By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. – In a season that has featured some negative moments at the buzzer, Jalen Thomas made up for them all with one shot. And in a season where Chadron State was picked 15th in the RMAC, the Eagles are going to the RMAC Tournament. 

Thomas buried a contested mid-range jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining to lift Chadron State to an 84-82 victory over Fort Lewis at the Chicoine Center. The win clinched an RMAC Tournament berth for the Eagles (14-13, 10-9 RMAC), who have now qualified for the RMAC tourney for the third consecutive season. 

While CSC is for sure in the tournament, their seed is not yet finalized. The Eagles are still in eighth place in the RMAC standings and will need a win on Saturday plus some losses from other schools to move up in the seed order. 

On Thursday, Chadron State overcame a five-point halftime deficit and scored the final five points of the game, with Zy Wright hitting a game-tying three-pointer with 58 seconds remaining to knot up the score at 82-82 before Thomas's game-winning basket. 

Wright scored 28 points, his second-highest point total of the season, to lead the Chadron scoring effort. Thomas finished with 19 points while Julio Phipps (12) and Darrius Miles (10) joined CSC's guard duo in double figures. 

Chadron State dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 48 boards to the Skyhawks' 35. Phipps grabbed 10 rebounds to finish with his third double-double of the year and second in CSC's last three games, while John Jenkins had a team-high 11 rebounds to go with eight points.

The Eagles also blocked eight shots as a team, which doubles CSC's highest single-game total this season and is the third-highest single-game total in the RMAC this year. Miles led the way with a game-high three while Phipps and Jenkins swatted two apiece and Trey Ballard had one.

Chadron State shot 43.5 percent from the field. They were only 22.2 percent (6-27) from three-point range but got to the line and sunk 85.7 percent of those attempts (18-21), with Zy Wright going 10-for-11 from the stripe on his own. 

The game featured five ties and 12 lead changes and was played at a frenetic pace thanks to Fort Lewis's high-pressing, up-tempo style. When Chadron State was able to beat the press, they got easy looks inside, outscoring Fort Lewis 42-30 on points in the paint. 

Fort Lewis shot well early, sinking 47 percent from the field and 45 percent (9-20) from deep in the first half, but cooled to shoot 31.4 percent from the field and just 2 of 10 from distance after halftime. 

The Eagles trailed by eight with 9:12 to play at 67-59, but Julio Phipps sunk a three-pointer and Trey Ballard hit a jumper to cut it to a one-basket lead. After two FLC free-throws, Thomas sunk his second three-pointer of the night (his first two makes from beyond the arc since January 18) to make it 69-67.

Down 73-70, the Eagles took the lead with a 6-0 run on a John Jenkins dunk, Zy Wright jumper and Thomas fastbreak layup. The lead would seesaw back to the Skyhawks, who were up 82-79 before losing Wright on defense for a wide-open three that tied the score with a minute to go.

Fort Lewis missed three straight field goals on one possession, getting two offensive boards before Zy Wright wrangled a rebound and got it to Thomas for the game's final play. The Chadron guard nearly lost the ball but kept his dribble and launched an arcing, pull-up jumper from midrange on the right side that swished through and sent the Chicoine Center into a frenzy. 

There were still 0.7 seconds on the clock, but Wright intercepted Fort Lewis's desperation full-court pass attempt to seal the win. 

The Eagles will now face Adams State on Senior Day at 3 p.m., with Senior Day ceremonies prior to the game. 

Chadron State— Zy Wright 28, Jalen Thomas 19, Julio Phipps 12, Darrius Miles 10, Trey Ballard 8, John Jenkins 7. Totals: 30-69 FG, 6-27 3PT, 18-21 FT. 84 points, 48 rebounds, 11 assists, 15 turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740765548619.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. – In a season that has featured some negative moments at the buzzer, Jalen Thomas made up for them all with one shot. And in a season where Chadron State was picked 15th in the RMAC, the Eagles are going to the RMAC Tournament. Thomas buried a contested mid-range jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining to lift Chadron State to an 84-82 victory over Fort Lewis at the Chicoine Center. The win clinched an RMAC Tournament berth for the Eagles (14-13, 10-9 RMAC), who have now qualified for the RMAC tourney for the third consecutive season. While CSC is for sure in the tournament, their seed is not yet finalized. The Eagles are still in eighth place in the RMAC standings and will need a win on Saturday plus some losses from other schools to move up in the seed order. On Thursday, Chadron State overcame a five-point halftime deficit and scored the final five points of the game, with Zy Wright hitting a game-tying three-pointer with 58 seconds remaining to knot up the score at 82-82 before Thomas's game-winning basket. Wright scored 28 points, his second-highest point total of the season, to lead the Chadron scoring effort. Thomas finished with 19 points while Julio Phipps (12) and Darrius Miles (10) joined CSC's guard duo in double figures. Chadron State dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 48 boards to the Skyhawks' 35. Phipps grabbed 10 rebounds to finish with his third double-double of the year and second in CSC's last three games, while John Jenkins had a team-high 11 rebounds to go with eight points.The Eagles also blocked eight shots as a team, which doubles CSC's highest single-game total this season and is the third-highest single-game total in the RMAC this year. Miles led the way with a game-high three while Phipps and Jenkins swatted two apiece and Trey Ballard had one.Chadron State shot 43.5 percent from the field. They were only 22.2 percent (6-27) from three-point range but got to the line and sunk 85.7 percent of those attempts (18-21), with Zy Wright going 10-for-11 from the stripe on his own. The game featured five ties and 12 lead changes and was played at a frenetic pace thanks to Fort Lewis's high-pressing, up-tempo style. When Chadron State was able to beat the press, they got easy looks inside, outscoring Fort Lewis 42-30 on points in the paint. Fort Lewis shot well early, sinking 47 percent from the field and 45 percent (9-20) from deep in the first half, but cooled to shoot 31.4 percent from the field and just 2 of 10 from distance after halftime. The Eagles trailed by eight with 9:12 to play at 67-59, but Julio Phipps sunk a three-pointer and Trey Ballard hit a jumper to cut it to a one-basket lead. After two FLC free-throws, Thomas sunk his second three-pointer of the night (his first two makes from beyond the arc since January 18) to make it 69-67.Down 73-70, the Eagles took the lead with a 6-0 run on a John Jenkins dunk, Zy Wright jumper and Thomas fastbreak layup. The lead would seesaw back to the Skyhawks, who were up 82-79 before losing Wright on defense for a wide-open three that tied the score with a minute to go.Fort Lewis missed three straight field goals on one possession, getting two offensive boards before Zy Wright wrangled a rebound and got it to Thomas for the game's final play. The Chadron guard nearly lost the ball but kept his dribble and launched an arcing, pull-up jumper from midrange on the right side that swished through and sent the Chicoine Center into a frenzy. There were still 0.7 seconds on the clock, but Wright intercepted Fort Lewis's desperation full-court pass attempt to seal the win. The Eagles will now face Adams State on Senior Day at 3 p.m., with Senior Day ceremonies prior to the game. Chadron State— Zy Wright 28, Jalen Thomas 19, Julio Phipps 12, Darrius Miles 10, Trey Ballard 8, John Jenkins 7. Totals: 30-69 FG, 6-27 3PT, 18-21 FT. 84 points, 48 rebounds, 11 assists, 15 turnovers.

Thomas beats buzzer to send Chadron State into RMAC playoffs!

Dundy County Stratton 56 vs Hitchcock County 43

North Platte St. Patrick's 72 vs Paxton 49

<h2>Boys Scores</h2>Cozad 50 vs Chase County 30Dundy County Stratton 56 vs Hitchcock County 43Hyannis 32 vs Sandhills/Thedford 43North Platte St. Patrick's 72 vs Paxton 49Ogallala 81 vs Sidney 49Perkins County 65 vs Kimball 64Wallace 56 vs Garden County 57

Area NSAA Sub-District Final scores from February 27th

Story by Supernovas Communication&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;—&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzf-GyQWpm7-xje0M2lcOGHAK7FbvM6CGrXavYL5HYphIovwy386zzysSbgWIy_7wNri8FkSu4dKwG54hLcp7iAnBPKIK6pXF8QeIUpwXvGTB3ddu-DZia9MlFg_ni0f4cqH3VSPTVOby&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">Omaha Supernovas</a><a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzf-GyQWpm7-xje0M2lcOGHAK7FbvM6CGrXavYL5HYphIovwy386zzysSbgWIy_7wNri8FkSu4dKwG54hLcp7iAnBPKIK6pXF8QeIUpwXvGTB3ddu-DZia9MlFg_ni0f4cqH3VSPTVOby&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">,</a>&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, got another standout performance from outside hitter&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;but the Supernovas (8-4) came up short against the Orlando Valkyries (9-4), falling 24-26, 18-25, 24-26 on Thursday night at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center.&nbsp;

The second-year pro led all Supernovas with 15 kills on a .344 hitting percentage while adding four digs and one assist.&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;recorded another double-double as she tallied 11 kills (.333) with 13 digs and a pair of assists. Rookie opposite&nbsp;Emily Londot&nbsp;equaled her teammate with 11 kills on a .320 clip with nine digs, one block, one assist and the team’s lone ace.

