Softball teams from Central City and Aurora both had impressive showings in Saturday's Grand Island Northwest Tournament.
Central City (8-4) beat York 3-2 and downed Northwest 6-0 in the semifinals with pitcher Kate Erickson taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Vikings. The Bison fell 2-1 in eight innings to Gothenburg in the championship game, but had several opportunities to beat the Swedes (12-2). Behind Erickson's solid pitching and a hitting attack that coach Bobby Kelley said started coming into its own over the weekend, Central City is a team worth watching this season.
Aurora (15-5) took third place in the Northwest Tournament. The Huskies opened with a 7-3 win over Adams Central, lost to eventual champion Gothenburg 9-3 and then defeated Northwest 5-3 in the third-place contest. The Huskies feature an impressive batting lineup that is capable of flashing some power. Coach Lisa Kosek said the key for her squad this season has been getting off to good starts in games. If Aurora gets the early lead, it's tough to beat.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Prep Football: Week 3
Here's some of the top match-ups to keep on eye on this Friday as teams in most classes wrap up their non-district schedule:
Grand Island Senior High at Lincoln Southwest -- The Thursday Seacrest Field game features a pair of 2-1 teams whose only losses have come in double overtime. The Islanders begin district play next week against North Platte. The Silver Hawks get Kearney. This will be two teams anxious to gain some momentum going into those battles.
Aurora at Norris -- How will the Huskies respond to last week's 42-7 loss to Class B No. 1 McCook? This is a dangerous road game if they haven't put that game behind them.
Columbus Scotus at Hastings St. Cecilia -- It's the third straight game against a ranked opponent for Class C-1 No. 2 St. Cecilia, a big change from previous years which saw a constant stream of 56-0 wins in non-district play. For the second straight week, the No. 6 team in the class comes to Duncan Field. The Bluehawks' D grounded Fairbury's passing game last week. Now it faces Scotus' potent ground game.
Burwell at Palmer -- In one of the better 8-man games in the area this year, Class D-1 No. 10 Palmer tries to bounce back from last week's narrow home loss to No. 7 Giltner. Burwell has shown it has made a smooth transition to 8-man with a pair of blowout wins.
Osceola at Kenesaw -- Repeat the formula from the Burwell / Palmer matchup. An undefeated team that made the move from 11-man football this year goes on the road to take on a traditional playoff contender.
Grand Island Senior High at Lincoln Southwest -- The Thursday Seacrest Field game features a pair of 2-1 teams whose only losses have come in double overtime. The Islanders begin district play next week against North Platte. The Silver Hawks get Kearney. This will be two teams anxious to gain some momentum going into those battles.
Aurora at Norris -- How will the Huskies respond to last week's 42-7 loss to Class B No. 1 McCook? This is a dangerous road game if they haven't put that game behind them.
Columbus Scotus at Hastings St. Cecilia -- It's the third straight game against a ranked opponent for Class C-1 No. 2 St. Cecilia, a big change from previous years which saw a constant stream of 56-0 wins in non-district play. For the second straight week, the No. 6 team in the class comes to Duncan Field. The Bluehawks' D grounded Fairbury's passing game last week. Now it faces Scotus' potent ground game.
Burwell at Palmer -- In one of the better 8-man games in the area this year, Class D-1 No. 10 Palmer tries to bounce back from last week's narrow home loss to No. 7 Giltner. Burwell has shown it has made a smooth transition to 8-man with a pair of blowout wins.
Osceola at Kenesaw -- Repeat the formula from the Burwell / Palmer matchup. An undefeated team that made the move from 11-man football this year goes on the road to take on a traditional playoff contender.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Big week for Crusader spikers
If you see Grand Island Central Catholic coach Sharon Zavala this week, she will probably be smiling. Her Class C-1 No. 1 Crusaders came through a tough week unscathed. They beat a very good Columbus Scotus team on Thursday, then beat Class B No. 3 Grand Island NW, Class B No. 5 Omaha Mercy and Lexington on Saturday to win their own invitational.
Zavala said before last season that her freshman class was the best she had ever had. Now those freshmen are sophomores and playing like seniors. The talent and depth there is staggering for a Class C-1 team.
Both Steph Brand and Jessica Wojcik played major roles as freshmen on last year's Class C-2 state championship squad. Liz McGowan saw some action in the back row, but she has blossomed at outside hitter and along with Wojcik give the Crusaders a tough one-two punch at that position. Bailey Baxter was the JV setter last year, but has already shown that she is more than ready to step up to the varsity level.
There are more challenges ahead. The Crusaders will face a very good St. Paul team as part of a triangular at Lincoln Lutheran on Thursday. They will then have a week off before facing a strong Kearney Catholic team.
The Crusaders just picked apart a very good Northwest team on Saturday.
Zavala said before last season that her freshman class was the best she had ever had. Now those freshmen are sophomores and playing like seniors. The talent and depth there is staggering for a Class C-1 team.
Both Steph Brand and Jessica Wojcik played major roles as freshmen on last year's Class C-2 state championship squad. Liz McGowan saw some action in the back row, but she has blossomed at outside hitter and along with Wojcik give the Crusaders a tough one-two punch at that position. Bailey Baxter was the JV setter last year, but has already shown that she is more than ready to step up to the varsity level.
There are more challenges ahead. The Crusaders will face a very good St. Paul team as part of a triangular at Lincoln Lutheran on Thursday. They will then have a week off before facing a strong Kearney Catholic team.
The Crusaders just picked apart a very good Northwest team on Saturday.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Chip shots from the local girls prep golf scene
Ran across a couple of interesting stories last week covering back-to-back days of girls high school golf invitationals at Grand Island's Jackrabbit Run Golf Course.
