 



HEARTLANDBOYS 

The Heartland boy’s basketball 

team is coming off an 

impressive 2016-17 campaign 

which saw the Huskies finish 

with a 14-9 record and a district 

championship. 

The squad, led by Head Coach 

Clark Ribble, will be hungry for 

more in 2017-18, as 10 returning 


court when the season begins. 

The Huskies will rely heavily 

on senior Lane Huebert, as the 

6-foot 2-inch guard is coming 

off a campaign in which he 

averaged 21 points, 8 rebounds, 

and 4 assists per contest. 

Senior Aaron Buller, who stands 

6-foot 3-inches tall, will look to be 

a force inside at the post position, 

after contributing 10 points and 5 


With the starting lineup being 

stacked full of experience, the 

Huskies’ head coach said depth is 

what will determine how far his 

team can go this season. 

“The keys to having a successful 

season for us will be the 

development of our bench,” 

Ribble said. “Being able to play 

7-10 players will be key to our 

season. We must also create a more 

balanced scoring attack.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 14-9 


Head Coach: Clark Ribble 


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HEARTLANDGIRLS 

The Heartland girl’s basketball 

team found quite a bit of 

success during the 2016-17 

season, finishing the year 22-6 

and earning a fourth place finish 

in the NSAA state tournament. 

The Huskies are hoping for 

more of the same in 2017- 

18 under head coach Greg 

Veerhusen, but will have to find 

a way to compete with some 

young athletes playing key 

roles. 

Only five letterwinners return 

for Heartland, after the group 

lost three seniors off last year’s 

roster to graduation. 

“The keys this year will be 

how well we play defense and 

how well we control the tempo 

of the game,” Veerhusen said. 

“We lost three seniors from last 

year’s team that played their 

roles very well. With only one 

junior out for basketball, we 

will need some younger players 

to step into those roles.” 

The Huskies will rely heavily 

on senior forward Krynn 

Arbuck, as well as lone junior 

Kate Bergen. 

Seniors Bailey Peters, Taylor 

Quiring, and Alexa Siebert will 

step into leadership roles for 

Heartland, while sophomore 

Odessa Ohrt will look to turn 

some heads once the season 

starts. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 22-6 


Head Coach: Greg Veerhusen 


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McCOOL JUNCTIONBOYS 

Coming off a season in which the 

McCool Junction boy’s basketball 

squad went 8-15, the Mustangs 

will have to rely heavily on youth 


Only four letterwinners return 

for head coach Jarred Weiss, who 

enters his third season at the helm 

of McCool Junction. 

Weiss will lean on senior forward 

Kellan Green, who averaged 6.2 


last year. 

In addition, junior guard Dallas 

Briney, who posted 1.4 points a 

game in 2016-17, will look to step 

into a bigger role. 

Weiss also identified Owen 

McDonald, Giovanni Riga, and 

Kaden Kirkpatrick as a group of 

newcomers who could carve out 

significant roles this season. 

“We will rely on several 

newcomers this season,” Weiss 

said. “How they pick up on 

everything will determine our 

season. We will not be overly big, 

however we should be able to get 

up and down the floor fairly well.” 

McCool Junction will open the 

season on Nov. 30 against Cross 

County. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 8-15 


Head Coach: Jarred Weiss 


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McCOOL JUNCTIONGIRLS 

For head coach Dade McDonald, 

the 2017-18 season for the 

McCool Junction girl’s basketball 

squad will likely come down to 

one aspect of the game. 

“We need to establish 

consistency on both ends of the 

floor,” McDonald said. 

The Mustangs are coming off a 

10-12 season, which saw McCool 

Junction win 10 of its last 18 

games following a four-game 

losing streak to start the year. 

A number of key players will be 

back on the court at the start of 

the campaign, including junior 

forward Hadley Wiemer, who 


a game last season. 

Junior forward Jillian Stark 

will also be returning after 

contributing 8 rebounds and 8 

points per contest last year, and 

senior guard Ciera Wilkinson 

will play a major role in the 

backcourt. 

The experience those three 

players provide could help 

McCool Junction find the 

consistency that is needed to be 

successful. 

“We must defend well to create 

easy scoring opportunities 

and limit our own turnovers,” 

McDonald added. “Many of our 

juniors and seniors have played 

substantial varsity minutes the 

last 2-3 years, so we will rely 

heavily on that experience.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 10-12 


Head Coach: Dade McDonald 




NORTH CENTRALBOYS 

The North Central boy’s 

basketball team continued to 

take steps in the right direction 

during the 2016-17 campaign. 

Last season, the Knights finished 

the year 9-11 under head 

coach Jed Snyder, and with six 

returning letterwinners back on 

the roster, more improvement is 

expected in 2017-18. 

“Keys to a successful season 

this year will start with doing 

the little things of being 

fundamentally sound and being 

consistent on offense and 

communication on defense,” 

Snyder said. “We have the 

experience coming into the 

season as I return four starters 

and 90 percent of our scoring 

and rebounding.” 

North Central will look for 

big things from juniors Colton 

Munger and Jakob Heerten, who 

Snyder said “played really well 

this summer,” and looks for 

them to “lead us on the offensive 

end.” 

Senior Griffin Smith and junior 

forward Byron Pfister will also 

play large roles, as Snyder called 

them “lock down defenders who 

can also get above the rim on 

offense.” 

“I feel this team is a contender 

to be in Lincoln in March and 

that is the expectation this year,” 

Snyder added. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 9-11 

Head Coach: Jed Snyder 

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special one for the North Central 

girl’s basketball team, as the 

Knights dominated the regular 

season, finishing 21-4 under 

head coach Alex McClaery. 

