Coach: Trent Ostransky
Roster: Tom Morrow Cole Preister Hunter Reestman Chad Bode Hayes Miller Miles Schrage Cade Heithoff Liam Heithoff Returning state qualifiers: Miles Schrage 2017 season preview: Elgin Public/Pope John returns to the golf course in 2017 with plenty of experience under it’s belt. Coach Trent Ostransky returns Miles Schrage, a state qualifier in 2016. At state, Schrage finished 77th in Class C with a two-day total of 196. The Wolfpack also return senior Chad Bode, who qualified for state as a freshman when EPPJ qualified as a team as well as during his sophomore season when he qualified individually. In that sophomore year, Bode finished tied for 23rd in the field with a 174. Also returning are Hunter Reestman and Liam Heithoff, two of the Wolfpack’s top-five golfers in 2016. They will look to join Schrage and Bode at state this season. The fifth spot will be up for grabs between Cade Heithoff, Tom Morrow, Cole Preister and Hayes Miller. The Wolfpack will first hit the course on April 4 when they head to Summerland in Ewing. Schedule 4/4/17 @ Ewing 4/8/17 @ Plainview 4/12/17 @ Ewing 4/20/17 @ Columbus Scotus 4/25/17 NVC at Summerland 4/29/17 @ West Holt 5/1/17 @ Spalding Triangular 5/3/17 @ Niobrara 5/8/17 @ Bassett 5/11/17 @ Battle Creek 5/15/17 @ Districts at GACC 5/23-5/24/17 State @ North Platte Coach: Frank Gade
Roster: Chris Bentley Austin Rice Ashton Krebs Marty Beyer Dawson Francis Beau Murray Neven Kline Returning state qualifiers: None 2017 season preview: Neligh-Oakdale will hit the golf course in 2017 with a young squad. Chris Bentley enters the season as the lone senior for a Warrior team that loses three of its top five golfers from 2016, including the lone state qualifier. Bentley, a consistent medalist throughout the season last year, will look to fill in as the top man on the young squad. Austin Rice also returns after being part of the five-man varsity group last season as a freshman. He will give the Warriors another strong golfer to build around and lead the team. Marty Beyer, Ashton Krebs, Dawson Francis, Beau Murray and Neven Kline give coach Frank Gade plenty of options to work with when selecting his top group. Expect the youngsters to battle it out each week for the remaining spots opened up by graduation. Neligh-Oakdale will have a busy 2017, hitting the course 14 times between the opener and state. They will kick off the season on March 30 in Plainview when they take on Creighton in a dual. Schedule 3/30/17 @ Plainview vs Creighton 4/4/17 Dual vs O’Neill 4/6/17 Quad at Neligh 4/15/17 @ Plainview Invite 4/20/17 @ O’Neill Invite 4/25/17 NVC at Summerland 4/27/17 @ Columbus Lakeview Invite 4/28/17 @ Norfolk 4/29/17 @ West Holt Invite 5/1/17 @ Orchard at Summerland 5/3/17 @ Niobrara/Verdigre Invite 5/8/17 @ Rock County Invite 5/15/17 Districts @ Hartington 5/23-5/24/17 State @ Kearney The weather graciously held off and Neligh-Oakdale successfully held its first true home track meet in many years on Thursday in the five-team Warrior Relays.
Neligh-Oakdale, Bloomfield, Elkhorn Valley, Niobrara/Verdigre and Creighton all met at Warrior Field for an early-season meet. On the girls side, it was Elkhorn Valley taking first in the team standings with Neligh-Oakdale coming in second. For the boys, Bloomfield finished as the team champion, followed by Elkhorn Valley and Creighton in a runner-up tie. Neligh-Oakdale finished fourth. For the meet, individual champions were not named for each event as champions were decided by the aggregate total of each of the schools in the event. In the girls competitions, Elkhorn Valley took first in the shot put, long jump, pole vault, discus, high jump, shuttle hurdle relay, 4x800 relay, distance medley relay and 4x400 relay. Neligh-Oakdale took first in triple jump, 4x200 relay, sprint medley relay, field event relay and 4x100 relay. In the boys competition, Elkhorn Valley took first in high jump and shuttle hurdle relay while Neligh-Oakdale took top honors in triple jump, long jump and the 4x200 relay. Results for the Warrior Relays Boys Team Standings 1. Bloomfield 56 T2. Elkhorn Valley 52 T2. Creighton 52 4. Neligh-Oakdale 51 5. Niobrara/Verdigre Boys Shot Put 2. Elkhorn Valley 105-00 3. Neligh-Oakdale 101-02 Boys Triple Jump 1. Neligh-Oakdale 113-00 2. Elkhorn Valley 107-01 Boys Long Jump 1. Neligh-Oakdale 51-01.25 3. Elkhorn Valley 44-03.75 Boys Pole Vault 2. Elkhorn Valley 27-00 3. Neligh-Oakdale 20-06 Boys Discus 2. Elkhorn Valley 282-04 4. Neligh-Oakdale 244-05 Boys High Jump 1. Elkhorn Valley 16-02 2. Neligh-Oakdale 10-08 Boys Shuttle Hurdle Relay 1. Elkhorn Valley 42.35 2. Neligh-Oakdale 43.6 Boys 4x800 M Relay 3. Elkhorn Valley 9:47.2 4. Neligh-Oakdale 9:51.5 Boys 4x200 M Relay 1. Neligh-Oakdale 1:43.51 Boys Distance Medley Relay 4. Elkhorn Valley 13:36.5 5. Neligh-Oakdale 15:15.82 Boys Sprint Medley Relay 4. Elkhorn Valley 4:16.33 5. Neligh-Oakdale 4:25.04 Boys Field Event Relay 2. Elkhorn Valley 52.3 3. Neligh-Oakdale 56.7 Boys 4x100 M Relay 3. Neligh-Oakdale 49.4 4. Elkhorn Valley 56.3 Boys 4x400 M Relay 4. Neligh-Oakdale 4:15.1 5. Elkhorn Valley 4:28.8 Girls Team Results 1. Elkhorn Valley 77 2. Neligh-Oakdale 69 3. Creighton 38 4. Bloomfield 31 5. Niobrara/Verdigre 11 Girls Shot Put 1. Elkhorn Valley 92-07 4. Neligh-Oakdale 64-09 Girls Triple Jump 1. Neligh-Oakdale 861-01.5 Girls Long Jump 1. Elkhorn Valley 395-00.75 2. Neligh-Oakdale 388-00.25 Girls Pole Vault 1. Elkhorn Valley 20-06 2. Neligh-Oakdale 18-06 Girls Discus 1. Elkhorn Valley 241-10 4. Neligh-Oakdale 197-05 Girls High Jump 1. Elkhorn Valley 12-04 2. Neligh-Oakdale 8-04 Girls Shuttle Hurdle Relay 1. Elkhorn Valley 46.13 2. Neligh-Oakdale 46.93 Girls 4x800 M Relay 1. Elkhorn Valley 12:15.23 2. Neligh-Oakdale 12:35.17 Girls 4x200 M Relay 1. Neligh-Oakdale 2:01.69 2. Elkhorn Valley 2:06.4 Girls Distance Medley Relay 1. Elkhorn Valley 15:22.6 3. Neligh-Oakdale 16:40.96 Girls Sprint Medley Relay 1. Neligh-Oakdale 5:01.59 4. Elkhorn Valley 5:49.03 Girls Field Event Relay 1. Neligh-Oakdale 1:03.5 4. Elkhorn Valley 1:06.3 Girls 4x100 M Relay 1. Neligh-Oakdale 55.79 2. Elkhorn Valley 56.7 Girls 4x400 M Relay 1. Elkhorn Valley 4:43.89 4. Neligh-Oakdale 5:15.6 Coach: Wes Prater