Last Thursday at the Grand Island Central Catholic Invitational, Doniphan-Trumbull's Danielle Lemek continued her early domination of the Class C golf scene by shooting a 3-over-par 75 to make it 2-for-2 for her in major tournaments this fall.
As if that wasn't impressive enough, consider that Lemek is a freshman. Among classmates, Lemek is known as "The Freshman Phenom."
Lemek's emergence onto the scene isn't a huge surprise to those familiar with the Nebraska women's amateur golf scene. Last June at Indianhead Golf Club in Grand Island, Lemek finished fourth in the NAWAGA women's state stroke-play tournament. The only players to place ahead of Lemek have college golf experience in Grand Island Senior High graduates Megan Bartlett (Wichita State) and J.C. Stevenson (Nebraska) as well as Lincoln Pius X coach Steph Kolbas.
Bartlett said she was very impressed with Lemek. Playing with the youngster in the second round of the women's state stroke play event, Bartlett said Lemek was consistently driving the ball 10 to 20 yards past her.
Last Friday saw the continuation of another interesting story at the Grand Island Senior High Invitational. Islander senior Hannah Huston tied for ninth individually (she finished 11th after a scorecard playoff), which might not sound all that impressive, but then consider that Huston played volleyball for the first three years of her high school career.
Huston said she does come from a golfing family and used to play the game casually a few times per year -- as long as the weather was good. However, at the start of last summer, the Islanders' No. 1 player decided she was going to concentrate on golf and her hard work has shown up so far on the local links.
Last Thursday at the Grand Island Central Catholic Invitational, Doniphan-Trumbull's Danielle Lemek continued her early domination of the Class C golf scene by shooting a 3-over-par 75 to make it 2-for-2 for her in major tournaments this fall.
As if that wasn't impressive enough, consider that Lemek is a freshman. Among classmates, Lemek is known as "The Freshman Phenom."
Lemek's emergence onto the scene isn't a huge surprise to those familiar with the Nebraska women's amateur golf scene. Last June at Indianhead Golf Club in Grand Island, Lemek finished fourth in the NAWAGA women's state stroke-play tournament. The only players to place ahead of Lemek have college golf experience in Grand Island Senior High graduates Megan Bartlett (Wichita State) and J.C. Stevenson (Nebraska) as well as Lincoln Pius X coach Steph Kolbas.
Bartlett said she was very impressed with Lemek. Playing with the youngster in the second round of the women's state stroke play event, Bartlett said Lemek was consistently driving the ball 10 to 20 yards past her.
Last Friday saw the continuation of another interesting story at the Grand Island Senior High Invitational. Islander senior Hannah Huston tied for ninth individually (she finished 11th after a scorecard playoff), which might not sound all that impressive, but then consider that Huston played volleyball for the first three years of her high school career.
Huston said she does come from a golfing family and used to play the game casually a few times per year -- as long as the weather was good. However, at the start of last summer, the Islanders' No. 1 player decided she was going to concentrate on golf and her hard work has shown up so far on the local links.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Prep Football: Week 2
Nobody should complain about being unable to find a good high school football game near Grand Island this Friday.
Within 25 miles you have:
Defending Class A champion Omaha Central at Grand Island Senior High. The Eagles are trying to avoid an 0-3 start.
Defending two-time Class B champion at Northwest. This is a battle of 1-1 teams who have been moving the football.
McCook at Aurora. The Class B No. 1 Bison make their eastern road trip for a game that features NCAA Div. I level talent on both lines.
Fairbury at Hastings St. Cecilia. A Class C-1 top 10 battle between the Jeffs, who moved down from Class B this year, and the No. 2 Bluehawks.
Toss in match-ups like Cross County-Blue Hill, GICC-Boone Central and Palmer-Giltner and you have one of the most interesting football Fridays of the season in the area.
Within 25 miles you have:
Defending Class A champion Omaha Central at Grand Island Senior High. The Eagles are trying to avoid an 0-3 start.
Defending two-time Class B champion at Northwest. This is a battle of 1-1 teams who have been moving the football.
McCook at Aurora. The Class B No. 1 Bison make their eastern road trip for a game that features NCAA Div. I level talent on both lines.
Fairbury at Hastings St. Cecilia. A Class C-1 top 10 battle between the Jeffs, who moved down from Class B this year, and the No. 2 Bluehawks.
Toss in match-ups like Cross County-Blue Hill, GICC-Boone Central and Palmer-Giltner and you have one of the most interesting football Fridays of the season in the area.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Big week of volleyball
There are some big volleyball matches this week in and around Grand Island. It starts Tuesday night when Class C-2 No. 1 Ravenna hosts Class C-1 No. 4 St. Paul and Loup City in a triangular. On Thursday, C-1 No. 1 Grand Island Central Catholic plays at C-1 No. 2 Columbus Scotus.
Central Catholic will host the first GICC Invitational on Saturday. The Crusaders are in one pool with Lexington and Omaha Mercy. The other pool contains Ravenna, Class B No. 3 Grand Island Northwest and Class B No. 6 Aurora. Northwest and Aurora are both 6-1 after playing in the tough Beatrice Tournament over the weekend. The Vikings' only loss was to No. 2 Lincoln Pius X. Aurora's only loss came to Northwest.
It should be an interesting tournament to say the least. It all starts at 10 a.m. The championship match is set for 3 p.m.