North Central continued to 

play well into the postseason, 

winning an overtime battle 

against Heartland to secure a 

third place finish in Class D-1. 

The Knights are hoping for 

much of the same in 2017-18, 

and with eight letterwinners and 

a core of seniors back on the 

roster, a repeat performance is 

possible. 

The success of North Central 

this season may depend on 

the play of its senior guards, 

as Jadyn Bussinger, Skylar 

Cosgrove, Kylin Munger, and 

Lexy Heyden all return to the 

position. 

Senior forward Caitlin Orton 

and sophomore Sydney Linse 

will also make an impact for the 

Knights come the start of the 

season. 

‘We are an experienced team 

with very good depth again 

this year. The keys will be 

staying together as a team and 

outworking every opponent,” 

McClaery said. “Obviously 

staying healthy is a big key, but 

this will be a fun group with a 

ton of potential to make some 

noise at the end of the season.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 21-4 


Head Coach: Alex McClaery 




OSCEOLABOYS 

The Osceola boys basketball 

team is looking to bounce back 

after an 8-15 season in 2016-17, 

but will have to do so with a new 

look roster. 

The Bulldogs return only four 


Brett Webster, who owns a career 

58-76 record at the helm of the 

program. 

However, Osceola should be 

optimistic heading into the 

season as three seniors return to 

make their mark, led by forward 

Tristin Johnston. 

Johnston posted 6.5 points and 

5 rebounds a contest his junior 

season. 

Guard Caden Theis, who 

averaged 8.4 points a game last 

year, and senior guard Garrett 

Fisher will also be asked to step 

into large roles for the Bulldogs. 

Up-and-coming players to keep 

an eye on this season include 

sophomore Carter Boden and 

junior guard Hayden Watts. 

“Last year we graduated six 

players. We need to develop 

some depth this year to help 

ourselves out,” Webster said. 

“We have a good core group of 

seniors who will need some of 

our younger guys to step up and 

help out.” 

The season tips off for the 

Bulldogs on Nov. 30 against 

Humphrey St. Francis. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 8-15 


Head Coach: Brett Webster 


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OSCEOLAGIRLS 

The Osceola girl’s basketball 

squad had an up-and-down 2016- 

17 campaign, finishing the year 

12-11 in Class D-1. 

But the Bulldogs will have more 

familiarity with second year head 

coach Don Frenzen in 2017- 

18, as they look to keep taking 

strides in the right direction. 

A trio of seniors will look to lead 

Osceola this year, as forward 

Samantha Hays, guard Ginni 

Johansen, and guard Kylie Merry 

all return to the hardwood. 

In addition, junior forward 

Kamryn Hahn will play 

significant minutes come the start 

of the season. 

When asked what will lead to a 

successful season, Frenzen laid 

out of a list of factors that will 

impact his squad. 

“Patience learning a new 

system, adjusting to changes 

in personnel, and learning to 

play together,” he said. “Also, 

a positive attitude, staying 

healthy as a team, and an 

acknowledgment of goals.” 

The season tips off for Osceola 

on Nov. 30 when it battles St. 

Francis. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 12-11 


Head Coach: Don Frenzen 


PLEASANTONBOYS 

KENESAWBOYS 

Fresh off a 7-15 2016-17 

campaign, the Pleasanton boy’s 

basketball squad will have a new 

face leading the charge on the 

sideline. 

Jeff Vetter will enter his first 

season as the head coach for the 

Bulldogs, and will have nine 

returning letterwinners to lean 

on. 

Senior forward Hunter Paitz will 

lead the charge for the Bulldogs, 

after posting an impressive 16.4 

points and 7 rebounds a game 

last year. 

Senior center Bronson Gibbons 

will also be back on the 

hardwood, as will senior guard 

Travis Tolles. 

Junior Jayden Westland and 

sophomores Brady Klein, 

Jackson Keaschall, and Seth 

Eckel will all see significant 

playing time this season, too. 

With a deep roster containing 

plenty of in-game experience, 

Vetter said the keys to success for 

his team are simple, and come 

down to execution. 

“Playing fundamental basketball, 

reducing turnovers, and playing 

solid team defense,” he said. 



TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 7-15 


Head Coach: Jeff Vetter 


The 2016-17 campaign was yet 

another successful showing for the 

Kenesaw boy’s basketball squad 

and head coach Jack Einrem. 

The Blue Devils posted an 18-6 

record and finished second in a 

difficult district a year ago, and the 

group will be looking to repeat that 

success in Einrem’s 10th season at 

the helm. 

There will be more than enough 

returning talent to make a 

successful season a reality, as the 

Blue Devils welcome back eight 

returning letterwinners, and a core 

group of seniors. 

One of those seniors, Tyson Burr, 

will lead Kenesaw. Burr is coming 

off a season in which he averaged 

13.6 points a game. 

Another leader on the court will be 

senior Will Gallagher, who posted 

14.8 points a contest during his 

junior campaign. 

Seniors Jacob Weiler, Alex Heier, 

and Phillip Quackenbush are also 

expected to be impact players this 

season. 

“We will need to stay healthy and 

show improvement on defense,” 

Einrem said. “Scoring off the 

bench will need to improve from a 

year ago also.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Blue Devils 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 18-6 


Head Coach: Jack Einrem 


PLEASANTONGIRLS 

The Pleasanton girl’s basketball 

squad is coming off a 2016-17 

campaign that saw the Bulldogs 

go 13-8 before falling in the 

playoffs to Burwell. 