Middle blocker&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord&nbsp;added four more blocks to her league-leading total while putting down four kills for eight points on the night. Fellow middle blocker&nbsp;Kayla Caffey&nbsp;added two kills and two digs.&nbsp;

Setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;dished out 37 assists in the three sets while chipping in six digs, two kills and one block. Libero&nbsp;Camila Gómez&nbsp;ended the night with 10 digs.&nbsp;

The Supernovas hit .321 as a team with 45 kills compared to only 10 errors. Omaha also posted six blocks and the one ace from Londot.&nbsp;

Orlando’s Brittany Abercrombie hammered a match-high 24 kills, setting a new PVF record for most kills in a three-set match. She hit for a .524 clip while adding 13 digs. Middle blocker Kaz Brown had nine kills (.562) with three aces and three blocks. As a team, the Valkyries hit .342 with eight aces and five blocks.&nbsp;

The Supernovas return home for the back half of a home doubleheader on&nbsp;Sunday, March 2,&nbsp;when they host the Indy Ignite for an afternoon matinee. First serve is set for 3 p.m. at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center,&nbsp;with&nbsp;News Channel Nebraska&nbsp;providing TV coverage.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;Valentín-Anderson set the tone for the Supernovas with the first kill of the night, but&nbsp;Courtney Schwan&nbsp;quickly responded with a kill of her own to put Orlando on the board. Cooper followed up with a kill to give Omaha a 2-1 edge, but Schwan continued her strong start, adding two more kills for the Valkyries. Hord took over in the middle, putting down two kills, while Cooper added another kill to push the Supernovas back in the lead. Brown and Abercrombie notched their first kills of the night to keep the score within one at 7-6. Two Orlando errors gave the Supernovas a slight cushion, but the Valkyries fired back with a four-point run to reclaim the lead at 10-9. Cooper ended the run with a kill, but Abercrombie answered right back for Orlando. Nuneviller then got in on the action with her first kill and block while Cooper added another kill, forcing the Valkyries to call a timeout. Abercrombie came out of the break with a kill, then the teams traded tallies before Londot found her first point of the match for an 18-14 Supernovas lead. Orlando strung together momentum with a Brown kill and ace, followed by an&nbsp;Adora Anae&nbsp;kill. Then, a Supernovas error tied the set at 18. It was a back-and-forth battle as the two teams entered the red zone, but Cooper stepped in with a pair of kills to give Omaha match point at 24-23, forcing an Orlando timeout. Out of the break, the Valkyries recorded a 3-0 run off an Abercrombie kill, Brown block and a Schwan ace to seal the set with a 26-24 extra point win.&nbsp;

The Supernovas hit .333 in the set as Cooper dominated with seven kills on a .462 clip. Orlando also hit .333 as the Valkyries were led by Abercrombie, who tallied six kills on a .462 clip.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;Orlando raced out to a 5-0 start behind two aces from&nbsp;Natalie Foster, a block and kill from Abercrombie and then a Brown block. Londot put Omaha on the board with a kill, followed by a Cooper strike to get the Supernovas rolling. The teams traded points in an exchange of kills before an Omaha error and another kill from Abercrombie extended the Valkyries' advantage to 9-5. Nuneviller and Londot came in with a kill apiece to keep Omaha within striking distance, but Abercrombie continued her strong set with another kill. Cooper answered with one of her own, but a Supernovas error and duo of kills from Anae pushed the Orlando lead to 13-8. Orlando gave a point away with a service error, but Foster quickly righted the ship with a kill and another ace. Londot managed to side out with a kill. Brown and Abercrombie each delivered another kill to stretch the lead to 19-13. Londot and Nuneviller found the floor with a kill each to chip away at the deficit, but Brown answered with a kill and ace. Caffey made her presence known with her first kill of the night and Londot followed with Omaha’s first ace to make the score 22-16. Abercrombie added another kill for Orlando, but Nuneviller answered with one of her own. A Valkyries’ error gave Omaha a chance, but a final Omaha miscue secured Orlando’s 25-18 win.

The Supernovas hit .333 for the second-straight set as Londot went off for six kills on eight swings for a .750 clip. Abercrombie continued her onslaught with seven kills (.545) as the Valkyries showed off their prowess from the service line with five aces in the set. Orlando hit .480 as a team with 13 kills and one error on 25 swings.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;Orlando started the set with a Foster and Abercrombie kill to put them ahead early 2-0. Caffey got things started for Omaha with a kill, but Abercrombie quickly answered with another for the Valkyries. Cooper responded with a pair of kills to tie the score at three. Brown delivered a kill for Orlando, but Omaha took control as Londot secured a block and Nuneviller fired off a kill. Brown recorded another tally for the Valkyries, but Nuneviller countered with two straight kills. Abercrombie and Anae fought back with kills, but Valentín-Anderson returned the momentum with a dominant joust win at the net, making the score 9-7 Supernovas. Abercrombie rallied for Orlando with two more kills, but Cooper stopped the run with two of her own, forcing the Valkyries into a timeout at 12-10 off a 3-0 Omaha run. Abercrombie came out of the timeout with a kill for Orlando. The teams continued to exchange kills until Cooper landed a key strike, followed by two straight kills from Nuneviller to extend the lead to 18-14. An Abercrombie kill and a Supernovas error kept the Valkyries in the fight. However, Valentín-Anderson and Londot had kills of their own to keep Omaha in control at 20-16. Abercrombie continued to be the key attacker for Orlando with two more kills, but Nuneviller and Cooper responded with a kill each, keeping Omaha ahead 21-18. Abercrombie struck again for the Valkyries with a kill. Londot answered with a crucial swing to push the Supernovas ahead 23-20. Brown put the pressure on with a kill and block to tie the set at 23. Londot put down a kill to give Omaha set point, but Abercrombie fought it off with her 24th kill of the night. Foster followed with back-to-back kills for a 26-24 set win for Orlando to give the Valkyries their second-straight sweep of the Supernovas.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .306 in the final set with six kills apiece from Nuneviller (.353) and Cooper (.417) while Londot added four. Orlando wasn’t too far behind with a .294 hitting percentage as Abercrombie had her best set of the night with 11 kills on a .556.&nbsp;

Every match this season can be heard on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network, led by its flagship station&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709DByE9d8sjMIT3dXCGl-WQEHoYBs-vI6lJbyEKrcQJlOCWaAy1k5d7zdErLdHLp5yzL7xQxAl6TziGepbAaISSg==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KCRO 660</a>&nbsp;AM&nbsp;as part of Walnut Media. The SRN can be heard in five states with the support of its affiliates in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709z4SA650ZeQolpDuxsLID-RVfnDr3QSIi_nyLM3jGO6_N0RR-scevGvz5s8wmqFPCLYpVe_ubEsugWMWD3Kk7etgbAYhbGKLB&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KXCB Bluffs Country 106.5 FM</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709MRgNdZ4_-sK8tDp38xUNlheV9q_MQA9hSJAk_KOUGgojRCdqNGbV9NC_sxaJo-nQEclIEg7yiVtfyVzgBaNn6gjrIet82L0G&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">Boomer Radio 106.7 FM</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709Snhmdlr_2bPq3qw8q-MpT21SASWOTM9E5HfZK7BRGlHc9iHp5DUTtVmwGQqmxF-bJKYx0Llwo8hIroXLbIYo66viu45DtfP0qafC-2Oppu5mkFtY3MQ_SEOYzaaA0E2R&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">ESPN Tri Cities</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709HTCH475sHX9JA4bW4rf2J2huxiQ9inVT9LeROm87eAQoS1QdIUYd1xRwJiXHSfmzzWK1c_Wv7-EL1laradc22dSQ2N9NoyFk-nMcjLCYdbwF8O03Hlya8JpHfZWpoRpF4FbUSlexb4HyNdQK2F6rfw==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KNCY</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska City,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709ibCFdyhqpC1HAuNVYN60l789E3vR7kFWio1fIRqKLzOpak5XVezpFGK31B5OxAPQNeuJp0wUpn7PVGKn4OCezij4NrB6s0dPpk-GvM1VStH3RmIn9ix_Fw==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KGMT</a>&nbsp;in Fairbury and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709MUQmgKY1_eo3yY1oDHFqZ2MGCWp0KLYYvG-nhNM4n4mGyL7yol-HWbmaYpw9qQ1cGCrfvS88Jid9qwKLCpxGm_AxoV8-S7EavD5jlAjeAbs=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KSID-AM</a>&nbsp;in Sidney.&nbsp;

New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzTd_VoNNeKnHepimU5BwSa2VSuelnkwpRLPtqj2FwVOZFZEd1Bi_NlTSF4MbAl_S3g-Zh8s7hqVWxFfYMeUruXp3RuZAymsK4tNAesKR9cfXeXO8QDFReHWWPB3EgtPu1bjip7zDiLvUo_Dr2xckVNw=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">link</a>.&nbsp;

Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzTDjHJc5d1DEoTW1S_UEh3dGGUWaPu-_34btg7LyN2jMSIUkia5_lZQF1UQ28M9qzw1kA-3wMtJTZ0yjlzQxDUjnr_mgItaDcxFvxToC3expvPuxcrrN6SeObDNtEpDmyVWv4-DEhrWOPm_RDfaYLxk=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">2025 schedule</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzTDjHJc5d1DEUffeXVp9xlGeUQq_HnxU5CQn5YoiAQbIESb_hDtXPTOeuB0b25bCqVaVrLjUVEhmG0X8SPilQzBlI2cANZu6wPL9hoCukzHdj05eBKT4QgUZzLCqGLZNZBSflZvzMd83bVexKLexyXI=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">2025 roster.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzaV637NJ2pmNrNG5syCGrINf2Pjzt5lmoXtH_Con_wfcl9SvTEuSYTscgkdP_rizfx65ZvdrA1OeleGidXnmccb3JWOA1AOge-qUKEZ-IXmpTRSjJL1khkFFuz6S-iN9Iw==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">link</a>.&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas Communication&nbsp;OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;—&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzf-GyQWpm7-xje0M2lcOGHAK7FbvM6CGrXavYL5HYphIovwy386zzysSbgWIy_7wNri8FkSu4dKwG54hLcp7iAnBPKIK6pXF8QeIUpwXvGTB3ddu-DZia9MlFg_ni0f4cqH3VSPTVOby&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">Omaha Supernovas</a><a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzf-GyQWpm7-xje0M2lcOGHAK7FbvM6CGrXavYL5HYphIovwy386zzysSbgWIy_7wNri8FkSu4dKwG54hLcp7iAnBPKIK6pXF8QeIUpwXvGTB3ddu-DZia9MlFg_ni0f4cqH3VSPTVOby&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">,</a>&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, got another standout performance from outside hitter&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;but the Supernovas (8-4) came up short against the Orlando Valkyries (9-4), falling 24-26, 18-25, 24-26 on Thursday night at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center.&nbsp;The second-year pro led all Supernovas with 15 kills on a .344 hitting percentage while adding four digs and one assist.&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;recorded another double-double as she tallied 11 kills (.333) with 13 digs and a pair of assists. Rookie opposite&nbsp;Emily Londot&nbsp;equaled her teammate with 11 kills on a .320 clip with nine digs, one block, one assist and the team’s lone ace.Middle blocker&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord&nbsp;added four more blocks to her league-leading total while putting down four kills for eight points on the night. Fellow middle blocker&nbsp;Kayla Caffey&nbsp;added two kills and two digs.&nbsp;Setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;dished out 37 assists in the three sets while chipping in six digs, two kills and one block. Libero&nbsp;Camila Gómez&nbsp;ended the night with 10 digs.&nbsp;The Supernovas hit .321 as a team with 45 kills compared to only 10 errors. Omaha also posted six blocks and the one ace from Londot.&nbsp;Orlando’s Brittany Abercrombie hammered a match-high 24 kills, setting a new PVF record for most kills in a three-set match. She hit for a .524 clip while adding 13 digs. Middle blocker Kaz Brown had nine kills (.562) with three aces and three blocks. As a team, the Valkyries hit .342 with eight aces and five blocks.&nbsp;The Supernovas return home for the back half of a home doubleheader on&nbsp;Sunday, March 2,&nbsp;when they host the Indy Ignite for an afternoon matinee. First serve is set for 3 p.m. at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center,&nbsp;with&nbsp;News Channel Nebraska&nbsp;providing TV coverage.&nbsp;Key Notes<ul>
 <li>Omaha’s .321 hitting percentage is only the fifth time in franchise history the team has hit at a clip of .300 or above. They’ve reached that mark twice this season – February 6 at Indy (.309) and Thursday night.&nbsp;</li><li>Cooper has now hit for at least .344 in six of her last eight matches while tallying double-digit kills in all but one of those contests.&nbsp;</li><li>Nuneviller recorded her eighth double-double of the season and fourth in the last five matches. She’s also hit above .300 in four of the last five matches.&nbsp;</li><li>Kaitlyn Hord added four more blocks to her league-leading total of 43 through 12 matches. She also leads the PVF with 1.02 blocks per set.&nbsp;</li><li>Orlando’s eight aces is the most allowed in Supernovas franchise history.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Set 1:&nbsp;Valentín-Anderson set the tone for the Supernovas with the first kill of the night, but&nbsp;Courtney Schwan&nbsp;quickly responded with a kill of her own to put Orlando on the board. Cooper followed up with a kill to give Omaha a 2-1 edge, but Schwan continued her strong start, adding two more kills for the Valkyries. Hord took over in the middle, putting down two kills, while Cooper added another kill to push the Supernovas back in the lead. Brown and Abercrombie notched their first kills of the night to keep the score within one at 7-6. Two Orlando errors gave the Supernovas a slight cushion, but the Valkyries fired back with a four-point run to reclaim the lead at 10-9. Cooper ended the run with a kill, but Abercrombie answered right back for Orlando. Nuneviller then got in on the action with her first kill and block while Cooper added another kill, forcing the Valkyries to call a timeout. Abercrombie came out of the break with a kill, then the teams traded tallies before Londot found her first point of the match for an 18-14 Supernovas lead. Orlando strung together momentum with a Brown kill and ace, followed by an&nbsp;Adora Anae&nbsp;kill. Then, a Supernovas error tied the set at 18. It was a back-and-forth battle as the two teams entered the red zone, but Cooper stepped in with a pair of kills to give Omaha match point at 24-23, forcing an Orlando timeout. Out of the break, the Valkyries recorded a 3-0 run off an Abercrombie kill, Brown block and a Schwan ace to seal the set with a 26-24 extra point win.&nbsp;The Supernovas hit .333 in the set as Cooper dominated with seven kills on a .462 clip. Orlando also hit .333 as the Valkyries were led by Abercrombie, who tallied six kills on a .462 clip.&nbsp;&nbsp;Set 2:&nbsp;Orlando raced out to a 5-0 start behind two aces from&nbsp;Natalie Foster, a block and kill from Abercrombie and then a Brown block. Londot put Omaha on the board with a kill, followed by a Cooper strike to get the Supernovas rolling. The teams traded points in an exchange of kills before an Omaha error and another kill from Abercrombie extended the Valkyries' advantage to 9-5. Nuneviller and Londot came in with a kill apiece to keep Omaha within striking distance, but Abercrombie continued her strong set with another kill. Cooper answered with one of her own, but a Supernovas error and duo of kills from Anae pushed the Orlando lead to 13-8. Orlando gave a point away with a service error, but Foster quickly righted the ship with a kill and another ace. Londot managed to side out with a kill. Brown and Abercrombie each delivered another kill to stretch the lead to 19-13. Londot and Nuneviller found the floor with a kill each to chip away at the deficit, but Brown answered with a kill and ace. Caffey made her presence known with her first kill of the night and Londot followed with Omaha’s first ace to make the score 22-16. Abercrombie added another kill for Orlando, but Nuneviller answered with one of her own. A Valkyries’ error gave Omaha a chance, but a final Omaha miscue secured Orlando’s 25-18 win.The Supernovas hit .333 for the second-straight set as Londot went off for six kills on eight swings for a .750 clip. Abercrombie continued her onslaught with seven kills (.545) as the Valkyries showed off their prowess from the service line with five aces in the set. Orlando hit .480 as a team with 13 kills and one error on 25 swings.&nbsp;Set 3:&nbsp;Orlando started the set with a Foster and Abercrombie kill to put them ahead early 2-0. Caffey got things started for Omaha with a kill, but Abercrombie quickly answered with another for the Valkyries. Cooper responded with a pair of kills to tie the score at three. Brown delivered a kill for Orlando, but Omaha took control as Londot secured a block and Nuneviller fired off a kill. Brown recorded another tally for the Valkyries, but Nuneviller countered with two straight kills. Abercrombie and Anae fought back with kills, but Valentín-Anderson returned the momentum with a dominant joust win at the net, making the score 9-7 Supernovas. Abercrombie rallied for Orlando with two more kills, but Cooper stopped the run with two of her own, forcing the Valkyries into a timeout at 12-10 off a 3-0 Omaha run. Abercrombie came out of the timeout with a kill for Orlando. The teams continued to exchange kills until Cooper landed a key strike, followed by two straight kills from Nuneviller to extend the lead to 18-14. An Abercrombie kill and a Supernovas error kept the Valkyries in the fight. However, Valentín-Anderson and Londot had kills of their own to keep Omaha in control at 20-16. Abercrombie continued to be the key attacker for Orlando with two more kills, but Nuneviller and Cooper responded with a kill each, keeping Omaha ahead 21-18. Abercrombie struck again for the Valkyries with a kill. Londot answered with a crucial swing to push the Supernovas ahead 23-20. Brown put the pressure on with a kill and block to tie the set at 23. Londot put down a kill to give Omaha set point, but Abercrombie fought it off with her 24th kill of the night. Foster followed with back-to-back kills for a 26-24 set win for Orlando to give the Valkyries their second-straight sweep of the Supernovas.&nbsp;Omaha hit .306 in the final set with six kills apiece from Nuneviller (.353) and Cooper (.417) while Londot added four. Orlando wasn’t too far behind with a .294 hitting percentage as Abercrombie had her best set of the night with 11 kills on a .556.&nbsp;...Every match this season can be heard on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network, led by its flagship station&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709DByE9d8sjMIT3dXCGl-WQEHoYBs-vI6lJbyEKrcQJlOCWaAy1k5d7zdErLdHLp5yzL7xQxAl6TziGepbAaISSg==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KCRO 660</a>&nbsp;AM&nbsp;as part of Walnut Media. The SRN can be heard in five states with the support of its affiliates in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709z4SA650ZeQolpDuxsLID-RVfnDr3QSIi_nyLM3jGO6_N0RR-scevGvz5s8wmqFPCLYpVe_ubEsugWMWD3Kk7etgbAYhbGKLB&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KXCB Bluffs Country 106.5 FM</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709MRgNdZ4_-sK8tDp38xUNlheV9q_MQA9hSJAk_KOUGgojRCdqNGbV9NC_sxaJo-nQEclIEg7yiVtfyVzgBaNn6gjrIet82L0G&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">Boomer Radio 106.7 FM</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709Snhmdlr_2bPq3qw8q-MpT21SASWOTM9E5HfZK7BRGlHc9iHp5DUTtVmwGQqmxF-bJKYx0Llwo8hIroXLbIYo66viu45DtfP0qafC-2Oppu5mkFtY3MQ_SEOYzaaA0E2R&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">ESPN Tri Cities</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709HTCH475sHX9JA4bW4rf2J2huxiQ9inVT9LeROm87eAQoS1QdIUYd1xRwJiXHSfmzzWK1c_Wv7-EL1laradc22dSQ2N9NoyFk-nMcjLCYdbwF8O03Hlya8JpHfZWpoRpF4FbUSlexb4HyNdQK2F6rfw==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KNCY</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska City,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709ibCFdyhqpC1HAuNVYN60l789E3vR7kFWio1fIRqKLzOpak5XVezpFGK31B5OxAPQNeuJp0wUpn7PVGKn4OCezij4NrB6s0dPpk-GvM1VStH3RmIn9ix_Fw==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KGMT</a>&nbsp;in Fairbury and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzS6oJ-Gsa709MUQmgKY1_eo3yY1oDHFqZ2MGCWp0KLYYvG-nhNM4n4mGyL7yol-HWbmaYpw9qQ1cGCrfvS88Jid9qwKLCpxGm_AxoV8-S7EavD5jlAjeAbs=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">KSID-AM</a>&nbsp;in Sidney.&nbsp;New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzTd_VoNNeKnHepimU5BwSa2VSuelnkwpRLPtqj2FwVOZFZEd1Bi_NlTSF4MbAl_S3g-Zh8s7hqVWxFfYMeUruXp3RuZAymsK4tNAesKR9cfXeXO8QDFReHWWPB3EgtPu1bjip7zDiLvUo_Dr2xckVNw=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">link</a>.&nbsp;Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzTDjHJc5d1DEoTW1S_UEh3dGGUWaPu-_34btg7LyN2jMSIUkia5_lZQF1UQ28M9qzw1kA-3wMtJTZ0yjlzQxDUjnr_mgItaDcxFvxToC3expvPuxcrrN6SeObDNtEpDmyVWv4-DEhrWOPm_RDfaYLxk=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">2025 schedule</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzTDjHJc5d1DEUffeXVp9xlGeUQq_HnxU5CQn5YoiAQbIESb_hDtXPTOeuB0b25bCqVaVrLjUVEhmG0X8SPilQzBlI2cANZu6wPL9hoCukzHdj05eBKT4QgUZzLCqGLZNZBSflZvzMd83bVexKLexyXI=&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">2025 roster.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001T26Qp6IgtWjzpXU4I0PlugZI7hrA5dvpSToF_E9WgBm1LPyKI6WGzaV637NJ2pmNrNG5syCGrINf2Pjzt5lmoXtH_Con_wfcl9SvTEuSYTscgkdP_rizfx65ZvdrA1OeleGidXnmccb3JWOA1AOge-qUKEZ-IXmpTRSjJL1khkFFuz6S-iN9Iw==&amp;c=uxrdXVLx2kGob2hqBFJVBYFpoby1oas6JTgx0WaBr8WMZxANxOad3Q==&amp;ch=YG8P8pF8B9oljxxC8x22G3VLsX9AuQ-Ox3QUpBB4rwMp4oIqzCXP6Q==">link</a>.&nbsp;