Central Catholic will host the first GICC Invitational on Saturday. The Crusaders are in one pool with Lexington and Omaha Mercy. The other pool contains Ravenna, Class B No. 3 Grand Island Northwest and Class B No. 6 Aurora. Northwest and Aurora are both 6-1 after playing in the tough Beatrice Tournament over the weekend. The Vikings' only loss was to No. 2 Lincoln Pius X. Aurora's only loss came to Northwest.
It should be an interesting tournament to say the least. It all starts at 10 a.m. The championship match is set for 3 p.m.
Monday, May 12, 2008
GI baseball gets some rest
After stunning No. 1-rated Omaha Creighton Prep to open the Class A State Tournament, the Islanders got to relax and wait to find out its next opponent. Now, 48 hours later, it is Omaha Westside who moved on to face G.I. in the second round.
Coach Rick Kissack and the players didn't feel there was a big benefit to getting the only game in on Saturday. They are living the one-game-at-a-time motto, and they are doing it well this postseason.
But the obvious advantages are there. While more than likely six ace pitchers went on Monday, Grand Island's Kash Kalkowski was on his second day's rest after a complete-game two-hitter against the Junior Jays. He'll be able to come back earlier than other teams' No. 1s. And it's a confident, well-rested team going against Westside.
First pitch at Haymarket Park is Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Coach Rick Kissack and the players didn't feel there was a big benefit to getting the only game in on Saturday. They are living the one-game-at-a-time motto, and they are doing it well this postseason.
But the obvious advantages are there. While more than likely six ace pitchers went on Monday, Grand Island's Kash Kalkowski was on his second day's rest after a complete-game two-hitter against the Junior Jays. He'll be able to come back earlier than other teams' No. 1s. And it's a confident, well-rested team going against Westside.
First pitch at Haymarket Park is Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
District soccer
The Grand Island Northwest boys soccer team is one win away from qualifying for the Class B State Tournament. The Vikings used a three-goal explosion in overtime to knock off Columbus Lakeview 4-1 on Tuesday in the semifinals.
Northwest will have to get past York in Thursday's championship. The fifth-seeded Dukes have already eliminated fourth-seeded Hastings and top-seeded Columbus Lakeview.
If the Vikings get their offense going like they did against Lakeview, then they'll likely make the trip to Omaha next week. However, York has proven it can win the low scoring ones, including a 1-0 shootout win over Scotus in the semis. If rain can be avoided, it should be an interesting, well-played final.
Northwest will have to get past York in Thursday's championship. The fifth-seeded Dukes have already eliminated fourth-seeded Hastings and top-seeded Columbus Lakeview.
If the Vikings get their offense going like they did against Lakeview, then they'll likely make the trip to Omaha next week. However, York has proven it can win the low scoring ones, including a 1-0 shootout win over Scotus in the semis. If rain can be avoided, it should be an interesting, well-played final.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
White at it again
Broken Bow's Katie White is at it again. She won the Class B state 3,200 as a freshman in 11:34.5 and again as a sophomore in 11:40.5. Injuries prevented her from performing at her best last year, but on Saturday White won the Southwest Conference title in a personal best 11:09.6.
You would think with good conditions and someone to push her, White could get under 11:00. The problem is there probably is no one else in Class B that can run that pace. Class A leader Emily Sisson of Millard North , who ran 10:21 in California a couple of weeks ago, would be able to pull White along but obviously the two will never race head to head.
So White will just have to continue running by herself. We'll see in the coming weeks how good she can be.
You would think with good conditions and someone to push her, White could get under 11:00. The problem is there probably is no one else in Class B that can run that pace. Class A leader Emily Sisson of Millard North , who ran 10:21 in California a couple of weeks ago, would be able to pull White along but obviously the two will never race head to head.
So White will just have to continue running by herself. We'll see in the coming weeks how good she can be.
Friday, April 18, 2008
CNTC coming Monday
We're just three days away from the16th annual Central Nebraska Track and Field Championships sponsored by The Independent. It should be another interesting day at Memorial Stadium in Grand Island. The weather has prevented some of the athletes from performing at their best, but we'll likely see some outstanding performances on Monday.
Keep an eye on the Grand Island Senior High girls track team. The defending Class A state champions are likely to walk away with a bucket full of medals. Junior sprinter Allison Jorgensen has stepped up another level with this season. Jorgensen and defending Class A 100 and 200 champ Alex Armes could burn up the track in those events.
Armes may well run on the 1,600 relay as well which will shave several seconds off the Islanders' time.
Keep an eye on the Grand Island Senior High girls track team. The defending Class A state champions are likely to walk away with a bucket full of medals. Junior sprinter Allison Jorgensen has stepped up another level with this season. Jorgensen and defending Class A 100 and 200 champ Alex Armes could burn up the track in those events.
Armes may well run on the 1,600 relay as well which will shave several seconds off the Islanders' time.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Schwieger signs
Grand Island continues its tradition of sending baseball players to the college level. Pitcher Eric Schwieger is the latest, as he signed a letter-of-intent on Wednesday to play at Wayne State.
Schwieger returned two weeks ago from a lengthy absence due to a shoulder injury suffered last summer. He's proven to be a big addition to the Islanders, who are looking to get things headed in the right direction before districts start up in two weeks.
Untimely errors and inconsistent pitching along with injuries have kept Grand Island from stringing together wins.
Still, Schwieger's signing is nice. Each year, a handfull of Islanders move on to the college diamonds. Whether it is Nebraska, UNK, UNO, Wayne State, the state's NAIA schools or jucos, G.I. is well-represented.
Schwieger returned two weeks ago from a lengthy absence due to a shoulder injury suffered last summer. He's proven to be a big addition to the Islanders, who are looking to get things headed in the right direction before districts start up in two weeks.
Untimely errors and inconsistent pitching along with injuries have kept Grand Island from stringing together wins.
