<i>Story by Daniel Stinman&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public Information</i>

Beatrice, Neb. – The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team rebounded from a loss on Tuesday night to defeat Southeast Community College, 83-71. Unlike the game earlier in the week, the Knights jumped out to a twenty-one point advantage and held off the Storm to earn the road victory.

The Knights took their first lead of the game at the 18:18 mark of the first half on a German Plotnikov three pointer, 3-2. The Knights offense went back to work and built a twelve-point lead by the 14:02 mark of the first half on a dunk by Jevarrick Butler, 17-5.

Storm cut the deficit to seven, but the Knights answered with a 14-0 run, capped off by a Plotnikov layup to give the Knights their largest lead of the game, 31-10. The Southeast offense woke up over the next five minutes trimming the Knights lead down to nine as the clock moved inside three minutes, 36-27.

The Knights pushed their lead back to thirteen with just over a minute remaining in the half as Nolan Sughroue found Butler for an open corner three, 43-30. The Storm attempted one last run before halftime and managed to cut the deficit to eight at the break, 43-35.

Knights added a bucket on their opening possession of the second half, but the Storm responded cutting the deficit to four as the clock moved inside eighteen minutes to play. Slavomyr Marchenko answered for the Knights with a bucket inside the paint to push the Knights lead back to six, 47-41.

Over the next 4:20, the Knights outscored the Storm 15-5 to push their lead back to sixteen on a baseline floater by Danilo Matovic, 62-46. Southeast rallied over the next six minutes to cut the Knights lead down to three with 6:26 to play.

Knights responded by pushing their lead back out to nine with 4:03 to play as Marchenko went two for two at the free throw line. Southeast attempted to complete their comeback but the Knights never let the Storm any closer than five and closed out the final minute going 7-of-8 at the free throw line.

North Platte finished with five scorers in double digits including Dennis (20), Plotnikov (20), Marchenko (16), Butler (11), and Matovic (10). Marchenko led the Knights on the glass with eight rebounds on the afternoon. 

Knights (5-10) return to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium for three straight home games beginning on Tuesday night. North Platte welcomes the Indians of McCook Community College on Tuesday, with tip set for 7:00 p.m. Knights took game one from the Indians on March 2, 96-89.

<p><i>Story by Daniel Stinman&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public Information</i></p><p>Beatrice, Neb. – The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team rebounded from a loss on Tuesday night to defeat Southeast Community College, 83-71. Unlike the game earlier in the week, the Knights jumped out to a twenty-one point advantage and held off the Storm to earn the road victory.</p><p>The Knights took their first lead of the game at the 18:18 mark of the first half on a German Plotnikov three pointer, 3-2. The Knights offense went back to work and built a twelve-point lead by the 14:02 mark of the first half on a dunk by Jevarrick Butler, 17-5.</p><p>Storm cut the deficit to seven, but the Knights answered with a 14-0 run, capped off by a Plotnikov layup to give the Knights their largest lead of the game, 31-10. The Southeast offense woke up over the next five minutes trimming the Knights lead down to nine as the clock moved inside three minutes, 36-27.</p><p>The Knights pushed their lead back to thirteen with just over a minute remaining in the half as Nolan Sughroue found Butler for an open corner three, 43-30. The Storm attempted one last run before halftime and managed to cut the deficit to eight at the break, 43-35.</p><p>Knights added a bucket on their opening possession of the second half, but the Storm responded cutting the deficit to four as the clock moved inside eighteen minutes to play. Slavomyr Marchenko answered for the Knights with a bucket inside the paint to push the Knights lead back to six, 47-41.</p><p>Over the next 4:20, the Knights outscored the Storm 15-5 to push their lead back to sixteen on a baseline floater by Danilo Matovic, 62-46. Southeast rallied over the next six minutes to cut the Knights lead down to three with 6:26 to play.</p><p>Knights responded by pushing their lead back out to nine with 4:03 to play as Marchenko went two for two at the free throw line. Southeast attempted to complete their comeback but the Knights never let the Storm any closer than five and closed out the final minute going 7-of-8 at the free throw line.</p><p>North Platte finished with five scorers in double digits including Dennis (20), Plotnikov (20), Marchenko (16), Butler (11), and Matovic (10). Marchenko led the Knights on the glass with eight rebounds on the afternoon. </p><p>Knights (5-10) return to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium for three straight home games beginning on Tuesday night. North Platte welcomes the Indians of McCook Community College on Tuesday, with tip set for 7:00 p.m. Knights took game one from the Indians on March 2, 96-89.</p>

Knights rebound with victory over Southeast

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NPHS Girls Tennis: Team results from North Platte invite

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RPAC Basketball: All conference teams announced

<p><b>Women Tip-off - 2pm</b></p><p><b>Men Tip-off - 4pm</b></p><figure>
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3.20.2021 Knights Basketball @ SECC - LIVESTREAM

By RALPH D. RUSSO-AP College Sports Writer<br>

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Dunk City's thrilling NCAA Tournament run as a No. 15 seed in 2013 gave a rocket-boost to Andy Enfield's coaching career that landed him at USC after just two seasons with Florida Gulf Coast.