Cooper shines as Supernovas fall to Valkyries

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Four players scored in double figures and seventh-ranked Fort Hays State got off to a fast start to beat Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25/fort-hays-state/boxscore/8302">92-56</a>, Wednesday night in Kansas.

This game was originally set for Jan. 7 but postponed due to the weather. The two teams meet again this Saturday (Mar. 1) at the Health &amp; Sports Center; it'll be the regular season finale for both teams.

Hays (25-2, 16-2) has won 12 straight and now leads the all-time series with UNK (19-8, 12-6) by a 63-42 margin. They came into the game ranked third in the Central Region behind Concordia-St. Paul and Pittsburg State; the Tigers beat Pitt by 16 points last week.

Graduate forward&nbsp;Kia Wilson&nbsp;(St. George, Kan.) scored the first bucket of the game, but it was literally all Tigers after that. They scored 17 of the next 19 points to lead 29-11 after the opening quarter. They made 11 of 14 shots (3 of 4 threes) which was close to what Pitt did last Thursday night (11 of 12) in the fourth quarter of an 81-74 win at Buckle Court.

"It feels like when teams want to beat us physically – Missouri Southern, tonight against Hays on duck ins and just physical basketball -- we back down," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "That's not going to work in March; if you want to play postseason basketball it's going to be the most physical team wins. We've got to find a way to match that."

Sophomore reserve Talexa Wheeter went for a game-high 25 points and seven boards, reigning MIAA Player of the Year Katie Wanger DeGarmo had 20 points and nine rebounds with graduate post Olivia Hollenbeck at 12 points, six steals, five caroms and two blocks. The trio combined to go 22 of 32 from the field.

"Hollenbeck can't have 12 on seven (shots), Wagner can't have 20 on 12, and Wheeter 25 on 13," said Johnson. "When that happens, it's going to be a long night because that's who they are going to play through."

Overall, Hays out shot UNK by 30 percentage points, was 10 of 15 from behind the arc, had 41 bench points and took advantage of 17 turnovers.

For the Lopers, redshirt junior point guard&nbsp;Jillian Aschoff&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) carried the torch again to the tune of 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. She went 7 of 14 from the field and now ranks 10th&nbsp;all-time in carer dimes with 304; UNK Hall of Famer Jennifer Warner was in 10th&nbsp;place (301). Finally, sophomore forward&nbsp;Brinly Christensen&nbsp;(Lincoln Southwest) hit three more triples to continue her recent hot shooting with sophomore reserve&nbsp;Jordan Sears&nbsp;(McPherson, Kan.) at 12 points.

"We have some questions to answer for ourselves. I believe we have it, we're a team that wants to be able to do it, we're a team that cares enough to try and do it," said Johnson. "Champions get back up and punch tomorrow. If we want to be champs, we'll have to do that, but the punch better be strong."

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Four players scored in double figures and seventh-ranked Fort Hays State got off to a fast start to beat Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25/fort-hays-state/boxscore/8302">92-56</a>, Wednesday night in Kansas.This game was originally set for Jan. 7 but postponed due to the weather. The two teams meet again this Saturday (Mar. 1) at the Health &amp; Sports Center; it'll be the regular season finale for both teams.Hays (25-2, 16-2) has won 12 straight and now leads the all-time series with UNK (19-8, 12-6) by a 63-42 margin. They came into the game ranked third in the Central Region behind Concordia-St. Paul and Pittsburg State; the Tigers beat Pitt by 16 points last week.Graduate forward&nbsp;Kia Wilson&nbsp;(St. George, Kan.) scored the first bucket of the game, but it was literally all Tigers after that. They scored 17 of the next 19 points to lead 29-11 after the opening quarter. They made 11 of 14 shots (3 of 4 threes) which was close to what Pitt did last Thursday night (11 of 12) in the fourth quarter of an 81-74 win at Buckle Court."It feels like when teams want to beat us physically – Missouri Southern, tonight against Hays on duck ins and just physical basketball -- we back down," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "That's not going to work in March; if you want to play postseason basketball it's going to be the most physical team wins. We've got to find a way to match that."Sophomore reserve Talexa Wheeter went for a game-high 25 points and seven boards, reigning MIAA Player of the Year Katie Wanger DeGarmo had 20 points and nine rebounds with graduate post Olivia Hollenbeck at 12 points, six steals, five caroms and two blocks. The trio combined to go 22 of 32 from the field."Hollenbeck can't have 12 on seven (shots), Wagner can't have 20 on 12, and Wheeter 25 on 13," said Johnson. "When that happens, it's going to be a long night because that's who they are going to play through."Overall, Hays out shot UNK by 30 percentage points, was 10 of 15 from behind the arc, had 41 bench points and took advantage of 17 turnovers.For the Lopers, redshirt junior point guard&nbsp;Jillian Aschoff&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) carried the torch again to the tune of 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. She went 7 of 14 from the field and now ranks 10th&nbsp;all-time in carer dimes with 304; UNK Hall of Famer Jennifer Warner was in 10th&nbsp;place (301). Finally, sophomore forward&nbsp;Brinly Christensen&nbsp;(Lincoln Southwest) hit three more triples to continue her recent hot shooting with sophomore reserve&nbsp;Jordan Sears&nbsp;(McPherson, Kan.) at 12 points."We have some questions to answer for ourselves. I believe we have it, we're a team that wants to be able to do it, we're a team that cares enough to try and do it," said Johnson. "Champions get back up and punch tomorrow. If we want to be champs, we'll have to do that, but the punch better be strong."

UNK WBB: #7 Tigers Take PPD Game; Round Two Saturday

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Graduate lefty guard Kaleb Hammeke had 27 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead Fort Hays State to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25/fort-hays-state/boxscore/8300">79-57 win</a>&nbsp;over Nebraska Kearney Thursday night in Kansas.

This was a makeup date for a postponed game on Jan. 7 due to the weather. The Tigers (19-8, 12-6) finish up the year a solid 15-1 at home and beat the Lopers (11-15, 9-9) for an eighth straight time.

One of the nation’s top defensive squads, Hays had one of its best offensive nights of the year. They shot 57% from the field, went 10 of 21 from deep and 19 of 22 at the line. UNK shot 50% in the first half but cooled off after the break and was just 15 of 24 from the line.

“Some of it is the environment but a lot of it is how hard they play. They are a tough, disciplined team,” said UNK head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. “We knew about their home success and were up for the challenge but didn’t shoot the ball very well and gave them too many points. There were 13 over their average.”

UNK led 8-7 early on thanks to triples from senior&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;(Omaha Westside) and junior&nbsp;Ja’Bryant Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas). However, Hays responded with a 21-5 run and never looked back. The Lopers whittled the deficit to single digits in both the first and second halves but didn’t get closer than eight points.

A two-time All-District nominee who is the Tigers all-time leading scorer (1,997), Hammeke had his third career 20-point performance against UNK. He went 9 of 12 from the field (3 of 4 threes), 6 of 6 at the line and had just one turnover in 38 minutes.

“He’s aggressive and aggressive off the ball as well. He moves really, really well and they do a good job of coming back to him. Their team knows their role and the importance of getting him the ball,” said Levinson. “They know it because he makes such good decisions. When they come back to

him, they trust he’ll make the right decision.”

Three others scored in double figures including sophomore guard Kyle Grill (14) who went 4 of 4 from deep. Finally, six Tigers grabbed between three and five rebounds.