Still, Schwieger's signing is nice. Each year, a handfull of Islanders move on to the college diamonds. Whether it is Nebraska, UNK, UNO, Wayne State, the state's NAIA schools or jucos, G.I. is well-represented.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Boys state tournament picks
Here are my picks for the boys state tournament.
BobHamar
BobHamar
Class A
Thursday, March. 6
At
2 p.m. - - Ralston (21-2) over
3:45 p.m. - - Creighton Prep (21-2) over
7 p.m. - -
8:45 p.m. - -
Friday, March 7
At
7 p.m. - - Creighton Prep over
8:45 p.m. - -
Saturday, March 8
At Pershing
5 p.m. - - Consolation,
At
7 p.m. - - Championship,
Class B
Thursday, March 6
At
9 a.m. - - Omaha Skutt (20-5) over
10:45 a.m. - -
At Pershing
7 p.m. - - Beatrice (18-3) over
8:45 p.m. - -
Friday, March 7
At
2 p.m. - - Pius over Skutt
3:45 p.m. - - Beatrice over
Saturday, March 8
At Pershing
11:30a.m. - - Consolation, Skutt over
At
1:30 p.m. - - Championship, Beatrice over Pius
Class C-1
Thursday, March 6
At Pershing
9 a.m. - -
10:45 a.m. - -
2 p.m. - - Chadron (19-2) over
3:45 p.m. - -
Friday, March 7
At
9 a.m. - -
10:45 a.m. - -
Saturday, March 8
At Pershing
1:30 p.m. - - Consolation,
At
9:30 a.m. - - Championship,
Class C-2
Thursday, March 6
At
2 p.m. - -
3:45 p.m. - -
7 p.m. - - Ponca (21-2) over
8:45 p.m. - - Heartland High (19-3) over Elmwood-Murdock (20-3)
Friday, March 7
At Pershing
2 p.m. - -
3:45 p.m. - - Ponca over Heartland
Saturday, March 8
At Pershing
9 p.m. - - Consolation, GICC over Heartland
At
5 p.m. - - Championship,
Class D-1
Thursday, March 6
At
9 a.m. - -
10:45 a.m. - - Palmer (20-3) over Mead (19-3)
2 p.m. - -
3:45 p.m. - - Humphrey SF (21-2) over West Boyd
Friday, March 7
At Pershing
9 a.m. - - Bergan over Palmer
2 p.m. - -
Saturday, March 8
At Pershing
9:30 a.m. - - Consolation, Humphrey SF over Palmer
At
11:30 a.m. - - Championship, Bergan over
Class D-2
Thursday, March 6
At
9 a.m. - -
10:45 a.m. - -
At
7 p.m. - - St. Edward (20-3) over
8:45 p.m. - -
Friday, March 7
At Pershing
7 p.m. - -
8:45p.m. - - St. Edward over
Saturday, March 8
At Pershing
7 p.m. - - Consolation, Ewing over
At
9 p.m. - - Championship,
State volleyball schedule
The NSAA board of directors decided Wednesday that the tbree-day 2008 state volleyball tournament will start on Nov. 13 at Pershing Auditorium and five other high schools in the Lincoln area. Matches will begin at 1:30 p.m. The semifinals will be played on Nov. 14 at Pershing and a Lincoln High school with the championship matches on Nov. 15 at the NU Coliseum.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Girls State Basketball Day 1
The first day of the 2008 Girls State Basketball Tournament turned out to be the last day for the two area teams.
North Loup-Scotia fell to defending Class D-2 state champion Ewing while Grand Island Central Catholic lost to undefeated Cambridge in Class C-2.
Both teams lost by double digits. Both teams struggled to get the offense going.
While the loss will sting for a while, it must be remembered that only 48 teams get to be state tournament participants, and only half of them get to play more than once.
GICC and NLS both put together solid seasons that should be remembered and appreciated.
North Loup-Scotia fell to defending Class D-2 state champion Ewing while Grand Island Central Catholic lost to undefeated Cambridge in Class C-2.
Both teams lost by double digits. Both teams struggled to get the offense going.
While the loss will sting for a while, it must be remembered that only 48 teams get to be state tournament participants, and only half of them get to play more than once.
GICC and NLS both put together solid seasons that should be remembered and appreciated.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Boone Central fans impressive
I've been to a lot of games this year. I haven't added them up, but I've probably watched more than 50 at least. All too often, I've had loud, obnoxious fans sitting right behind me, complaining about how the referees were awful and the coach didn't know what he was doing.
Monday I was at the Class C-1, District 4 final at Aurora between Hastings St. Cecilia and Boone Central. I would have to say the Boone Central fans sitting behind me were as good as any fans I've seen all year. Maybe even in the last couple of years.
Sure, there were a few minor calls at the refs to call the hand check, but it was quite a pleasant experience to sit among a group of fans without one yelling how the refs were against them and didn't know what they were doing.
So thank you to all those Boone Central fans. Your team didn't win, but you were all winners in my book.
Monday I was at the Class C-1, District 4 final at Aurora between Hastings St. Cecilia and Boone Central. I would have to say the Boone Central fans sitting behind me were as good as any fans I've seen all year. Maybe even in the last couple of years.
Sure, there were a few minor calls at the refs to call the hand check, but it was quite a pleasant experience to sit among a group of fans without one yelling how the refs were against them and didn't know what they were doing.
So thank you to all those Boone Central fans. Your team didn't win, but you were all winners in my book.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Girls State Basketball
They are the few, the proud, the girls state basketball tournament qualifiers from The Independent's coverage area.