This season, the program will be 

under new leadership, as head 

coach Randy Bauer takes the 

reins. 

Bauer, who had 218 wins as head 

coach of the Pleasanton boys 

team, has seven letterwinners 

returning. 


Meghan Fisher, who averaged 


game from the center position 

last year. 

Sharing the court will be senior 

forwards Keri Bauer, who 

averaged 8.7 points and 2 steals 

per contest last season, and 

Keegan Linder. 

McKenna Siegel, Cadee Nichols, 

and Paige Welsdorfer will all be 

impact players for the Bulldogs, 

as well. 

“We had a good turn out for open 

gyms and summer camps,” Bauer 

said. “We have set our goals for 

conference and districts and will 

have to see if they fall into place. 

The girls will have to adapt to 

new coaches and their philosophy 

and styles. Our success will be 

determined by hard work, team 

chemistry, paying particular 

attention to our fundamental 

skills, and developing depth to be 

competitive in all phases of the 

game.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 13-8 


Head Coach: Randy Bauer 


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SHELTONBOYS 


Shelton boy’s basketball squad 

is in need of a fresh start. 

Enter first year head coach Dan 

Brown, who will look to get the 

Bulldogs on the winning track 

in 2017-18, and establish them 

as a contenter in Class D-1. 

For Brown, a solid mix of 

returning talent and up-andcoming 

athletes will fill out 

the roster, including nine 

letterwinners and four seniors. 

A player to keep an eye on is 

senior forward Nick Arbogast, 

who averaged 3.7 points and 

4.7 rebounds last year. 

In addition, fellow seniors Case 

Terry and Daniel Romera, as 

well as sophomores Sterling 

Wright and Ben Bombeck will 

look to carve out significant 

roles. 

“(The keys to a successful 

season are) good shot selection, 

improved team chemistry, and 

a more competitive attitude,” 

Brown said. “We bring in some 

new, young talent, but are not 

an experienced team. We had a 

good off season so we will see.” 

The 2017-18 campaign will get 

underway on Nov. 30 against 

Elm Creek. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 2-18 


Head Coach: Dan Brown 

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SHELTONGIRLS 

The Shelton girl’s basketball 

team is coming off a difficult 

season, as the Bulldogs finished 

the 2016-17 campaign with a 

2-19 record. 


be fellow seniors Bri Kennedy, 

Halee Blackburn, Chloe 

Hellerich, Sandra Sauceda, and 

Harley Reilly. 

for the Bulldogs on Nov. 30 

against Elm Creek on the road. 

But a new year brings a new 

opportunity to succeed under 

second year head coach Will 

Reutzel, and with eight seniors 

on the roster, a bounce-back 

season is possible. 

Experience will not be lacking 

for the Bulldogs as they attempt 

to navigate through Class D-1, 

with seniors Jylissa Sinner, 

Jeresa Sinner, and Nadia Pinon 

all returning to the hardwood. 

In addition, juniors Luryn 

Hendrickson and Kathleen Juhl 

will also battle for significant 

playing time. 

“Our team will need to continue 

to improve fundamentals, learn 

the game and how to play it 

better, play better together, and 

communicate with each other (to 

be successful),” Reutzel said. 


TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 2-19 

Head Coach: Will Ruetzel 


TRI COUNTYBOYS 

On the heels of a 9-14 season, the 

Tri County boy’s basketball team 

will have a different look to it this 

year, as only four letterwinners 

return to the court for the 2017-18 

campaign. 

But for head coach Cory Jensen 

and the Trojans, a new season 

brings an opportunity to impress 

in Class D-1. 

Among those returning for Tri 

County is senior point guard Riley 

Knust, who averaged 12.5 points 

and 3.5 assists per game as a 

junior. 

He will be joined by junior 

forward Creighton Niemeyer, who 

posted an impressive 13.5 points 

and 5 rebounds a contest last year. 

Junior forward Evan Larson and 

freshman Cole Siems are also 

expected to be impact players for 

the Trojans this season. 

“After a successful summer, a key 

for us will be to continue to work 

to get better every single day,” 

Jensen said. “And like a lot of 

D-1 teams, we will need to avoid 

injuries.” 

Tri County will open the season 

on Nov. 30 on the road against 

Wilber-Clatonia. 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 




Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 9-14 


Head Coach: Cory Jensen 

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TRI COUNTYGIRLS 

After winning six of their final 

eight games during the 2016-17 

campaign, the Tri County girl’s 

basketball squad will look to 

keep its momentum going into a 

brand new season. 

The Trojans finished 11-13 

last year under head coach 

Bryce Simpson, and with 

seven returning letterwinners 

expected back, the group will 

look to make a dent in Class 

D-1. 

“For us it always starts with 

improving and hopefully 

getting to a point where we are 

playing our best basketball by 

the end of the season,” Simpson 

said. 

Simpson will look to four 

seniors to be leaders this year, 

as Celena Chavez, Shayna 

Lijewski, Shae Wattjes, and 

Kailey Weichel all return for 

the Trojans. 

Juniors Madison Freese, 

Shaylee Niemeyer, and Brianna 

Connelly, as well as sophomore 

Hannah Strein, will also make 

an impact this season. 

“We will be looking to fill some 

holes left by four seniors, but I 

like our athleticism,” Simpson 

added. “We need to use this 

to become more efficient 

offensively, while at the same 

time making it difficult for our 

opponents offensively.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 11-13 


Head Coach: Bryce Simpson 



ELM CREEKBOYS 

CLEARWATER-ORCHARDBOYS 

The Elm Creek boy’s basketball 

squad is in prime position to 

make a run during the 2017-18 

season. 