For UNK, graduate guard&nbsp;Allen Taylor&nbsp;(Bradley, Ark.) drew seven fouls and made five shots to finish with a team-best 19 points. Next, Hill also made five shots to score 13 with redshirt freshman&nbsp;Clayton Moore&nbsp;(Mullen) at 10 points on 4 of 4 shooting. Playing just 15 minutes, he also grabbed five rebounds to lead the team

“We were a lot more aggressive and got downhill in the second half,” said Levinson. “This hurts but we’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”

These teams will close out the regular season on Mar. 1 at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Graduate lefty guard Kaleb Hammeke had 27 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead Fort Hays State to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25/fort-hays-state/boxscore/8300">79-57 win</a>&nbsp;over Nebraska Kearney Thursday night in Kansas.This was a makeup date for a postponed game on Jan. 7 due to the weather. The Tigers (19-8, 12-6) finish up the year a solid 15-1 at home and beat the Lopers (11-15, 9-9) for an eighth straight time.One of the nation’s top defensive squads, Hays had one of its best offensive nights of the year. They shot 57% from the field, went 10 of 21 from deep and 19 of 22 at the line. UNK shot 50% in the first half but cooled off after the break and was just 15 of 24 from the line.“Some of it is the environment but a lot of it is how hard they play. They are a tough, disciplined team,” said UNK head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. “We knew about their home success and were up for the challenge but didn’t shoot the ball very well and gave them too many points. There were 13 over their average.”UNK led 8-7 early on thanks to triples from senior&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;(Omaha Westside) and junior&nbsp;Ja’Bryant Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas). However, Hays responded with a 21-5 run and never looked back. The Lopers whittled the deficit to single digits in both the first and second halves but didn’t get closer than eight points.A two-time All-District nominee who is the Tigers all-time leading scorer (1,997), Hammeke had his third career 20-point performance against UNK. He went 9 of 12 from the field (3 of 4 threes), 6 of 6 at the line and had just one turnover in 38 minutes.“He’s aggressive and aggressive off the ball as well. He moves really, really well and they do a good job of coming back to him. Their team knows their role and the importance of getting him the ball,” said Levinson. “They know it because he makes such good decisions. When they come back tohim, they trust he’ll make the right decision.”Three others scored in double figures including sophomore guard Kyle Grill (14) who went 4 of 4 from deep. Finally, six Tigers grabbed between three and five rebounds.For UNK, graduate guard&nbsp;Allen Taylor&nbsp;(Bradley, Ark.) drew seven fouls and made five shots to finish with a team-best 19 points. Next, Hill also made five shots to score 13 with redshirt freshman&nbsp;Clayton Moore&nbsp;(Mullen) at 10 points on 4 of 4 shooting. Playing just 15 minutes, he also grabbed five rebounds to lead the team“We were a lot more aggressive and got downhill in the second half,” said Levinson. “This hurts but we’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”These teams will close out the regular season on Mar. 1 at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

UNK MBB: Hays Star Helps Tigers Take Round One; Second Game this Saturday

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte, Neb. – The Knights softball team opened the season by dropping a pair of games to McCook Community College on Wednesday afternoon.

The Indians took the lead in the top of the first inning after taking advantage of a dropped third strike to score Paige Warren from third. Two batters later, Anna Elliott sent a towering home run over center field to put the Indians up 3-0.

In the top of the second inning, the Indians drew back-to-back walks, before a wild pitch plated Ayana Goodwin from third. A single from Laila Gutierrez loaded the bases, before a single to center plated two to stretch the margin to 6-0.

The Indians added four more runs in the fourth inning to extend their lead to 10-0 and earn the run-rule win.

Sheena Smith pitched all five innings and gave up 10 runs on nine hits, while striking out three batters.

The McCook bats never slowed down as they tacked on three runs in the top of the first inning. Alieze Moreno recorded the Knights first hit of the season on a fly ball to center to jump start the offense. Heaven Hutchison drew a walk to add a second base runner, before Sarah Perez sent one over the center field wall to tie the game up at 3-3.

The Indians offense powered six runs home in the top of the second inning, but an Afia Hunt home run and a single by Perez that plated Victoria Arellano drew the Knights back within four.

McCook held the Knights to just one more run in the final three innings, while tallying 13 more runs to lock up the run-rule victory.

Arellano allowed 12 runs on eight hits over two innings, before Moreno came on in relief allowing 10 runs on six hits and striking out two batters and walking five.

North Platte (0-2) will travel to Colby, Kan. on Friday for a doubleheader with the Trojans of Colby Community College. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – The Knights softball team opened the season by dropping a pair of games to McCook Community College on Wednesday afternoon.McCook 10 North Platte 0The Indians took the lead in the top of the first inning after taking advantage of a dropped third strike to score Paige Warren from third. Two batters later, Anna Elliott sent a towering home run over center field to put the Indians up 3-0.In the top of the second inning, the Indians drew back-to-back walks, before a wild pitch plated Ayana Goodwin from third. A single from Laila Gutierrez loaded the bases, before a single to center plated two to stretch the margin to 6-0.The Indians added four more runs in the fourth inning to extend their lead to 10-0 and earn the run-rule win.Sheena Smith pitched all five innings and gave up 10 runs on nine hits, while striking out three batters.McCook 22 North Platte 6The McCook bats never slowed down as they tacked on three runs in the top of the first inning. Alieze Moreno recorded the Knights first hit of the season on a fly ball to center to jump start the offense. Heaven Hutchison drew a walk to add a second base runner, before Sarah Perez sent one over the center field wall to tie the game up at 3-3.The Indians offense powered six runs home in the top of the second inning, but an Afia Hunt home run and a single by Perez that plated Victoria Arellano drew the Knights back within four.McCook held the Knights to just one more run in the final three innings, while tallying 13 more runs to lock up the run-rule victory.Arellano allowed 12 runs on eight hits over two innings, before Moreno came on in relief allowing 10 runs on six hits and striking out two batters and walking five.North Platte (0-2) will travel to Colby, Kan. on Friday for a doubleheader with the Trojans of Colby Community College. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.

Knights drop two in doubleheader to McCook

Maywood-Hayes Center 36 @ Hitchcock County 47

North Platte St. Patrick's 66 vs Sutherland 37

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 48 @ Sutton 58

<h2>Boys</h2>Cambridge 32 @ Dundy County Stratton 68Chadron 53 @ Ogallala 82Chase County 66 @ Central City 56Gothenburg 39 @ Fillmore Central 50Hershey 63 @ Perkins County 88Hyannis 66 vs Arthur County 43Maxwell 46 @ Southwest 60Maywood-Hayes Center 36 @ Hitchcock County 47Medicine Valley 60 vs Brady 36Minden 31 @ Cozad 75North Platte St. Patrick's 66 vs Sutherland 37Sandhills Valley 31 @ Paxton 32South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 48 @ Sutton 58South Platte 52 @ Garden County 59Wauneta-Palisade 37 @ Wallace 61<h2>Girls</h2>North Platte 58 @ Omaha South 8

Area NSAA Basketball scores from Feb 25th

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska junior Emma Rhode and freshman Maddy Moyer qualified for the NCAA Rifle Championships, as the NCAA field was announced Monday. Rhode qualified for the smallbore event and is listed as an alternate for air rifle, and Moyer qualified for both the air rifle and smallbore. The Husker rifle team was not one of the eight teams selected for the championships.

Rhode averaged a score 591.39 in the smallbore in 13 matches this season, with a season high of 596, which she shot twice, on Nov. 16 at Ohio State, and Jan. 25 at Army.&nbsp;

Moyer posted averages of 584.69 in the smallbore and 589.77 in the air rifle, combining for an aggregate average of 1,174.61. Moyer captured an impressive season, including an air rifle mark of 597, which ties the second-highest score in program history. She earned this score twice, at TCU on Nov. 2, and at Ohio State on Feb. 22 in the NCAA Qualifiers.&nbsp;

“It’s super exciting to have Emma and Maddy going to NCAAs and representing our programs as individuals,” Head Coach Richard Clark said. “These two have shown immense dedication and hard work throughout the season both on and off the range and have been a true representation of what it means to be a Nebraska Cornhusker. I have full confidence in both girls to continue their work over the next couple weeks and perform the way they know how to at Championships.”&nbsp;

Both Rhode and Moyer have had their share of top finishes in various events this season. Moyer has grabbed two top finishes, one in the aggregate and one in the air rifle, both of which happened at NCAA Qualifiers on Feb. 22. Rhode has placed in every match except for one this season, taking home nine first-place finishes and three second-place finishes in the smallbore.&nbsp;

Both athletes had successful shooting days at NCAA Qualifiers on Feb 22. Moyer placed first overall, shooting a personal-best aggregate score of 1,186. Her scores included a 597 in the air rifle, placing first in the event, and a 589 in the smallbore, taking second just behind teammate Emma Rhode. Rhode placed first in the smallbore with a 589, grabbing the tiebreaker over Moyer. Her 595 in the air rifle was good for third place, and together Rhode totaled an aggregate score of 1,184 to place second overall on the day.&nbsp;

