KEARNEY CATHOLIC BOYS WIN REVENGE GAME, HEAD TO C1 SEMIS:
The Kearney Catholic Stars Boys Basketball team won the second half and hit the big shots when needed to down Wayne in a rematch from the 2021 first round of the state basketball tournament, earning a seat at the Class C1 semi-final table with a 47-40 win on Tuesday afternoon.
The Stars now take Ashland-Greenwood, coming in at 25-1 on the year and winning over Ogallala on Tuesday 56-43.
Thursday’s game will take place at Pinnacle Bank Arena and tip-off at 10:45 AM.
LOCAL TEAMS TAKE ON STATE TOURNAMENT, DAY 1 RESULTS & DAY 2 SCHEDULE:
Area teams in action taking on the NSAA Boys & Girls state basketball tournament:
TUESDAY TEAMS RESULTS:
GIRLS:
CLASS B:
#4 Norris 43 – #5 York 22
#3 Adams Central 56 – 46 #6 Beatrice
CLASS C2:
#1 Hastings St. Cecilia 47 – 20 #8 Elkhorn Valley
CLASS D1:
#4 Shelton 52 – 47 #5 Niobrara
BOYS:
CLASS C1:
#3 Kearney Catholic 47 – 40 #6 Wayne
CLASS D2:
#1 St. Mary’s 60 – 42 #8 Shelton
WEDNESDAY TEAMS IN ACTION: (SEMIFINALS)
GIRLS:
CLASS C1:
#5 Gothenburg v. #1 Lincoln Lutheran – 9 AM (Pinnacle Bank Arena)
#3 GICC v. #2 North Bend Central – 10:45 AM (Pinnacle Bank Arena)
BOYS:
CLASS C2:
#8 Amherst v. #4 GICC – 3:15 PM (Devaney)
CLASS D1:
#3 Loomis v. #2 Dundy Co.-Stratton – 10:45 AM (Devaney)
SURVEY SAYS: HUSKER FANS WANT ALCOHOL AND GAMBLING:
A survey of more than 20,000 Nebraska fans showed nearly three-fourths want or would have no problem with alcohol sales in Memorial Stadium, and more than half would be OK with sports wagering on-site.
The athletic department in January sent surveys to more than 220,000 season-ticket holders, single-game ticket buyers and donors, and 21,782 responded. Results were released Tuesday.
University regents voted last month to allow campus leaders to decide whether to sell alcohol at sports venues. University president Ted Carter said there would be no alcohol sales at Memorial Stadium in 2022, but beer was available at Pinnacle Bank Arena for the Big Ten wrestling tournament this past weekend.
At least half the schools in the major conferences, and eight of the 14 in the Big Ten, now sell alcohol.
Some 72% of all respondents said they had a positive or neutral attitude toward alcohol sales at Memorial Stadium, including 41% who had a very positive attitude.
HUSKER MEN TAKE ON NORTHWESTERN IN BIG TEN TOURNEY:
The Nebraska men’s basketball team looks to extend its 2021-22 season Wednesday night as the Huskers take on Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Presented by TIAA. Tipoff from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis between the Huskers and Wildcats is set for 5 p.m.
Nebraska (10-21, 4-16) comes into the Big Ten Tournament on a three-game win streak, matching Big Ten co-champ Illinois for the Big Ten’s longest winning streak entering the postseason. In fact, only seven power conference teams (UNC, Baylor, Seton Hall, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Arizona State and Clemson) enter this week with longer win streaks than Nebraska’s current win streak.
The Huskers come in off the heels of its most impressive win in recent years, a 74-73 win at No. 10 Wisconsin on Sunday.
Northwestern (14-15, 7-12 Big Ten) comes off a 75-62 win over Minnesota on Sunday evening.
HUSKER BASEBALL HAS LONG BEACH STATE SERIES CANCELED:
Due to the forecasted inclement weather and field conditions, this weekend’s home baseball series vs. Long Beach State has been canceled.