Roster: Lexi Swanson Olivia Lindgren Taralyn Baum Paige Meis Calli Krebs Sydney Kerkman Maddie Dilly Anna Heilhecker Kaylee Martinsen Haley Zegers Kayce Kallhoff Faith Kinney Brianna Hupp Grace Henn Heather Bauer Liz Selting Lydia Behnk Bre Bartak Allyson Wemhoff Baylee Wemhoff Returning state qualifiers: Lydia Behnk 2017 season preview: Elgin Public/Pope John’s girls track team will be a deep squad led by a 2016 state qualifier. Lydia Behnk will lead the way after qualifying for state in both the long jump and triple jump as a sophomore. She finished 22nd in the long jump and 12th in the triple jump and will look to continue to improve in 2017. A number of other girls just barely missed a spot at state last year, including Paige Meis and Anna Heilhecker. EPPJ starts the season March 27 at Fullerton. Schedule 3/27/17 @ Fullerton 4/4/17 @ Warrior Relays 4/11/17 @ Neligh-Oakdale Invitational 4/13/17 @ O’Neill 4/19/17 @ St. Mary’s 4/25/17 @ Creighton 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 NVC @ West Holt 5/3/17 @ Humphrey 5/10/17 Districts @ Rock County 5/19-5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke Coach: Wes Prater
Roster: Noah Knievel Luke Henn Adam Dreger Kyle Schumacher Cameron Nielsen AJ Getzfred Ashton Evans Brody Hupp Carter Schindler Kenny Bush Nick Iburg Garet Behnk R.J. Lierman Returning state qualifiers: None 2017 season preview: Elgin Public/Pope John’s boys track squad will endure a rebuilding year in 2017, but it won’t be without talent to work with. The Wolfpack lose all three of their state qualifiers from last season. They will look to their young talent to fill in the gaps. One such athlete will be Kyle Schumacher. The sophomore will likely man the middle distance runs for the Wolfpack after having a solid year in 2016 doing so. Coach Wes Prater will have to find fits for his young team after losing so many seniors from a strong team last season. However, he will have plenty to work with. Seniors Brody Hupp and Kenny Bush, junior Ashton Evans and freshman Luke Henn are a few more names to keep an eye on to make an impact for EPPJ this year. The Wolfpack will be busy this spring, starting March 27 at Fullerton. They will have nine more meets before potentially heading to state in Omaha. Schedule 3/27/17 @ Fullerton 4/4/17 @ Warrior Relays 4/11/17 @ Neligh-Oakdale Invitational 4/13/17 @ O’Neill 4/19/17 @ St. Mary’s 4/25/17 @ Creighton 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 NVC @ West Holt 5/3/17 @ Humphrey 5/10/17 Districts @ Rock County 5/19-5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke 14 Neligh-Oakdale wrestlers made the trip to Grand Island for the Nebraska USA State Folkstyle Wrestling meet, with eight coming home with hardware.
Aiden Kuester and Cason Hoefer were each state champions in their respective classes. Austin Rudolf took runner-up, as did Andrew Herley, who made the trip in the high school divisions. Macoy Martensen took third. Sam Hemenway and Colton Klabenes took seventh and Tanner Martensen took eighth. In the girls-only division, Gracie Longsdorf took sixth. As a team, the Warriors finished 33rd out of the 226 teams in attendance. Kuester’s performance was particularly impressive, as his win qualified him for the Nebraska dual team. He will represent the state in Council Bluffs, Iowa on April 14-15. For Clearwater-Orchard, Keaton Thiele made the trek and represented his team well. He finished 3-2 on the day and took fifth. Neligh-Oakdale will finally have a true home track meet in 2017.
For many, such as Neligh-Oakdale’s track coach Rick Eickholt, that is music to the ears after years of making due with a fairly decrepit facility in recent years. “We practiced in the park, on the cowboy trail, in the 4H building, we traveled to Creighton twice to go up and either high jump, jump or hurdle. We even went down and painted distances on the park. They lasted for about a week. We improvised with a capital I,” Eickholt explained of the practice habits of his track team while waiting for the new facility to come to fruition. Now, the Warriors have a brand-new facility worth a nearly half-million dollars to enjoy during both practice and meets and the team is taking full advantage of it. Neligh-Oakdale will host three meets in the first few weeks of the 2017 track season now that they have the ability. The Warrior Relays, Antelope County Meet and Neligh-Oakdale Invitational will all take place at the new track starting March 23, weather permitting. The old track was a sight to see. There were chunks missing throughout the surface and it was considered a safety hazard by school officials. In January of 2016, the school board made the decision to accept a $419,000 bid for the new track to be built. Construction began in March and was completed in May before having the lanes and markers painted on over the summer. When the vote was made to replace the track, Eickholt commented on the positives it would bring Neligh-Oakdale’s track athletes from a competitive standpoint, a sentiment he echoed as his team prepared to host a meet. “We’ve been improvising for the last five or six years. We had to find a lane where we could set up hurdles or find a lane where we had 30 meters of nice track to do starts. When we did relay exchanges, the first might have been done in lane three and the next would be done in lane five because we had either no markings for exchanges or there would be wholes. So it’s nice to be able to stay here and actually practice,” he said. Neligh-Oakdale has still hosted track meets in recent years, however they had to negotiate with Creighton or pay Plainview to use their facilities. That sent a lot of commerce to those towns from teams and fans. Now, Eickholt said Neligh will finally see the benefits of hosting a meet again. “Hopefully by bringing schools in, not only do they stop at the track meet, they stop at the gas station, Casey’s or one of the stores downtown. Hopefully bringing those people into the community allows businesses the opportunity for more sales,” he said. Many local residents have already experienced the benefits of the new track firsthand. Eickholt said rarely a day goes by that he doesn’t see someone walking or jogging on the track. He said that has been one of the biggest benefits he has seen of the improved facilities outside of track season. Neligh-Oakdale is set to host the Warrior Relays on Thursday, March 23. With rain a threat for the day, Eickholt said that there is potential that the meet may need to be rescheduled in order to keep the track in top condition. It is a safe bet that if Eickholt has his way, the new track will stay in peak condition for many years to come. Neligh-Oakdale got its 2017 track season started on Tuesday as they made the trek to Vermillion, South Dakota for the Dan Lennon Invitational.