This year only two of the 44 area teams earned a trip to Lincoln, the lowest in recent memory.
North Loup-Scotia earned the only district championship of the area teams by beating Lindsay Holy Family. The Wildcats face Ewing in the first round of a tough Class D-2 field in the 4 vs. 5 matchup. With the top eight teams in the wild card standings qualified, D-2 will be an interesting class with competitive match-ups for three days.
Grand Island Central Catholic earned a wild card in C-2 and faces undefeated Cambridge. The Crusaders would have met the Trojans in the district final if they had beaten Ravenna in their subdistrict. Instead they'll face Cambridge at state. I guess that's cutting out the middle man.
This year only two of the 44 area teams earned a trip to Lincoln, the lowest in recent memory.
North Loup-Scotia earned the only district championship of the area teams by beating Lindsay Holy Family. The Wildcats face Ewing in the first round of a tough Class D-2 field in the 4 vs. 5 matchup. With the top eight teams in the wild card standings qualified, D-2 will be an interesting class with competitive match-ups for three days.
Grand Island Central Catholic earned a wild card in C-2 and faces undefeated Cambridge. The Crusaders would have met the Trojans in the district final if they had beaten Ravenna in their subdistrict. Instead they'll face Cambridge at state. I guess that's cutting out the middle man.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Boys post season under way
The boys are now headed into the subdistrict finals for the lower classes and so far there have been a couple of surprises. Some may have been a bit surprised to see Gibbon upset Class C-2, No. 3 Grand Island Central Catholic 50-46 Tuesday night in overtime. The Crusaders were unable to get enough offense going to win this game. Spencer Fahey had 27 points, but one player scoring usually isn't enough.
Gibbon's Josh and Jordan Reinertson carried the Buffaloes with more than a little help from their teammates. The Buffaloes have a huge task ahead against No. 1 Ravenna on Thursday, but Gibbon did take the Bluejays to overtime before falling in the Lou-Platte Conference semifinals. Don't be surprised if this is another tough, close game. Gibbon would probably prefer to keep this game in the 40s or 50s. Ravenna would love to score 70, but my guess is the Bluejays won't get that many against the Buffaloes.
Meanwhile in the Class C-1, Subdistrict 8 at Grand Island Senior High, Jake Hamburger shot a very good Hastings St. Cecilia team past St. Paul 56-52 by making 6 of 8 from 3-point range. The Bluehawks against Minden in the subdsitrict final Thursday is one of the top match ups in the state.
So is the C2-2 final at Hastings SC with Heartland (19-2) taking on Deshler (20-1). After falling to Doniphan-Trumbull 46-40 in the regular season finale on Friday, Heartland survived with an overtime win over Thayer Central on Tuesday.
One of the big surprises was 4-16 Rock County beating 14-8 Sargent in the D2-8 subdistrict. Rock County trailed 39-20 at the half, but outscored the Bulldogs 45-17 in the second half to take a 65-56 victory.
Gibbon's Josh and Jordan Reinertson carried the Buffaloes with more than a little help from their teammates. The Buffaloes have a huge task ahead against No. 1 Ravenna on Thursday, but Gibbon did take the Bluejays to overtime before falling in the Lou-Platte Conference semifinals. Don't be surprised if this is another tough, close game. Gibbon would probably prefer to keep this game in the 40s or 50s. Ravenna would love to score 70, but my guess is the Bluejays won't get that many against the Buffaloes.
Meanwhile in the Class C-1, Subdistrict 8 at Grand Island Senior High, Jake Hamburger shot a very good Hastings St. Cecilia team past St. Paul 56-52 by making 6 of 8 from 3-point range. The Bluehawks against Minden in the subdsitrict final Thursday is one of the top match ups in the state.
So is the C2-2 final at Hastings SC with Heartland (19-2) taking on Deshler (20-1). After falling to Doniphan-Trumbull 46-40 in the regular season finale on Friday, Heartland survived with an overtime win over Thayer Central on Tuesday.
One of the big surprises was 4-16 Rock County beating 14-8 Sargent in the D2-8 subdistrict. Rock County trailed 39-20 at the half, but outscored the Bulldogs 45-17 in the second half to take a 65-56 victory.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Girls BB districts set
Sites and times for girls basketball district finals in classes C-1, C-2, D-1 and D-2 were announced today. All games will be held on Friday, Feb. 22.
Six area teams have advanced to within one win of the state tournament.
In Class C-1, Ord (12-8) looks to upset Crofton (21-1). The game will be held in Neligh at 7 p.m.
In Class C-2 Ravenna (19-5), after back-to-back wins over 18-win teams, now takes on undefeated Cambridge (21-0) in Lexington at 7 p.m.
Two teams are still alive in Class D-1. Kenesaw (16-6) lost four of five to close out the regular season but stunned Silver Lake in the subdistrict final. The Blue Devils (16-6) face Lawrence-Nelson (14-8) at Adams Central at 7 p.m. Also Osceola (12-10) will play Elgin Pope John (22-2) at Columbus High at 7:30 p.m.
Two area teams also remain in Class D-2. Giltner (18-4) faces the challenge of Falls City Sacred Heart (22-1) in Wilber at 7:30 p.m. while North Loup-Scotia (21-1) looks to earn a return trip to state against Lindsay Holy Family (14-7) in Fullerton at 7 p.m.
In the wild card watch, St. Paul saw teams that it needed to win on Thursday lose and its point total drop it to ninth, ending the Wildcats' season after a loss to Minden.
In Class C-2, Grand Island Central Catholic needs Perkins County, Cambridge and Sutton to win to have a shot at the second wild card. Elmwood-Murdock appears to have the first one locked up. This puts Ravenna in a must-win against Cambridge to get to state.
