The 3rd annual Nebraska Middle School Championships were held in Gothenburg on Saturday and Thayer Central edged Holdrege 40-39 to snare the boys title.  Thayer Central was buoyed by Simon Wiedel, who captured the 100, 200, long jump and triple jump.  Wiedel’s older brother, Seth is currently a University of Nebraska track scholarship athlete.

Fairbury’s Kenton Kobza set a meet record in the Discus with a National leading throw of 192′ 8″.  Kobza is the nephew of former Schuyler and Arkansas University/Hall of Fame track standout, Marty Kobza.  Here are the results:

Boys 100 Meter Hurdles

1 Gilliland, Drew – Mitchell…………………..14.67

2 Halley, Traceten – Scottsbluff…………….14.99

3 Buettner, Reed – Holdrege…………………15.18

4 Laursen, Cody – Hemingford………………15.87

5 Hamel, Jayden – Blue Hill………………….15.94

6 Neiman, Matt – Brady Eagles JH…………16.07

Boys 100 Meter Dash

1 Wiedel, Simon – Thayer Central……………….11.41

2 Rogers, Cooper – Holdrege……………………..11.74

3 Schanaman, Sheridan – Doniphan Trumbull…11.86

4 Schnitzler, Preston – Kenesaw…………………11.96

5 Jester, Levi – Franklin…………………………….12.15

6 Miesbach, Andy – Wms Vikings……………….12.18

Boys 1600 Meter Run

1 Grimes, Kristofor – Lincoln Irving…………4:42.97… (New Record)

2 Clough, Tanner – Wallace Wildcats……..4:46.48

3 Lambert, Eric – Chadron……………………4:50.96

4 Hahn, Collin – Gothenburg…………………4:52.60

5 Sloup, Brevin – Seward Midde Sch………4:55.11

6 Delimont, Brady – Ainsworth MS…………4:56.29

Boys 400 Meter Relay

1 Holdrege ‘A’ – (Buettner, Hunke, Hosier, Rogers)………………………….47.42…(New Record)

2 Scottsbluff ‘A’ – (Ingram, Larrieux, Halley, Johnson)……………………….47.93

3 Doniphan Trumbull 8 ‘A’  – (Schanaman, Pfeiffer, Schuppan, Schultz)…48.29

4 Gothenburg ‘A’ – (Runners NA)………………………………………………….49.19

5 Dundy County Stratton ‘A’ – Stute, Sandberg, Haislip, Yauney)……….. 49.28

6 Alliance MS ‘A’ – (Hill, Schnell, Shelmadine, Nordeen)……………………49.93

Boys 400 Meter Dash

1 Holcomb, Travis – Centura……………………..53.40

2 Thiele, Conner – Oakland-Craig……………….54.57

3 Rodriguez, Jorge – Wood River……………….54.74

4 Heeren, Jake – Sidney Middle Sch…………..54.90

5 Przymus, Brady – Columbus Scotus………..55.59

6 Grimes, Kristofor – Lin. Irving………………….56.80

Boys 200 Meter Hurdles

1 Halley, Traceten – Scottsbluff……………………27.41

2 Horstman, Jacob – Hemingford………………….27.49

3 Gottschalk, Cohl – Seward Middle Sch………..28.70

4 Holcomb, Travis – Centura………………………..28.80

5 Borch, Greg – Fairbury…………………………….28.87

6 Astorga, Edgar – Lexington………………………28.88

Boys 800 Meter Run

1 Grimes, Kristofor – Lincoln Irving…………………..2:09.19…(Newe Record)

2 Clough, Tanner – Wallace Wildcats……………….2:10.27

3 Sloup, Brevin – Seward Middle Sch……………….2:13.23

4 Hahn, Collin – Gothenburg…………………………..2:13.38

5 Lambert, Eric – Chadron……………………………..2:13.38

6 Fletcher, Evan – Seward Middle Sch………………2:15.67

Boys 200 Meter Dash

1 Wiedel, Simon – Thayer Central……………..23.58

2 Rogers, Cooper – Holdrege……………………23.90

3 Schnitzler, Preston – Kenesaw………………24.65

4 Jones, Kiley – Arapahoe……………………….24.66

5 Holcomb, Travis – Centura…………………….24.67

6 Holka, Mattias – Malcolm……………………..24.69

Boys 1600 Meter Relay

1 North Platte Adams ‘A’ – (Bamesburger, Peterson, Weaver, Martinez)….3:48.32…(New Record)

2 McCook ‘A’ – (Baumbach, Bryant, Schlager, Sheets)……………………….3:52.53

3 Sidney Middle School ‘A’ (Secrest, Keane, Uhlir, Heeren)…………………3:53.55

4 Seward Middle School ‘A’ – (Sloup, Gottschalk, Manson, Fletcher)……..3:55.29

5 Lexington 8th boys ‘A’ – (Manzo, Shields, McKeone, Mendoza)…………3:55.70

6 Arapahoe ‘A’ – (NA)…………………………………………………………………3:56.01

Boys 3200 Meter Relay

1 Seward Middle School ‘A’ – (Sloup, Fletcher, Gaskins, Lewis)………..9:12.63

2 Kearney Catholic ‘A’ – (James, Feldner, McCoy, Baack)……………….9:14.71

3 Ainsworth MS ‘A’ – (Harthoon, Temple,McDaniel, Delimont)…………..9:26.38

4 Lexington 8th boys ‘A’ – (Rodriquez, Perez, Calmo, Shields)………….9:28.70

5 Columbus Scotus ‘A’ – (Harrington, Brockhaus, Zoucha, Mroczek)….9:30.74

6 O’Neill Jr. High ‘A’ – (G. Johnston, B. Johnston, Dean, Hostert)…….. 9:31.64

Boys Shotput

1 Heeren, Jake – Sidney Middle Sch…………………..51-10.50…(New Record)

2 Miesbach, Andy – Wms Vikings……………………..46-02.75

3 Pelster, Brenden – Wheeler Central…………………45-07.25

4 Pekarek, Matthew – High Plains……………………..44-11.50

5 Grimes, Kristofor – Lincoln Irving…………………….44-04.75

6 Oberheide, Kendall – Adams Central……………….44-04.00

Boys Discus

1 Kobza, Kenton – Fairbury……………………………192-08*…(New Record-National Leading Throw)

2 Eberspecher, Colby – Mitchell……………………..147-09

3 Schroeder, Blake – Holdrege……………………….146-10

4 Davis, Hunter – Plattsmouth………………………..139-08

5 Allen, Ben – Ainsworth MS………………………….133-03

6 Mustard, Ryan – Columbus Scotus……………….132-06

Boys Long Jump

1 Wiedel, Simon – Thayer Central……………………….21-01.75…(New Record)

2 Holcomb, Travis – Centura…………………………….19-00.50

3 Przymus, Brady – Columbus Scotus………………..19-00.25

4 Spenceri, Tanner – Columbus Scotus……………….18-05.75

5 Veik, Bryce – Humphrey Jr. High……………………..18-03.00

6 Bensen, James – Pender……………………………….17-11.50

Boys Triple Jump

1 Wiedel, Simon – Thayer Central…………………………41-03.25…(New Record)

2 Schanaman, Sheridan – Doniphan Trumbull………….38-08.00

3 Schultz, J. J. – York……………………………………….37-07.25

4 Halley, Traceten – Scottsbluff……………………………36-05.00

5 Blaser, Quinn – Columbus Scotus………………………36-04.00

6 Amweg, Mason – Stapleton/McPherson Co…………..36-03.75

Boys Pole Vault

1 Pursley, Hunter – Aurora Huskies MS…………………..10-06.00…(New Record)

2 Fear, Landon – Sutherland………………………………….10-06.00