More than 1,000 competitors from four states converged on the campus of University of South Dakota, and Neligh-Oakdale did not get lost in the crowd. The best finish of the day for the Warriors was by Grant White, who took sixth in the triple jump with a leap of 38 feet, three inches. He added one more strong finish to his name when he took 11th in the 400 meter dash. Kristen Snodgrass was the top performer for the girls, posting strong marks in the 60 meter dash and long jump. In the sprint, she finished 20th with a time of 8.77. She took 16th in the long jump with a leap of 13 feet, three and a quarter inches. Results for Neligh-Oakdale at Dan Lennon Invitational Girls 60 M Dash 20. Kristen Snodgrass, Neligh-Oakdale 8.77 59. Adysen Boggs, Neligh-Oakdale 9.33 81. Hannah Schrader, Neligh-Oakdale 10.11 Girls 400 M Dash 44. Hannah Schrader, Neligh-Oakdale 1:22.87 Girls 4x200 M Relay 28. Neligh-Oakdale 2:05.64 Girls Long Jump 16. Kristen Snodgrass, Neligh-Oakdale 13-03.25 21. Shelby Pitzer, Neligh-Oakdale 13-00.25 Girls Shot Put 64. Chase Vleck, Neligh-Oakdale 19-08.00 Boys 60 M Dash 34. Alex Kerkman, Neligh-Oakdale 7.80 38. Cade Wilkinson, Neligh-Oakdale 7.83 79. Hunter Charf, Neligh-Oakdale 8.34 Boys 400 M Dash 11. Grant White, Neligh-Oakdale 57.30 23. Alex Kerkman, Neligh-Oakdale 58.81 Boys 60 M Hurdles 40. Kaleb Pofahl, Neligh-Oakdale 11.59 46. Isiac Kurpgeweit, Neligh-Oakdale 12.22 Boys 4x200 M Relay 17. Neligh-Oakdale 1:42.86 Boys Long Jump 14. Cade Wilkinson, Neligh-Oakdale 18-01.50 Boys Triple Jump 6. Grant White, Neligh-Oakdale 38-03.00 25. Isiac Kurpgeweit, Neligh-Oakdale 32-09.00 Boys Shot Put 64. Tjay Zobrist, Neligh-Oakdale 32-00.75 67. Clayton Anderson, Neligh-Oakdale 31-02.50 78. Jose Luna, Neligh-Oakdale 26-08.50 81. Cameron Wiseman, Neligh-Oakdale 25-00.75 The 2016-17 winter sports season was an incredible season across the area. Athletes all across Antelope, Boone, Knox and Holt counties put on a show week in and week out on their way to various records, state finishes and incredible performances. With that, we are proud to announce the 2016-17 Local County News All-Area Teams for winter sports. 25 of the top girls and boys basketball players, as well as 22 of the top wrestlers proved themselves as elite among their peers each week. It’s never easy narrowing down so many athletes to such a small list but thanks to some help from area coaches, everyone on these lists are deserving of the accolades they have received. Girls Basketball On the girls basketball team, Antelope County was represented by eight of the area’s best, including three from a first-time state qualifier. ![]() Kinsley Klabenes, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: Klabenes was a constant for the Warriors in a year of transition. She was consistently the top scorer for N-O, averaging 9.8 points per game and coming away with 3.4 rebounds per game. ![]() Kinzly Macke, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: The team leader in nearly every statistical category, Macke was an aggressive presence for the Cyclones. She finished with a team high 13 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game and 2.7 steals per game. ![]() Amber Miller, So., Elkhorn Valley: Miller was an aggresive guard for the Falcons, finishing among the area leaders in scoring and steals with 10.3 points per game and 2.8 steals per game. ![]() Hannah Ollendick, So., Elkhorn Valley: Ollendick was regularly the focus of the Elkhorn Valley attack. Capable of scoring both inside and outside, she finished with a team-high 13.6 points per game. ![]() Liz Selting, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: Selting, a four-year starter, was capable of scoring just about anywhere for the Wolfpack. She finished the year with 8.1 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game and 2.2 steals a game. ![]() Kylie Thiele, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: A high-energy player, Thiele was one of the better defenders in the area. She finished with an impressive 2.4 steals per game. ![]() Allyson Wemhoff, So., Elgin Public/Pope John: Despite being a sophomore, Wemhoff was a true leader for the Wolfpack, leading the team to its first-ever state tournament bid. The athletic scorer led EPPJ with 11.9 points per game and also finished with an impressive 2.9 steals per game. ![]() Baylee Wemhoff, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: The elder Wemhoff sister gave the Wolfpack another constant scoring threat. However, the four-year starter did plenty at the dish as well, finishing with a team-high 4.4 assists per game to go with her 9.8 points per game. Boys Basketball On the boys side of things, Antelope County seven players made the cut, led by a trio of 1,000-point career scorers. ![]() Tyson Belitz, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: One of the more impressive all-around players in the area in recent years, Belitz led the Warriors to a runner-up finish at state with a team-high 19.4 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game and 4.4 assists per game. ![]() Chad Bode, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: Bode was looked on as a leader on a young Wolfpack squad this season. He led the ever-improving team with 11.6 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. ![]() Kalen Dittrich, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: A strong inside presence, Dittrich finished with three double-doubles on the year, eventually averaging 10.1 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game. ![]() Brayden Effle, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: An energizer bunny, Effle had no fear going into the middle despite being outsized. Finished with 8.9 points a game and 8.3 rebounds per game. He had a high of 20 rebounds against Stuart on December 22. ![]() Alex Kerkman, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: The third 1,000-point career scorer for Neligh-Oakdale, Kerkman could score from anywhere on the court. He took advantage of mismatches on his way to 11.7 points per game. ![]() Travis Kerkman, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: Kerkman was a rebounding machine for the Cyclones. He finished the year with 8.5 rebounds a game to go along with his one block per game and 10.1 points per game. ![]() Grant White, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: One of the best pure scorers in the area, White had unlimited range, generally coming up big when Neligh-Oakdale need it most. He finished second in the state with 96 made 3s, part of his 18.1 points per game. Wrestling On the mat, there were an incredible amount of elite-level performers from the area, including the seven from Antelope County. ![]() Andrew Herley, So., Neligh-Oakdale: Herley was one of two consistently dominant wrestlers for Neligh-Oakdale. He rode his dominance all the way through to a runner-up finish at his first state tournament. ![]() Alejandro Martinez, Sr., Elkhorn Valley: Martinez finished his career at Elkhorn Valley as a multi-time state medalists. This year, he took third at 120 pounds. ![]() Josh McFarland, So., Elkhorn Valley: McFarland made his way to his second state tournament in as many years, taking fourth at 145 pounds. ![]() Darren Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: Stewart manned the 132 pound spot for a strong Elkhorn Valley team, taking home fourth place at the state meet. ![]() Dillon Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: One of the more dominant wrestlers in the state this season, Stewart blew through his competition on the way to a state championship at 113 pounds. ![]() Clay Thiele, So., Clearwater-Orchard: Thiele was one of the more improved wrestlers in the area this season. After winning just 10 matches as a freshman, he came back as a sophomore to represent Clearwater-Orchard at the state meet. ![]() Cameron Wilkinson, So., Neligh-Oakdale: Wilkinson posted an incredible season in 2016-17, losing just three matches in the regular season. He finished fourth at the state tournament. The full all-area list, including athletes from Holt, Boone and Knox counties, is below, listed alphabetically:
Girls Basketball Monica Arens, Sr., Crofton: 19.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG Payton Birkel, Jr., O’Neill: 11 PPG, 2 SPG Kalie Bloom, Sr., Riverside: 9.8 PPG, 3.1 APG, 2.8 SPG Hattie Blumenstock, Sr., St. Mary’s: 13.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG Amber Bruegman, Sr., Bloomfield: 8 PPG, 3 SPG Sarah Castaneda, Sr., Bloomfield: 19.4 PPG, 10 RPG, 1.4 BPG Taylor Colman, Sr., St. Mary’s: 10.2 PPG, 3.3 APG Logan Connot, Sr., St. Mary’s: 10.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG Harlee Fischer, Sr., Stuart: 19.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3 SPG Lauren Hedlund, Fr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 9.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.1 APG Tessa Hedlund, Sr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 10.4 PPG, 2.3 APG Kinsley Klabenes, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 9.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG Emily Knust, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 9.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG Jacie Laetsch, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 20 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 SPG, 4 APG Kinzly Macke, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 13 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.7 SPG Amber Miller, So., Elkhorn Valley: 10.3 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.8 SPG Hannah Ollendick, So., Elkhorn Valley: 13.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.8 SPG Taylor Peter, Fr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 9.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG Stevie Peters, Jr., Santee: 19.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG Kelsey Sanger, Sr., Crofton: 19.1 PPG, 5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 3.9 SPG Liz Selting, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 8.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG Alison Stracke, Sr., Stuart: 4 PPG, 4 APG Kylie Thiele, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 6.8 PPG, 2.4 SPG Allyson Wemhoff, So., Elgin Public/Pope John: 11.9 PPG, 2.2 APG, 2.9 SPG Baylee Wemhoff, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 9.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.5 SPG Boys Basketball Justin Appleby, Jr., O’Neill: 12 PPG, 4.5 APG Tyson Belitz, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 19.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.2 SPG Ricky Bickerstaff, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 14.3 PPG, 4 APG, 2.5 SPG Joseph Bloom, So., Riverside: 7.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG Chad Bode, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 11.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG Cole Bruns, Sr., Bloomfield: 13.1 PPG, 6 RPG Kalen Dittrich, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 10.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG Brayden Effle, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 8.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3 APG Mason Hale, Jr., West Holt: School record for 3s in a season, 78, and game, 7. Alex Kerkman, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 11.7 PPG, 1.4 SPG Bryce Kerkman, Jr., West Holt: School record for 3-point percentage, 43, and 3s in a game, 7. Travis Kerkman, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 10.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1 BPG Daniel Libolt, Jr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 13 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.5 SPG Jonah Micek, Sr., St. Edward: 19.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2 BPG, 3 APG Dylan Potts, Sr., Crofton: 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG Tredyn Prososki, Fr., Riverside: 19.6 PPG, state leader in 3s made Tyler Regan, Sr., O’Neill: 13 PPG, 7 RPG Ethan Sattler, So., Stuart: 5.9 PPG, 4.2 APG Isaac Steinhauser, So., Stuart: 12.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG Jessie Sullivan, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 13.8 PPG, 7 RPG Christian Swally, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 10.6 PPG, 3.6 APG Alex Thramer, Jr., O’Neill: 10 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG Noah Valasek, Sr., Riverside: 21.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 3.2 SPG Grant White, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 18.1 PPG, 2.4 SPG, 2nd in state in 3s made Grant Wragge, Sr., Crofton: 12.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2 SPG Wrestling Jared Atkeson, Jr., St. Mary’s: 45-4, 3rd at state Will Atkeson, Sr., St. Mary’s: 42-8, 6th at state Jade Buss, So., West Holt: 18-18, 6th at state Jason Hahlbeck, Sr., O’Neill: 42-0, 1st at state Connor Hazen, Sr., Creighton: 24-4, 6th at state Zac Hazen, Sr., Creighton: 30-7, 4th at state Andrew Herley, So., Neligh-Oakdale: 40-8, 2nd at state Jaden Janssen, Jr., Crofton/Bloomfield: 40-11, 4th at state Jake Judge, Sr., West Holt: 37-9, 3rd at state Clay Konopasek, Sr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 31-15, 6th at state Alejandro Martinez, Sr., Elkhorn Valley: 36-3, 3rd at state Josh McFarland, So., Elkhorn Valley: 44-15, 4th at state Breydon Mlady, Sr., West Holt: 38-4, 5th at state Caden Moore, Jr., O’Neill: 41-2, 3rd at state Cauy Shaw, Jr., O’Neill: 33-7, 4th at state Darren Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 29-8, 4th at state Dillon Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 40-1, 1st at state Clay Thiele, So., Clearwater-Orchard: 34-17, state qualifier Bailey Thompson, Sr., O’Neill: 36-4, 1st at state Cameron Wilkinson, So., Neligh-Oakdale: 44-5, 4th at state Derek Wortman, So., Creighton: 34-16, 6th at state Bryce Zimmerer, So., Creighton: 38-11, 5th at state Honorable Mention, girls basketball Clearwater-Orchard - Allison Kerkman Wausa - Mary Johnson, Krissy Kumm Boone Central/Newman Grove - Jenna Kramer O’Neill - Samantha Eichelberger, Caleigh Miles, Makayla Pardun West Holt - Baily Kraus Elgin Public/Pope John - Jordan Mescher, Lydia Behnk Elkhorn Valley - Alyssa Rood Santee - Hannah Sheridan, Kiana Torrez Crofton - Haley Arens, Josie Sanger, Alexis Arens Neligh-Oakdale - Jayda Chance, Alexis Jensen Riverside - Morgan Haschke Stuart - Trisha Fox Niobrara/Verdigre - Shania RedOwl, Jace Forker Honorable Mention, boys basketball Stuart - Connor Jarman O’Neill - Jake Young Chambers/Wheeler Central - Connor Croxen, Zane Patrick, Logan Pelster Clearwater-Orchard - Jacob Long, Blake Hoke, Ryan Wilhelm Ewing - Bryce Summers Elgin Public/Pope John - Ashton Evans, Kenny Bush, Hunter Reestman Riverside - Ty Martinsen St. Mary’s Josh Cuddy Bloomfield - Braden Eisenhauer, Wilson Wagner Elkhorn Valley - Austin Miller West Holt - Devon Dohrman, Shayden Neptune Crofton - Noah McFarland Boone Central/Newman Grove - Dylan Gentrup, Derek Stuhr Coach: Rick Eickholt