When 15th-seeded Hampton shocked Iowa State in 2001, the image of Steve Merfeld celebrating - arms and legs extended, lifted off the floor by one of his players - became one of the lasting images of March Madness. Merfeld's time at Hampton lasted one more season before he jumped to a bigger job.

In 2016, Kermit Davis led 15th-seeded Middle Tennessee to an upset of No. 2 seed Michigan State in his 14th season with the Blue Raiders. Two seasons later, Davis jumped from Conference USA to the Southeastern Conference and became coach at Mississippi.

A bracket-busting NCAA Tournament victory can change the trajectory of a coach's career. With a 75-72 overtime stunner of second-seeded Ohio State on Friday, Oral Roberts coach Paul Mills' stock likely went soaring.

Oral Roberts became just the ninth No. 15 seed to beat a No. 2 since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

"Once the buzzer went off, it's more a feeling of relief, probably, than anything else," Mills said.

Four of the last five coaches to win in the NCAA Tournament with a No. 15 seed jumped to another job in a bigger conference within three seasons of their big win.

Mills, a former Baylor assistant under Scott Drew, is in his fourth season at Oral Roberts. The Golden Eagles have made steady improvement during his tenure, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008.

But their first tournament victory since 1974 made Oral Roberts and its 48-year-old coach the biggest story in sports for at least a day.

"Paul Mills to many of us was an outstanding coach four hours ago," ESPN analyst and former college coach Fran Fraschilla said. "But the fact that he's knocked off Ohio State the way Oral Roberts did has given him great currency.

"A win like this validates Paul Mills not only with the general public, but it validates him with his peers. It validates him with basketball fans and it validates him, unfortunately for Oral Roberts, with the next AD thinking of hiring a guy like Paul."

Mills wasn't the only former Baylor assistant to Drew to make a mark on the first day of the first round: No. 13 seed North Texas and fourth-year coach Grant McCasland also beat a Big Ten power in overtime, knocking off fourth-seeded Purdue.

"It does open up an unbelievable amount of opportunity because it's instant equity, a win like that and an upset like that in the NCAA Tournament," former Nebraska coach Tim Miles said.

Merfeld had Hampton back in the tourney as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champs the season after that memorable win against Iowa State. The next year, he landed at Evansville in the Missouri Valley, but it never quite clicked there and he was let go after five losing seasons.

In 2012, two No. 15s advanced out of the first round. Lehigh stunned Duke with future NBA star C.J. McCollum and Norfolk State bounced Missouri.

Anthony Evans spent one more season as Norfolk State coach in the MEAC before becoming head coach at Florida International in Conference USA. Five losing seasons later, he was out. Lehigh coach Brett Reed stayed put and just finished his 14th season at the school.

No coach has parlayed an unexpected star turn in March into a meteoric rise like Enfield. Florida Gulf Coast's "Dunk City" team in 2013 became the first 15 seed to reach the Sweet 16.

After just 69 games as a college head coach, Enfield went from making $157,000 per year in the Atlantic Sun Conference to a Pac-12 job with an annual salary of well over $1 million.

"It's a lot easier to hire a hot name out of the NCAA Tournament and if he doesn't work out the athletic director can always say, 'Look, we thought we were hiring a superstar based on what he did at X school,'" Fraschilla said.

The Trojans are in the NCAA Tournament this season for the third time in eight seasons under Enfield, a No. 6 seed facing Drake on Saturday afternoon.

Davis was the antithesis of Enfield, an established, veteran coach with a long track record of success - just not in the NCAA. Then his Middle Tennessee team beat mighty Michigan State as a 15 seed.

"Rightly or wrongly, the emphasis is on the NCAA tournament," Miles said. "It's almost like the guy's an overnight sensation and it only took him 15 years to get their. But that's just the way it is."

Fraschilla led Manhattan College to a 13-over-4 upset of Oklahoma in 1995. Two years later, he took the St. John's job and then went to New Mexico, but never won another NCAA Tournament game.

Whether Friday's upset turns out to be the peak of Mills' coaching career or the first of many March moments, he might never top the feeling of leading Oral Roberts past Ohio State.

"It will be one of the greatest days of his career no matter what happens from here," Fraschilla said. "He can go to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 25 years and he'll remember this day forever because of what it means to him, his team, his school and his family."