In place of the LBSU series, the Huskers will play a two-game home-and-home series with Omaha on Sunday-Monday, March 13-14. Sunday’s game is set for a 3 p.m. start at Tal Anderson Field in Omaha, while first pitch on Monday is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Haymarket Park.
NEBRASKA BASEBALL BATTLES K-STATE:
The Nebraska baseball team plays its first midweek game since March 11, 2020, as the Huskers travel to take on Kansas State on Wednesday March 9 at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan.
First pitch between the Huskers and Wildcats is set for 4:02 p.m.
Nebraska leads the all-time series over Kansas State, 170-116.
NEBRASKA SPRING PRACTICE: FISHER, BUFORD COMMENTS:
FISHER – CTB SET GOOD EXAMPLE TO GET TO NFL
Defensive Back coach Travis Fisher spoke on Monday regarding Cam Taylor Britt’s performance at the NFL scouting combine, and said that even without CTB still in the defensive backfield, he is still leading by example…
Taylor-Britt is projected as a 5th round NFL Draft pick after running a 4.38 40 yard dash and competing well at the scouting drills.
FISHER – OLDER DEFENSIVE BACKS NEED TO HELP TEACH YOUNG GUYS
Defensive Backs coach Travis Fisher is expecting his older DB’s to step into leadership and mentorship roles this season with plenty of new faces spotting the defensive backfield…
Fisher continued by saying he won’t make any older player step up into a leadership position, but will expect leadership to come through the group.
FISHER – DEFENSIVE BACKS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO SPECIAL TEAMS
Travis Fisher, the defensive backs coach for the Nebraska football team, was very adamant during his Monday press conference saying that if you want playing time in the defensive backfield, you’ll need to contribute on special teams…
New special teams coordinator Bill Busch has said publicly that some of the most talented and skilled players on the roster will dot the special teams as to make up for the deficiencies in last year’s play.
BUFORD – LEARNING AS MUCH OF DEFENSE AS I CAN
Sophomore defensive back Marques Buford Jr. spoke to the media on Monday after practice and was asked what position he has been focusing on this off-season…
Buford played in 12 contests last year but was limited in action due to the strong play of seniors Cam Taylor-Britt at cornerback and Deonte Williams in the backfield.
BUFORD – SAFETY RESPONSIBILTY
Marques Buford Jr. was at the podium on Monday in his post-practice press conference and spoke about his responsibilities on the field as the safety…
The defensive backfield starting lineup is up for grabs this season with the graduation or departures of key pieces and starters from last season’s Blackshirts.
BUFORD – HELPING THE YOUNGER GUYS
Sophomore Marques Buford Jr. spoke after Monday’s practice about how he sees his responsibility to help the younger defensive backs in their transition as he was in that spot last season…
Buford looks to make a starting role this season with the departure of his former teammates after appearing in 12 contests last season.
NEBRASKA SPRING PRACTICE ERIC CHINANDER COMMENTS:
CHINANDER – PROUD TO SEE ALUMS MAKE COMBINE:
Defensive Coordinator of the Huskers Erik Chinander made his first press appearance of the spring season on Monday, and spoke about how proud he was to see two former Blackshirts participating in the NFL Combine…
Taylor-Britt ran a blazing 4.38 40 yard dash, while JoJo Domann impressed with his athleticism. Both are currently projected as picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
CHINANDER – YOUNG DEFENSIVE LINE FEELING URGENCY:
Erik Chinander spoke to the media on Monday and addressed the sense of urgency in his young defensive line…
The young Blackshirts are missing a few seniors from graduation and are looking to rely on Ty Robinson as the key centerpiece with the most returning experience.
CHINANDER – GIFFORD NEEDS A STEP TO BREAK THROUGH:
Blackshirts coordinator Erik Chinander was asked at his Monday press conference who he’s looking forward to making the next step on the defense, and the quick answer came in the form of linebacker Isaac Gifford. Chinander did add that the sophomore will need to be quick to breakthrough…
Gifford is the younger brother of former Blackshirt and NFL linebacker Luke Gifford, both from Lincoln. Gifford saw significant action last year, replacing JoJo Domann when the senior was injured the final two games.