Six area teams have advanced to within one win of the state tournament.
In Class C-1, Ord (12-8) looks to upset Crofton (21-1). The game will be held in Neligh at 7 p.m.
In Class C-2 Ravenna (19-5), after back-to-back wins over 18-win teams, now takes on undefeated Cambridge (21-0) in Lexington at 7 p.m.
Two teams are still alive in Class D-1. Kenesaw (16-6) lost four of five to close out the regular season but stunned Silver Lake in the subdistrict final. The Blue Devils (16-6) face Lawrence-Nelson (14-8) at Adams Central at 7 p.m. Also Osceola (12-10) will play Elgin Pope John (22-2) at Columbus High at 7:30 p.m.
Two area teams also remain in Class D-2. Giltner (18-4) faces the challenge of Falls City Sacred Heart (22-1) in Wilber at 7:30 p.m. while North Loup-Scotia (21-1) looks to earn a return trip to state against Lindsay Holy Family (14-7) in Fullerton at 7 p.m.
In the wild card watch, St. Paul saw teams that it needed to win on Thursday lose and its point total drop it to ninth, ending the Wildcats' season after a loss to Minden.
In Class C-2, Grand Island Central Catholic needs Perkins County, Cambridge and Sutton to win to have a shot at the second wild card. Elmwood-Murdock appears to have the first one locked up. This puts Ravenna in a must-win against Cambridge to get to state.
Monday, February 11, 2008
An early look at state wrestling
With a hotly contest weekend of district wrestling action just behind us, area fans will barely have time to regather themselves as the three-day state tournament run begins Thursday at the Qwest Center in Omaha.
Who are some of the top wrestlers to watch? Well, let's start with the list of unbeaten grapplers, provided by the NSAA. This list includes three area athletes in Logan Williams of Central City, Hadley Cooksley of Grand Island Northwest and Riley Santin of Palmer.
Undefeated Wrestlers
Class A
130--Alexander Bridgeford, Omaha Burke (26-0-11)
135--RaVaughn Perkins, Omaha North (17-0-10)
160--Warner Phipps, Kearney (39-0-12)
Class B
119--Logan Williams, Central City (34-0-11)
152--Mark Fiala, Seward (40-0-11)
171--Conor Schnell, Alliance (33-0-11)
215--Kevin Barrett, Boys Town (35-0-11)
285--Hadley Cooksley, Northwest (30-0-12)
Class C
103--Shawn Nagel, Kimball (33-0-10)
119--Zachary Adams, Norfolk Catholic (33-0-12)
140--Scott Noah, Kimball (37-0-12)
145--Travis Worm, David City (31-0-11)
152--Michael Klinginsmith, Kearney Catholic (38-0-11)
152--Austin Hergott, Norfolk Catholic (32-0-12)
Class D
103--Jordan Fowlkes, Newman Grove (39-0-11
112--Devin Zitek, East Butler (29-0-12
125--Jess Wells, Anselmo-Merna (20-0-12)
130--Tyler Gifford, Banner County (40-0-11)
140--Bryan Mejstrik, Howells (37-0-11)
140--Ethan Kahrs, Franklin (33-0-12)
145--Erik Payne, East Butler (22-0-12)
145--Jerad Gubbels, Randolph (34-0-11)
160--Chase Klingelhoefer, Amherst (38-0-12)
171--Riley Santin, Palmer (37-0-10)
215--Eric Burenheide, Howells (35-0-12)
215--Joe Bob Haas, Hemingford (39-0-11)
285--Dustin Bundy, Dundy County-Stratton (22-0-12)
285--Tanner Timperley, Stanton (30-0-12)
Also, here is a list of returning state medalists from the Independent's coverage area:
Area Returning Medalists
Class A
A112--Isaiah Aguilar, Grand Island, 6/A103/06
A125--Alec Chanthapatheth, Grand Island, 6/A125/07
A140--Riley Allen, Grand Island, 5/A130/07
A160--Jason Brisbin, Grand Island, 6/A160/07
A189--Nathan Westerby, Grand Island, 5/A189/07
Class B
B103--Nicholas Helmer, Grand Island Northwest, 5/B103/07
B119--Logan Williams, Central City, 3/C112/07, 6/C103/06
B135--Alex Rostvet, Adams Central, 6/B130/07
B135--Noland Broekemier, Central City, 6/C125/07
B152--Tyson Martin, Boone Central, 4/B145/07
B160--Jeff Mills, Grand Island Northwest, 5/B145/07
B215--Dex Schwieger, Aurora, 4/B215/07
B285--Hadley Cooksley, Grand Island Northwest, 3/B215/07, 5/B215/06
Class C
C103--Brandon Morse, Sargent/Burwell, 5/C103/07
C112--Sean Trampe, Ord, 1/C103/07, 5/C103/06
C119--Josh Albright, Ravenna, 5/C112/07
C130--Brandon Starkey, St. Paul, 6/C119/07
C135--Bruce Zurek, Sargent/Burwell, 3/C119/06, 6/D103/05
C145--Matt Long, Ravenna, 4/C145/07
C171--Mathew Duffy, Kenesaw/Shelton, 6/C160/07
C189--Noah Steele, Ravenna, 3/C189/07
C215--Willy Larraga, Gibbon, 6/C215/07
Class D
D112--Trenton Nekoliczak, Greeley-Wolbach/Cedar Rapids, 1/D103/07, 6/D103/06
D130--Corbey Grause, High Plains Community, 3/D125/07, 6/D119/06
D130--Brian Mills, Ansley/Arcadia, 6/D130/07
D171--Riley Santin, Palmer, 5/D171/07
D189--Michael Swanson, Nebraska Christian, 6/D160/06
Who are some of the top wrestlers to watch? Well, let's start with the list of unbeaten grapplers, provided by the NSAA. This list includes three area athletes in Logan Williams of Central City, Hadley Cooksley of Grand Island Northwest and Riley Santin of Palmer.