The NCAA Championships will take place on March 14-15 in Lexington, Ky. Live results can be found here. Follow huskers.com and all social media accounts (@huskerrifle) for more updates on NCAA Championships results.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska junior Emma Rhode and freshman Maddy Moyer qualified for the NCAA Rifle Championships, as the NCAA field was announced Monday. Rhode qualified for the smallbore event and is listed as an alternate for air rifle, and Moyer qualified for both the air rifle and smallbore. The Husker rifle team was not one of the eight teams selected for the championships.Rhode averaged a score 591.39 in the smallbore in 13 matches this season, with a season high of 596, which she shot twice, on Nov. 16 at Ohio State, and Jan. 25 at Army.&nbsp;Moyer posted averages of 584.69 in the smallbore and 589.77 in the air rifle, combining for an aggregate average of 1,174.61. Moyer captured an impressive season, including an air rifle mark of 597, which ties the second-highest score in program history. She earned this score twice, at TCU on Nov. 2, and at Ohio State on Feb. 22 in the NCAA Qualifiers.&nbsp;“It’s super exciting to have Emma and Maddy going to NCAAs and representing our programs as individuals,” Head Coach Richard Clark said. “These two have shown immense dedication and hard work throughout the season both on and off the range and have been a true representation of what it means to be a Nebraska Cornhusker. I have full confidence in both girls to continue their work over the next couple weeks and perform the way they know how to at Championships.”&nbsp;Both Rhode and Moyer have had their share of top finishes in various events this season. Moyer has grabbed two top finishes, one in the aggregate and one in the air rifle, both of which happened at NCAA Qualifiers on Feb. 22. Rhode has placed in every match except for one this season, taking home nine first-place finishes and three second-place finishes in the smallbore.&nbsp;Both athletes had successful shooting days at NCAA Qualifiers on Feb 22. Moyer placed first overall, shooting a personal-best aggregate score of 1,186. Her scores included a 597 in the air rifle, placing first in the event, and a 589 in the smallbore, taking second just behind teammate Emma Rhode. Rhode placed first in the smallbore with a 589, grabbing the tiebreaker over Moyer. Her 595 in the air rifle was good for third place, and together Rhode totaled an aggregate score of 1,184 to place second overall on the day.&nbsp;The NCAA Championships will take place on March 14-15 in Lexington, Ky. Live results can be found here. Follow huskers.com and all social media accounts (@huskerrifle) for more updates on NCAA Championships results.&nbsp;Nebraska junior Emma Rhode and freshman Maddy Moyer qualified for the NCAA Rifle Championships, as the NCAA field was announced Monday. Rhode qualified for the smallbore event and is listed as an alternate for air rifle, and Moyer qualified for both the air rifle and smallbore. The Husker rifle team was not one of the eight teams selected for the championships.Rhode averaged a score 591.39 in the smallbore in 13 matches this season, with a season high of 596, which she shot twice, on Nov. 16 at Ohio State, and Jan. 25 at Army.&nbsp;Moyer posted averages of 584.69 in the smallbore and 589.77 in the air rifle, combining for an aggregate average of 1,174.61. Moyer captured an impressive season, including an air rifle mark of 597, which ties the second-highest score in program history. She earned this score twice, at TCU on Nov. 2, and at Ohio State on Feb. 22 in the NCAA Qualifiers.&nbsp;“It’s super exciting to have Emma and Maddy going to NCAAs and representing our programs as individuals,” Head Coach Richard Clark said. “These two have shown immense dedication and hard work throughout the season both on and off the range and have been a true representation of what it means to be a Nebraska Cornhusker. I have full confidence in both girls to continue their work over the next couple weeks and perform the way they know how to at Championships.”&nbsp;Both Rhode and Moyer have had their share of top finishes in various events this season. Moyer has grabbed two top finishes, one in the aggregate and one in the air rifle, both of which happened at NCAA Qualifiers on Feb. 22. Rhode has placed in every match except for one this season, taking home nine first-place finishes and three second-place finishes in the smallbore.&nbsp;Both athletes had successful shooting days at NCAA Qualifiers on Feb 22. Moyer placed first overall, shooting a personal-best aggregate score of 1,186. Her scores included a 597 in the air rifle, placing first in the event, and a 589 in the smallbore, taking second just behind teammate Emma Rhode. Rhode placed first in the smallbore with a 589, grabbing the tiebreaker over Moyer. Her 595 in the air rifle was good for third place, and together Rhode totaled an aggregate score of 1,184 to place second overall on the day.&nbsp;The NCAA Championships will take place on March 14-15 in Lexington, Ky. Live results can be found here. Follow huskers.com and all social media accounts (@huskerrifle) for more updates on NCAA Championships results.&nbsp;

Rhode, Moyer qualify For NCAA Championships

*-Nebraska falls to 4-4 against ranked teams as Michigan was No. 15 in Monday’s AP poll*-Nebraska held Michigan to a season-low 49 points, as its previous low was 62 against Michigan State on Feb. 12. The 49 points allowed were NU’s second-lowest total of the season.

*-Nebraska held Michigan to a season-low 29.5 percent shooting, as Michigan’s previous low was 36.1 percent against Northwestern.

*-Nebraska ‘s 46 points was a season low (52 at Michigan State*-Brice Williams has now been in double figures in 26 of 28 games this season, including 15th 20-point game of the year. Williams finished with 26 points.

*-Williams became the 32nd&nbsp;player in school history to go over 1,000 points as a Husker with his jumper at the 15:50 mark of the second haff&nbsp;&nbsp; He is just the fourth Husker to do it in two seasons or less, joining Terran Petteway, James Palmer Jr. and Dave Hoppen. Williams now has 1,004 points at Nebraska and 1,805 career points.

*-Williams tied a career high with four 3-points. He had done it seven other times in his career.&nbsp;

*-Braxton Meah had eight rebounds to surpass his season-high of seven&nbsp;set at Northwestern on Feb. 5

On the Huskers battling despite a poor shooting night

“I am proud of the team. I am proud of the guys for going out there and giving us a chance when you had about as poor of an offensive night as you can possibly have. The ball doesn’t go in the basket; it’s not easy to continue to go out there and have a spirit defensively but our guys fought like hell all game long to keep us in the game. We give ourselves a chance where we get a great look on a possession where there’s under 20 seconds. I’m proud of the guys for the way they went out there and fought and battled. And if we play like that, with that type of energy, we’re going to be fine. We’re going to be just fine in these last three games headed into the postseason. That’s what we have to understand, that’s who we are. Unfortunately, we don’t have a ton of shooting on this team. We have to stay in games and give ourselves a chance with our defense. That's been our identity when we’ve played well. That is what has won us games. I think without Brice (Williams) and then Sam (Hoiberg) goes 2-2, we went 5-39 with the rest of our team. That’s not going to happen, especially when we had some point-blank ones right there at the rim. I thought we had some good looks. I’ll go back and watch the film, but we had some shots from guys that we’ll 100% take that. If we play with that type of energy and that type of spirit, we’ll be fine. If we fall off with our energy, we're going to struggle.

“I think we anticipated contact on a few of those. I thought we launched into them as opposed to coming in. If you don't have the angle, if you don’t have the advantage. We worked on a drill every day to reverse pivot and hit the guy on the pull behind, and we just did not make enough of those plays when we did, again, get some open ones by some good shooters, unfortunately, the ball didn’t go in the basket. Yes, I thought we anticipated contact when we drove the ball into the paint, and you’ve got to be strong in this league if you are going to finish at the basket. We obviously didn’t do a very good job of that.”

“I told the guys how proud I was of them for how they played. From playing this game, when the ball is not going in the basket when you are missing shots you make a lot of times, it is not easy to continue to battle and defend and keep yourself in the game on the other end, but our guys did that. If we have that type of fight these next three games, we’re going to be fine and we’re going to be playing in the postseason, and that can’t change. Offensively, yes, we need to be better. I think we will be better, but that defensive effort, and intensity and edge that we had tonight has to be the same for these remaining three games. “&nbsp;

“It’s a consistent approach, consistent energy. Keeping locked into each game.&nbsp;

“A lot of experience scoring the ball. And my dad always preached poised. That’s how I am, just having a calm demeanor. It’s a cool accomplishment.”

“We’re obviously very pleased to leave Lincoln with a hard-fought road win against a program we have a great deal of respect for. It was almost like two teams looking at each other in the mirror. I think we were both determined to take away the other team’s leading scorers and go-to guys. I thought, for the most part, we did that. Brice Williams had a heck of an effort. He made big play after big play after a hot start. Fortunately, we were able to hold our own on the glass, and we had some odd lineups out late that found a way to function and score enough points.”

On the atmosphere of Pinnacle Bank Arena

“I thought it was awesome. I walked into today’s shootaround and thought, ‘Wow, this is a great basketball environment.’ It’s well done. And then obviously, the fan support and the energy in the building. When they made their run, it interrupted like some of the best environments in our league. We’ve gotten to that point at Crisler where our fan have that type of impact as well. So, it forces you to call a timeout and reset. I’ve watched these guys play on television a lot. It’s a great environment. There’s obviously a lot of support and energy in the building that’s generated from the guys not on the floor.”

On shooting struggles and defensive battle&nbsp;

“We’ve played in a lot of games like this, where you just got to figure out a way to get a few in the hold and figure out a way to get to the line. When you do, you’ve got to capitalize enough to win. It’s hard-fought. It’s tooth and nail. I thought both teams had a couple of good looks down the stretch, but they’ve exerted so much energy on the glass with the physicality, and it’s not easy to knock them down in this type of defensive slugfest. That was a very legally physical game. I thought both teams were disciplined without reaching, they put their chest on each other and really challenged everything. I thought their game plan was excellent to take away what we do well.”