Assistant coaches: J.J. Wagner Roster: Gage Dawson Tjay Zobrist Cade Wilkinson Isiac Kurpgeweit Jayden Arehart Christian Carothers Cameron Wiseman Kaleb Pofahl Hunter Charf Jose Luna Colby Sehi Luke Jacobsen Damon Arehart Alex Kerkman Grant White Clayton Anderson Tyson Belitz Cole Belitz Returning state qualifiers: Grant White 2017 season preview: The Neligh-Oakdale boys have seen great success in each sport this year and expect the trend to continue in the spring with track. Leading the way for the Warriors will be returning state qualifier Grant White. He returns in 2017 as one of the top-returning triple jumpers in Class C after finishing 12th in the event at state in 2016. The Warriors had many other athletes just barely miss a spot at state last season that hope to make the trip to Omaha with White this year. Alex Kerkman, Damon Arehart and Cole Belitz were all top-six finishers in the district last season and will aim to improve enough to earn there spot at state. Neligh-Oakdale kicks off their season at the Dan Lennon Invitational at the University of South Dakota on Tuesday, March 21. Schedule 3/21/17 @ USD Dan Lennon Invitational 3/23/17 Warriors Relays 4/4/17 Antelope County Meet 4/11/17 Neligh-Oakdale Invitational 4/18/17 @ Hartington Invitational 4/25/17 @ Clarkson Invitational 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 @ NVC at West Holt 5/4/17 @ Randolph Invite 5/11/17 Districts 5/19-5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke Coach: Terry Troutman
Assistant coaches: Kelly Ptacek Roster: Shelby Pitzer Hannah Schroeder Hailey Bixler Kenzie Rudolf Bailey Frey Hannah Brady Adysen Boggs Courtni Heckert Kristen Snodgrass Haley Kerkman Rachel Higgins Emma Bixler Celina Knievel Chase Vleck Jayda Chance Alexis Jensen Kasi Grosserode Returning state qualifiers: Bailey Frey, Alexis Jensen 2017 season preview: Neligh-Oakdale's girls track squad will have plenty of talent to mix with their returning state qualifiers in what should be a fantastic season. Bailey Frey and Alexis Jensen return after qualifying in the 300 M hurdles and the 100 M dash, respectively. Both girls should have another strong year on their way to another state berth. Kristen Snodgrass will look to join Jensen in the sprints, having just missed a spot at state last season. Snodgrass and Jensen will likely join together to lead a talented relay team for the Warriors as well. Neligh-Oakdale kicks off their season at the Dan Lennon Invitational at the University of South Dakota on Tuesday, March 21. Schedule 3/21/17 @ USD Dan Lennon Invitational 3/23/17 Warriors Relays 4/4/17 Antelope County Meet 4/11/17 Neligh-Oakdale Invitational 4/18/17 @ Hartington Invitational 4/25/17 @ Clarkson Invitational 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 @ NVC at West Holt 5/4/17 @ Randolph Invite 5/11/17 Districts 5/19-5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke ![]() It was a record-setting open to the track season on Friday as the Cyclones set two new marks at the Wayne State College Indoor Meet. In the 4x160, Kylie Thiele, Katie Stearns, Skye Schroeder, and Kinzly Macke ran a 1:31.89 to break the previous mark of 1:32.40. The previous record was set in 2016 by Macke, Thiele, Schroeder and Mallory Cooper. Creston Bertschinger also set a record in the 55-meter hurdles with a 9.22-second prelim. He finished fifth in the hurdles, as well as the 55-meter dash in 7.19. The Cyclones claimed several medals on the day. For the boys, Jacob Long was fourth in the triple jump at 38-7.5 and Seth Lampert was fifth in pole vault, going 7-6. In the girls division, Thiele won the 800 in 2:32.92 and Alexis Pokorny topped the high jump competition at 5-0 with JoCee Johnston finishing second at 4-10. Macke was second in the 55 in 7.88 and third in the 200 at 29.46. Brooklynn Chipps threw the shot put 33-5 for a runner-up finish. Schroder was fifth in the 55 in 8.12. Rounding out the girls events was the second-place 4x400 of Macke, Johnston, Pokorny and Thiele in 4:39.75. The 4x800 team of Allison Kerkman, Taylor Sanne, Alyssa Moser and Johnston finished sixth in 11:50.15. Elkhorn Valley kicked off the spring sports season on Thursday with an impressive showing at the Doane Invitational in Crete. Both boys and girls filled the top spots in nearly every event, leading the boys to finish as the meet runner-up and the girls to take fourth.
The boys were led by first place finishes from Tucker Hecht and Austin Miller. Hecht took the top spot in the high jump, clearing 6-00.00. Miller earned his first place in the 3200 meter run with a time of 11:27.83 For the girls, Amber Miller took home a runner-up to pace the Falcons. She finished second in the triple jump with a leap of 33-03.00. Boys Team Results 1. Exeter-Milligan 86 2. Elkhorn Valley 75 3. Giltner 70 4. McCool Junction 60 5. Fullerton 51 6. Shelton 44 7. Nebraska Lutheran HS 35 8. Kenesaw 18 9. Silver Lake 13 10. Lawrence/Nelson 8 11. Dorchester Boys High Jump 1. Tucker Hecht, Elkhorn Valley 6-00.00 9. Brock Schaecher, Elkhorn Valley 5-04.00 12. Kalen Dittrich, Elkhorn Valley 5-00.00 Boys Pole Vault 4. Tyler Miller, Elkhorn Valley 10-06.00 5. Dillon Stewart, Elkhorn Valley 9-00.00 Boys Long Jump 2. Brayden Effle, Elkhorn Valley 18-09.75 15. Brandon Evans, Elkhorn Valley 16-04.25 17. Kolton Krick, Elkhorn Valley 16-01.50 Boys Triple Jump 3. Brayden Effle, Elkhorn Valley 39-02.00 16. Brandon Evans, Elkhorn Valley 32-10.75 Boys Shot Put 5. Dylan Wilkins, Elkhorn Valley 40-10.00 13. Kalen Dittrich, Elkhorn Valley 35-10.00 21. Prestin Vondra, Elkhorn Valley 31-05.00 Boys Discus Throw 2. Dylan Wilkins, Elkhorn Valley 136-06 16. Kalen Dittrich, Elkhorn Valley 91-02 25. Prestin Vondra, Elkhorn Valley 69-00 Boys 4x800 M Relay 2. Elkhorn Valley (Tucker Hecht, Brayden Effle, Kolton Krick, Austin Miller) 9:30.70 Boys 60 M Hurdles 2. Brayden Effle, Elkhorn Valley 9.62 5. Dalton Smutny, Elkhorn Valley 10.51 Boys 60 M Dash 23. Brock Schaecher, Elkhorn Valley 8.91 Boys 400 M Run 5. Tucker Hecht, Elkhorn Valley 58.35 9. Dalton Smutny, Elkhorn Valley 1:01.77 24. Jorge Vigil, Elkhorn Valley 1:23.93 Boys 3200 M Run 1. Austin Miller, Elkhorn Valley 11:27.83 Boys 800 M Run 6. Tucker Hecht, Elkhorn Valley 2:20.24 12. Brandon Evans, Elkhorn Valley 2:27.53 Boys 200 M Dash 26. Prestin Vondra, Elkhorn Valley 28.40 Boys 1600 M Run 4. Austin Miller, Elkhorn Valley 5:21.85 9. Dillon Stewart, Elkhorn Valley 5:32.22 18. Jorge Vigil, Elkhorn Valley 7:30.51 Boys 4x400 M Relay 9. Elkhorn Valley (Kalen Dittrich, Prestin Vondra, Mitchell Petersen, Dillon Stewart) 4:31.90 Girls Team Results 1. Giltner 179 2. Dorchester 50 3. Fullerton 47 4. Elkhorn Valley 41 5. Exeter-Milligan 36 6. Nebraska Lutheran HS 35 7. Shelton 30 8. Lawrence/Nelson 20 9. McCool Jct 17 10. Kenesaw 6 11. Silver Lake 2 11. Mead 2 Girls High Jump 7. Olivia Nall, Elkhorn Valley 4-02.00 Girls Pole Vault 6. Amber