CHINANDER – EVERYONE LOOKS GOOD BEFORE YOU START TACKLING:
Defensive Coordinator Erik Chinander spoke to the media on Monday saying his defense is looking good after the first week of Spring practices, but the real hitting hasn’t come just yet…
Chinander continued by saying he’s looking forward to playing physically with his defense once the scrimmages come around. The first Husker scrimmage is set for this upcoming Friday.
CHINANDER – FIRST WEEK WAS ALL ABOUT INSTALL:
Defensive Coordinator for the Nebraska Football team Erik Chinader spoke on Monday that the first week of spring practices was good for his team to get back to basics and re-learn the concepts of the defense…
Chinander also added he’s looking forward to seeing his defense compete against the offense when scrimmages come later this week.
CHINANDER – YOUNG GUYS COMMUNICATION IS BIGGEST HURDLE:
As plenty of fresh faced Husker defenders begin their Nebraska careers during this year’s spring practices, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander adds he’s looking for his new players to be great communicators for success…
Chinander spoke highly of Isaac Gifford, saying the young linebacker has taken a big step forward and is looking fast.
CHINANDER – GOOD FOR DEFENSE TO SEE NEW OFFENSIVE SCHEMES:
With the addition of new offensive assistants to the coaching staff over the offseason, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said it has been good for his Blackshirts to see new concepts in their spring practice sessions…
Chinander did not mention what quarterbacks his defense has competed against up to this point of spring practices.
McGOWENS NAMED BIG TEN NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR BY AP:
Nebraska guard Bryce McGowens was tabbed as the Big Ten’s Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press in voting from media from around the Big Ten region.
McGowens enters this week’s Big Ten Tournament averaging a team-high 17.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 30 starts for the Cornhuskers, who have won three straight heading into Wednesday’s first-round game with Northwestern. McGowens’ 17.2 points per game leads all freshmen nationally and is highest scoring average by a Big Ten freshmen since Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell in 2014-15.
McGowens tops all Big Ten freshmen in scoring and is second in rebounding, while ranking among conference leaders in scoring (eighth), free throws made (160, first), free throws attempted (191, second), free throw percentage (.833, second) and minutes played (33.3, 12th). He reached double figures in 25 contests, including 11 20-point efforts.
TWO HUSKER MEN EARN BIG TEN HONORS:
A pair of Nebraska men’s basketball players were honored Tuesday morning, as the Big Ten Conference announced its 2021-22 all-conference teams.
Bryce McGowens received a pair of honors, as he was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and was a third-team honoree by both the coaches and media, while Derrick Walker was chosen as Nebraska’s nominee for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
McGowens became the first Husker freshman to be named to the Big Ten Freshman team since the Huskers joined the conference in 2011-12 and the first NU player to be tabbed on one of the top three conference teams since James Palmer Jr. in 2018-19.
MILLER EARNS 5th WEEKLY AWARD OF CAREER FOR STORM:
Tri-City Storm defenseman Mitchell Miller has been named the USHL’s Defenseman of the Week for the first time this season and the fifth time in his USHL career.
Miller notched his first career USHL hat trick in the Storm’s 8-3 home victory over the Lincoln Stars on Sunday. He scored two goals in Tri-City’s 8-0 shutout of the Stars on Saturday. Miller currently leads all USHL defensemen this season in Goals (23), Points (55), Game-Winning Goals (7), Plus/Minus Rating (+28), Points-Per-Game (1.25), and Shots on Goal (187).
HUSKER BASKETBALL TO HEAD TO ORLANDO TO START 2023 SEASON:
The Nebraska men’s basketball team will return to Orlando, Fla., this fall to participate in the 2022 ESPN Events Invitational, as the 2022 field was announced today. This year’s edition take place from Nov. 24-27 at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla.
The eight-team field also includes Florida State, Memphis, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Seton Hall, Siena and Stanford. This will mark the second time the Huskers have participated in the event, and the first since the 2017-18 season.