Story by NU Athletic Communications*-Nebraska falls to 4-4 against ranked teams as Michigan was No. 15 in Monday’s AP poll*-Nebraska held Michigan to a season-low 49 points, as its previous low was 62 against Michigan State on Feb. 12. The 49 points allowed were NU’s second-lowest total of the season.*-Nebraska held Michigan to a season-low 29.5 percent shooting, as Michigan’s previous low was 36.1 percent against Northwestern.*-Nebraska ‘s 46 points was a season low (52 at Michigan State*-Brice Williams has now been in double figures in 26 of 28 games this season, including 15th 20-point game of the year. Williams finished with 26 points.*-Williams became the 32nd&nbsp;player in school history to go over 1,000 points as a Husker with his jumper at the 15:50 mark of the second haff&nbsp;&nbsp; He is just the fourth Husker to do it in two seasons or less, joining Terran Petteway, James Palmer Jr. and Dave Hoppen. Williams now has 1,004 points at Nebraska and 1,805 career points.*-Williams tied a career high with four 3-points. He had done it seven other times in his career.&nbsp;*-Braxton Meah had eight rebounds to surpass his season-high of seven&nbsp;set at Northwestern on Feb. 5Nebraska Coach Fred HoibergOn the Huskers battling despite a poor shooting night“I am proud of the team. I am proud of the guys for going out there and giving us a chance when you had about as poor of an offensive night as you can possibly have. The ball doesn’t go in the basket; it’s not easy to continue to go out there and have a spirit defensively but our guys fought like hell all game long to keep us in the game. We give ourselves a chance where we get a great look on a possession where there’s under 20 seconds. I’m proud of the guys for the way they went out there and fought and battled. And if we play like that, with that type of energy, we’re going to be fine. We’re going to be just fine in these last three games headed into the postseason. That’s what we have to understand, that’s who we are. Unfortunately, we don’t have a ton of shooting on this team. We have to stay in games and give ourselves a chance with our defense. That's been our identity when we’ve played well. That is what has won us games. I think without Brice (Williams) and then Sam (Hoiberg) goes 2-2, we went 5-39 with the rest of our team. That’s not going to happen, especially when we had some point-blank ones right there at the rim. I thought we had some good looks. I’ll go back and watch the film, but we had some shots from guys that we’ll 100% take that. If we play with that type of energy and that type of spirit, we’ll be fine. If we fall off with our energy, we're going to struggle.On Michigan’s size“I think we anticipated contact on a few of those. I thought we launched into them as opposed to coming in. If you don't have the angle, if you don’t have the advantage. We worked on a drill every day to reverse pivot and hit the guy on the pull behind, and we just did not make enough of those plays when we did, again, get some open ones by some good shooters, unfortunately, the ball didn’t go in the basket. Yes, I thought we anticipated contact when we drove the ball into the paint, and you’ve got to be strong in this league if you are going to finish at the basket. We obviously didn’t do a very good job of that.”On what he told the team“I told the guys how proud I was of them for how they played. From playing this game, when the ball is not going in the basket when you are missing shots you make a lot of times, it is not easy to continue to battle and defend and keep yourself in the game on the other end, but our guys did that. If we have that type of fight these next three games, we’re going to be fine and we’re going to be playing in the postseason, and that can’t change. Offensively, yes, we need to be better. I think we will be better, but that defensive effort, and intensity and edge that we had tonight has to be the same for these remaining three games. “&nbsp;Nebraska Guard Brice WilliamsOn keeping up the energy“It’s a consistent approach, consistent energy. Keeping locked into each game.&nbsp;On passing 1,000 points“A lot of experience scoring the ball. And my dad always preached poised. That’s how I am, just having a calm demeanor. It’s a cool accomplishment.”Michigan Coach Dusty MayOpening Statement&nbsp;“We’re obviously very pleased to leave Lincoln with a hard-fought road win against a program we have a great deal of respect for. It was almost like two teams looking at each other in the mirror. I think we were both determined to take away the other team’s leading scorers and go-to guys. I thought, for the most part, we did that. Brice Williams had a heck of an effort. He made big play after big play after a hot start. Fortunately, we were able to hold our own on the glass, and we had some odd lineups out late that found a way to function and score enough points.”On the atmosphere of Pinnacle Bank Arena“I thought it was awesome. I walked into today’s shootaround and thought, ‘Wow, this is a great basketball environment.’ It’s well done. And then obviously, the fan support and the energy in the building. When they made their run, it interrupted like some of the best environments in our league. We’ve gotten to that point at Crisler where our fan have that type of impact as well. So, it forces you to call a timeout and reset. I’ve watched these guys play on television a lot. It’s a great environment. There’s obviously a lot of support and energy in the building that’s generated from the guys not on the floor.”On shooting struggles and defensive battle&nbsp;“We’ve played in a lot of games like this, where you just got to figure out a way to get a few in the hold and figure out a way to get to the line. When you do, you’ve got to capitalize enough to win. It’s hard-fought. It’s tooth and nail. I thought both teams had a couple of good looks down the stretch, but they’ve exerted so much energy on the glass with the physicality, and it’s not easy to knock them down in this type of defensive slugfest. That was a very legally physical game. I thought both teams were disciplined without reaching, they put their chest on each other and really challenged everything. I thought their game plan was excellent to take away what we do well.”

Huskers fall short to No. 15 Michigan, 49-46

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's split between Western Nebraska and Northeastern. We also dabbled into the emotional side of basketball and how to keep a team composed with pressure mounting as we draw closer to playoff time.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655146989142.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's split between Western Nebraska and Northeastern. We also dabbled into the emotional side of basketball and how to keep a team composed with pressure mounting as we draw closer to playoff time.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) Knight's Weekly #9 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8h76d-18146f8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #9 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Ne - Girls Subdistrict Basketball tournaments finished up on Saturday afternoon. Below are the matchups around the state in Classes C1, C2, D1 &amp; D2, all games played on Friday, February 28.&nbsp; Boys subdistricts begin this week. Boys and Girls districts begin in Class A and B this week also.&nbsp;

C1-1 - Lincoln Christian (#1) VS Malcolm (#16) 

C1-3 - Minden (#3) VS West Point-Beemer (#14)

C1-4 - Gothenburg (#4) VS Ogallala (#13) (LISTEN on FLATROCK 100.7)

C1-5 - Bridgeport (#5) VS Battle Creek (#12)

C1-6 - Scotus Central Catholic (#6) VS Broken Bow (#11)

C1-7 - Arlington (#7) VS Central City (#10)

C1-8 - North Bend Central (#8) VS Raymond Central (#9)

C2-1 - Johnson-Brock (#1) VS Valentine (#16)

C2-3 - Oakland-Craig (#3) VS Elmwood-Murdock (#14)

C2-4 - Elkhorn Valley (#4) VS Bishop Neumann (#13)

C2-5 - Homer (#5) VS Maywood-Hayes Center (#12)

C2-6 - Cross County (#6) VS Humphrey-Lindsay (#11)

C2-7 - Guardian Angels Central Catholic (#7) VS Thayer Central (#10)

C2-8 - Yutan (#8) VS Southern Valley (#9)

D1-1 - Pender (#1) VS North Central (#16)

D1-3 - Southwest (#3) VS Pleasanton (#14)

D1-4 - Superior (#4) VS High Plains Community (#13)

D1-6 - Cedar Catholic (#6) VS Nebraska Christian (#11)

D1-7 - Diller-Odell (#7) VS Lourdes Central Catholic (#10)

D1-8 - Howells-Dodge (#8) VS Weeping Water (#9)

D2-2 - Falls City Sacred Heart (#2) VS Wynot (#15)

D2-4 - Dorchester (#4) VS Dundy County Stratton (#13)

D2-5 - Mullen (#5) VS Wilcox-Hildreth (#12)

D2-6 - Archangels Catholic (#6) VS Bancroft-Rosalie (#11)

(#4 North Platte vs. #5 Omaha South) Tuesday, Feb 25

North Platte, Ne - Girls Subdistrict Basketball tournaments finished up on Saturday afternoon. Below are the matchups around the state in Classes C1, C2, D1 &amp; D2, all games played on Friday, February 28.&nbsp; Boys subdistricts begin this week. Boys and Girls districts begin in Class A and B this week also.&nbsp;<h2>C1</h2>C1-1 - Lincoln Christian (#1) VS Malcolm (#16) C1-2 - Milford (#2) VS Pierce (#15)C1-3 - Minden (#3) VS West Point-Beemer (#14)C1-4 - Gothenburg (#4) VS Ogallala (#13) (LISTEN on FLATROCK 100.7)C1-5 - Bridgeport (#5) VS Battle Creek (#12)C1-6 - Scotus Central Catholic (#6) VS Broken Bow (#11)C1-7 - Arlington (#7) VS Central City (#10)C1-8 - North Bend Central (#8) VS Raymond Central (#9)<h2>C2</h2>C2-1 - Johnson-Brock (#1) VS Valentine (#16)C2-2 - Crofton (#2) VS Centura (#15)C2-3 - Oakland-Craig (#3) VS Elmwood-Murdock (#14)C2-4 - Elkhorn Valley (#4) VS Bishop Neumann (#13)C2-5 - Homer (#5) VS Maywood-Hayes Center (#12)C2-6 - Cross County (#6) VS Humphrey-Lindsay (#11)C2-7 - Guardian Angels Central Catholic (#7) VS Thayer Central (#10)C2-8 - Yutan (#8) VS Southern Valley (#9)<h2>D1</h2>D1-1 - Pender (#1) VS North Central (#16)D1-2 - Elm Creek (#2) VS Morrill (#15)D1-3 - Southwest (#3) VS Pleasanton (#14)D1-4 - Superior (#4) VS High Plains Community (#13)D1-5 - Alma (#5) VS Brady (#12)D1-6 - Cedar Catholic (#6) VS Nebraska Christian (#11)D1-7 - Diller-Odell (#7) VS Lourdes Central Catholic (#10)D1-8 - Howells-Dodge (#8) VS Weeping Water (#9)<h2>D2</h2>D2-1 - Shelton (#1) VS Hay Springs (#16)D2-2 - Falls City Sacred Heart (#2) VS Wynot (#15)D2-3 - St. Mary's (#3) VS Stuart (#14)D2-4 - Dorchester (#4) VS Dundy County Stratton (#13)D2-5 - Mullen (#5) VS Wilcox-Hildreth (#12)D2-6 - Archangels Catholic (#6) VS Bancroft-Rosalie (#11)D2-7 - Silver Lake (#7) VS Amherst (#10)D2-8 - Leyton (#8) VS Anselmo-Merna (#9)<h2>CLASS A District A-2 </h2>(#4 North Platte vs. #5 Omaha South) Tuesday, Feb 25

Girls District Finals - Ogallala, Gothenburg, Brady all in district finals this week

Omaha, Ne - The Nebraska Girls State Wrestling Meet is going on in Omaha today and Wednesday. See results here, along with exclusive video interviews and pictures from the POST.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">CLICK HERE</a>

Omaha, Ne - The Nebraska Girls State Wrestling Meet is going on in Omaha today and Wednesday. See results here, along with exclusive video interviews and pictures from the POST.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">CLICK HERE</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739928181741.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Great first night for Girls State Wrestling in Omaha (Results, Videos and Pictures)

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's victory over the #1 team in the Region 9 South Lamar Community College, as well as discussing the overall development and growth of the team down the stretch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's victory over the #1 team in the Region 9 South Lamar Community College, as well as discussing the overall development and growth of the team down the stretch.<div><iframe title="(Audio) Knight's Weekly #8 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nx5ay-17f1921-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #8 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Ne - Girls basketball subdistricts in classes C1, C2, D1 &amp; D2 begin around the state on Monday, February 17. An expected snow storm could change some of the game times and locations of the brackets below. Watch our cancellations page for updates on any changes to these games. Class A and B will begin next week.