3 Rutledge, Trent – Kimball……………………………………10-00.00

4 Monroe, Dustin – Malcolm…………………………………..10-00.00

4 Pedigruzz, Nick – York………………………………………10-00.00

6 Borch, Greg – Fairbury………………………………………..9-06.00 0.25

6 Svoboda, Cade – Ord………………………………………….9-06.00 0.25

6 Shoemaker-Hoblyn, Michael – Ansley Litchfield…………9-06.00 0.25

6 Shelmadine, Baden – Alliance MS………………………….9-06.00 0.25

Boys High Jump

1 Sheets, Caleb – McCook…………………………….5-09.00

2 Kerkman, Andy – Orchard/Clearwater……….  ….5-08.00

3 Cromer, Alec – Fairbury……………………….  ……5-08.00

4 Magninie, Tyler – Potter-Dix…………………………5-03.00

4 Shoemaker-Hoblyn, Michael – Ansley Litchfield…5-03.00

6 Berney, Jackson – Holdrege…………………………5-03.00

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Boys – Team Rankings – 16 Events Scored

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1) Thayer Central 40

2) Holdrege 39

3) Scottsbluff 30

4) Seward Middle School 29

5) Centura 24

6) Lincoln Irving 23

7) Doniphan Trumbull  20

7) Sidney Middle School 20

9) Fairbury-Male 18.25

10) Mitchell 18

10) McCook 18

12) Scotus Central 17

13) Wallace Wildcats 16

14) Hemingford 12

14) Gothenburg 12

16) Aurora Huskies MS 10

16) North Platte Adams 10

16) Kenesaw 10

19) Ainsworth MS 9

19) York 9

19) WMS Vikings 9

22) Kearney Catholic 8

22) Orchard/Clearwater 8

22) Oakland-Craig 8

22) Chadron 8

22) Sutherland 8

27) Lexington 8th boys 7

28) Kimball 6

28) Wheeler Central 6

28) Wood River 6

31) Arapahoe 5

32) Plattsmouth 4

32) Malcolm 4

32) High Plains 4

35) Ansley Litchfield 3.25

36) Potter-Dix 3

***The girls results will appear later in the week.

Islander Pole Vault sensation, Steven Cahoy

Grand Island’s boys track team gets a rare home field advantage Wednesday when Senior High’s Memorial Stadium will be the host for the District A-3 track meet.  The boy/girl meet will commence with field events at 1:00.  Running events are set for 2:15.  It is not often a Class A out-state school (other than Kearney, it seems) is chosen to host a district track meet, but the Islanders hope to take advantage of the home track and temperatures forecast to be in the low 70′s with a light tickling breeze from the southwest.  Teams involved in the all important State Qualifying meet are: Bellevie East, Bellevue West, Fremont, Grand Island, Lincoln Southwest, North Platte, Omaha Burke, and Ralston.  Here is a glance at some of the top athletes that will be competing.

I am going with times provided by Omaha World-Herald prep writer, Stu Pospisil.  I whole heartedly agree with his formula of adding .24 on to a hand held time to round it up to what would be considered an electronic time.  Stu and I have discussed this for some time and I am thrilled to see him make the decision to do it this way.  Not to say there are too many slow thumbs out there, but it is only prudent that it is presented in this manner in the sprints and hurdle times.

On the boys side, Omaha Burke’s Braxton Adams has emerged as the favorite in the 100, posting a recent :10.84.  Lincoln SW Ramone Erving has clocked :10.96 and GI’s Jordan Faz is not far behind.  In the 200, Faz has cracked the 22 second mark twice in the past 2 weeks and now trails only Kenzo Cotton (Papio LV-South) in that race with a season best :21.76.  The swift senior should be the favorite in the furlong.  The boys 400 should be worth the price of admission alone.  The Islanders boast seniors Sam Foltz and Will Bamesburger who among the best in all of  Nebraska.  Foltz ran a blazing :48.70 to take 2nd at State a year ago.  Bamesburger was not far behind in 4th place with a :49.18.  The speedy duo will be challanged by Omaha Burke’s Jordan Nelson, who has posted a :49.5 this spring.

Fasten your seat belts for the 1600 and 3200 meter boys races.  You won’t see anyone better than Fremont’s Danny Aldaba.  The Tiger has covered the 1600 meters in 4:12.24 and the 3200 in 9:14.06, both state bests.  Aldaba should be all by himself in both races, especially the 2 mile, where his next best competitor is 13 seconds back.

There are also some swift hurdlers coming to GI Wednesday.  Husker football recruit Josh Banderas of Lincoln SW is 3rd in Class A in the 110 meter highs with a :14.71 clocking.  Trevor Schramm of North Platte (:15.02) and Burke’s TrezVon Miers (:15.05) should also be tough.  In the 300 meter intermediate hurdles Banderas has run a :39.67,  good enough for 2nd best in “A”.

Grand Island’s boys should be powerful in the field events and relay races, and that may be an understatement.  The Cahoy boys are the talk of the state in the pole vault.  Junior Steven has cleared 16 feet and leads the entire state in the event.  Younder brother, freshman Kevin has a 14 foot vault to his credit. And you sure can’t count out senior Allen Phengmarath, who has cleared 13-10.    Big Tom Swanson has the leading shotput toss coming into this district (56-10 1/2) and leads Class A in the Discus with a sail of 174-8.  Justin English, defending state runner-up in the long jump, now leads that event with a jump of 23-5 1/2.  I think English could be flirting with 25 feet on the right day.

It will be interesting to watch Bellevue West freshman, Malik Hluchoweckyi.  He has cleared 6 feet 8 inches in the high jump.  Somebody should get a prize just for pronouncing his last name correctly.  Burke’s Nate Hogberg has jumped 6-7,  and Lincoln SW’s Gunnar Peterson has a leap of 6-6 coming in.  But watch out for those relay races where the host Islander boys are expected to be strong.