Miller, Elkhorn Valley 7-06.00 8. Haley Fleetwood, Elkhorn Valley 6-00.00 8. Alison Stineman, Elkhorn Valley 6-00.00 Girls Long Jump 6. Sierra Rystrom, Elkhorn Valley 14-04.00 15. Olivia Nall, Elkhorn Valley 12-00.50 Girls Triple Jump 2. Amber Miller, Elkhorn Valley 33-03.00 Girls Shot Put 3. Alyssa Rood, Elkhorn Valley 30-07.00 4. Delilah Sierra, Elkhorn Valley 30-04.00 5. Shelby Cakebread, Elkhorn Valley 30-00.00 Girls Discus Throw 5. Shelby Cakebread, Elkhorn Valley 87-07 7. Alyssa Rood, Elkhorn Valley 81-04 8. Delilah Sierra, Elkhorn Valley 80-03 Girls 4x800 M Relay 4. Elkhorn Valley (Olivia Nall, Alison Stineman, Amber Miller, Haley Fleetwood) 11:34.45 Girls 60 M Hurdles 5. Hannah Ollendick, Elkhorn Valley 10.82 12. Haley Fleetwood, Elkhorn Valley 11.99 15. Kaylee Bacon, Elkhorn Valley 13.04 Girls 60 M Dash 6. Hannah Ollendick, Elkhorn Valley 8.84 8. Sierra Rystrom, Elkhorn Valley 9.14 19. Alyssa Rood, Elkhorn Valley 9.64 Girls 400 M Dash 17. Sierra Rystrom, Elkhorn Valley 1:13.83 20. Kim Frey, Elkhorn Valley 1:19.95 21. Kaylee Bacon, Elkhorn Valley 1:20.82 Girls 3200 M Run 4. Alison Stineman, Elkhorn Valley 13:17.72 Girls 800 M Run 9. Olivia Nall, Elkhorn Valley 2:57.44 15. Kim Frey, Elkhorn Valley 3:10.44 20. Haley Eckert, Elkhorn Valley 3:28.73 Girls 200 M Dash 9. Amber Miller, Elkhorn Valley 30.11 15. Hannah Ollendick, Elkhorn Valley 30.75 Girls 1600 M Run 3. Alison Stineman, Elkhorn Valley 6:19.72 8. Haley Fleetwood, Elkhorn Valley 7:02.15 12. Haley Eckert, Elkhorn Valley 7:37.37 Girls 4x400 M Relay 8. Elkhorn Valley (Kaylee Bacon, Kim Frey, Sierra Rystrom, Hannah Ollendick) 5:05.56 Coach: Bill Tabbert
Roster: Gage Clifton Clay Thiele Ryan Wilhelm Blake Hoke Codey Snider Erin Schwager Ashley Williams Liam Odell Travis Rudloff Zane Herley Tyler Wright Andrew Steskal Cade Mlnarik Caleb Krebs Peyton Clifton Returning state qualifiers: None 2017 season preview: Clearwater-Orchard’s golf team will enter 2017 with plenty of experience, as the Cyclones return four of their top five golfers from last years district competitors. Ryan Wilhelm will lead the Cyclones, much as he did his freshman year. Travis Rudloff will look to improve on his 2016 season, as will Peyton Clifton, the lone senior on the squad. Blake Hoke rounds out the top four returners for O-C. The Cyclones have plenty of options to fill the fifth spot on the varsity roster. 11 other golfers will battle for the opportunity to join the returning varsity group. The Cyclones will kick off a busy season on Tuesday, March 28. They will make their way to Summerland for one of four home triangulars. Schedule 3/28/17 Triangular at Summerland 4/4/17 @ Crofton Invite 4/11/17 Triangular at Summerland 4/12/17 @ Ewing Invite at Summerland 4/18/17 Triangular at Summerland 4/22/17 @ Osmond Invite 4/25/17 NVC at Summerland 4/29/17 @ West Holt Invite 5/1/17 Quadrangular at Santee 5/3/17 Cougar Invite at Niobrara 5/8/17 @ HiWay 20 Invite at Bassett 5/10/17 Triangular at Summerland 5/16/17 @ Districts at Atkinson Coach: Scott Klein
Roster: Zane Richardson Jace Thompson Bryson Anderson Josiah Wreidt Tyson Hanson Koby Smith P.J. Miguelino Darren Stewart Angel Qualset Returning state qualifiers: None 2017 season preview: Elkhorn Valley’s golf team returns in 2017 with hopes of qualifying for the state tournament come May. The team is hoping that the large influx of freshman into the program will be the boost it needs to send a golfer or two to the state tournament in North Platte. Zane Richardson, Jace Thompson, Bryson Anderson and Josiah Wreidt make up that young class that will look to fill in and battle it out for a spot among the varsity five. Koby Smith, the lone senior, will be looked upon as a leader for the Falcons. Darren Stewart, P.J. Miguelino and Tyson Hanson make up a talented junior class with some experience for Elkhorn Valley The Falcons have a busy season in 2017, including four tournaments in the month of May alone. They will first hit the course on April 4 when they head to Summerland Golf Course in Ewing. Schedule 4/4/17 @ Ewing 4/6/17 @ Neligh 4/12/17 @ Ewing 4/13/17 @ Laurel 4/20/17 @ O’Neill 4/25/17 NVC at Summerland 4/29/17 @ Pierce 5/2/17 @ Stanton 5/8/17 @ Randolph 5/11/17 @ Battle Creek 5/15/17 @ Districts at Atkinson Coach: Shannon Schumacher
Assistant coaches: Jeff Shabram, Lila Wondercheck Roster: Jackie Olivan Lauren Behnk Alyssa Moser Summer Schroeder Taylor R Bolling Brooke Knievel Taylor Sanne Katie Jo Stearns JoCee Johnston Grace Rittscher Julia Thiele Lois Von Seggern Elizabeth Michem Brooklynn Chipps Alyx Siems Skye Schroeder Allison Kerkman Kinzly Macke Kylie Thiele Lexi Pokorny Allee Snider Jaiden Switzer Vanessa Carpenter Returning state qualifiers: Brooklynn Chipps, JoCee Johnston, Kinzly Macke, Lexi Pokorny, Kylie Thiele 2017 season preview: Clearwater-Orchard’s girls track team has plenty of experience and depth returning from 2016. Brooklynn Chipps, JoCee Johnston, Kinzly Macke, Lexi Pokorny and Kylie Thiele all return as state qualifiers for the Cyclones. O-C starts its season March 17 at Wayne State. Schedule 3/17/17 @ Wayne State 4/4/17 @ Antelope County Meet at Neligh 4/13/17 @ O’Neill Invite 4/18/17 @ Hartington 4/22/17 @ Wausa Invite 4/25/17 West Boyd Invite at O’Neill 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 NVC Meet at West Holt 5/3/17 St. Edward Invite at Fullerton 5/10/17 Districts at Basset 5/19 - 5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke Coach: Shannon Schumacher
Assistant coaches: Jeff Shabram, Lila Wondercheck Roster: Eli Macke Houston Marino Gage Switzer Jacob Long Austin Pokorny Chris Kester Creston Bertschinger Seth Lampert Returning state qualifiers: None 2017 season preview: Clearwater-Orchard’s boys track team will have a fresh new look in 2017. That is because the team welcomes three freshman to a team that loses its only state qualifier from 2016 in Jagger Smith. Eli Macke, Houston Marino and Gage Switzer join Jacob Long, Austin Pokorny, Chris Kester, Creston Bertschinger and Seth Lampert on the track for the spring season. As the lone senior on the squad, Lampert will lead the way for the Cyclones. Last season, he competed in high jump and also ran the distance races. Long, Pokorny and Kester make up a talented sophomore class for O-C. As a freshman, Long spent much of the year as the number two high jumper and long jumper for the Cyclones, behind Smith. Kester made his mark on the middle distances for Clearwater-Orchard. Pokorny will look to fill in and help the Cyclones. Clearwater-Orchard kicks off its 2017 season on March 17 at Wayne State. Schedule 3/17/17 @ Wayne State 4/4/17 @ Antelope County Meet at Neligh 4/13/17 @ O’Neill Invite 4/18/17 @ Hartington 4/22/17 @ Wausa Invite 4/25/17 West Boyd Invite at O’Neill 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 NVC Meet at West Holt 5/3/17 St. Edward Invite at Fullerton 5/10/17 Districts at Basset 5/19 - 5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke Coach: Jeff Meyer