Not only are the Buffaloes 

coming off an impressive 17-7 

campaign, but five senior starters 

return under tenured head coach 

Tanner Cavenee. 

In total, eight letterwinners will 

return to the court, led by senior 

guard Jaydn Ford, who posted 

13.2 points and 4.2 assists a 


Complimenting Ford on the court 

will be senior forward Anthony 

Quintana, who averaged 5.8 

points a contest last year. 

Fellow seniors Nate Fields, Jerry 

Brumels, and Lathan Jonak will 

also be key contributors for the 

Buffaloes once the season tips 

off. 

Some younger athletes could step 

into big roles this season, as well, 

as Cavenee said he expects big 

things from sophomores Gage 

Clabaugh, Lane Gutzwiller, and 

freshman Trey Miner. 

“Staying healthy and having 

great leadership from five great 

seniors that I enjoy coaching,” 

Cavenee said about the keys to 

a successful season. “Need to 

break in some new rotational 

players, but we expect some 

great things from some of those 

younger kids.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 17-7 


Head Coach: Tanner Cavenee 


The Clearwater-Orchard boy’s 


difficult 2016-17 season, where 

the group finished 6-16 under 

head coach Jim Schutt. 

However, the Cyclones are set 

up in 2017-18 to have a solid 

bounce back campaign, and are 

in position to make some noise in 

Class D-1. 

Clearwater-Orchard will return 

five starters back to the hardcourt 

this season, and will be led by a 

talented and deep junior class. 

Forward Liam Odell will be the 

lone senior in the starting lineup 


But he will be joined by junior 

guards Blake Hoke and Chris 

Kester, as well as junior forwards 

Ryan Wilhelm and Jacob Long. 

“We have five starters back. We 

need to stay healthy and focused 

to have a successful season,” 

Schutt said. “Players put in a 

good effort this summer.” 

The season will tip off for the 

Cyclones on Nov. 30 against St. 

Mary’s. 



TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 

Team Name: Cyclones 

Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 6-16 


Head Coach: James Schutt 

ELM CREEKGIRLS 

The Elm Creek girl’s basketball 


2016-17 campaign, which saw the 

Buffaloes go 23-3. 

The Buffaloes are reloaded under 

tenured head coach Mike Ford, as 

four starters will be back on the 

roster. 

However, Elm Creek lost Kenzie 

Deyo, who earned all-conference 

honors last season, to graduation. 

“She was an excellent distributor 

of the ball averaging 10 points per 

game and nearly four assists,” Ford 

said “Kenzie rewrote many of the 

records in the assist column.” 

The Buffaloes will rely heavily this 

season on senior guard/forward 

Claire Cornell, who averaged an 

impressive 19 points and 11.5 

rebounds per game in 2016-17. 

Juniors Allie Bauer, who averaged 

17.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, and 

Madison Halliwell, who totaled 42 

steals last year, will also play major 

roles for Elm Creek. 

“The young and inexperienced 

kids will have the opportunity to 

play, and playing time will depend 

on their ability to acclimate to the 

varsity pace of basketball,” Ford 

added. “Offensively there will be 

a learning curve for these younger 

kids, but defensively I think that we 

could be mobile and very disruptive 

when we start communicating 

and moving together as a team 

and that will aid in our efforts to 

find easy baskets. But our main 

key to success will be to eliminate 

mistakes by the kids that will be 

picking up the slack of the exiting 

seniors.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-1 

2016-17 Record: 23-3 


Head Coach: Mike Ford 



ANSELMO-MERNAGIRLS 

STUARTBOYS 

The Anselmo-Merna girl’s 

basketball squad took steps in 

the right direction last season, 

finishing the 2016-17 campaign 

with a 15-7 record. 

Under the tutelage of head 

coach J.D. Furrow, the Coyotes 

will look to keep building 

momentum this season, and will 

rely on a core of eight returning 

letterwinners to do so. 

Leading the charge for 

Anselmo-Merna will be senior 

point guard Megan Christen, 

who posted 7.1 points, 7.8 

rebounds, and 3.1 steals a 

contest as a junior. 

Complimenting Christen on the 

court will be junior shooting 

guard Kourtney Safranek, 

who averaged 6.2 points and 2 


Seniors Jalea Chandler and Tara 

Geiser, as well as sophomore 

Alexis Zimmer, will also 

look to make significant 

contributions for the Coyotes. 

“We will rely heavily on our 

defense to give us scoring 

opportunities,” Furrow said. 

“I think we will be a decent 

shooting team, but our lack of 

size will make rebounding and 

defending the post a challenge. 

We compete in a really tough 

conference, so the girls will 

be battle tested by the time 

districts roll around.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Coyotes 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 15-7 


Head Coach: J.D. Furrow 

A 5-18 record wasn’t exactly 

what head coach Travis Ludwig 

was hoping for out of the Stuart 

boy’s basketball squad last 

season, but that doesn’t mean the 

campaign was a waste. 

Even though the Broncos 

scuffled through much of the 

2016-17 campaign, a number of 

young players earned valuable 

experience, setting the group up 

to make a run this season. 

Eight letterwinners will be back 

on the roster for the tenured 

head coach, led by junior Issac 

Steinhaser, who posted 12.6 


last year. 

Junior guard Ethan Sattler will 

also be a key contributor for the 

Broncos after averaging 6 points 

and 4.2 assists in his sophomore 

campaign. 

Juniors Coltin Schroder, Wyatt 

Paxton, and Zach Michka will 

also see significant run this 

season. 

