<div><style type="text/css">
.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;}
.tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;
 overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}
.tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;
 font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}
.tg .tg-6985{color:#444;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle}
.tg .tg-3awj{background-color:#F1F1F1;color:#444;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}
.tg .tg-ijwh{background-color:#F1F1F1;color:#444;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle}
.tg .tg-k5wn{color:#444;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}
.tg .tg-4lv1{background-color:#0070BB;color:#FFF;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}
</style>
<table class="tg">
<thead>
 <tr>
 <th class="tg-4lv1" colspan="3">Team Scores</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-6985">1</td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">Arapahoe </td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">186.5</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ijwh">2</td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">Maxwell </td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">172.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-6985">3</td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">Southern Valley </td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">170.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ijwh">4</td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">Alma </td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">157.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-6985">5</td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">Hitchcock County </td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">139.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ijwh">6</td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">Cambridge </td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">135.5</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-6985">7</td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">Southwest </td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">127.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ijwh">8</td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">Loomis/Bertrand </td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">78.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-6985">9</td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">Wauneta-Palisade </td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">64.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ijwh">10</td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">Dundy County-Stratton </td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">26.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-6985">11</td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">Medicine Valley </td>
 <td class="tg-k5wn">12.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ijwh">12</td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">Paxton </td>
 <td class="tg-3awj">4.0</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

Area Sports: RPAC Wrestling results

The Nebraska baseball team received a preseason top 25 ranking on Monday, checking in at No. 20 in Baseball America's preseason poll.

The Huskers are coming off a regular-season Big Ten title and their first NCAA Regional Final appearance since 2007 after going 34-14 (31-12 Big Ten) in 2021.

Nebraska is the lone Big Ten team in the Top 25. Texas received the top spot in Baseball America's poll, followed by No. 2 Vanderbilt and defending national champion Mississippi State in third. No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 5 Virginia round out the top five.

The No. 20 ranking is the second ranking in the top 25 for the Huskers this preseason. Nebraska comes in at No. 22 in the Perfect Game Preseason Poll, released earlier this month. Preseason polls from USA Today and NCBWA have yet to be released.

Nebraska opens the 2022 campaign with a three-game series at Sam Houston on Feb. 18-20 in Huntsville, Texas.

The Nebraska baseball team received a preseason top 25 ranking on Monday, checking in at No. 20 in Baseball America's preseason poll.The Huskers are coming off a regular-season Big Ten title and their first NCAA Regional Final appearance since 2007 after going 34-14 (31-12 Big Ten) in 2021.Nebraska is the lone Big Ten team in the Top 25. Texas received the top spot in Baseball America's poll, followed by No. 2 Vanderbilt and defending national champion Mississippi State in third. No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 5 Virginia round out the top five.The No. 20 ranking is the second ranking in the top 25 for the Huskers this preseason. Nebraska comes in at No. 22 in the Perfect Game Preseason Poll, released earlier this month. Preseason polls from USA Today and NCBWA have yet to be released.Nebraska opens the 2022 campaign with a three-game series at Sam Houston on Feb. 18-20 in Huntsville, Texas.

Huskers Ranked No. 20 in Baseball America's Preseason Poll

Lincoln --&nbsp;The Nebraska men's basketball game against No. 8 Wisconsin has been rescheduled to Thursday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m. (central). The game was scheduled for Jan. 25, but health and safety protocols within the Husker program caused the game to be rescheduled. The game will be carried on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp; Fans who had tickets for Tuesday's originally scheduled game should use those tickets for Thursday's game. Because of the men's basketball schedule change announced today, the Nebraska women's basketball game against Wisconsin scheduled for Jan. 27, will now start at 8 p.m. (central). It will also be carried on the Huskers Radio Network and will also be televised on BTN. Fans who have men's basketball tickets for the rescheduled game will be able to attend the women's game and sit in select general admission areas (sections 111-113 and 122-102). Fans will have to exit Pinnacle Bank Arena following the men's game and can re-enter at any gate prior to the women's game. PBA gates will re-open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. women's game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln --&nbsp;The Nebraska men's basketball game against No. 8 Wisconsin has been rescheduled to Thursday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m. (central). The game was scheduled for Jan. 25, but health and safety protocols within the Husker program caused the game to be rescheduled. The game will be carried on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp; Fans who had tickets for Tuesday's originally scheduled game should use those tickets for Thursday's game. Because of the men's basketball schedule change announced today, the Nebraska women's basketball game against Wisconsin scheduled for Jan. 27, will now start at 8 p.m. (central). It will also be carried on the Huskers Radio Network and will also be televised on BTN. Fans who have men's basketball tickets for the rescheduled game will be able to attend the women's game and sit in select general admission areas (sections 111-113 and 122-102). Fans will have to exit Pinnacle Bank Arena following the men's game and can re-enter at any gate prior to the women's game. PBA gates will re-open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. women's game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Men’s Basketball Game vs. Wisconsin Rescheduled to Jan. 27

Girls Bracket:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643036166198.jpeg" alt="2022 SWC Girls first bracket.jpg" />
 <figcaption>2022 SWC Girls first bracket.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys Bracket:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643036191613.jpeg" alt="2022 SWC Boys first bracket.jpg" />
 <figcaption>2022 SWC Boys first bracket.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Area Sports: 2022 SWC Basketball Brackets

Girls Bracket:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643036036388.jpeg" alt="2022 MNAC Girls Bracket.jpg" />
 <figcaption>2022 MNAC Girls Bracket.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys Bracket:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643036061556.jpeg" alt="2022 MNAC Boys bracket.jpg" />
 <figcaption>2022 MNAC Boys bracket.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Area Sports: 2022 MNAC Basketball Brackets

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643031963209.png" alt="South-Team-Roster-1024x576.png" />
 <figcaption>South-Team-Roster-1024x576.png</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643031994126.png" alt="North-Team-Roster-1024x576.png" />
 <figcaption>North-Team-Roster-1024x576.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

2022 Nebraska Shrine Bowl rosters

Friday (01/21/2022) Alliance 48, Ogallala 46 Arthur County 48, Hyannis 19 North Platte 57, McCook 33 Saturday (01/22/2022) Ainsworth 57, Ogallala 34 Bridgeport 77, North Platte St. Patrick's 47 Chase County 58, Hershey 43 Hyannis 51, Brady 33 Kimball 41, Perkins County 32 Leyton 49, Garden County 31 Paxton 42, Hitchcock County 35 Southern Valley 54, Medicine Valley 29 Wallace 54, Maxwell 37 York 41, North Platte 32

Friday (01/21/2022) Bridgeport 69, Perkins County 55 Hyannis 61, Arthur County 45 Kimball 45, Sutherland 32 North Platte 59, McCook 41 North Platte St. Patrick's 75, Chase County 37 Ogallala 76, Alliance 38 Saturday (01/22/2022) Brady 65, Twin Loup 38 Chase County 58, Perkins County 46 Hershey 61, Kimball 24 Hitchcock County 52, Maxwell 39 Maywood-Hayes Center 46, Paxton 44 North Platte 56, York 38 North Platte St. Patrick's 73, Bridgeport 41 Ogallala 67, Ainsworth 43 Wallace 72, Wauneta-Palisade 41