The tournament could feature the first matchup between Nebraska and Oklahoma on the hardwood since the Huskers joined the Big Ten after the 2010-11 season.
ANDREWS EARNS PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR BIG TEN SOFTBALL:
Sophomore infielder Billie Andrews was named Big Ten Player of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.
Andrews was recognized for an outstanding weekend in the home-opening series against Wichita State and South Dakota State. Andrews hit .500 in four games with five home runs. Andrews tallied 10 RBIs, a 1.750 slugging percentage and a .625 on-base percentage. The sophomore started all four games at shortstop and helped Nebraska to a 3-1 record in four games against 2021 NCAA Tournament teams.
RED CARPET EXPERIENCE EXPANDS TO SPRING SPORTS:
The Nebraska Athletic Department will expand the Red Carpet Experience, making the popular fan initiative available for a select number of games at other ticketed events.
The Huskers debuted the Red Carpet Experience at Memorial Stadium last season. The program provides an opportunity for underserved youth across the state of Nebraska to receive donor-funded tickets and experience Husker game days.
The Red Carpet Experience will now expand to other selected ticketed events, including the Red-White Spring Game presented by FNBO, baseball, and softball.
Red carpet events include the Husker Football spring game, three contests for Nebraska Baseball, and three contests for Husker Softball.
LOPER SOFTBALL AWAITS START OF MIAA SEASON AFTER ANOTHER DELAY:
The Nebraska-Kearney softball team will have to wait two days to start the 2022 MIAA season.
The Lopers (6-12), due to wintry weather, will now play at Missouri Western State on Sunday (March 13) and at Northwest Missouri State on Monday (March 14). These games were originally set for Friday/Saturday this weekend. Game times remain as scheduled; 2/4 p.m. in St. Joe and 12/2 p.m. in Maryville.
Local Results & Schedules:
THIS WEEK IN LOCAL SPORTS:
TUESDAY:
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
-
- BOYS BASKETBALL: State Tournament @ Lincoln (Quarterfinals)
- #3 KCHS v. #6 Wayne @ Bob Devaney Sports Center
- #3 KCHS 47-40
- #3 KCHS v. #6 Wayne @ Bob Devaney Sports Center
- BOYS BASKETBALL: State Tournament @ Lincoln (Quarterfinals)
WEDNESDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- N/a
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- N/a
- UNK:
- N/a
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
- N/a
THURSDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- N/a
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- BOYS BASKETBALL: State Tournament @ Lincoln (Semifinals)
- UNK:
- N/a
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
- BASEBALL: @ Rusmatt Tournament
- V. Rochester University – 6:30 PM
- BASEBALL: @ Rusmatt Tournament
FRIDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- N/a
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- N/a
- UNK:
- UNK MENS TRACK: @ NCAA Indoor Championships, Pittsburg, KS
- WRESTLING: @ NCAA Div. 2 Championships
- WOMENS TENNIS: @ Cameron Lawton, OK
- WOMENS BASKETBALL: @ NCAA TOURNAMENT (Hays, KS)
- UNK v. Minnesota-Duluth – 12 PM
- SOFTBALL: @ Missouri Western (Doubleheader) – 2 PM, 4 PM
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
- WOMENS WRESTLING: @ NAIA National Championships
- SOFTBALL: @ McPherson Tournament
- v. No. 24 Central Baptist College – 10:30 AM
- v. Tabor College – 12:45 PM
- BASEBALL: @ Rusmatt Tournament
- v. Cornerstone University
SATURDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- N/a
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- BOYS BASKETBALL: State Tournament @ Lincoln (Championship)
- UNK:
- UNK MENS TRACK: @ NCAA Indoor Championships, Pittsburg, KS
- WRESTLING: @ NCAA Div. 2 Championships
- WOMENS TENNIS: @ Angelo State
- SOFTBALL: @ Northwest Missouri State – 12 PM, 2 PM
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
- WOMENS WRESTLING: @ NAIA National Championships
- BASEBALL: @ Rusmatt Tournament
- v. Cornerstone University