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-8 at Milford High School

Tuesday - #1 Milford (20-1) vs.
(St.Paul/Cozad Winner)

Tuesday - #3 Grand Island Central Catholic
(11-11) vs. #2 Broken Bow (17-5)

Thursday – (Tuesday Winners at 6:30pm
CT)

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-9 at Gothenburg High School

Monday - #4 Adams Central (8-12)
vs. #5 Gibbon (2-20)

Monday - #3 Kearney Catholic
(11-11) vs. #6 Wilber-Clatonia (0-23)

Tuesday - #1 Gothenburg (17-3)
vs. (Adams Central/Gibbon Winner) 5:30pm CT

Tuesday - #2 Central City (22-2)
vs. (Kearney Catholic/Wilber-Clatonia Winner) 7pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-10 at Bridgeport Public Schools

Monday - #4 Hershey (12-9)
vs. #5 Chadron (11-12) 5pm MT

Monday - #3 Chase County
(11-9) vs. #6 Mitchell (8-14) 6:30 MT

Tuesday - #1 Bridgeport (22-1) vs.
(Hershey/Chadron Winner) 5pm MT

Tuesday - #2 Ogallala
(15-8) vs. (Chase County/Mitchell Winner) 6:30pm MT (Game on Flatrock
100.7 FM)

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-7 at Cross County High School

Monday - #4 Maxwell (12-10)
vs. #5 Wood River (6-17) 5pm CT

Tuesday - #1 Cross County (21-2)
vs. (Maxwell/Wood River Winner) 5pm CT

Tuesday - #3 Sandy Creek (13-9)
vs. #2 Sutton (18-6) 6:45pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-8 at Maywood High School

Monday - #4 Centura (12-11) vs. #5
Shelby-Rising City (6-16) 4:30pm CT

Monday - #3 Arcadia/Loup City
(14-9) vs. #6 South Loup (2-19) 5:45pmCT

Tuesday - #1 Maywood-Hayes
Center (21-4) vs. (Centura/SRC Winner) 5pm CT

Tuesday - #2 Hastings St. Cecilia
(13-8) vs. (ALC/South Loup Winner) 6:15pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-10 at Gordon-Rushville High School

Monday - #4 Perkins County
(8-12) vs. #5 North Platte St. Pat’s (4-18) will be played in Grant at
5pm MT

Tuesday - #1 Gordon-Rushville
(9-13) vs. (PC/NPSP Winner) 4:30pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Bayard (10-11) vs. #2
Valentine (6-16) 6pm MT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D1-10 at Bartley, NE

Monday - #4 Wauneta-Palisade
(9-11) vs. # Hi-Line (4-16) 6:30pm

Tuesday - #1 Southwest (20-1) vs.
(WP/HL Winner) 6pm CT

Tuesday - #3 Cambridge (12-10) vs.
#2 Arapahoe (15-9) 7:30pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D1-11 at Brady High School

Tuesday - #1 Brady (15-7)
vs. #4 Sandhills Valley (0-17) 7pm CT

Tuesday - #3 Sutherland
(3-16) vs. #2 South Platte (17-6) 5:30pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-9 at Dundy County Stratton High School, Benkelman, NE

Tuesday - #1 Dundy
County-Stratton (14-6) vs. #4 Medicine Valley (2-19) 5pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Wallace (5-14)
vs. #2 Hitchcock County (8-12) 6:30pm MT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-10 at Mullen High School, Mullen NE

Tuesday - #1 Mullen (17-2)
vs. #4 Arthur County (6-10) 4:30pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Sandhills/Thedford
(13-9) vs. #2 Paxton (13-8) 6pm MT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-11 at Leyton High School (Dalton)

Monday - #4 Creek Valley
(2-15) vs. #5 Minatare (1-13) 6pm MT

Tuesday - #1 Leyton (19-2) vs.
(Creek Valley/Minatare Winner) 6pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Banner County (4-15)
vs. #2 Garden County (13-9) NO GAME FORFEIT

Thursday – (Leyton/CV-Minarare
Winner) vs. #2 Garden County 6pm MT

North Platte, Ne - Girls basketball subdistricts in classes C1, C2, D1 &amp; D2 begin around the state on Monday, February 17. An expected snow storm could change some of the game times and locations of the brackets below. Watch our cancellations page for updates on any changes to these games. Class A and B will begin next week.<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-8 at Milford High School</h2>Monday - #4 St. Paul (7-13) vs.
#5&nbsp;Tuesday - #1 Milford (20-1) vs.
(St.Paul/Cozad Winner)Tuesday - #3 Grand Island Central Catholic
(11-11) vs. #2 Broken Bow (17-5)Thursday – (Tuesday Winners at 6:30pm
CT)<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-9 at Gothenburg High School</h2>Monday - #4 Adams Central (8-12)
vs. #5 Gibbon (2-20)Monday - #3 Kearney Catholic
(11-11) vs. #6 Wilber-Clatonia (0-23)Tuesday - #1 Gothenburg (17-3)
vs. (Adams Central/Gibbon Winner) 5:30pm CTTuesday - #2 Central City (22-2)
vs. (Kearney Catholic/Wilber-Clatonia Winner) 7pm CTThursday – (Tuesday Winners at 6pm
CT)<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-10 at Bridgeport Public Schools</h2>Monday - #4 Hershey (12-9)
vs. #5 Chadron (11-12) 5pm MTMonday - #3 Chase County
(11-9) vs. #6 Mitchell (8-14) 6:30 MTTuesday - #1 Bridgeport (22-1) vs.
(Hershey/Chadron Winner) 5pm MTTuesday - #2 Ogallala
(15-8) vs. (Chase County/Mitchell Winner) 6:30pm MT (Game on Flatrock
100.7 FM)Thursday – (Tuesday Winners at 6pm
MT)<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-7 at Cross County High School</h2>Monday - #4 Maxwell (12-10)
vs. #5 Wood River (6-17) 5pm CTTuesday - #1 Cross County (21-2)
vs. (Maxwell/Wood River Winner) 5pm CTTuesday - #3 Sandy Creek (13-9)
vs. #2 Sutton (18-6) 6:45pm CTThursday – (Tuesday Winners) 6pm
CT<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-8 at Maywood High School</h2>Monday - #4 Centura (12-11) vs. #5
Shelby-Rising City (6-16) 4:30pm CTMonday - #3 Arcadia/Loup City
(14-9) vs. #6 South Loup (2-19) 5:45pmCTTuesday - #1 Maywood-Hayes
Center (21-4) vs. (Centura/SRC Winner) 5pm CTTuesday - #2 Hastings St. Cecilia
(13-8) vs. (ALC/South Loup Winner) 6:15pm CTThursday – (Tuesday Winners)
5:30pm CT<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-10 at Gordon-Rushville High School</h2>Monday - #4 Perkins County
(8-12) vs. #5 North Platte St. Pat’s (4-18) will be played in Grant at
5pm MTTuesday - #1 Gordon-Rushville
(9-13) vs. (PC/NPSP Winner) 4:30pm MTTuesday - #3 Bayard (10-11) vs. #2
Valentine (6-16) 6pm MTThursday – (Tuesday Winners) 5pm
MT<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D1-10 at Bartley, NE</h2>Monday - #4 Wauneta-Palisade
(9-11) vs. # Hi-Line (4-16) 6:30pmTuesday - #1 Southwest (20-1) vs.
(WP/HL Winner) 6pm CTTuesday - #3 Cambridge (12-10) vs.
#2 Arapahoe (15-9) 7:30pm CTThursday – (Tuesday Winners)
6:30pm CT<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D1-11 at Brady High School</h2>Tuesday - #1 Brady (15-7)
vs. #4 Sandhills Valley (0-17) 7pm CTTuesday - #3 Sutherland
(3-16) vs. #2 South Platte (17-6) 5:30pm CTThursday – (Tuesday Winners) 7pm
CT<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-9 at Dundy County Stratton High School, Benkelman, NE</h2>Tuesday - #1 Dundy
County-Stratton (14-6) vs. #4 Medicine Valley (2-19) 5pm MTTuesday - #3 Wallace (5-14)
vs. #2 Hitchcock County (8-12) 6:30pm MTThursday (Tuesday Winners) 6pm MT<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-10 at Mullen High School, Mullen NE</h2>Tuesday - #1 Mullen (17-2)
vs. #4 Arthur County (6-10) 4:30pm MTTuesday - #3 Sandhills/Thedford
(13-9) vs. #2 Paxton (13-8) 6pm MTThursday (Tuesday Winners) 6pm MT<h2>Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-11 at Leyton High School (Dalton)</h2>Monday - #4 Creek Valley
(2-15) vs. #5 Minatare (1-13) 6pm MTTuesday - #1 Leyton (19-2) vs.
(Creek Valley/Minatare Winner) 6pm MTTuesday - #3 Banner County (4-15)
vs. #2 Garden County (13-9) NO GAME FORFEITThursday – (Leyton/CV-Minarare
Winner) vs. #2 Garden County 6pm MT