Girls Basketball:&nbsp;Friday (01/21/2022) Alliance 48, Ogallala 46 Arthur County 48, Hyannis 19 North Platte 57, McCook 33 Saturday (01/22/2022) Ainsworth 57, Ogallala 34 Bridgeport 77, North Platte St. Patrick's 47 Chase County 58, Hershey 43 Hyannis 51, Brady 33 Kimball 41, Perkins County 32 Leyton 49, Garden County 31 Paxton 42, Hitchcock County 35 Southern Valley 54, Medicine Valley 29 Wallace 54, Maxwell 37 York 41, North Platte 32 Boys Basketball:&nbsp;Friday (01/21/2022) Bridgeport 69, Perkins County 55 Hyannis 61, Arthur County 45 Kimball 45, Sutherland 32 North Platte 59, McCook 41 North Platte St. Patrick's 75, Chase County 37 Ogallala 76, Alliance 38 Saturday (01/22/2022) Brady 65, Twin Loup 38 Chase County 58, Perkins County 46 Hershey 61, Kimball 24 Hitchcock County 52, Maxwell 39 Maywood-Hayes Center 46, Paxton 44 North Platte 56, York 38 North Platte St. Patrick's 73, Bridgeport 41 Ogallala 67, Ainsworth 43 Wallace 72, Wauneta-Palisade 41

Area sports: Basketball results from 1/21-22

<h2>Girls Bracket:&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642987371507.png" alt="RPAC Girls 2021-22 after weekend" />
 <figcaption>RPAC Girls 2021-22 after weekend</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Boys Bracket:&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642987442841.png" alt="RPAC Boys Bracket 2021-22 after weekend" />
 <figcaption>RPAC Boys Bracket 2021-22 after weekend</figcaption>
 </figure>

RPAC Basketball brackets after 1/22 

La Junta, Colo. – Timur Krupalija had a career-high 29 points, but a late rally pushed Otero Junior College to a 101-94 victory on Saturday afternoon.

Krupalija set the tone inside, capturing 15 points to spark the Knights comeback bid after trailing by twenty-one points in the early moments of the second half. The Knights steadily climbed back into the game cutting the deficit down to seven with 15:19 to play. The 15-2 run set the tone for the remainder of the half, as the Knights continued to apply pressure to the Otero offense.

Down the stretch, the Knights cut the Rattlers lead to three multiple times over the next ten minutes. Nico Felici orchestrated the offense and back-to-back short-range jumpers gave the Knights their first lead of the game with 2:38 to play. Otero responded just thirty seconds later to retake the lead and outscored the Knights 8-4 to fend off the possible upset.

Otero jumped out to a nine-point lead in the opening four minutes of the game. North Platte chipped away at the lead over the next six minutes and managed to cut the deficit to four on a German Plotnikov off-balance runner, 28-24. Otero hit their stride offensively over the remainder of the half and built a nineteen-point lead by the halftime break, 59-40.

Knights shot over 50 percent from the floor for the sixth time this year, while outrebounding the Rattlers, 40-37. North Platte finished with four scorers in double figures including Krupalija, Plotnikov (20), Trevon Dennis (18), and Caleb Horne (12).

North Platte (5-9) will head south for a rivalry matchup with McCook Community College on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. inside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

La Junta, Colo. – Timur Krupalija had a career-high 29 points, but a late rally pushed Otero Junior College to a 101-94 victory on Saturday afternoon.Krupalija set the tone inside, capturing 15 points to spark the Knights comeback bid after trailing by twenty-one points in the early moments of the second half. The Knights steadily climbed back into the game cutting the deficit down to seven with 15:19 to play. The 15-2 run set the tone for the remainder of the half, as the Knights continued to apply pressure to the Otero offense.Down the stretch, the Knights cut the Rattlers lead to three multiple times over the next ten minutes. Nico Felici orchestrated the offense and back-to-back short-range jumpers gave the Knights their first lead of the game with 2:38 to play. Otero responded just thirty seconds later to retake the lead and outscored the Knights 8-4 to fend off the possible upset.Otero jumped out to a nine-point lead in the opening four minutes of the game. North Platte chipped away at the lead over the next six minutes and managed to cut the deficit to four on a German Plotnikov off-balance runner, 28-24. Otero hit their stride offensively over the remainder of the half and built a nineteen-point lead by the halftime break, 59-40.Knights shot over 50 percent from the floor for the sixth time this year, while outrebounding the Rattlers, 40-37. North Platte finished with four scorers in double figures including Krupalija, Plotnikov (20), Trevon Dennis (18), and Caleb Horne (12).North Platte (5-9) will head south for a rivalry matchup with McCook Community College on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. inside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Knights upset bid falls short against Rattlers

Story by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public Information

Beatrice, Neb. – Jada Ballard used her second career double-double to power North Platte to a 66-52 win over Southeast Community College on Saturday afternoon.

"Proud of our effort today," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We did a tremendous job on the defensive end and held a talented team to 20 points below their scoring average."

North Platte had an uphill battle, as Southeast jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the opening 6:43 of the first quarter. The Knights struggled offensively as their opening three possessions failed to net any points.

Kayla Pope brought the road team back to within one, before Southeast extended their lead to seven inside the final two minutes. Knights narrowed the deficit back to one on a layup by Pope, but Southeast responded by pushing their lead back to five by the end of the quarter, 15-10.

North Platte went to work on the boards in the second quarter as second chance opportunities helped the Knights cut into the Storm lead. Trailing by two inside six minutes to play, the Knights applied tough man-to-man pressure, which forced Southeast out of their gameplan.

The Southeast margin never grew over four points during the stretch, as a 6-2 burst by the Knights gave the road team the lead at the halftime break, 28-26.

Knights never trailed in the second half, pushing their lead out to twelve by the end of the third quarter. The lead grew to six on an offensive putback by Jordyn Moon inside the opening two minutes. Tough defensive pressure limited the offensive chances for the Storm, as the lead grew to twelve after Ballard chipped in six points of their 12-2 run to put the Knights up 47-35.

North Platte carried the momentum into the final ten minutes. Pope kept the Knights rolling by driving to the basket and finishing her contested layup with 8:32 to play. The lead grew to 17 inside the final four minutes, before Southeast trimmed the deficit down by going 3-of-4 from the free throw line in the final thirty seconds.

With the victory, North Platte improved to 2-0 against NJCAA DII Region IX opponents this season.

A total of six Knights scored in the contest, including 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting by Pope, while Ballard added 13 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Diamond Moore-Heath contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds for her nineteenth career double-double, while Moon and Fumnanya Ijeh each pitched in 10 points, respectively.