The quick-as-a-wink, 400 meter relay should be a dandy….and swift.  Omaha Burke’s quartet has a :42.47 entering the district meet.  The Islanders 400 relay has run :42.62 and may have the edge at home.  But it’s the 1600 meter relay where Grand Island should shine.  With Foltz and Bamesburger leading the charge, the group has posted a state leading 3:20.67.  It doesen’t appear that there is anyone who should challange this bunch Wednesday.  In the 3200 meter relay Fremont, with Danny Aldaba, has Class A’s best time of 8:06.39, but GI is not far off with a 8:08.54.

Nearly perfect conditions for track and field should be in store for all participants in the District A-3 track meet Wednesday at Senior High.  Just 45 miles down the road, Kearney will be hosting the District A-1 championships.  The first 4 qualifiers in each event qualify for the State Track Meet next Friday and Saturday at Omaha Burke.  In addition to Class A, all Class C district track meets will also be Wednesday.  GICC will be at Cross County, which is just south of Stromsburg.

Classes “B” and “D” will run on Thursday, which may be a better weather day than even Wednesday. Tomorrow,  we will have a peek at the Class B-5 meet which will be contested at Northwest High School on Thursday.  Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s crunch time in Nebraska High School Track.

St. Cecilia sprinter, Blake Micek.

Gosh, maybe it’s just my imagination, but Hastings St. Cecilia sprinter Blake Micek never seems to lose a race and always seems to be in tip top condition.  I can’t ever remember Micek being hurt, although when I spoke with the “Crimson Cruiser” last Friday he did say he was injured…..once.  It is a rare occurance indeed when you see a high calibur sprinter who makes it through even a single season without a setback.  There are very few sporting events that demand an athlete to go full throttle every race, every time out, but a 100 and 200 meter track man must do just that.  The easily recognizable red-haired sprinter from St. Cecilia must have some secrets is all I can figure out.  But one thing that isn’t a secret……..Blake Micek does not like to lose.

Micek seemingly burst on the scene out of nowhere as a sophomore, but having run in practice every day against an athlete like Dalton Sealey made the youngster mature in a hurry.  Micek seemd to improve every meet 2 years ago and by the time districts rolled around, Blake was ready to pounce.  The sophomore qualified for state in both the 100 and 200 and led off St. Cecilia’s 400 meter relay that was the favorite to take the gold in Class C.  Micek had also gone head to head most of the season, not only with Sealey, but with one of the state’s best sprinters in Thayer Central’s Seth Weidel.  Weidel was good enough to nail a track scholarship to Nebraska that season.

The St. Cecilia sophomore speedster immediately let ‘em know who he was at Omaha Burke stadium by besting both Dalton Sealey and Seth Weidel in the finals of the 100.  The Crimson Cruiser not only was the lone Class D or C runner under 11 seconds, but he finished 7th in the all-class Gold medal 100 meter standings.  Nice start for a rookie, eh?  Shortly therafter, Micek ran the opening leg on the Bluehawk’s 4 by 1 relay that won gold in class C.  He then finished his first ever State Track Meet by finishing 3rd in the 200.  Incidentally, he finished ahead of another sophomore by the name of Levi Gipson of Lincoln Christian.  This would not be the last meeting between these two super sprinters.  After all was said and done, Blake Micek helped lead his St. Cecilia teammates to a a smashing 22 point victory in Class C and a State Track Title.

Last season as  junior, Micek suffered his only injury in the first meet of the campaign at St. Paul.  He missed a couple of meets, but has not missed one since.  Blake Micek also never lost a race the remainder of that 2011 regular season.  In fact, the only race the Crimson Cruiser lost following that was in the prelims of the 100 at state last season.

So, let’s rewind to last year’s state track meet.  I’m perched at my usual spot in the Omaha Burke press box and most of the sports scribes have already conceded both the Class C 100 and 200 to this outstanding track sensation from Lincoln Christian named…….Levi Gipson.  After all, the Husker track coaching staff was all over this kid.  Not many events Gipson could not excel at on the track or in the field.  Did these folks not recall Blake Micek had won the 100 a year ago?  Guess not.  After finishing 2nd to a sophmore in the prelims, Micek came from off ther pace to beat Gipson in the finals, posting a :10.85 time.  Gipson could muster only an :11.02. Ok, Gibson was a stellar 400 man, so he just needed a little more distance, they said….he’ll win the 200.  The Lincoln Christian flyer shot out of the blocks like a 4th of July rocket, but Micek ran him down in the final strides to grabbed the 200.  Think it wasn’t close?  Blake Micek won the 200 with a :22.215.  Gipson was a quick blink behind with a :22.257.  I wonder how many times they had to watch that replay?  Oh, by the way, Blake Micek led his St. Cecilia team to a 2nd straight state Class C track title in 2011.

Not much has changed since last year’s state track meet for the Crimson Cruiser.  Blake Micek keeps on winning and winning and winning.  I never pick up the paper or look online and see anything but a 1. before Micek’s name.  Monday night at the Central Nebraska Track Championships at Northwest high school, the Bluehawk senior suffered the first loss of his senior season.  After winning the 100 meter dash, he was bested in the 200 by Nebraska track recruit, Cody Rush.  It took all Rush had to hold off Blake Micek.  Rush edged Micek :22.34 to :22.67.  By the way, Mr. Rush and Mr. Micek will get to know each other a little better next season.  Did I fail to tell you that Blake Micek received a track scholarship to the University of Nebraska……..yep.  The Crimson Cruiser is a D-1 athlete.

So what is that secret to to Blake Micek’s good health and good fortune on the track?  Well, God given talent for sure, but Micek said it’s all in the warm-ups.  He told me the mistake most sprinters make is that they do thorough warm-ups when it’s cold, but have the false notion that you can cut that time down considerably when the weather is nice and warm.  False notion, Micek informed me.  The warm-up routine should be the same regardless of the temperature.  He is convinced that is the key to his mostly injury-free career.  He also credits having to run against Dalton Sealey day in and day out for two seasons for making him the sprinter he is today.

This guy also thinks there may be some bloodlines involved.  It just so happens that Blake’s father, Tom Micek, was an excellent sprinter for the Hastings St. Cecilia tracksters back in 1975.  Tom Micek set the Bluehawk 100 Yard Dash record by blazing to a :09.8 time.  That record stood the test of time for 35 years…..still does.  Considering the fact St. Cecilia has has some outstanding sprinters throughout the years, that is quite an accomplishment.  Yea, they had a guy named Tom Fish, who went on to run for the Huskers, and was an All-American twice over in track.  Fish ran on a record setting sprint relay and ran a sub 21 flat 200 more than once.