“We have a lot of kids back who 

played a lot last year,” Ludwig 

said. “They gained valuable 

experience and were forced to 

grow up quick. We will look to 

make an impact this year.” 

Stuart will open the season 

on Nov. 30 at home against 

Niobrara-Verdigre. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 5-18 


Head Coach: Travis Ludwig 





LEADER 



AXTELLBOYS 

CHAMBERS-WHEELER CENTRAL-EWINGGIRLS 

The 2016-17 campaign was a 

difficult one for the Axtell boy’s 


went 3-20 under head coach Chris 

Callan. 

However, the Wildcats were at a 

disadvantage from the start, as no 

player had starting experience at 

the start of last season. 

The opposite is true for Axtell 

in 2017-18, as a plethora of 

returning experience and talent 

have raised expectations, and 

created optimism as the season 

approaches. 

“Last year we started the year 

with zero starters returning and 

three letterwinners. This year 

we we have 11 letterwinners 

and eight different players who 

started at one point in the season 

last year,” Callan said. “That 

experience will provide a lot for 

us to draw upon this season, as we 

return 99 percent of our scoring 

and rebounding from last year.” 

Leading the charge for Axtell will 

be senior guard Ryan Hubbard, 




be senior guard Jake Marsh, 

who posted 6.8 points a contest 

his junior year, and forward 

Creighton Kring. 

Junior Lane Bertrand, and 

sophomores Jake Wehrer, Zach 

Hinrichs, and Tyler Danburg will 

be key players for the Wildcats, as 

well. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 3-20 


Head Coach: Chris Callan 


Fresh off a 13-9 campaign, the 

Chambers-Wheeler Central 

girl’s basketball squad will 

have to mature quickly if they 

plan on competing in Class D-2 

this season. 

“We are very young this year, 

so it will be important for us to 

work together as a team early in 

the season,” head coach Laurel 

O’Malley said. 

The Renegades only return 

five letterwinners and a pair of 

seniors this season. 

CWC will be led by sophomore 

guard Taylor Peter, who 


rebounds a contest as freshman. 

Also seeing significant run will 

be the duo of seniors Jamie 

Koenig and Neleigh Gehl, as 

well as junior Kyra Farewell. 

“We also need to rely on 

defense and rebounding and 

work very hard to keep our 

turnovers down,” O’Malley 

added. “Our upperclassmen will 

need to be good leaders to help 

our younger players as they 

develop experience. It will be 

exciting to see this team grow 

and improve throughout the 

year.” 

The season will tip off for CWC 

on Nov. 28 against Creighton. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Renegades 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 13-9 

Head Coach: Laurel O’Malley 


AXTELLGIRLS 

SUMNER-EDDYVILLE-MILLERGIRLS 

Coming off a 19-5 campaign 

which ended in the second round 

of the state tournament, the 

Axtell girl’s basketball squad 

will have a new leader on the 

sidelines. 

Alyssa Willicott will take the 

reigns as the head coach for the 

Wildcats in 2017-18, and will 

be looking to bring her team 

together from the first day of 

practice. 

“This year we are going to focus 

on teamwork. To win basketball 

games you need five players 

on the court, as well as all the 

players you have on the bench 

to mesh well together,” Willicott 

said. “Basketball isn’t won by 

just one or two players. It takes 

the entire team to be successful.” 

Willicott will have plenty of 

experience returning, as 11 


court this season. 

Senior Paige Kirby will lead 

the charge for Axtell after an 

impressive junior campaign, 

and Camille Fishell and Caitlin 

Callan will also be impact 

players. 

“If we can accomplish team unity 

plus hard work and dedication, 

our team will be successful once 

again. I have a good group of 

girls to work with and I have set 

my expectations high for them, 

but nothing they can’t achieve” 

Willicott added. “I am excited for 

this new year and to see where 

the season takes us.” 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Lady Cats 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 19-5 


Head Coach: Alyssa Willicott 

The Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 

girl’s basketball squad had a 

difficult season in 2016-17 

under first year head coach 

Kathy Petersen-Cline. 

The Mustangs went 3-16 and 

1-9 in district play, but the group 

will look to get back on the 

winning track as a new season 

approaches. 

SEM will rely heavily on senior 

Sidney Ripp, who averaged 5.7 


last year. 

Joscelyn Soncksen will also play 

a significant role, coming off a 

season in which she averaged 


game. 

Mekenzie Beattie, Jenaya 

Pierce, and Mikayla Dittmar 

will also look to earn extended 

playing time for the Mustangs. 

SEM will open the season on 

Nov. 30 on the road against 

Loomis. 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 3-16 


Head Coach: Kathy Petersen-Cline 



DORCHESTERBOYS 

The Dorchester boy’s basketball 

squad is coming off a difficult 

2016-17 season, in which 

the Longhorns claimed only 

one victory en route to a 1-20 

campaign. 

Expectations are higher for the 

group in 2017-18 under head 

coach Miles Ray, although a 

majority of Dorchester’s scoring 

from last year’s team was lost to 

graduation. 

However, the Longhorns do 

return a trio of players that could 

do some damage in Class D-2. 

Junior guard Nathan Cochnar, 

senior forward Ryan Weber, and 

junior guard Carson Zahourek 

will all play significant roles for 

Ray this season. 

“We will be a young team that 

needs to replace a majority 

of our scoring from last year. 

The goal is to get better every 

practice and every game,” Ray 

said. “As players get more 

experience at the varsity level 

we hope to be a competitive 

team come subdistrict time.” 


for Dorchester on Dec. 1 when it 

battles Meridian on the road. 



TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 

Team Name: Longhorns 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 1-20 


Head Coach: Miles Ray 


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DORCHESTERGIRLS 

PARKVIEW CHRISTIANBOYS 

Coming off a season in which the 

Dorchester girl’s basketball squad 

finished with an 11-13 record, 

head coach Brandon Burha will 

be looking to a core of young 

players to produce in 2017-18. 

The Longhorns return only 4 

letterwinners to the court this 

season. 

Among those returners is forward 

Abby Plouzek, who averaged 2.2 


last year. 

Point guard Makenna Bird, 

who posted 8.4 points and 

3.6 rebounds last season, and 

forward Kaylee Eberhardt will 


impact come December. 

“We have a very young team 

this year,” Burha said. “We are 

going to rely on a lot of freshman 

to play. How quickly they learn 

how to play at the high school 

level is what is key for our 

season.” 

The Longhorns will open up 

the season on Dec. 1 when they 

travel to Meridian. 

The group won’t play their first 

home game until Dec. 8 when 

they host BDS. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Longhorns 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-13 


Head Coach: Brandon Bruha 


The Parkview Christian boy’s 

basketball squad is coming 

off an impressive 2016-17 

season, finishing the year 21-5 

and making an NSAA state 

tournament appearance. 

The Patriots’ season came to an end 

in the first round of the tournament 

with a 39-34 loss to Wynot. 

Head coach Jordan Hitchcock 

will return to the sidelines for 

Parkview Christian in his second 

season at the helm, but will only 

have three returning letterwinners 

on the roster. 

The Patriots will be led by a pair 

of seniors, as Tucker Pinyan and 

Elijah Page are set to return to 

the court. 

Also looking to play a significant 

role will be sophomore Logan 

Page, who turned some heads 

during his freshman campaign. 

“Our season will be a success 

if we surrender personal goals 

for the good of the whole. This 

is exemplified in the pursuit of 

two basic goals,” Hitchcock 

said. “The first is to help light 

a fire in the hearts of the young 

men in our program to know 

and chase after Jesus Christ. 

The second is to win a state 

championship. Winning a state 

championship has nothing to do 

with the glory of winning state or 

putting Parkview Christian on the 

map, but everything to do with 

learning how to be 100 percent 

for each other and learning how 

to grow as an individual and as a 

team.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D2 

2016-17 Record: 21-5 


Head Coach: Jordan Hitchcock 



EXETER-MILLIGANBOYS 

The Exeter-Milligan boy’s 

basketball squad struggled to 

find consistency during the 

2016-17 campaign, finishing the 

season 12-11. 

But with 10 letterwinners and 

a trio of seniors returning, the 

Timberwolves are prepped to do 

some damage in Class D-2 this 

year. 

Under head coach Dean Filipi, a 

lack of experience will not be an 

issue for Exeter-Milligan. 

Senior guard Eric Olsen will 

return to the court after a solid 

junior campaign, and will be 

joined by fellow seniors Seth 

Maxson and Patrick Murphy. 

All three will be players to 

watch come the start of the 

season. 

Juniors Spencer Pribyl, Colton 

Bossaller, and Johnny Babula 

will also play significant 

minutes for the Timberwolves 

this year. 


successful season are, Filipi was 

concise. 

“Building depth and consistent 

play on both ends of the floor,” 

he said. 


Nov. 30 against Deshler. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Timberwolves 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 12-11 


Head Coach: Dean Filipi 


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EXETER-MILLIGANGIRLS 


impressive one for the Exeter- 

Milligan girl’s basketball team, as 

the group went an impressive 19-8 

on its way to a fourth place finish 

at the NSAA state tournament. 

However, success is nothing new 

for head coach Jackson Krejci, 

who owns a career 156-59 record 

at the helm of the Timberwolves. 

The success the program has had 

in recent years places expectations 

high for the upcoming campaign, 

as five letterwinners and two 

seniors are set to return. 

The Timberwolves will be led 

by senior Hannah Beethe, who 

posted 9 points and 6 rebounds a 


In addition, senior Tara Mueller, 

who averaged 6 points and 6 

rebounds, will be back on the 

hardwood for Exeter-Milligan. 

Juniors Katherine White and Kate 

Jansky, as well as sophomore 

Anna Sluka, will also be key in 

the success of the Timberwolves 

this season. 

“We have a good core of our 

team back from last year,” Krejci 

said. “Having some younger girls 

play towards the end of last year 

will help their confidence going 

into the season. We will need to 

develop depth as the year goes 

on. I believe this team has great 

potential.” 

The Timberwolves tip off their 


against Deshler. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Timberwolves 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 19-8 


Head Coach: Jackson Krejci 



GILTNERBOYS 

The Giltner boy’s basketball 

squad has a lot working for it as 

it heads into the 2017-18 season 

under first year head coach Jordan 

Ortmeier. 

The Hornets are coming off an 

18-7 campaign, and have 10 

returning letterwinners on a 

senior-heavy roster. 

The group will be led by senior 

guard Josh Hinrichs, who 


points and 4.5 rebounds a contest 

last year. 

Alex Goracke, a senior forward 


rebounds a game last season, will 

also carry some of the load for the 

Hornets. 

Forward Brodi Hansen will look 

to build on a successful 2016- 

17 season, as well. The senior 


rebounds. 

“With a roster full of seniors, 

leadership will be huge for us,” 

Ortmeier said. “We have plenty of 

experience with everyone coming 

back from last year. Learning to 

be road warriors with a difficult 

road schedule (will also be key).” 