Undefeated Wrestlers
Class A
130--Alexander Bridgeford, Omaha Burke (26-0-11)
135--RaVaughn Perkins, Omaha North (17-0-10)
160--Warner Phipps, Kearney (39-0-12)
Class B
119--Logan Williams, Central City (34-0-11)
152--Mark Fiala, Seward (40-0-11)
171--Conor Schnell, Alliance (33-0-11)
215--Kevin Barrett, Boys Town (35-0-11)
285--Hadley Cooksley, Northwest (30-0-12)
Class C
103--Shawn Nagel, Kimball (33-0-10)
119--Zachary Adams, Norfolk Catholic (33-0-12)
140--Scott Noah, Kimball (37-0-12)
145--Travis Worm, David City (31-0-11)
152--Michael Klinginsmith, Kearney Catholic (38-0-11)
152--Austin Hergott, Norfolk Catholic (32-0-12)
Class D
103--Jordan Fowlkes, Newman Grove (39-0-11
112--Devin Zitek, East Butler (29-0-12
125--Jess Wells, Anselmo-Merna (20-0-12)
130--Tyler Gifford, Banner County (40-0-11)
140--Bryan Mejstrik, Howells (37-0-11)
140--Ethan Kahrs, Franklin (33-0-12)
145--Erik Payne, East Butler (22-0-12)
145--Jerad Gubbels, Randolph (34-0-11)
160--Chase Klingelhoefer, Amherst (38-0-12)
171--Riley Santin, Palmer (37-0-10)
215--Eric Burenheide, Howells (35-0-12)
215--Joe Bob Haas, Hemingford (39-0-11)
285--Dustin Bundy, Dundy County-Stratton (22-0-12)
285--Tanner Timperley, Stanton (30-0-12)
Also, here is a list of returning state medalists from the Independent's coverage area:
Area Returning Medalists
Class A
A112--Isaiah Aguilar, Grand Island, 6/A103/06
A125--Alec Chanthapatheth, Grand Island, 6/A125/07
A140--Riley Allen, Grand Island, 5/A130/07
A160--Jason Brisbin, Grand Island, 6/A160/07
A189--Nathan Westerby, Grand Island, 5/A189/07
Class B
B103--Nicholas Helmer, Grand Island Northwest, 5/B103/07
B119--Logan Williams, Central City, 3/C112/07, 6/C103/06
B135--Alex Rostvet, Adams Central, 6/B130/07
B135--Noland Broekemier, Central City, 6/C125/07
B152--Tyson Martin, Boone Central, 4/B145/07
B160--Jeff Mills, Grand Island Northwest, 5/B145/07
B215--Dex Schwieger, Aurora, 4/B215/07
B285--Hadley Cooksley, Grand Island Northwest, 3/B215/07, 5/B215/06
Class C
C103--Brandon Morse, Sargent/Burwell, 5/C103/07
C112--Sean Trampe, Ord, 1/C103/07, 5/C103/06
C119--Josh Albright, Ravenna, 5/C112/07
C130--Brandon Starkey, St. Paul, 6/C119/07
C135--Bruce Zurek, Sargent/Burwell, 3/C119/06, 6/D103/05
C145--Matt Long, Ravenna, 4/C145/07
C171--Mathew Duffy, Kenesaw/Shelton, 6/C160/07
C189--Noah Steele, Ravenna, 3/C189/07
C215--Willy Larraga, Gibbon, 6/C215/07
Class D
D112--Trenton Nekoliczak, Greeley-Wolbach/Cedar Rapids, 1/D103/07, 6/D103/06
D130--Corbey Grause, High Plains Community, 3/D125/07, 6/D119/06
D130--Brian Mills, Ansley/Arcadia, 6/D130/07
D171--Riley Santin, Palmer, 5/D171/07
D189--Michael Swanson, Nebraska Christian, 6/D160/06
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Prep football schedules out
The NSAA held its every-other-year test of its servers when it released the high school football schedules for the next two seasons this morning.
All of the schedules are available at nssahome.org.
A look at the schedules for the four Grand Island schools:
GRAND ISLAND SENIOR HIGH
New opponents—Omaha Central (making it the third straight year the defending Class A champion comes to G.I.), Lincoln Southwest, Lincoln Northeast.
Still opponents—Kearney, Norfolk, North Platte, Fremont, Lincoln North Star, Lincoln High.
No longer opponents—Lincoln East, Millard North, Lincoln Southeast.
GRAND ISLAND NORTHWEST
New opponents—York, Columbus Lakeview, Ogallala, Seward, Adams Central.
Still opponents—Crete, Holdrege, Aurora, Hastings
No longer opponents—Fairbury, Lexington, Cozad, Gering, McCook.
GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC
New opponents—Superior, Doniphan-Trumbull, Hastings St. Cecilia.
Still opponents—Boone Central, Centura, St. Paul, Fillmore Central, Central City.
No longer opponents—Milford, Wood River, Ord.
HEARTLAND LUTHERANSargent
New opponents—Lawrence-Nelson, Clay Center, Sargent.
Still opponents—Cedar Rapids, Pleasanton, Hampton, North Loup-Scotia, Litchfield.
No longer opponents—Silver Lake, Giltner, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller.
All of the schedules are available at nssahome.org.