No, Tom Micek still has that 100 record, but a couple a years back (2010) a sophomore named Blake Micek ran a :10.07 hundred meters and forged into a tie…………with his father!  You see, a :09.08 one hundred yards converts to a :10.7 hundred meters.  How often have you ever seen a record like that baby?  How cool is that?  And…..on a side note:  The elder Micek was St. Cecilia’s first ever 1000 yard rusher in 1974, rambling for 1,103 yards.

As the 2012 State Track Championships at Omaha Burke loom closer on the horizon, don’t be surprised if a young man with red hair comes out of the pack to win the 100 and 200.  Been there, done that.  I seriously doubt if they will be too surprised in that press section at Burke this 3rd time around…..the Crimson Cruiser will make sure of that.

South Sioux City's Mike Gesell-Player of the Year.

They say high school basketball talent in Nebraska was down this season, but I saw some pretty nice players along the way.  No, there wasn’t a over abundance of Division One prospects wondering the hardwoods but there were enough good players to make it tons of fun to watch.  Nothing like high school sports in Nebraska, right?  Absolutely!
This year, I have chosen a first team with 5 players as usual.  In many instances, it it easy to find 5 qualified athletes to formulate a 2nd team all-state, but there are some classes you have a difficult filling those 5 slots.  On other occasions, you have to add one or more positions to give all deserving players a spot.
In addition, we will hand out some extra awards in each class and they are as follows:

The “I Make You Look Good Award” for assists

The “Chairman of the Board Award” for rebounding”.

The “Theft by Deception Award” for steals.

The“Sultan of Swat Award” for blocked shots.

The “Long Distance Award” for beyond the arc specialists.

Without further hesitation, here are my teams:

***Class A All-State 1st Team:***

Akoy Agau-Omaha Central – 6-9  Jr

Tra-Deon Hollins-Omaha Central – 6-2  Jr

Jalen Bradley-Norfolk – 6-0  Sr

Josiah Gustafson-Millard North – 6-5  Jr

Cam Williams-Omaha South – 6-0  Jr

2^nd Team

Trey Moore-Papillion La Vista – 5-10  Sr

Alex Starkel-Norfolk – 6-7  Sr

Keifer Musiel-Lincoln North Star – 6-4  Sr

Ethan Montalvo-Omaha Bryan – 6-0  Sr

John Harris-Lincoln High – 6-2  Sr

*I Make You Look Good Award: Trey Moore-Papillion LV

*Chairman of the Boards Award: Alex Starkel-Norfolk

*Theft by Deception Award: Tra-Deon Hollins-Omaha Central

*Sultan of Swat Award: Akoy Agau-Omaha Central

*Long Distance Award: Jalen Bradley-Norfolk

***Class B All-State 1st Team:***

Mike Gesell-South Sioux City – 6-2  Sr

Trey Bardsley-Beatrice – 5-9  Sr

Zach Clemens-Scottsbluff – 6-5  Sr

Dylan Travis-Omaha Gross – 6-2  Sr

Richard Williams-Scottsbluff – 6-0  Sr

2^nd Team

Austin Groth-South Sioux City – 6-2  Sr

Erich Nickman-Lincoln Pius X – 5-9  Sr

Michael Hadden-Scottsbluff – 6-3  Jr

Derek McGinnis-Crete – 6-3  Sr

Keithan Karn-Elkhorn South – 6-3  Sr

*I Make You Look Good Award: Mike Gesell-South Sioux City

*Chairman of the Boards Award: Zach Clemens-Scottsbluff

*Theft by Deception Award: Dylan Travis-Omaha Gross

*Sultan of Swat Award: Isaiah Castellaw-Scottsbluff

*Long Distance Award: Trey Bardsley-Beatrice

***Class C-1 All-State 1st Team:***

Devon Watts-Boys Town – 6-1  Sr

Max Cook-Wahoo – 6-0  Sr

Travis Ahrens-Wahoo Neumann – 6-1  Sr

Carson Blum-Minden – 6-0  Sr

Trevor Bryant-Tekamah-Herman – 6-5  Sr

2^nd Team:

Connor Ketter-Norfolk Catholic – 6-5  Jr

Fernando Hildreth-Boys Town – 6-0  Sr

Levi Gipson-Lincoln Christian – 6-2  Sr

Shannon Moon-Boys Town – 6-2  Sr

Coleman Dahle-Milford – 6-5  Sr

Cole Chvatal-Wahoo Neumann – 6-0  Sr

*I Make You Look Good Award:  Coleman Dahle-Milford

*Chairman of the Boards Award:  Connor Ketter

*Theft by Deception Award:  Shannon Moon-Boys Town

*Sultan of Swat Award:  Levi Gipson-Lincoln Christian

*Long Distance Award:  Max Cook-Wahoo

***Class C-2 All-State 1st Team:***

Connor Beranek-Ravenna – 6-6  Sr

Andrew Vinton-North Platte St. Pats – 6-0  Sr

Trevor Cyboron-Ravenna – 5-11  Sr

Blake Heppner-Stanton – 6-5  Sr

Nate Kuhl-Johnson County Central – 6-7  Jr

2^nd Team:

Lance Spongberg-Sutton – 5-11  Sr

Kale Wolken-Johnson-Brock – 6-3  Sr

Theison Anderson-Ravenna – 6-3  Sr

Trenton Peterson-Ponca – 6-5  Sr

Spencer Nickolite-Stanton  – 6-0  Sr

Ross Freudenburg-Lutheran High NE – 6-6  Sr

*I Make You Look Good Award:  Spencer Nickolite-Stanton

*Chairman of the Boards Award:  Connor Beranek-Ravenna

*Theft by Deception Award:  Kale Wolken-Johnson-Brock

*Sultan of Swat Award:  Theison Anderson-Ravenna

*Long Distance Award:  Lance Spongberg-Sutton

***Class D-1 All-State 1st Team:***

Ryan Tegtmeier-Bruning-Davenport-Shickley – 6-0 Jr

Tait Sibbel-O’Neill St. Marys – 6-1  Sr

Zach Olmstead-Overton – 6-2  Sr

Hadley Sejkora-Pawnee City – 6-1  Sr

Blake Krings-Humphrey St. Francis – 6-1  Sr

2^nd Team:

Luke Dlouhy-Deshler – 5-10  Sr

Jonathan Guenther-West Point Guardian Angels CC – 6-3  Jr

Adam Moon-O’Neill St. Marys – 6-7  Soph

Cody Corfield-Paxton – 6-1  Jr

Garrett Borcher-Pawnee City – 6-0  Sr

Cole Klingsporn-High Plains – 5-9  Freshman

*I Make You Look Good Award:  Ty Eiler-O’Neill St. Marys

*Chairman of the Boards Award:  Tom Chvala-O’Neill St. Marys

Theft by Deception Award:  Nathan Hass-West Guardian Angels CC

*Sultan of Swat Award:  Adam Moon-O’Neill St. Marys

*Long Distance Award:  Cody Corfield-Paxton

***Class D-2 All-State 1st Team:***

Drew Ott-Giltner – 6-5  Sr

Brian Bayer-Howells – 6-5  Sr

Nathan Wieseler-Wynot – 6-8  Jr

Clayton McNall-Loomis – 6-0  Sr

Ethan Kreutz-Giltner – 6-1  Sr

2^nd Team:

Matt Goltz-Falls City Sacred Heart – 6-3 Soph

Samuel Schumacher-Leyton – 5-11  Jr

Sawyer Burke-Brady – 6-3  Sr

Colin VanGroningen-Sterling  6-0  Sr

*I Make You Look Good Award:  Tyler Rehbein-Hayes Center

*Chairman of the Boards Award:  Drew Ott-Giltner  (over 300 Reb)

*Theft by Deception Award:  Mat Gooch-Howells

*Sultan of Swat Award:  Drew Ott-Giltner (over 100)

*Long Distance Award:  Sawyer Burke-Brady

Scottsbluff's Zach Clemens

For those who thought Tony Siske’s Scottsbluff Bearcats were playing the roll of “David” in last week’s Class B state Tournament, think again.  They may have knocked off the two top dogs in Class B on their way to the title, but this was no “David and Goliath” story.  The Bearcats were for real all season long and gave notice to teams around the state’s Class B circles when they played Class A Norfolk to within 77-70 in the Greater Nebraska Conference tournament in late December.

Most of you may have heard that Coach Siske informed his team before the season began that they were going to play 28 games during the 2011-2012 campaign.  And those players were smart enough to realize that playing 28 games meant they have to be in the State Championship Class B game to accomplish that goal.  The rest is history, but what this young coach and his Bearcats pulled off last week will not soon be forgotten.

How valuable was it to Scottsbluff to have played in the State Tournament a year ago?  Siske’s bunch lost to a very good Lincoln Pius X team in the first round a year ago, but that loss served as a springboard to bigger and better things in 2011/2012.  The opening game against Aurora was a bit jittery for the ‘Cats, but the Huskies had players that were draining the three that had not done it very frequently during the season.  One thing remained a strong point for Scottsbluff all season, and that was their stingy defense.  The ‘Cats allowed only 49.6 points a contest and that would be the very phase of the game to carry them to glory…..and how.

The Bearcats faced one of the most well balanced teams in the field during the semi finals in Beatrice.  They don’t get much better in the coaching ranks than Jimmy Weeks, but Tony Siske and crew took ‘em on and brought ‘em down.  Scottsbluff trailed Weeksey’s bunch 53-47 with just 2:45 left and for most teams that play the Orange, that would spell defeat with a “D”.  But the Bearcats used the trey, a couple of three point plays, and a key defensive play to get back within one before steady Michael Hadden drained 2 free throws to give the ‘Cats a 61-60 with 17 ticks remaining.  A desperation shot by high scoring Trey Bardsley never materialized and the Bearcats were in the Finals for the first time since 1955.  Hadden incidentally, was playing with a broken pinkie in this game and also for the finals to make things more incredible.

In the finals, Tony Siske and his staff came up with a defensive plan so sterling that they should receive a national award for the performance.  South Sioux City was the foe, Mike Gesell was coming off a 39 point semi final bash, and Austin Groth, alleged suspension and all, was going to start the game.  After trailing 24-20 at haftime, “The Sisko Kid’s” Bearcats came out and stuffed Gesell and his compadres 25-7 in the 3rd quarter, then withstood a furious comback by Gesell himself and sent the Cardinals packing with some Carma.  Whatever The Sisko Kid said at halftime should be bottled and kept in a Scottsbluff school vault because S.S.City’s D-1 prospect, who was stuffed for most of the game, was given more of the same medicine in the 2nd half.  Even though Gesell ended up with 30 points, three of them coming on a half court game ending trey, his points had to be the quietest 30 in state tournament history.  Gesell’s 4th quarter baskets were cheap at times, but threw a scare into the Bearcats nonetheless.

Scottsbluff’s Richard Williams did a magnificent job guarding Mike Gesell all afternoon and in the process may have altered the Iowa recruit’s start to his college career.  Up until this game, Gesell had been held scorless in only two quarters of his entire career….TWO.  But Williams and the Bearcats held him without a point in both the first and 3rd quarters which begs the question “if Scottsbluff can hold Gesell down like this, what will a major college the Division One Big Ten Conference be able to do?  Just a thought.  What makes this so special to me at least,  is that I think Mike Gesell is one of the best high school basketball players I have seen in a long while and I do wish him well at the next level.  With a couple of seasons under his belt in that enviornment, he may be very good.

Omaha Gross was a very nice basketball team that, along with S.S. City’s Gessell, had one of the most prolific scorers in the state in Dylan Travis.  SSC did a wonderful job shutting down Travis though.  The high scoring senior, who averaged 25.8 points a game during the season, was held to 2 points at the half in the S.S. City/Gross game and had only 4 after three stanzas.  Travis did end up with 15 for semi final contest, but it was too little, too late.  He did heat up for 26 in the 3rd place game loss to Beatrice though.

Lincoln Pius closed well during the late stages of the season, but it seemed that Erich Nickman was a marked man during his senior campaign and could not get the ‘Bolts over the hump that would have propelled them past the first round of this state tournament.  Nickman is a very skilled player though and enjoyed a wonderful career for the Thunderbolts.  Gering and Crete just plain and simple had tough draws.  Crete’s team was full of pure athleticism and Gering was a very welcome sight at the big show to our friends from the West.

Three players in this year’s tournament are in the 500 Point Club.  South Sioux City’s spectacular Mike Gesell finished his senior year with 653 points, Gross ace Dylan Travis completed the year with 657 points to edge Gesell for Class B scoring honors.  Beatrice sharpshooter Trey Bardsley scored 579 points to cap off a fine career for the Orangeman.

2012 All-Tournament Team:

Mike Gesell-South Sioux City – 6’2″ Sr.

Dylan Travis-Omaha Gross – 6’2″ Sr.

Zach Clemens-Scottsbluff – 6’5″ Sr.

Mike Hadden-Scottsbluff – 6’3″ Jr.

Trey Bardsley-Beatrice – 5’9″ Sr.

Next up:   Class C-1

Omaha Central coach Eric Behrens and crew scored a triple Saturday night.