Assistant coaches: Tracy Larson, Rusty Rautenberg, Curt Qualset, Kayleen Amend, Natalie Dittmer Roster: Kaylee Bacon Haley Fleetwood Alyssa Maughan Olivia Nall Alison Stineman Kim Frey Amber Miller Hannah Ollendick Sierra Rystrom Delilah Sierra Shelby Cakebread Haley Eckert Alyssa Rood Returning state qualifiers: Amber Miller, Hannah Ollendick 2017 season preview: Elkhorn Valley’s girls will look upon their two returning state qualifiers as they enter the 2017 season. Hannah Ollendick returns after a great first year on the track. She became one of just two freshman in Class D to qualify for state in both hurdle events and will look to repeat the feat this season. Amber Miller showed that she has what it takes to be a top-flight jumper and pole vaulter at the state level and now will look to bring home hardware from the meet this year. A newcomer to watch is freshman Alison Stineman, a cross country state qualifier this past fall. The Falcons start their season in Crete on March 16. Schedule 3/16/17 @ Doane Indoor 3/23/17 @ Warrior Relays at Neligh 4/4/17 @Antelope County Meet at Neligh 4/11/17 @ Neligh Invite 4/13/17 @ O’Neill Invite 4/18/17 @ Wisner Booster Invite 4/25/17 @ Wisner Invite 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 NVC Meet at West Holt 5/2/17 @ Albion Quad 5/10/17 Districts @ Hartington 5/19-5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke Coach: Jeff Meyer
Assistant coaches: Tracy Larson, Rusty Rautenberg, Curt Qualset, Kayleen Amend, Natalie Dittmer Roster: Brandon Evans Kolton Krick Jorge Vigil Riley Nall Mitchell Petersen Brock Schaecher Prestin Vondra Kalen Dittrich Brayden Effle Dalton Smutny Dillon Stewart Tucker Hecht Austin Miller Tyler Miller Dylan Wilkins Returning state qualifiers: Brayden Effle, Austin Miller, Tyler Miller 2017 season preview: Elkhorn Valley has seen incredible success on the track the past few seasons and 2017 should be more of the same. The Falcons return three of their eight state qualifiers from 2016 in Brayden Effle, Austin Miller and Tyler Miller. The trio will lead a talented group comprised mostly of underclassmen as they look to repeat as district champions. Among the athletes to watch is Dylan Wilkins. Wilkins is consistently one of the top throwers in the area and will have his sights set on Omaha. Many members of the Falcons’ strong cross country team will also boost the teams’ depth on the track. The Falcons will travel to Crete on March 16 to kick off the season at the Doane Indoor. Schedule 3/16/17 @ Doane Indoor 3/23/17 @ Warrior Relays at Neligh 4/4/17 @Antelope County Meet at Neligh 4/11/17 @ Neligh Invite 4/13/17 @ O’Neill Invite 4/18/17 @ Wisner Booster Invite 4/25/17 @ Wisner Invite 4/27/17 @ Norfolk Classic 4/29/17 NVC Meet at West Holt 5/2/17 @ Albion Quad 5/10/17 Districts @ Hartington 5/19-5/20/17 State Meet at Omaha Burke Four of Antelope County's top football players will take the field as part of Northeast Nebraska's premiere all-star game.
Grant White, Tyson Belitz and Chris Bentley of Neligh-Oakdale will be joined by Chad Bode of Elgin Public/Pope John in the 5th Annual Red vs. White Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic. All four will take the field as part of the White Team. The rosters were announced Tuesday by the event’s Board of Directors, according to Mike Fuehrer, Sports Development Manager for the Norfolk Area Sports Council. The football game will be played on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Veteran’s Memorial Field in Norfolk. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Faith Regional Health Services of Norfolk is the game’s Title Sponsor. Fuehrer said he has been impressed with how the annual classic has come together over the course of the past five years. “We’re distributing right around 2,500 tickets each year. And, this will be our third year for an All-Star Marching Band, it will be our second year for cheerleaders and, for the first-time ever, Hartington Cedar Catholic will be show-casing its dance team,’’ Fuehrer said. “Each year we’re adding another piece to what has become a very popular event for all of northeast Nebraska.’’ Rod Brummels of Osmond, who will be coaching the 36-player White Team, said his staff is excited for the players named to the White Team. “We feel we had an excellent pool of players to choose from in selecting our squad,’’ he said. “Were excited about all facets of the team. “We feel we have excellent linemen, both offensively and defensively. It is a group filled with size and great motors.’’ On offense, Brummels said the White Team was able to fill skill positions with versatility. “That will allow us to build a unit around both speed and power in the run game and an efficiency and explosiveness in the passing game,’’ he said. “Defensively we feel like our back seven of linebackers and defensive backs will complement our front four and give us a defense that will match up well in the game.’’ Brummels will be assisted by Tracy Lichty of Norfolk High School, Joe Imus of Riverside (Cedar Rapids-Spalding), Travis Jordan of Madison, Ron Lund of Howells-Dodge and Brock Eichelberger of O’Neill High School. Two Neligh-Oakdale seniors were named to the all-boys state tournament team by the Lincoln Journal Star.
In Class C2, Grant White and Tyson Belitz both were selected to the elite team. They join Ponca juniors Connor Day and Logan Kingsbury and Hastings St. Cecelia junior Blane Boyd. White led all Class C2 players with 52 points during the three-day tournament, which came after a rough start that saw him score just eight points in the first round. Belitz wasn't far behind with 48 points. One way or another, Neligh-Oakdale's incredible season was going to come to an end Saturday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. It may not have finished quite like they expected, but they certainly brought home some hardware to put on the wall.
Neligh-Oakdale fell to Ponca 52-45 in the Class C2 State Championship Game to take runner up for the third time in school history. The Warriors struggled out of the gate from the floor. They shot just 22.2 percent in the first quarter compared to 55.6 percent from the Indians to trail 14-7 after one. They battled back in the second to head into halftime trailing just 21-19. In the third quarter, it looked much like the first as the Warriors once again hit just 2-of-9 shots. In the final frame, Neligh-Oakdale hit four threes to close the gap, but Ponca's hit 14 of their 19 free throw attempts to pull away and seal the game. Ponca was hot from the floor, particularly from beyond the arc, for most of the game. Coach Frank Gade said that was about what his team expected. "We knew exactly what they were going to do. They just out-executed us today," he said. "They get the ball in the middle and kick and it is really tough to defend. These guys noticed that. We've seen darn near every play in the book against that zone, we knew exactly what they were going to do. We just didn't cover it as well as we did yesterday." Grant White and Tyson Belitz each dropped in 14 points for the Warriors. Belitz also dished out five assists and pulled in nine rebounds. Alex Kerkman added six points, Chris Bentley had four, Clayton Anderson had three and Austin Rice and Nate Buck each finished with two. For White, Belitz, Kerkman, Bentley, Anderson and Damon Arehart, the game is their last on the court for the Warriors. However, they hope the foundation they built in their four years give the team a platform to build on. "Freshman year, we had good seniors to help us. We grew up big that first year. After that, coach put a lot of responsibility on our shoulders and the younger kids all looked up to us," said Belitz.