Knights (14-6) hit the road again on Tuesday, Jan. 25 for a matchup with McCook Community College. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Story by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public InformationBeatrice, Neb. – Jada Ballard used her second career double-double to power North Platte to a 66-52 win over Southeast Community College on Saturday afternoon."Proud of our effort today," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We did a tremendous job on the defensive end and held a talented team to 20 points below their scoring average."North Platte had an uphill battle, as Southeast jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the opening 6:43 of the first quarter. The Knights struggled offensively as their opening three possessions failed to net any points.Kayla Pope brought the road team back to within one, before Southeast extended their lead to seven inside the final two minutes. Knights narrowed the deficit back to one on a layup by Pope, but Southeast responded by pushing their lead back to five by the end of the quarter, 15-10.North Platte went to work on the boards in the second quarter as second chance opportunities helped the Knights cut into the Storm lead. Trailing by two inside six minutes to play, the Knights applied tough man-to-man pressure, which forced Southeast out of their gameplan.The Southeast margin never grew over four points during the stretch, as a 6-2 burst by the Knights gave the road team the lead at the halftime break, 28-26.Knights never trailed in the second half, pushing their lead out to twelve by the end of the third quarter. The lead grew to six on an offensive putback by Jordyn Moon inside the opening two minutes. Tough defensive pressure limited the offensive chances for the Storm, as the lead grew to twelve after Ballard chipped in six points of their 12-2 run to put the Knights up 47-35.North Platte carried the momentum into the final ten minutes. Pope kept the Knights rolling by driving to the basket and finishing her contested layup with 8:32 to play. The lead grew to 17 inside the final four minutes, before Southeast trimmed the deficit down by going 3-of-4 from the free throw line in the final thirty seconds.With the victory, North Platte improved to 2-0 against NJCAA DII Region IX opponents this season.A total of six Knights scored in the contest, including 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting by Pope, while Ballard added 13 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Diamond Moore-Heath contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds for her nineteenth career double-double, while Moon and Fumnanya Ijeh each pitched in 10 points, respectively.Knights (14-6) hit the road again on Tuesday, Jan. 25 for a matchup with McCook Community College. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Stifling defense helps Knights take down Storm

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642871487144.png" alt="Results 1 21 2022.png" />
 <figcaption>Results 1 21 2022.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

NPHS Swimming: Results from 1/21 meet

Trinidad, Colo. – North Platte Community College men’s basketball attempted to erase an eleven-point deficit in the second half to steal the win away from Trinidad State, but a late rally ended the Knights comeback bid on Friday night, 83-71.

Knights leapt out of the gate, outscoring the Trojans 12-8 in the opening 6:12 as their lead stretched to four after German Plotnikov completed the old fashioned three-point play. North Platte managed to extend their lead to eight with an off-balance floater by Plotnikov, as the Knights broke the full-court press and attacked the interior of the Trojans defense, 18-10.

The Trojans turned the momentum over the next three minutes, using a 13-4 run to take their first lead of the game with 9:17 to play in the opening half. Trinidad kept the momentum on their side for the remainder of the half, as the deficit grew to nine by the halftime break, 48-39.

Out of the break, Trinidad pushed their lead to eleven where the deficit stayed until the Knights cut the margin down to two with 10:16 to play. During the three-minute stretch, Timur Krupalija recorded six of his eleven points, which included two offensive putback opportunities and a two-handed dunk off a steal in transition.

Knights kept it close down the stretch, before the Trojans utilized an 11-4 run over the final 4:07 to halt the North Platte comeback.

Plotnikov paced the Knights with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, including 3-of-3 from the free throw line.

North Platte had one of their best shooting performances of the year, connecting on 52.8 percent of their shots from the field.&nbsp;

Knights (5-8) will end the weekend road trip against Otero Junior College on Saturday, Jan. 22. Tip is set for 3 p.m. inside the McDivitt Center Gym in La Junta, Colo.

Story by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public InformationTrinidad, Colo. – North Platte Community College men’s basketball attempted to erase an eleven-point deficit in the second half to steal the win away from Trinidad State, but a late rally ended the Knights comeback bid on Friday night, 83-71.Knights leapt out of the gate, outscoring the Trojans 12-8 in the opening 6:12 as their lead stretched to four after German Plotnikov completed the old fashioned three-point play. North Platte managed to extend their lead to eight with an off-balance floater by Plotnikov, as the Knights broke the full-court press and attacked the interior of the Trojans defense, 18-10.The Trojans turned the momentum over the next three minutes, using a 13-4 run to take their first lead of the game with 9:17 to play in the opening half. Trinidad kept the momentum on their side for the remainder of the half, as the deficit grew to nine by the halftime break, 48-39.Out of the break, Trinidad pushed their lead to eleven where the deficit stayed until the Knights cut the margin down to two with 10:16 to play. During the three-minute stretch, Timur Krupalija recorded six of his eleven points, which included two offensive putback opportunities and a two-handed dunk off a steal in transition.Knights kept it close down the stretch, before the Trojans utilized an 11-4 run over the final 4:07 to halt the North Platte comeback.Plotnikov paced the Knights with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, including 3-of-3 from the free throw line.North Platte had one of their best shooting performances of the year, connecting on 52.8 percent of their shots from the field.&nbsp;Knights (5-8) will end the weekend road trip against Otero Junior College on Saturday, Jan. 22. Tip is set for 3 p.m. inside the McDivitt Center Gym in La Junta, Colo.

Knights comeback bid falls short against Trojans

Basketball SPVA Girls Semi Finals:&nbsp; NPSP beats chase county 36-35 Bridgeport beats Hershey 70-45 Girls Cambridge 58, Dundy County Stratton 24 Kimball 40, Sutherland 32 Maywood-Hayes Center 45, Bertrand 16 Medicine Valley 57, Hi-Line 31 Sandhills Valley 46, Maxwell 33 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 37, Ansley-Litchfield 35 South Platte 65, Garden County 30 Wauneta-Palisade 69, Paxton 29 Boys Ansley-Litchfield 74, South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 59 Dundy County Stratton 73, Cambridge 26 Maywood-Hayes Center 54, Bertrand 47 Medicine Valley 72, Hi-Line 50 Paxton 62, Wauneta-Palisade 22 Potter-Dix 67, Garden County 41 Sandhills Valley 55, Maxwell 38&nbsp;&nbsp;

Basketball SPVA Girls Semi Finals:&nbsp; NPSP beats chase county 36-35 Bridgeport beats Hershey 70-45 Girls Cambridge 58, Dundy County Stratton 24 Kimball 40, Sutherland 32 Maywood-Hayes Center 45, Bertrand 16 Medicine Valley 57, Hi-Line 31 Sandhills Valley 46, Maxwell 33 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 37, Ansley-Litchfield 35 South Platte 65, Garden County 30 Wauneta-Palisade 69, Paxton 29 Boys Ansley-Litchfield 74, South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 59 Dundy County Stratton 73, Cambridge 26 Maywood-Hayes Center 54, Bertrand 47 Medicine Valley 72, Hi-Line 50 Paxton 62, Wauneta-Palisade 22 Potter-Dix 67, Garden County 41 Sandhills Valley 55, Maxwell 38&nbsp;&nbsp;

Area Sports: Basketball results from 1/20

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gretna High School has been stripped of its 2021 Class A state football championship following a vote of the Nebraska Schools Activities Association board. 