(Photo courtesy of Journal-Star)

This year’s Boys State Tournament will go down as one of the finest in recent memory.  4 undefeated State Champions, and one of those schools, Omaha Central, became the first Class A school in history to win 30 games in a single season.  In fact, the Eagles were the first Nebraska high school basketball team to win 30 games during a season in 62 years.  The last team to do that was Class D Glenvil in 1950 when they posted a 33-0 mark, a total thatonly surpassed by the 1948 Weston team (34).

There were 5 overtime games in this years big dance, 4 of which came in Thursdsay’s first round action.  The other was an unforgettable 2 overtime Class D-2 final between Giltner and Howells.

How about a look at each class and some closing thoughts on all the great hoops action that was the 2012 Nebraska Boys State Tournament

Today: Class A

The 2011/2012 season brought more comments, speculation, and interest about Omaha Central than any other “A” basketball team in recent years.  The Eagles entered the tournament having won it all 5 out of the last 6 seasons.  There were tags attached to this year’s squad like “Best in Nebraska High School History”, and few sports scribes gave anybody a snowball’s chance of upending the high flying Eagles.  There were even those who stated that Central’s 2nd five could be rated in the Nebraska Top 10.  The closest any opponent came to Omaha Central during the season was 14 points, and that was Omaha Bryan early in December.  Although 4-18 Omaha NW lost the District opener 61-51 to Central after leading at halftime, the Eagles were playing without standout center, Akoy Agau that night.

Norfolk was projected by many as the only team in the tournament capable of giving the mighty Omaha Central a run, but the Panthers ran into an inspired Omaha South team and fell 64-59 in overtime.  The Eagles escaped in the semis with a 56-52 win over Omaha Bryan, and pulled away from a magical team from Omaha South after trailing at halftime to win it’s 3rd straight title, and 6th in 7 years.  Fans from all over the state flocked to Devaney to see the fabled team.  A basketball team whose high school building looks like a state capitol structure and is one of the most dazzling night sights you will ever witness.  Something magical about that school.

Many folks left the Sports Center with mixed emotions about this team.  There were throngs that expected to see a Harlem Globetrotters-type high school basketball team but it didn’t happen.  The closest they saw was the opening play alley-oop dunks to Tre’Shawn Thurman on Thursday and Friday.  There were many times the first 2 rounds that the Central players appeared uninspired some said, especially Thursday against Bryan. No urgency, taking 3 point attempts that almost appeared to be set shots. The Eagles almost looked like they were on cruise control.  “What in the world were they saving their best shot for?” some fans stated.

National high school top 10 team……no way, many said.  For a fleeting moment I even wondered if my son-in-law may be sticking his neck out matching the Eagles with Oak Hill Academy in next year’s Heartland Hoops Classic in GI, but I knew better.

Let’s put Omaha Central in perspective.  I never recall Central coach Eric Behrens saying this team deserved to be ranked nationally.  Yes, Class A basketball is arguably in a down season talent-wise, but the Eagles average margain of victory this season in this Class A was 26 points.  If you are Omaha Central, you know you are going to get everybody’s best shot at state, even though you may have blasted them during the regular season.  It makes no difference to me if this bunch is worthy of being rated nationally or not, but the sweet thing about that is the fact that Central will be matched up against the nations’ perennial #1 team next year in what may be the biggest high school game in the history of Nebraska high school basketball.  The Eagles showed they were resiliant in crunch in every game during this year’s state tournament and got it done.  Globetrotters no, but a very fine Class A team that will return almost everybody next season…..this is a special team from a special school.

Norfolk’s superb Jalen Bradley was nearly a non-factor in the Panthers opening round loss to Bryan.  The bite he he suffered on his leg from a friend’s pit bull two days earlier may or may not have been a factor.  In all liklihood it was just excellent defense by The Bryan Bears.  Nobody can deny that Bradley was a prolific scorer for Norfolk.  He finished his career with an astounding 1,642 points, good enough for 5th in Class A history.  Take a look at the guys ahead of him: Andre Woolridge, Erick Strickland, Kerry Trotter, and Ron Kellogg.  Select company………Ya think?

There were a couple of other performers in “A” that were flirting with the 500 point mark entering the tournament.  Lincoln North Star’s #31, Keifer Musiel (6’4″) had 434 coming in but fell short mainly because Central put the clamps on him to the tune of 3 points in their game.  Millard North’s Josiah Gustafson, only a junior, posted 474 entering the dance but the North Star knocked ‘em out the first round and the slick shooter finished the season four points short of the 500 mark.  After watching late Omaha Burke transfer Cameron Williams play a half season for Omaha South, I’m convinced he would have nailed half a hundred points had he played the entire campaign.  Williams has another year to go though.

Here is my All-Tournament team based on State Tournament performance only.  And speaking of another year to go…..

  Akoy Agau-Omaha Central – 6′-9″ Jr.

  Tre-Deon Hollins-Omaha Central – 6’2″ Jr.

  Cameron Williams-Omaha South – 6’0″ Jr.

  Josiah Gustafson-Millard North – 6’5″ Jr.

  Brett Dougerty-Papillion La Vista – 6’6″  Jr.

Next up…..a review of Class B.

My wife Carla and I have two of the greatest children in the world, but just by circumstances, we have no grandchildren yet.  Our most prized friend was named Murphy.  In all my 63 years I have never seen somebody who was like this guy.  Everywhere he went, people would turn and look.  He was a strikingly beautiful sight, not one you would see in a normal day’s journey.  He was patient when folks wanted to get close.  He was receptive, but always reserved and dignified.  Murphy loved baseball and he loved marching bands.  Can’t tell you why.  Just sat there, watched and smiled.  His face was shaped to smile, and that he did.  That radiant smile brightened countless days for us all.  To see his smile was like a million rays of sunshine.

My wife and Murphy would walk often.  He always loved that.  But his best friend in the world was Erin.  Murphy was there when she was happy, and there when she was sad.  He never changed.  His loyality never waivered or distracted.  Murphy never held a grudge, always forgave, and taught all of us how to love bigger, cherish the good times, and most of all, how to bond and never flinch through thick and thin.

Murphy developed stomach cancer 6 months ago.  He was hurting so much of the time, but never wanted to show it.  Erin could see it in his eyes.  I could see it.  Those loyal, loving eyes became cloudy.  They danced less.  But this special being never let his wrenching pain get in the way of his loyality and his true-blue friendship.  He fought until the end to keep us from the heartache he knew we would suffer if he left us.

Today, Erin saw he could face it no longer.  The gut wrenching decision had to be made.  Murphy hung on until the last moment.  The moment until his loving heart stopped beating.  He gave all of us kisses in his final days as if saying good-bye.  Our dear friend was reaching out for help, yet he did not want his human counterparts to mourn.  That’s why he would have hung on until he dropped.  But that’s why Erin was there.  He took care of Erin from day one, and now it was her turn and it was painfully difficult but Murphy had to go with dignity.  He would want it that way.

