Shelton Claims D2 State Title

LINCOLN – For the first time in a century, the Shelton Bulldogs are boys state basketball champions.

Despite a scare in the quarterfinals, the top-rated Shelton squad (26-1) toppled No. 2 Maywood-Hayes Center 54-42 on Saturday night to round out the final game of the state basketball championships in Lincoln at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Shelton had a first quarter lead of 11-8 in a slower-paced start, but back-to-back three pointers by Ashton Simmons extended the Bulldogs lead into the second period. Maywood-Hayes Center would close out the half on an 8-0, bringing the game to a 21-18 lead for Shelton at halftime.

The Bulldogs once again went up by double-digits off a Simmons three-pointer, as the Bulldogs carried their lead into the final period up 39-33.

Shelton took control of the fourth, leading by thirteen with six minutes to play and never looking back taking their 52-42 victory.

Simmons ended the day with 17 points and nine rebounds, while teammate Riley Bembeck had 17 points and nine assists.

The Bulldogs overcame their fourth place finish in 2023, earning their first state championship since 1919 and their third overall title in boys basketball.