The board voted 8-0 to uphold executive director Jay Bellar’s ruling that the Dragons used an ineligible player last season. 

Gretna beat Omaha Westside 7-3 in the November title game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. 

The school must return the championship trophy, but the players will be allowed to keep their medals. 

There will be no Class A champion listed for 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642725864909.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gretna High School has been stripped of its 2021 Class A state football championship following a vote of the Nebraska Schools Activities Association board. The board voted 8-0 to uphold executive director Jay Bellar’s ruling that the Dragons used an ineligible player last season. Gretna beat Omaha Westside 7-3 in the November title game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The school must return the championship trophy, but the players will be allowed to keep their medals. There will be no Class A champion listed for 2021.

Gretna stripped of 2021 state high school football title

Story by Heather Johnson -&nbsp;Public Information Specialist

The North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team has gained eight new recruits for the 2022-23 season, including four players from Canada.

The recruits are: Abby Pelton, of Sidney, British Columbia; Mackenzie Hiebert and Sasha Strandberg, both of Victoria, British Columbia; Jenelle Gudjonson, of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia; Nancy Sanchez, of San Antonio, Texas; Taylor Stegman, of Parker, Colo.; Kailee Rhein, of Aurora, Colo. and Amya Blake-Cosper, of Liberal, Kan.

“We are very excited to add all of these young ladies to our family and continue to build our program,” said NPCC Head Women’s Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “Not only are these young ladies stellar athletes, they are even better humans. When we are recruiting, that is what we look for above athletic talent. They all will be very impactful athletes for our program on and off the field.”

Pelton, Hiebert, Strandberg and Gudjonson are all teammates on the Glory Softball Team in Victoria. Additionally, Pelton and Hiebert are classmates at Lambrick Park Secondary School in Victoria.

Pelton plays first base and center field while Hiebert’s specialties are shortstop and third base.

“I’m looking forward to following my softball dream and meeting new people,” said Pelton of her decision to sign with North Platte. “I chose to play for NPCC because I have heard many good things about the school and great things about Coach Higgins and the community.”

Hiebert was on a team that qualified for nationals in Montréal, Québec. She regards that as one of her fondest softball memories. She can’t wait to gain a new family through the Knights and to explore Nebraska.

“I picked NPCC because the girls who had already been down there said how amazing the experience was and what a good coach, Coach Higgins is,” said Hiebert. “I’m very excited to start this new chapter of my life.”

Strandberg, who attends Royal Bay Secondary School, is eager to be able to develop her pitching skills while playing at the college level.

“After talking to someone who is currently playing at NPCC and hearing about their schedule and about the community I thought NPCC would be a good fit for me and would help me though the academic program I want to take,” Strandberg said. “Coach Higgins is very supportive, and she wants her players to succeed athletically and academically - which I really like.”

Gudjonson is also a pitcher as well as a third baseman. She attends Stelly’s Secondary School, in Saanichton, British Columbia. Like Pelton, Hiebert and Strandberg, Gudjonson was influenced to sign with the Knights based on positive reviews from alumni.

“After listening to a past player from the team talk about the college, its softball and coaching - NPCC sounded like a perfect fit for me,” Gudjonson said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and teammates and becoming a better player at NPCC.”

Sanchez is one of four recruits from within the U.S. The infielder from San Antonio, Texas will graduate from William Howard Taft High School in the spring.

Sanchez said she chose NPCC because it stood out both in terms of academics and athletics.

“Also, Coach Higgins made me feel very welcome since we first came in contact,” said Sanchez. “I am looking forward to meeting new people and discovering new sights as I get to pursue the sport I admire.”

Stegman is a pitcher and utility player. She currently attends Legend High School, in Parker, Colo. and plays for the Prodigy DB-Hill Team. Stegman is looking forward to the experience of playing softball at the next level and to furthering her education surrounded by a strong support system.

“I picked NPCC because it is the best fit for me and instantly made me feel at home away from home,” Stegman said. “I want to play for Coach Higgins because I know she will make me a better player and person in society. I’m so excited for the opportunity to play for her and the rest of the girls.”

Rhein attends Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colo. She is a third baseman and catcher for the Prodigy DB-Hill Team alongside Stegman.

“I picked NPCC because I like the small town, and I get to have more one-on-one time with my instructors,” said Rhein. “I also picked NPCC because of the great softball program and coaches that they have. I know that Coach Higgins is going to push me to be a better ball player and better person. I look forward to playing for NPCC while I further my education.”

Outfielder Amya Blake-Cosper, is a student at Liberal High School in Liberal, Kan. She is a slap hitter for the Blues Softball youth traveling team.

“When touring NPCC, it instantly felt like my home away from home,” said Blake-Cosper. “It’s the perfect distance - close, yet far enough from home. I want to play for Coach Higgins because she treats her players like family and helps us prepare for our future.”

Blake-Cosper plans to study criminal justice in preparation for a career in law enforcement.