I know that I have learned a lesson on how to live from Murphy.  He will be sorely missed. I can’t even begin to explain.  I pray my daughter Erin will alright because in my wildest imagination, I truly could not comprehend her heartache.   They just don’t pass though our lives all that often…..those like Murphy Lee.  This old man has been blessed to have crossed paths with so many beautiful people in my life.  I have learned things from them all, but not as much I have drawn from my friend Murphy Lee.

And to think………Murphy Lee was a dog.

We’ll see you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, my good friend.  Save a place for Erin and show me around when I get there.  And please forgive us when we weep.  It’s a human thing, you see.

*****************************************************************************

…..a very special thanks to my sweet sister Sheri and her husband James from Lincoln who came yesterday.  Their wonderful love and understanding of animals helped us through this.

Murphy Lee

South Sioux City's Mike Gesell

(photo courtesy of Journal-Star)

Just in case you missed it……there was a big show in town last night.  Sports promoter Tino Martinez brought the South Sioux City basketball team to the Events Center Saturday night.  And for those of you that missed the performance of their Division 1 hoops recruit Mike Gesell…..you may just have passed up a rare opportunity to see an absolute pure basketball artist in action.

A one man show?  Far from it and that’s what makes this young man so special.  A complete, unselfish basketball performer that has worked so many hours to perfect his game, not even a court reporter could have logged them all.  And the product of those endless hours in the gym was on full display last night during the showcase game at the Heartland Hoops Classic.
I saw Mike Gesell 2 years ago at the State Basketball tournament as a sophomore and thought he was D-1 material.  Not a Rhodes scholar-type comment since more top universities than I have fingers thought the same thing.  Gesell eventually signed with Iowa University and has improved each time I’ve seen him play.  Last night was special though.  It was a true test of how much a player and a team wanted something.  The Cardinals played Friday night at home and suffered a heartbreaking 70-68 loss to Omaha Gross.  Gesell was outscored 25-24 by Gross star, Dylan Travis.  In fact, Travis dribbled around a double team and nailed a 3 pointer with 6.8 seconds left to win the game.  Not only that, but Gesell took the ball down court and missed a 12 foot jumper that would have won the game.
Here’s the deal, friends.  You now have a group of South Sioux City kids who just suffered a gut-wrenching loss to a rival and are suddenly faced with a 150 mile trip to Grand Island in less than 12 hours.  How would this group respond?  Try an 81-54 win over a Grand Island team that has 3 division athletes of their own.  These kids from South Sioux know when the lights come on in a big venue, its show time.  No matter how fatigued
they are when those lights come on and the curtain is raised, real performers know what to do.  Mike Gesell and that group of high school players from South Sioux City were ready to roll from the opening jump.

Mike Gesell is poetry in motion on the hardwood.  After my stint on the P.A. at the Hoops Classic, I gazed into the stands and saw the masses that had come to see this kid and his Cardinal buddies perform.  Twice in the opening moments, Gesell received a pass after a steal and glided down the court, shadowed by a D-1  athlete on both trips.  The 6-2 smoothie used his unbelievable body control to seal out his defender, set sail to the hoop, and let the ball roll effortlessly off his fingertips into the cylinder.  On two other occasions he walked the ball up
court surveying the situation.  Both times he pivoted, faked one way took two steps toward the basket and stopped-popped-and dropped, hitting nothing but cords.  Before the first half had ended, Magic Mike had 21 points, a handful of assists, and a couple of steals.  The Cardinals were comfortably in front at the break, 51-28.  The blond locked phenom ended the night with 23 points, 10 assists and 6 steals and in the process put
on a basketball clinic these parts haven’t witnessed for some time.
His court vision, dribbling skills, body control, and maneuverability were mind boggling. Even more impressive are the athletes he was playing against, the long trip figured in and the fatigue that could have been used as an excuse.  Real artists never flop when its showtime and Mike Gesell and his teammates gave basketball fans around these parts a real treat Saturday night.  The venue had something to do with it.  One of the South Sioux players told me the place fired them up the minute they walked into the confines.  The adrenalin started flowing and those of us that were there were the beneficiaries.
It’s not often that we get to see an artist perform, but last night all of us saw a D-1 hoops player at his best and I don’t know about the rest of you
but this old guy had a hard time sleeping afterward…………it  was simply that good.

South Sioux City's Mike Gesell....he will be at the Heartland Hoops Classic this Saturday.

*(photo courtesy of Journal-Star)

Circle it on your calendar, Saturday February 11^th.   Local promoter Tino Martinez has done it again, lining up an outstanding 8 game card that features some of the best basketball talent in the state, including powerful South Sioux City.  Adult tickets are $12, Student tickets $6, and Courtside tickets $25.   These tickets will be good for all day and you won’t find a better value for this kind of entertainment.  High School basketball classics of this type have come and gone in Nebraska, but the Heartland Hoops Classic is the only one left standing.

The
Schedule:                        2012 Heartland Hoops Classic Schedule

                                                                 Saturday, Feb. 11th

                                                         9:00am  Overton vs. Giltner

                                           10:45am  Hastings St. Cecilia vs. GI Northwest

                                                   12:30pm  Pierce vs. Adams Central

                                                   2:15pm  Norfolk Catholic vs. Sutton

                                    4:00pm Doniphan – Trumbull vs. GI Central Catholic

                                                           5:45pm  Gretna vs. Minden

                                        7:30pm  South Sioux City vs. Grand Island Senior High

                                      9:15pm  Sumner-Eddyville-Miller vs. Heartland Lutheran

Here is a brief look at each match-up:

Giltner (19-0) vs. Overton (14-2):  Defending D-2 state champion Giltner is currently rated #1 in their class and Overton is ranked at #7 in D-1.  This contest spotlights two of the finest players in class D in Giltner’s Drew Ott and Overton’s Jacob Olmstead.  Both were all-state players a year ago with Ott scoring over 500 points and grabbing over 300 rebounds.  Olmstead fell just short of the 500 mark in scoring,  but the inside match-up between these two all-state football and basketball stars should be a sight to behold.  Giltner’s crisp ball movement and team speed has them hitting on all cylinders and the Eagles’ physical play and staunch defense makes them tough to score on.

Hastings St. Cecilia (11-6) vs. GI Northwest (10-7):  The Bluehawks have won 3 of the last 4 class C-1 state titles.  The Vikings are surging at the right time, recently winning the Central Conference tournament.  All but one of St. Cecilia’s losses has come at the hands of rated teams.  Northwest features a deep bench that will wear you down and St. Cecilia has that always stout defense and boasts sharpshooting Phil Hamburger, who is a two-time all-state footballer and a quarterback on the hardwood.