A look at the schedules for the four Grand Island schools:
GRAND ISLAND SENIOR HIGH
New opponents—Omaha Central (making it the third straight year the defending Class A champion comes to G.I.), Lincoln Southwest, Lincoln Northeast.
Still opponents—Kearney, Norfolk, North Platte, Fremont, Lincoln North Star, Lincoln High.
No longer opponents—Lincoln East, Millard North, Lincoln Southeast.
GRAND ISLAND NORTHWEST
New opponents—York, Columbus Lakeview, Ogallala, Seward, Adams Central.
Still opponents—Crete, Holdrege, Aurora, Hastings
No longer opponents—Fairbury, Lexington, Cozad, Gering, McCook.
GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC
New opponents—Superior, Doniphan-Trumbull, Hastings St. Cecilia.
Still opponents—Boone Central, Centura, St. Paul, Fillmore Central, Central City.
No longer opponents—Milford, Wood River, Ord.
HEARTLAND LUTHERANSargent
New opponents—Lawrence-Nelson, Clay Center, Sargent.
Still opponents—Cedar Rapids, Pleasanton, Hampton, North Loup-Scotia, Litchfield.
No longer opponents—Silver Lake, Giltner, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
GICC girls into Centennial final
The Grand Island Central Catholic girls basketball team will play for the Centennial Conference Tournament title on Saturday after a solid 52-38 win over Fremont Archbishop Bergan on Thursday.
It was especially impressive considering that leading scorer Alicia Statler sat all but about 10 minutes of the first three quarters due to foul trouble. Senior guard Tali Fredrickson stepped up and posted a double double to help the team advance to face Wahoo Bishop Neumann.
The Crusaders have faced an almost non-stop schedule of ranked teams. That should help as they try to add a third tournament title to their resume this season.
It was especially impressive considering that leading scorer Alicia Statler sat all but about 10 minutes of the first three quarters due to foul trouble. Senior guard Tali Fredrickson stepped up and posted a double double to help the team advance to face Wahoo Bishop Neumann.
The Crusaders have faced an almost non-stop schedule of ranked teams. That should help as they try to add a third tournament title to their resume this season.
WRESTLING: Wood River breaks Patriots' hold
Adams Central's run of consecutive Lou-Platte Conference wrestling tournament victories was finally halted at six last Saturday as Wood River edged the Patriots 149-143 for the team title at St. Paul.
Garret Lambrecht (103 pounds) and Dustin McCord (171) both won LPC titles at their respective weight classes to lead the way for Wood River. Kevin Harders (140) and Dylan Gill (145) added second-place finishes for the Eagles.
Still, you have to hand it to the Patriots, who came within seven points of winning a seventh consecutive LPC title. That's a pretty impressive run for coach Dan Lonowski and his program.
Garret Lambrecht (103 pounds) and Dustin McCord (171) both won LPC titles at their respective weight classes to lead the way for Wood River. Kevin Harders (140) and Dylan Gill (145) added second-place finishes for the Eagles.
Still, you have to hand it to the Patriots, who came within seven points of winning a seventh consecutive LPC title. That's a pretty impressive run for coach Dan Lonowski and his program.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hastings College's Tony Hobson nets 400th victory
Lost in the avalanche of college basketball action over the weekend, Hastings College women’s coach Tony Hobson picked up his 400th career coaching victory Sunday as the Broncos beat Dakota Wesleyan 62-47 at Mitchell, S.D.
Hobson’s overall record is 400-98 heading into this Saturday's 2 p.m. game against Morningside College at Hastings.
In his seven seasons with the Broncos, Hobson is 198-37. In that span, Hastings has won three national titles and reached the semifinals of the NAIA Division II national tournament on one other occasion.
Hastings has received a national tournament bid in each of Hobson's seven seasons. The Broncos have also won seven Great Plains Athletic Conference titles — regular season or tournament — in that span.
Hobson’s overall record is 400-98 heading into this Saturday's 2 p.m. game against Morningside College at Hastings.
In his seven seasons with the Broncos, Hobson is 198-37. In that span, Hastings has won three national titles and reached the semifinals of the NAIA Division II national tournament on one other occasion.
Hastings has received a national tournament bid in each of Hobson's seven seasons. The Broncos have also won seven Great Plains Athletic Conference titles — regular season or tournament — in that span.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Armes faring well in Kentucky
Former Grand Island standout Ann Armes was back in town for Christmas break. Armes, who was The Independent's girls athlete of the year for the 2006-07 school year, joined the Kentucky volleyball program last fall.
Armes, who redshirted this season, said things are going well at Kentucky. She is now training at middle blocker for coach Craig Skinner. Armes said Skinner, a former assistant at Nebraska, is "more awesome" than she ever imagined he would be.
Skinner got one huge recruit this year when Becky Pavan, a 6-4 middle blocker from Kitchener, Ontario, signed on to join the Wildcats. The Pavan name is certainly familiar to Husker fans. Becky is the sister of four-time first-team All-American Sarah who just finished her career at Nebraska.
For more on Becky, check out the story below:
Armes, who redshirted this season, said things are going well at Kentucky. She is now training at middle blocker for coach Craig Skinner. Armes said Skinner, a former assistant at Nebraska, is "more awesome" than she ever imagined he would be.
Skinner got one huge recruit this year when Becky Pavan, a 6-4 middle blocker from Kitchener, Ontario, signed on to join the Wildcats. The Pavan name is certainly familiar to Husker fans. Becky is the sister of four-time first-team All-American Sarah who just finished her career at Nebraska.
For more on Becky, check out the story below:
http://news.therecord.com/article/280040
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