Giltner will open the season on 

Nov. 30 against Harvard. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Hornets 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 18-7 


Head Coach: Jordan Ortmeier 

402.849.2400 • 216 Tonya Drive • Giltner, NE 



GILTNERGIRLS 

Coming off an 8-13 season, 

the Giltner girl’s basketball 

squad will look to bounce 

back in a big way, and are in 

a position to do so with nine 

letterwinners expected back on 

the roster. 

Under tenured head coach 

Nancy Lockmon, who owns a 

167-105 record at the helm of 

the program, the Hornets will 

welcome back four seniors. 

Senior guards Reagan Janzen and 

Jordan Hansen are two athletes 

to watch once the season gets 

underway, as is senior forward 

Alexa Preissler. 

Forward Reagan Smith rounds 

out a talented senior class for 

Giltner. 

Some younger athletes will 

have to fill some big roles for 

the Hornets to be successful, 

as juniors Chloe Craig, Brooke 

Good, and Aubrey Leichty will 

look to take their game to the 

next level. 

Sophomores Sydney Janzen and 

Cassidy Tompkin will also be 

battling for playing time come 

late November. 

When asked what the keys are 

to a successful season, Lockmon 

didn’t mince words. 

“Being able to put the ball in 

the basket and playing solid 

defense,” she said. 

The season opens up for Giltner 

on Nov. 30 against Harvard. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Lady Hornets 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 8-13 


Head Coach: Nancy Lockmon 



LAWRENCE-NELSONBOYS 

The Lawrence-Nelson boy’s 

basketball team will carry a lot 

of momentum into the 2017-18 

season, as the Raiders finished 

16-8 last year, setting a school 

record for wins. 

Under third-year head coach 

Decker Brown, the group will 

look to keep taking steps in the 

right direction, with a core group 

of athletes slated to return. 

“We will have three starters 

from last year’s team back in the 

lineup,” Brown said. “We are 

very hopeful and excited about 

the group stepping into bigger 

roles. “ 

Four letterwinners will return for 

the Raiders this season, led by 

senior center Micah Dolnicek, 

who averaged 8 points and 6 


Dolnicek will be complimented 

by senior point guard Peyton 

Drudik, who posted 5 points and 

3 rebounds as a junior. 

Senior forward Kevin Schroer 

and junior Lane Heikkinen will 

also play large roles for the 

Raiders. 

“Throughout the last couple 

seasons we have really improved 

in not only the wins and losses 

category, but with our style of 

play,” Brown said. “As is the 

case every year, people outside 

of Lawrence-Nelson don’t expect 

much from our boys. And as we 

have done every year, we have 

made that our motivator to prove 

them wrong.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 16-8 

Head Coach: Decker Brown 


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LAWRENCE-NELSONGIRLS 

Even though the Lawrence/ 

Nelson girl’s basketball team 

had a difficult 2016-17 season, 

finishing 10-15, the Raiders are 

no stranger to success. 

The program is led by head 

coach Cathy Biltoft, who owns 

an impressive 218-130 record at 

Lawrence/Nelson. 

As 2017-18 approaches, Biltoft 

will have eight returning 

letterwinners back on the roster, 

led by senior guard Mattee 

Kucera. 

Kucera averaged 8.2 points per 

game as a junior in 2016-17. 

In addition, fellow senior Morgan 

Menke, as well as sophomores 

Taylor Harrington, Karigan 

Drudik, and Hallie Epley will 

all be vital in getting the Raiders 

back on track this season. 


successful season are, Biltoft laid 

out her winning recipe. 

“For one key, stay healthy,” 

Biltoft said. “Work together for 

those common goals, and be 

prepared for each team we play.” 


on Nov. 21 against Heartland 

Lutheran. 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 




Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 10-15 


Head Coach: Cathy Biltoft 



LOOMISBOYS 

Team Phelps 


The Loomis boys basketball team 

struggled to find consistency 

during the 2016-17 campaign, 

finishing the year 12-11 under head 

coach Drew Billeter. 

But as a new season approaches, 

the Wolves will have a chance to 

take steps in the right direction, 

and make some noise in Class D-2. 

will fellow juniors Josh Marcy, 

Andrew Dennis, and Issac Wahls. 

“Improving our offense and 

shooting (will be key),” Billeter 

said. “We need to improve on 

defense and rebounding.” 


Loomis on Nov. 30 against SEM. 



For that to happen, Loomis will 

have to get contributions from 

seniors Drew Lauby and Hunter 

Banzhaf, who make up the core of 

the seven returning letterwinners. 

Junior guard Aaron Dow will also 

have to play a significant role, as 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Wolves 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 12-11 


Head Coach: Drew Billeter 




LOOMISGIRLS 

During the 2017-18 season, the 

Loomis girl’s basketball squad 

will look to improve on a 12-10 

campaign. 

Under the leadership of head 

coach Staci Fertig, the Wolves 

will look to do some damage 

in Class D2, in a district that 

includes Axtell, Elwood, Eustis- 

Farnam, and Wilcox-Hildreth. 

In order for the group to have 

success, sophomore forward 

Darla Thorell will have to step 

into a big role, after performing 

well as a freshman. 

McKayla Meyer will also have 

to be a leader for Loomis. 

“We need to be in shape and be 

able to push the ball,” Fertig 

said. “We can’t have any injuries 

as numbers are low and we will 

need everyone to be successful.” 


for the Wolves on Nov. 11 when 

they battle Sumner-Eddyville- 

Miller. 