Hastings Adams Central (13-4) vs. Pierce (10-7):  A classy regional match-up featuring the hot outside shooting Patriots of Adams Central against the staunch, disciplined defense of Pierce.  How good is Pierce?  The Bluejays are fresh off of an appearance in the championship game of one of the toughest conferences there is, the Mid-States.  It will be the run’n’gun style of A/C against the patient, football/tough athletes of Pierce.  Something has to give and this one could come down to the buzzer.  I cannot recall the last time these two teams
had losing seasons.

Norfolk Catholic (14-5) vs. Sutton (17-2):  Oh…My…Gosh!  Only Tino Martinez could line up a regional game of this magnitude.  A Classic meeting of C-1 vs. C-2 powers.  Sutton is currently rated #2 in C-2 and the Knights are #5 in C-1.  Norfolk Catholic has beaten teams like Wahoo, Wahoo Neumann and is the defending Class C-1 football and basketball champions.  How good is Sutton?  Their only 2 loses are to powerful Ravenna (49-48) and to C-1 St. Cecilia.  The Mustangs’ starting 5 has been together for seasons.  By the way, that last time (and only time?) these 2 teams met……..Sutton defeated the Knights 100-81 in the opening round of the 1990 C-1 State Tournament……how’s that grab ya?

Doniphan-Trumbull (9-7) vs. GICC (7-10):  These teams are a whole lot better than the records indicate and these two clubs feature two of the finest coaches this state has ever seen in D-T’s Dave Oman and the Crusaders’ Bill Gavers.  The Cardinals just got better in January with the return of the Slough brothers and GICC’s defense is improving with every game against a brutal schedule.  D-T loves to get the ball inside to big 6-4, 240 pound Garrett Bunde.  The Crusaders feature their usual smothering defensive pressure.  Both teams have young line-ups with very
promising futures.

Gretna (9-7) vs. Minden (15-1): Another “Tino” clash for the ages.  Battle tested Class B Gretna has lost only to top notch teams like Omaha Skutt, Boys Town, Elkhorn and Ravenna to name a few.  They have fought through the loss of all-state Jared Blum, who was expected to carry them to new heights.  But the Dragons have done very well considering and may give Minden their toughest test to date outside of Ravenna.  The Whippets are currently ranked #2 in C-1, with their only loss at Ravenna.  The current C-1 state runner-ups have outstanding shooters in Derek Kissinger and Carson Blum.  Another one that could come down to the final ticks…..a dream game.

South Sioux City (12-5) vs. Grand Island (9-7):  This is the headliner, folks!  Tino has been trying to get the high flying Cardinals here since Mike Gesell was a freshman and finally succeeded.  Gesell is a D-1 basketball recruit (Iowa) and his teammate Austin Groth is a D-1 recruit (Creighton) in baseball.  Both are scoring around 25 points a game and may be the 2 best players in the state.  Don’t let South Sioux City’s record fool you.  Two of those losses came at the hands of top notch competition during the prestigious VisitMesa.com Basketball Challenge in Arizona during the holidays.  How good was Gesell there?  Nationally known sports scribe, Richard Obert of AzCentral.com said this: Gesell reminded me of Mike Bibby during his Phoenix Shadow Mountain days in the mid 1990’s….he was that
good.”  

   Grand Island has been a very good basketball team at times and has two D-1 athletes of their own in Ryker Fyfe and Sam Foltz.  Both are walking on a Nebraska in football.  Fyfe is known for his thunderous dunks and athleticism.  The Islanders will have their hands full with a South Sioux team that knocked off a then 2nd rated (Class A) Omaha Bryan team a couple of weeks back, 61-59.  If the Islanders are on their game, this game is going to be a dandy.

SEM (7-8) vs. GI Heartland Lutheran (14-5):  The nightcap features two very fine D-2 basketball teams.  You will love Coach Lloyd Wagnitz’ “Runnin’ Red Hornets”.  Heartland Lutheran has tangled with such teams as Ravenna (#1 in C-2), Norfolk Lutheran High NE (#4 in C-2), and has beaten C-1 Lincoln Lutheran, a team that beat GICC earlier.  SEM’s is far better than the 7-8 mark they sport.  The Mustangs have quality, skilled athletes who know how to play basketball.  This baby could easily end up an 84-82 game.  What a way to cap off a perfect day.
Remember, a ticket is good for all day, and you can go far and wide and not find a better day of high school basketball under one roof.  See you there!

Giltner's Ethan Kreutz launches the winning trey in the finals of last year's D-1 Title game.

Thursday will be a homecoming of sorts for this guy.  It’s been 44 years since I’ve set foot in the York City Auditorium.  It will be a great day to see the old girl again, having had a facelift since those ancient times.  The semi finals of the Crossroads basketball tournament will be on tap and it will be a full day of basketball that features some hot teams and a hand full of very fine individuals.

The Crossroads Tourmanent, which incidentally is in it’s 70th season, has been contested at the York City Auditorium since 1951.  There aren’t many off campus places like that beautiful old place that still host high school varsity basketball these days.  The Beatrice City Auditorium is the only other venue I can think of outside of Omaha or Lincoln that is active.  I used to play many of these majestic old buildings with my father’s Big Band years back, but most are gone with the wind.  Not so for the York facility.

On the girls’ side, top seeded Exeter-Milligan (14-1) will take on BDS (9-7) in the 1st semi final game at 3:00.  In the other girls’ semi, 12-5 Cross County meets 15-1 Shelby-Rising City at 6:00.  Shelby/RC features Chatrice White, a tall sophomore whiz who already has had scholarship offers from Nebraska, Iowa, Iowa State and Drake.

The boys semi final action will get underway when defending Class D-1 state champion, and  unbeaten Giltner meets defending Crossroads Tourney champion BDs at 4:30.  Giltner features D-1 football (Iowa) recruit Drew Ott.  Ott also just happens to be an all-state basketball player who has proven to be nearly unstoppable inside with his 240 pound frame.  Bruning-Davenport-Shickley counters with one of the most well-rounded basketball players in the state in Ryan Tegtmeier.  Tegtmeier took this tournament by storm a year ago when he led his team to a tournament title with monumental upsets of highly ranked Hampton and Giltner along the way.  Both were ranked number one in their class prior to that.  In the nightcap, Cross County (11-6) plays a young but talented High Plains team that has run and gunned their way to a 13-4 record thus far.

If this year’s semi finals are anything close to a year ago, it should be a day to remember for any high school basketball fan.  I hope to see many of you there tomorrow………….I’ll save you a seat in the front row.