Story by Heather Johnson -&nbsp;Public Information SpecialistThe North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team has gained eight new recruits for the 2022-23 season, including four players from Canada.The recruits are: Abby Pelton, of Sidney, British Columbia; Mackenzie Hiebert and Sasha Strandberg, both of Victoria, British Columbia; Jenelle Gudjonson, of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia; Nancy Sanchez, of San Antonio, Texas; Taylor Stegman, of Parker, Colo.; Kailee Rhein, of Aurora, Colo. and Amya Blake-Cosper, of Liberal, Kan.“We are very excited to add all of these young ladies to our family and continue to build our program,” said NPCC Head Women’s Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “Not only are these young ladies stellar athletes, they are even better humans. When we are recruiting, that is what we look for above athletic talent. They all will be very impactful athletes for our program on and off the field.”Pelton, Hiebert, Strandberg and Gudjonson are all teammates on the Glory Softball Team in Victoria. Additionally, Pelton and Hiebert are classmates at Lambrick Park Secondary School in Victoria.Pelton plays first base and center field while Hiebert’s specialties are shortstop and third base.“I’m looking forward to following my softball dream and meeting new people,” said Pelton of her decision to sign with North Platte. “I chose to play for NPCC because I have heard many good things about the school and great things about Coach Higgins and the community.”Hiebert was on a team that qualified for nationals in Montréal, Québec. She regards that as one of her fondest softball memories. She can’t wait to gain a new family through the Knights and to explore Nebraska.“I picked NPCC because the girls who had already been down there said how amazing the experience was and what a good coach, Coach Higgins is,” said Hiebert. “I’m very excited to start this new chapter of my life.”Strandberg, who attends Royal Bay Secondary School, is eager to be able to develop her pitching skills while playing at the college level.“After talking to someone who is currently playing at NPCC and hearing about their schedule and about the community I thought NPCC would be a good fit for me and would help me though the academic program I want to take,” Strandberg said. “Coach Higgins is very supportive, and she wants her players to succeed athletically and academically - which I really like.”Gudjonson is also a pitcher as well as a third baseman. She attends Stelly’s Secondary School, in Saanichton, British Columbia. Like Pelton, Hiebert and Strandberg, Gudjonson was influenced to sign with the Knights based on positive reviews from alumni.“After listening to a past player from the team talk about the college, its softball and coaching - NPCC sounded like a perfect fit for me,” Gudjonson said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and teammates and becoming a better player at NPCC.”Sanchez is one of four recruits from within the U.S. The infielder from San Antonio, Texas will graduate from William Howard Taft High School in the spring.Sanchez said she chose NPCC because it stood out both in terms of academics and athletics.“Also, Coach Higgins made me feel very welcome since we first came in contact,” said Sanchez. “I am looking forward to meeting new people and discovering new sights as I get to pursue the sport I admire.”Stegman is a pitcher and utility player. She currently attends Legend High School, in Parker, Colo. and plays for the Prodigy DB-Hill Team. Stegman is looking forward to the experience of playing softball at the next level and to furthering her education surrounded by a strong support system.“I picked NPCC because it is the best fit for me and instantly made me feel at home away from home,” Stegman said. “I want to play for Coach Higgins because I know she will make me a better player and person in society. I’m so excited for the opportunity to play for her and the rest of the girls.”Rhein attends Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colo. She is a third baseman and catcher for the Prodigy DB-Hill Team alongside Stegman.“I picked NPCC because I like the small town, and I get to have more one-on-one time with my instructors,” said Rhein. “I also picked NPCC because of the great softball program and coaches that they have. I know that Coach Higgins is going to push me to be a better ball player and better person. I look forward to playing for NPCC while I further my education.”Outfielder Amya Blake-Cosper, is a student at Liberal High School in Liberal, Kan. She is a slap hitter for the Blues Softball youth traveling team.“When touring NPCC, it instantly felt like my home away from home,” said Blake-Cosper. “It’s the perfect distance - close, yet far enough from home. I want to play for Coach Higgins because she treats her players like family and helps us prepare for our future.”Blake-Cosper plans to study criminal justice in preparation for a career in law enforcement.

NPCC gains softball recruits

North Platte Community College Volleyball will add Vanessa Wood to its lineup for the 2022 season.

Wood is a 5-foot, 9-inch outside hitter from Greeley, Neb. She plays for Central Valley High School, which had a record of 25-7 last season.

“I chose NPCC because I appreciated the warm welcome I felt from everyone I met on campus during my first visit,” Wood said. “The coaches shared their goals for the team as well as their volleyball philosophy, and I felt like I could attain my goals as a student-athlete there. The team members are like one big family, and they offer each other support and encouragement. I’m excited for the opportunity to further my education and to become a part of the Knights volleyball team. The college and the community are just what I was looking for.”

NPCC Head Volleyball Coach Alexa McCall is equally as excited for Wood to come on board.

“Vanessa is athletic and has a lot of raw talent,” McCall said. “I think it’s exciting to anticipate how she will grow as a student and as an athlete here. I think she will be a good fit. She has some experience with playing middle and outside but will be playing outside here. Vanessa is a great kid, and I’m glad she chose NPCC.”

North Platte Community College Volleyball will add Vanessa Wood to its lineup for the 2022 season.Wood is a 5-foot, 9-inch outside hitter from Greeley, Neb. She plays for Central Valley High School, which had a record of 25-7 last season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642690694090.jpeg" alt="Vanessa Wood.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Vanessa Wood.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>“I chose NPCC because I appreciated the warm welcome I felt from everyone I met on campus during my first visit,” Wood said. “The coaches shared their goals for the team as well as their volleyball philosophy, and I felt like I could attain my goals as a student-athlete there. The team members are like one big family, and they offer each other support and encouragement. I’m excited for the opportunity to further my education and to become a part of the Knights volleyball team. The college and the community are just what I was looking for.”NPCC Head Volleyball Coach Alexa McCall is equally as excited for Wood to come on board.“Vanessa is athletic and has a lot of raw talent,” McCall said. “I think it’s exciting to anticipate how she will grow as a student and as an athlete here. I think she will be a good fit. She has some experience with playing middle and outside but will be playing outside here. Vanessa is a great kid, and I’m glad she chose NPCC.”

NPCC Volleyball signs Vanessa Wood

Beatrice, Neb. – Nolan Sughroue had a career-high 19 points, as the Knights held off the Storm of Southeast Community College on Wednesday night, 94-81.

Timur Krupalija opened the scoring with the first two baskets of the game. The Storm answered and took their first lead of the contest at the 15:25 mark of the first half. North Platte and Southeast battled over the next three minutes until the Knights recaptured the momentum.

Nico Felici raced through the lane and got his runner to fall igniting the Knights offense. The North Platte defense tightened up, as the margin grew to 10, 46-36, inside the final minute. As the remaining seconds ticked off the clock, the Storm cut the deficit to six as the teams headed into the break.

To open the second half, North Platte stretched their lead to eighteen on a pull-up jumper by Sughroue. Southeast would battle back to trim the deficit down to 11 as the clock moved inside the final five minutes.

Jevarrick Butler responded by receiving the pass from Sughroue and connecting on a three to spark the Knights. North Platte stretched their lead back to 17 on a free throw line jumper by German Plotnikov, before the Storm closed the game on a 9-5 surge.

Butler had 20 points and a career high 8 assists over thirty-seven minutes of action. Plotnikov finished the game with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting against the Storm.

As a team, North Platte had their best shooting performance of the year, connecting on 58.2 percent (39-67) of their shots from the field, including 6-of-13 from the perimeter.

North Platte (5-7) will open the weekend with a road trip against the Trojans of Trinidad State College on Friday, Jan. 21. Tip is set for 8 p.m. at the Scott Gym in Trinidad, Colo.

Story by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public InformationBeatrice, Neb. – Nolan Sughroue had a career-high 19 points, as the Knights held off the Storm of Southeast Community College on Wednesday night, 94-81.Timur Krupalija opened the scoring with the first two baskets of the game. The Storm answered and took their first lead of the contest at the 15:25 mark of the first half. North Platte and Southeast battled over the next three minutes until the Knights recaptured the momentum.Nico Felici raced through the lane and got his runner to fall igniting the Knights offense. The North Platte defense tightened up, as the margin grew to 10, 46-36, inside the final minute. As the remaining seconds ticked off the clock, the Storm cut the deficit to six as the teams headed into the break.To open the second half, North Platte stretched their lead to eighteen on a pull-up jumper by Sughroue. Southeast would battle back to trim the deficit down to 11 as the clock moved inside the final five minutes.Jevarrick Butler responded by receiving the pass from Sughroue and connecting on a three to spark the Knights. North Platte stretched their lead back to 17 on a free throw line jumper by German Plotnikov, before the Storm closed the game on a 9-5 surge.Butler had 20 points and a career high 8 assists over thirty-seven minutes of action. Plotnikov finished the game with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting against the Storm.As a team, North Platte had their best shooting performance of the year, connecting on 58.2 percent (39-67) of their shots from the field, including 6-of-13 from the perimeter.North Platte (5-7) will open the weekend with a road trip against the Trojans of Trinidad State College on Friday, Jan. 21. Tip is set for 8 p.m. at the Scott Gym in Trinidad, Colo.