Headed to Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday? Or watching online - or from home home? Here's all the info you need to know about today's Class C2 championship featuring No. 5 Neligh-Oakdale and No. 3 Ponca.
Class C2 Final: 4:30 p.m. Ticket Prices: Adult - $7, Students K-12 - $5 Watch on TV: NETV Watch Online: NETV Here Pinnacle Bank: Parking Map Parking At Pinnacle Bank: Public parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis all days in the Festival Space (accessible off of Sun Valley Blvd.) and the premium garage attached to the arena for $5.00. All cheerleaders, bands, etc. can be dropped off on R Street in front of the arena. Neligh-OakdalePoncaThe dream season continued Friday for Neligh-Oakdale as the Warriors took down top-seeded Hastings St. Cecilia to earn a trip to the team's first-ever state championship game, winning 55-50.
The Warriors topped the Bluehawks in a true thriller. The shooting started slow, but both teams soon began to heat up, with St. Cecilia leading 14-11 after one quarter of play. In the second quarter, Grant White began to heat up. He hit two threes, including one in which he was fouled and sent to the line for a four-point play to bring the Warriors within two. A Tyson Belitz steal and finish on the ensuing possession tied the game at 26. St. Cecilia finished the half out with a lay in to take a 28-26 lead into the break. In the second half, the Warriors continued their hot shooting from beyond the arc. White nailed one from deep early in the quarter to give Neligh-Oakdale it's first lead of the day, 29-28. He added two more from deep while Clayton Anderson added one of his own. Belitz hit one more to beat the buzzer at the end of the third to send Neligh-Oakdale into the fourth quarter with a 43-38 lead. In the final frame, both teams cranked up the defense before trading blows. However, Neligh-Oakdale never allowed St. Cecilia to gain any ground and finished the game out with free throws to advance. As a team, Neligh-Oakdale shot 44 percent, including 10-of-23 from 3-point land. White led the attack with 30 points on 50 percent shooting. He hit six shots from deep and went 8-of-9 from the line in the win. Belitz added 14 points while pulling in five rebounds, dishing out four assists and coming away with four steals. Neligh-Oakdale now awaits the winner of Ponca and Elmwood-Murdock. Tipoff will be at 4:30 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. The game will be broadcast live by NET. Niobrara Valley Conference honors were announced Thursday with more than three dozen going to Antelope County athletes.
Boys Basketball 1st Team: Caleb Rihanek, Boyd County; Tyson Belitz, Neligh-Oakdale; Grant White, Neligh-Oakdale; Josh Cuddy, St. Mary’s; Bryce Kerkman, West Holt; Ricky Bickerstaff, Niobrara-Verdigre; Brady Potts, Santee; Mason Hale, West Holt; Daniel Libolt, CWC; Colton Munger, North Central. 2nd Team: Alex Kerkman, Neligh-Oakdale; Connor Croxen, CWC; Justin Drueke, Boyd County; Chad Bode, EPPJ; Cauy Drobny, Niobrara-Verdigre; Christian Swalley, Niobrara-Verdigre; Kalen Dittrich, Elkhorn Valley; Jakob Heerten, North Central; Isaac Steinhauser, Stuart; Thomas Macias, Santee. Honorable Mention: Bryce Summers, Ewing; Brayden Effle, Elkhorn Valley; Chris Bentley, Neligh-Oakdale; Connor Jarman, Stuart; Devin Dohrman, West Holt; Ethan Sattler, Stuart; Shaydon Neptune, West Holt; Pete Blumenstock, St. Mary’s; Roberto Hoffman, Santee; Zane Patrick, CWC; Matthew Haun, Boyd County; Riley Bussinger, North Central; Clay Hansen, Boyd County; Nate Sandoz, Niobrara-Verdigre; Brady Pike, Niobrara-Verdigre; Tucker Hecht, Elkhorn Valley; Austin Miller, Elkhorn Valley; Travis Kerkman, Clearwater-Orchard. All-Star Selections: Caleb Rihanek, Brady Potts, Chad Bode, Josh Cuddy, Tyson Belitz, Alex Kerkman, Cauy Drobny, Grant White, Connor Croxen, Thomas Macias. Girls Basketball 1st Team: Jacie Laetsch, CWC; Hattie Blumenstock, St. Mary’s; Rachel Stewart, North Central; Harlee Fischer, Stuart; Hannah Ollendick, E/V; Taylor Colman, St. Mary’s; Caitlin Orton, North Central; Baylee Wemhoff, EPPJ; Bailey Kraus, West Holt; Allyson Wemhoff, EPPJ. 2nd Team: Jadyn Bussinger, North Central; Rebecca Hiatt, Boyd County; Kinzley Macke, O/C; Stevie Peters, Santee; Carlie Wetzel, West Holt; Breanna Hedstrom, St. Mary’s; Logan Connot, St. Mary’s; Jaycee Fleming, North Central; Jodi Fry, Ewing; Amber Miller, E/V. Honorable Mention: Megan Bilstein, West Holt; Alison Stracke, Stuart; Alison Kerkman, O/C; Brianna Bauer, St. Mary's; Emily Knust, N/V; Kinsley Klabenes, N/O; Shania RedOwl, N/V; Taylor Peter, CWC; Regan Dierks, CWC; Emma Stahlecker, Boyd County; Rhiannan Smalley, Boyd County; Ashley Koenig, Ewing; Bailey Schindler, Ewing; Kylie Thiele, O/C; Liz Selting, EPPJ; Jodan Mescher, EPPJ; Alyssa Rood, E/V. NVC All-Stars: Jacie Laetsch, CWC; Hattie Blumenstock, St. Mary’s; Rachel Stewart, North Central; Harlee Fischer, Stuart; Taylor Colman, St. Mary’s; Baylee Wemhoff, EPPJ; Rebecca Hiatt, Boyd County; Kinzley Macke, O/C; Breanna Hedstrom, St. Mary’s; Logan Connot, St. Mary’s; Jaycee Fleming, North Central; Jodi Fry, Ewing. NVC Alternates: Liz Selting, EPPJ; Alyssa Rood, EV; Kylie Thiele, OC. Wrestling 106: 1st Cameron Wilkinson (NO), 2nd Cory Romej (EPPJ) 113: 1st Dillon Stewart (EV), 2nd Zac Palmer (NC) 120: 1st Alejandro Martinez (EV), 2nd Logan Henn (EPPJ) 126: 1st Cole Laible (WH), 2nd Mitchell Peterson (EV) 132: 1st Darren Stewart (EV), 2nd Andrew Herley (NO) 138: 1st Prestin Vondra (EV), 2nd James Polen (NC) 145: 1st Jake Judge (WH), 2nd Josh McFarland (EV) 152; 1st Jared Atkeson (SM), 2nd Clay Konopasek (NV) 160: 1st Breydon Mlady (WH), 2nd Brock Shaecher (EV) 170: 1st Colton Cavaness (WH), 2nd Dominic Bolling (OC) 182: 1st Clay Thiele (OC), 2nd Shawn Klinetobe (EV) 195: 1st Will Atkeson (SM), 2nd Ty Palmer (NC) 220: 1st Seth Wentworth (WH), 2nd Tommie Peed (OC) 285: 1st Cole Rosenkrans (SM), 2nd Jade Buss (WH) |
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