TEAM FACTS 

Team Name: Lady Wolves 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 12-10 


Head Coach: Staci Fertig 

In addition, junior guard 


ST. MARY’S CATHOLICBOYS 

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The St. Mary’s boy’s basketball 

squad made huge strides during 

the 2016-17 campaign, finishing 

11-12 on the heels of a 4-17 

campaign the year before. 

This season, the Cardinals will 

look to continue moving forward 

under third-year head coach Phil 

Baumgart, but will have to do 

it with a fairly inexperienced 

roster. 

“To be successful, we will have 

to play solid defense and limit 

turnovers,” Baumgart said. “We 

will need our younger guys to 

mature quickly.” 

A core group of juniors will look 

to help carry the load for the 

Cardinals, as Jack Krotter, Cole 

Gaughebaugh, Zach Crumly, 

and Jacob Wiese will all look to 

make a name for themselves. 

it will be important to handle 

any presses we see.” 

The Cardinals will open the 


Orchard/Clearwater. 

TEAM FACTS 


St. Mary’s returns only one 

letterwinner in 2017-18, junior 

forward Grady Semin. 

Semin posted 6.3 points and 3 


“My starters will need to stay 

out of foul trouble because of 

limited depth,” Baumgart added. 

“Staying healthy will be critical 

with only 11 players out this 

year. With no returning starters 


Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 11-12 


Head Coach: Phil Baumgart 


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ST. MARY’S CATHOLICGIRLS 

The St. Mary’s girl’s basketball 

team had a season to remember 

in 2016-17, finishing the year 

22-5 and claiming third place at 

the NSAA state tournament. 

The talented squad was 

dominant throughout the 

season, going undefeated at 

home and finishing the year 

with a double-digit win over 

Exeter-Milligan to claim the 

third-place trophy. 

The Cardinals will look to have 

another successful year under 

head coach Traci Berg in 2017- 

18, but the group will have to 

find a way to be competitive 

with a new look roster. 

Six seniors from last year’s 

team graduated, leaving St. 

Mary’s without any returning 

starters. 

“We graduated six seniors and 

had a starter transfer so we 

have zero returning starters and 

will be very young this year 

with only one returning player 

having any varsity playing 

time,” Berg said. “We will 

struggle this year but hope to 

get better every day. It will be a 

rebuilding year for us.” 

TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 




Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 22-5 


Head Coach: Traci Berg 


SILVER LAKEBOYS 

The Silver Lake boy’s 

basketball squad is coming 

off a challenging 6-15 season, 

and after losing four seniors to 

graduation, the Mustangs will 

have to rely on some young 

players to get the program on 

the winning track. 

Head Coach Taylor Maulsby 

will return to the sidelines 

for Silver Lake in 2017-18, 

and will need juniors Alex 

Ehrman, Johnny Borgman, 

and Casey Cassell to step into 

larger roles. 

Seniors Mark Thurston, who 


season, and Reid Parr will 

also need to help carry the 

Mustangs once the campaign 

gets underway. 

“We have a lot of young, 

talented kids who I believe are 

willing to work and get better 

as the season progresses,” 

Maulsby said. “We will need 

to be solid on the defense 

end and knock down a few 

more shots than we have the 

last couple years. It will be 

important for us to create 

some turnovers to get extra 

possessions while limiting the 

mistakes on our end of the 

court.” 

TEAM FACTS 


Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 6-15 


Head Coach: Taylor Maulsby 

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LEADER 

SILVER LAKEGIRLS 

Silver Lake looks to bounce 

back from a 2-19 record when 

the Lady Mustangs take the 

floor for the 2017-2018 season. 

Joshua Drake returns as the 

program’s head coach after a 

year away from the sidelines. 

Drake was the head coach for 

Silver Lake during the 2014- 

2015 and 2015-2016 seasons. 

“We are going to have a young 

team,” said Drake. “Coming 

back from a year away from 

coaching, I am inheriting an 

almost completely new roster.” 

The Lady Mustangs had success 

with Drake as the head coach. 

Silver Lake posted a 26-21 

combined record in his two 

prior seasons. 

With Silver Lake coming off a 

two-win campaign, Drake looks 

to turn the program around this 

winter. 

“It will take some time for us 

to understand what it takes for 

this group to be successful,” 

said Drake. “We are going to 

build a foundation based upon 

defense and solid fundamental 

play.” 

Silver Lake opens the season 

Friday, Dec. 1 against Deshler. 



TEAM FACTS 

ON THE GO 

Team Name: Lady Mustangs 

Class: D-2 

2016-17 Record: 2-19 


Head Coach: Joshua Drake 



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DESIGN - Bronson Gierhan 

CONTENT - Shelby Hamilton 

EDITORIAL - Jay Omar 

170 All Rights Reserved 2017. For comments call or write 1011 Television - 840 N. 40th - Lincoln, NE 68503 - Phone: 402-467-4321 - www.1011now.com/prepzonehardcourtpreview 

2017 Prepzone Hardcourt Preview 

The Nebraska State Colleges are equal opportunity institutions and do not discriminate against any student, employee 

or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, 

or age in employment and education opportunities, including but not limited to admission decisions. Each 

College has designated an individual to coordinate the College’s nondiscrimination efforts to comply with 

regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil 

Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

*Men: 3.4 

southeast.edu/VisitSCC 

*Women: 3.9 

Percentage of high 

school basketball 

players who play 

college basketball. 

*Men: 1.1 

*Women: 0.9 

Percentage of NCAA 

basketball players drafted 

by an NBA team. 

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*Sources: High school figures from the 2015-16 High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the 

National Federation of State High School Associations; data from club teams not included. College numbers 

from the NCAA 2015-16 Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report.

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