Knights take down Southeast

The Nebraska women's basketball game with Rutgers originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m., at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln has been postponed due to health and safety protocols within the Husker program.

Per the amended Big Ten Conference 2021-22 Forfeiture Guidelines, this game will be postponed and the Conference office will coordinate the rescheduling process.  

If the game is not able to be rescheduled, it would count as a "no contest" for both teams. Tickets previously purchased would be refunded to ticket holders after the conclusion of the season.

By NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women's basketball game with Rutgers originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m., at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln has been postponed due to health and safety protocols within the Husker program.Per the amended Big Ten Conference 2021-22 Forfeiture Guidelines, this game will be postponed and the Conference office will coordinate the rescheduling process. If the game is not able to be rescheduled, it would count as a "no contest" for both teams. Tickets previously purchased would be refunded to ticket holders after the conclusion of the season.

Husker Game with Rutgers Postponed

1.19.2022 NPCC Knights Men at SECC - LIVESTREAM

By Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public Information

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Knights were looking to steal a road win from the Huskies of Air Force Prep on Tuesday night. Kayla Pope paced the Knights with 14 points, but North Platte could not overcome the early deficit and fell to Air Force Prep, 57-47.

"Tough road loss tonight," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We were out worked, but now we have to forget this game and prepare for York College.”

The Huskies jumped out to a five-point lead after the opening ten minutes, before the Knights trimmed the deficit down to four by the end of the second quarter.

Knights continued to battle over the final twenty minutes, as the Huskies lead grew to fifteen to open the fourth quarter. Pope answered with back-to-back shots from the perimeter before North Platte cut the deficit to seven with 6:30 to play. Huskies answered down the stretch, as the Knights were unable to mount the momentum to complete the comeback.

As a team, the Knights shot 32.8 percent (20-61) from the field, and 4-of-15 from the perimeter on the night.

Diamond Moore-Heath was the Knights top rebounder finishing with nine rebounds to accompany her 13 points. Fumnaya Ijeh was the only other Knights player in double-digits, finishing with 11 points.

North Platte (12-6) will once again hit the road on Thursday, Jan. 18 for a matchup with the Panthers of York College. Tip is set for 6 p.m. inside the Freeman Center.&nbsp;

By Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public InformationColorado Springs, Colo. – Knights were looking to steal a road win from the Huskies of Air Force Prep on Tuesday night. Kayla Pope paced the Knights with 14 points, but North Platte could not overcome the early deficit and fell to Air Force Prep, 57-47."Tough road loss tonight," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We were out worked, but now we have to forget this game and prepare for York College.”The Huskies jumped out to a five-point lead after the opening ten minutes, before the Knights trimmed the deficit down to four by the end of the second quarter.Knights continued to battle over the final twenty minutes, as the Huskies lead grew to fifteen to open the fourth quarter. Pope answered with back-to-back shots from the perimeter before North Platte cut the deficit to seven with 6:30 to play. Huskies answered down the stretch, as the Knights were unable to mount the momentum to complete the comeback.As a team, the Knights shot 32.8 percent (20-61) from the field, and 4-of-15 from the perimeter on the night.Diamond Moore-Heath was the Knights top rebounder finishing with nine rebounds to accompany her 13 points. Fumnaya Ijeh was the only other Knights player in double-digits, finishing with 11 points.North Platte (12-6) will once again hit the road on Thursday, Jan. 18 for a matchup with the Panthers of York College. Tip is set for 6 p.m. inside the Freeman Center.&nbsp;

Knights fall to Huskies of Air Force Prep

1.18.2022 NPHS Basketball at GI Northwest - LIVESTREAM

Lincoln, Neb. – Bryce McGowens had a team-high 20 points, but Indiana was able to hold off Nebraska and post a 78-71 victory over Nebraska Monday evening at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The Huskers (6-13, 0-8 Big Ten) trailed by as many as 10 in the second half, but rallied and was within 73-67 with 2:56 remaining.

NU got three consecutive stops on the defensive end, including a pair of steals from Alonzo Verge Jr., but were unable to cut into the Indiana lead. NU was forced to foul down the stretch and hit 5-of-6 from the foul line to put the game away.

Alonzo Verge finished with 19 points, four assists and four steals in the loss, as Nebraska shot 47 percent from the floor against a Hoosier team which was second nationally in field goal percentage defense entering the game.

Trayce Jackson-Davis had 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead three Indiana (13-4, 4-3 Big Ten) players in double figures. Race Thompson had 12 points and seven boards while Jordan Geronimo added 10 points off the bench.

 Nebraska was a perfect 3-of-3 from deep in the first four minutes of play before going over three minutes without a field goal while the Hoosiers jumped out to a 17-11 lead. Trey McGowens, making his first appearance since Nov. 16, hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 17-14 with 12:41 remaining in the half.

Indiana used a 6-1 run to eventually push the margin to 10, at 31-21, with 6:51 left in the half and led 41-31 before a Verge 3-point play and a Bryce McGowens 3-point cut the lead to four with 1:15 left in the half. Indiana, which shot 62 percent from the floor in the first half, took a 45-39 lead at the break.

To start the second half, Indiana stretched its lead back to 10 before the Huskers used a 6-0 spurt to make it 53-49. The Hoosiers responded again, but Nebraska continued to keep it close as C.J. Wilcher drained a three-point shot to pull NU within 59-55 with 10:31 remaining.

Jackson-Davis took over, scoring six straight points, the last of which was a putback dunk to make it 65-55 with 8:55 remaining.

Nebraska would hang around and cut the Hoosiers' lead to 71-65 after a McGowens dunk with 4:19 left and was within six at the under-4 media timeout before Indiana held on.

Nebraska travels to Columbus to take on Ohio State this Saturday, Jan. 22. Tipoff is set for 1:15 p.m. (central) and will be televised on the Big Ten Network with radio coverage provided by the Huskers Radio Network.

By NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln, Neb. – Bryce McGowens had a team-high 20 points, but Indiana was able to hold off Nebraska and post a 78-71 victory over Nebraska Monday evening at Pinnacle Bank Arena.The Huskers (6-13, 0-8 Big Ten) trailed by as many as 10 in the second half, but rallied and was within 73-67 with 2:56 remaining.NU got three consecutive stops on the defensive end, including a pair of steals from Alonzo Verge Jr., but were unable to cut into the Indiana lead. NU was forced to foul down the stretch and hit 5-of-6 from the foul line to put the game away.Alonzo Verge finished with 19 points, four assists and four steals in the loss, as Nebraska shot 47 percent from the floor against a Hoosier team which was second nationally in field goal percentage defense entering the game.Trayce Jackson-Davis had 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead three Indiana (13-4, 4-3 Big Ten) players in double figures. Race Thompson had 12 points and seven boards while Jordan Geronimo added 10 points off the bench. Nebraska was a perfect 3-of-3 from deep in the first four minutes of play before going over three minutes without a field goal while the Hoosiers jumped out to a 17-11 lead. Trey McGowens, making his first appearance since Nov. 16, hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 17-14 with 12:41 remaining in the half.Indiana used a 6-1 run to eventually push the margin to 10, at 31-21, with 6:51 left in the half and led 41-31 before a Verge 3-point play and a Bryce McGowens 3-point cut the lead to four with 1:15 left in the half. Indiana, which shot 62 percent from the floor in the first half, took a 45-39 lead at the break.To start the second half, Indiana stretched its lead back to 10 before the Huskers used a 6-0 spurt to make it 53-49. The Hoosiers responded again, but Nebraska continued to keep it close as C.J. Wilcher drained a three-point shot to pull NU within 59-55 with 10:31 remaining.Jackson-Davis took over, scoring six straight points, the last of which was a putback dunk to make it 65-55 with 8:55 remaining.Nebraska would hang around and cut the Hoosiers' lead to 71-65 after a McGowens dunk with 4:19 left and was within six at the under-4 media timeout before Indiana held on.Nebraska travels to Columbus to take on Ohio State this Saturday, Jan. 22. Tipoff is set for 1:15 p.m. (central) and will be televised on the Big Ten Network with radio coverage provided by the Huskers Radio Network.

Huskers Fall to Hoosiers, 78-71

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Former Florida State quarterback Chubba Purdy has announced his decision to transfer to Nebraska. 

Purdy is the second quarterback headed to Nebraska through the transfer portal. 

Casey Thompson announced his move from Texas on Jan. 7. 

Purdy said in November he planned to leave Florida State. He played behind Jordan Travis and McKenzie Milton and appeared in one game. He played in three games in 2020. 

Purdy was a four-star recruit coming out of Perry High School in Glendale, Arizona. 

The addition of Thompson and Purdy gives Nebraska five scholarship quarterbacks entering spring.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Former Florida State quarterback Chubba Purdy has announced his decision to transfer to Nebraska. Purdy is the second quarterback headed to Nebraska through the transfer portal. Casey Thompson announced his move from Texas on Jan. 7. Purdy said in November he planned to leave Florida State. He played behind Jordan Travis and McKenzie Milton and appeared in one game. He played in three games in 2020. Purdy was a four-star recruit coming out of Perry High School in Glendale, Arizona. The addition of Thompson and Purdy gives Nebraska five scholarship quarterbacks entering spring.

Ex-Florida St QB Chubba Purdy announces transfer to Nebraska

Iowa City, Iowa - Alexis Markowski erupted for a career-high 27 points on a career-high six three-pointers, but it was not enough to stop Iowa from managing a 93-83 women's basketball win over Nebraska on Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Markowski, a 6-3 forward/center from Lincoln, hit 6-of-7 threes and 10-of-12 field goals overall to lead the Huskers, while fellow post Isabelle Bourne added 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting and another three-pointer for the Big Red. Ashley Scoggin added a trio of three-pointers to finish with nine points, as Nebraska buried 14-of-30 three-pointers on the day.

But the Huskers still slipped to 13-4 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten, thanks to 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists from Iowa's Caitlin Clark and 31 points from center Monika Czinano. Those two Hawkeyes combined for 21-of-22 free throw shooting in the game. Iowa improved to 10-4 and 4-1 in the Big Ten with the victory.

Nebraska was forced to overcome not only a pair of missing starting guards in Sam Haiby (injury) and Jaz Shelley (illness) along with the continued absence from the starting lineup of Bella Cravens (injury), but also a first-half foul discrepancy on the road of 16-1 in the first 20 minutes. Iowa hit 18-of-20 free throws, including 12-for-13 in the second quarter after Nebraska built a 30-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The outstanding first period by the Big Red included 12-of-19 shooting (.632) including 6-of-9 three-pointers. Markowski provided a majority of the highlights for the Huskers by burying 4-of-4 three-pointers to finish with 16 first-quarter points, outscoring Iowa by herself, 16-14. Bourne added eight points in the first period, while Annika Stewart and MiCole Cayton added first-quarter threes.

The Huskers held Iowa to 4-for-15 shooting in the first period, including 0-for-4 from long range, but Iowa did hit 6-of-7 free throws. Nebraska did not shoot a first-half free throw but did hit 17-of-34 field goals and 8-of-16 threes in the half. The Hawkeyes hit just 11-of-28 shots, including 1-of-6 threes. Iowa out-rebounded Nebraska 18-17 in the first half, and won the turnover battle 6-4 in the opening 20 minutes.

Seven different Huskers were whistled for two first-half fouls, while Clark, who scored 11 points despite 2-of-10 shooting from the field, was the only Hawkeye to get called for a foul in the opening 20 minutes, which came on the offensive end.

In the second half, Iowa took its first lead at 54-53 on a pair of Czinano free throws with 6:13 left, but Nebraska answered with an 8-0 run that included five points from freshman guard Kendall Moriarty, who made NU's first free throw of the game with 4:35 left in the third period to give the Huskers a 61-54 lead. 

But Iowa answered late in the quarter to take a 67-66 edge to the fourth period. At that point, the foul discrepancy was 20-3. Iowa pushed the lead to nine (82-73) with five minutes left, but Nebraska got Markowski's final three-pointer, a Bourne bucket and Scoggin's final three of the night to trim the margin to 84-81 with 2:40 left.

Nebraska got its final points on a driving layup from Allison Weidner, who finished with eight points and five assists in her first career start. With seconds remaining, Iowa called timeout to advance the ball and Clark scored on a driving layup with one second left to give Iowa a 10-point win.

Nebraska finished 32-of-69 (.464) from the field, but just 5-of-8 at the free throw line, as the home-standing Hawkeyes attempted 26 more free throws than the Big Red with a final foul discrepancy of 28-7.

Nebraska returns to Big Ten home action on Thursday night when the Huskers play host to Rutgers. Tip-off between the Big Red and the Scarlet Knights is set for 7 p.m. with tickets on sale now at Huskers.com. Thursday's game will be televised live statewide by Nebraska Public Media with a live video stream for subscribers of B1G+. Live audio of the game will be carried by the Huskers Radio Network for free on Huskers.com.

By NU Athletic CommunicationsIowa City, Iowa - Alexis Markowski erupted for a career-high 27 points on a career-high six three-pointers, but it was not enough to stop Iowa from managing a 93-83 women's basketball win over Nebraska on Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.Markowski, a 6-3 forward/center from Lincoln, hit 6-of-7 threes and 10-of-12 field goals overall to lead the Huskers, while fellow post Isabelle Bourne added 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting and another three-pointer for the Big Red. Ashley Scoggin added a trio of three-pointers to finish with nine points, as Nebraska buried 14-of-30 three-pointers on the day.But the Huskers still slipped to 13-4 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten, thanks to 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists from Iowa's Caitlin Clark and 31 points from center Monika Czinano. Those two Hawkeyes combined for 21-of-22 free throw shooting in the game. Iowa improved to 10-4 and 4-1 in the Big Ten with the victory.Nebraska was forced to overcome not only a pair of missing starting guards in Sam Haiby (injury) and Jaz Shelley (illness) along with the continued absence from the starting lineup of Bella Cravens (injury), but also a first-half foul discrepancy on the road of 16-1 in the first 20 minutes. Iowa hit 18-of-20 free throws, including 12-for-13 in the second quarter after Nebraska built a 30-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.The outstanding first period by the Big Red included 12-of-19 shooting (.632) including 6-of-9 three-pointers. Markowski provided a majority of the highlights for the Huskers by burying 4-of-4 three-pointers to finish with 16 first-quarter points, outscoring Iowa by herself, 16-14. Bourne added eight points in the first period, while Annika Stewart and MiCole Cayton added first-quarter threes.The Huskers held Iowa to 4-for-15 shooting in the first period, including 0-for-4 from long range, but Iowa did hit 6-of-7 free throws. Nebraska did not shoot a first-half free throw but did hit 17-of-34 field goals and 8-of-16 threes in the half. The Hawkeyes hit just 11-of-28 shots, including 1-of-6 threes. Iowa out-rebounded Nebraska 18-17 in the first half, and won the turnover battle 6-4 in the opening 20 minutes.Seven different Huskers were whistled for two first-half fouls, while Clark, who scored 11 points despite 2-of-10 shooting from the field, was the only Hawkeye to get called for a foul in the opening 20 minutes, which came on the offensive end.In the second half, Iowa took its first lead at 54-53 on a pair of Czinano free throws with 6:13 left, but Nebraska answered with an 8-0 run that included five points from freshman guard Kendall Moriarty, who made NU's first free throw of the game with 4:35 left in the third period to give the Huskers a 61-54 lead. But Iowa answered late in the quarter to take a 67-66 edge to the fourth period. At that point, the foul discrepancy was 20-3. Iowa pushed the lead to nine (82-73) with five minutes left, but Nebraska got Markowski's final three-pointer, a Bourne bucket and Scoggin's final three of the night to trim the margin to 84-81 with 2:40 left.Nebraska got its final points on a driving layup from Allison Weidner, who finished with eight points and five assists in her first career start. With seconds remaining, Iowa called timeout to advance the ball and Clark scored on a driving layup with one second left to give Iowa a 10-point win.Nebraska finished 32-of-69 (.464) from the field, but just 5-of-8 at the free throw line, as the home-standing Hawkeyes attempted 26 more free throws than the Big Red with a final foul discrepancy of 28-7.Nebraska returns to Big Ten home action on Thursday night when the Huskers play host to Rutgers. Tip-off between the Big Red and the Scarlet Knights is set for 7 p.m. with tickets on sale now at Huskers.com. Thursday's game will be televised live statewide by Nebraska Public Media with a live video stream for subscribers of B1G+. Live audio of the game will be carried by the Huskers Radio Network for free on Huskers.com.

Markowski Sinks Six Threes at Iowa

Story and Photo by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public Information

North Platte, Neb. – German Plotnikov had one of his best games of the year finishing with 29 points, as the Knights rebounded with a 92-81 win over the Broncos of Hastings College on Saturday afternoon at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

A quick start by the Knights, propelled North Platte to a six-point lead by the 16:27 mark of the first half, as Timur Krupalija battled inside against tight defense for a layup. North Platte extended their lead to twelve inside nine minutes to play, as Trevon Dennis grabbed the loose ball and finished at the rim, 37-25.

Broncos continued to hang around, as the clock rolled inside the final seven minutes of the first half. A three ignited the Hastings offense as their defense tightened up limiting the Knights dribble and drive offense.

The Broncos continued their momentum and took their first lead of the game with 3:49 to play in the opening half. Hastings stretched their lead to four inside three minutes, but the Knights battled back and retook the lead late and clung to a one-point lead at the break, 48-47.

Broncos stayed within striking distance in the opening minutes of the second half, until retaking the lead and pushing the deficit to seven with 13:59 to play. Plotnikov led the Knights back, driving the lane and completing the contested layup.

The scoring margin remained tight over the next two minutes, until the Knights stretched their lead to five on a reverse layup by Nolan Sughroue, 72-67. Knights picked up the pressure on the Broncos defensively down the stretch, while pushing their lead to eleven inside the final minute to seal their fourth win of the season.

As a team, the Knights shot 47.1 percent from the field, including 23-of-27 from the free throw line, and 31.3 percent from long distance. North Platte outrebounded the Broncos, 39-35, and forced Hastings to turn the ball over twenty-one times during the contest.

North Platte (4-7) opens a four-game road trip with the Storm of Southeast Community College on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Tip is set for 6 p.m. inside the Truman Center Gymnasium.

Story and Photo by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Director of Marketing and Public InformationNorth Platte, Neb. – German Plotnikov had one of his best games of the year finishing with 29 points, as the Knights rebounded with a 92-81 win over the Broncos of Hastings College on Saturday afternoon at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.A quick start by the Knights, propelled North Platte to a six-point lead by the 16:27 mark of the first half, as Timur Krupalija battled inside against tight defense for a layup. North Platte extended their lead to twelve inside nine minutes to play, as Trevon Dennis grabbed the loose ball and finished at the rim, 37-25.Broncos continued to hang around, as the clock rolled inside the final seven minutes of the first half. A three ignited the Hastings offense as their defense tightened up limiting the Knights dribble and drive offense.The Broncos continued their momentum and took their first lead of the game with 3:49 to play in the opening half. Hastings stretched their lead to four inside three minutes, but the Knights battled back and retook the lead late and clung to a one-point lead at the break, 48-47.Broncos stayed within striking distance in the opening minutes of the second half, until retaking the lead and pushing the deficit to seven with 13:59 to play. Plotnikov led the Knights back, driving the lane and completing the contested layup.The scoring margin remained tight over the next two minutes, until the Knights stretched their lead to five on a reverse layup by Nolan Sughroue, 72-67. Knights picked up the pressure on the Broncos defensively down the stretch, while pushing their lead to eleven inside the final minute to seal their fourth win of the season.As a team, the Knights shot 47.1 percent from the field, including 23-of-27 from the free throw line, and 31.3 percent from long distance. North Platte outrebounded the Broncos, 39-35, and forced Hastings to turn the ball over twenty-one times during the contest.North Platte (4-7) opens a four-game road trip with the Storm of Southeast Community College on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Tip is set for 6 p.m. inside the Truman Center Gymnasium.