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                    </figure><p>By RALPH D. RUSSO-AP College Sports Writer<br></p><p>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Dunk City's thrilling NCAA Tournament run as a No. 15 seed in 2013 gave a rocket-boost to Andy Enfield's coaching career that landed him at USC after just two seasons with Florida Gulf Coast.</p><p>When 15th-seeded Hampton shocked Iowa State in 2001, the image of Steve Merfeld celebrating - arms and legs extended, lifted off the floor by one of his players - became one of the lasting images of March Madness. Merfeld's time at Hampton lasted one more season before he jumped to a bigger job.</p><p>In 2016, Kermit Davis led 15th-seeded Middle Tennessee to an upset of No. 2 seed Michigan State in his 14th season with the Blue Raiders. Two seasons later, Davis jumped from Conference USA to the Southeastern Conference and became coach at Mississippi.</p><p>A bracket-busting NCAA Tournament victory can change the trajectory of a coach's career. With a 75-72 overtime stunner of second-seeded Ohio State on Friday, Oral Roberts coach Paul Mills' stock likely went soaring.</p><p>Oral Roberts became just the ninth No. 15 seed to beat a No. 2 since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.</p><p>"Once the buzzer went off, it's more a feeling of relief, probably, than anything else," Mills said.</p><p>Four of the last five coaches to win in the NCAA Tournament with a No. 15 seed jumped to another job in a bigger conference within three seasons of their big win.</p><p>Mills, a former Baylor assistant under Scott Drew, is in his fourth season at Oral Roberts. The Golden Eagles have made steady improvement during his tenure, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008.</p><p>But their first tournament victory since 1974 made Oral Roberts and its 48-year-old coach the biggest story in sports for at least a day.</p><p>"Paul Mills to many of us was an outstanding coach four hours ago," ESPN analyst and former college coach Fran Fraschilla said. "But the fact that he's knocked off Ohio State the way Oral Roberts did has given him great currency.</p><p>"A win like this validates Paul Mills not only with the general public, but it validates him with his peers. It validates him with basketball fans and it validates him, unfortunately for Oral Roberts, with the next AD thinking of hiring a guy like Paul."</p><p>Mills wasn't the only former Baylor assistant to Drew to make a mark on the first day of the first round: No. 13 seed North Texas and fourth-year coach Grant McCasland also beat a Big Ten power in overtime, knocking off fourth-seeded Purdue.</p><p>"It does open up an unbelievable amount of opportunity because it's instant equity, a win like that and an upset like that in the NCAA Tournament," former Nebraska coach Tim Miles said.</p><p>Merfeld had Hampton back in the tourney as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champs the season after that memorable win against Iowa State. The next year, he landed at Evansville in the Missouri Valley, but it never quite clicked there and he was let go after five losing seasons.</p><p>In 2012, two No. 15s advanced out of the first round. Lehigh stunned Duke with future NBA star C.J. McCollum and Norfolk State bounced Missouri.</p><p>Anthony Evans spent one more season as Norfolk State coach in the MEAC before becoming head coach at Florida International in Conference USA. Five losing seasons later, he was out. Lehigh coach Brett Reed stayed put and just finished his 14th season at the school.</p><p>No coach has parlayed an unexpected star turn in March into a meteoric rise like Enfield. Florida Gulf Coast's "Dunk City" team in 2013 became the first 15 seed to reach the Sweet 16.</p><p>After just 69 games as a college head coach, Enfield went from making $157,000 per year in the Atlantic Sun Conference to a Pac-12 job with an annual salary of well over $1 million.</p><p>"It's a lot easier to hire a hot name out of the NCAA Tournament and if he doesn't work out the athletic director can always say, 'Look, we thought we were hiring a superstar based on what he did at X school,'" Fraschilla said.</p><p>The Trojans are in the NCAA Tournament this season for the third time in eight seasons under Enfield, a No. 6 seed facing Drake on Saturday afternoon.</p><p>Davis was the antithesis of Enfield, an established, veteran coach with a long track record of success - just not in the NCAA. Then his Middle Tennessee team beat mighty Michigan State as a 15 seed.</p><p>"Rightly or wrongly, the emphasis is on the NCAA tournament," Miles said. "It's almost like the guy's an overnight sensation and it only took him 15 years to get their. But that's just the way it is."</p><p>Fraschilla led Manhattan College to a 13-over-4 upset of Oklahoma in 1995. Two years later, he took the St. John's job and then went to New Mexico, but never won another NCAA Tournament game.</p><p>Whether Friday's upset turns out to be the peak of Mills' coaching career or the first of many March moments, he might never top the feeling of leading Oral Roberts past Ohio State.</p><p>"It will be one of the greatest days of his career no matter what happens from here," Fraschilla said. "He can go to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 25 years and he'll remember this day forever because of what it means to him, his team, his school and his family."</p>

Pulling NCAA upset can change trajectory of coach's career

Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist

<i>Iowa Falls, Iowa. -</i>&nbsp;Both teams were strong in the pitcher’s circle Thursday, but Ellsworth Community College was just a little bit stronger at the plate in a 2-0 victory over the North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team.

Nevaeh Ramirez, of Thornton, Colo., started the game for the Knights, recording 18 outs. The righty surrendered two runs on one hit over six innings, striking out four and walking one.

The Knights scored a single by Kirsten Greenwalt, of Aurora, Colo. in the seventh inning. Greenwalt went 1-for-3 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.

The Knights outhit their opponent in the second game with 10 hits to Ellsworth’s seven, but the Panthers still claimed the 9-4 win.

The Knights scored three runs in the sixth inning with batters Greenwalt, Morganne Brown, of Milliken, Colo., and Essence McRae, of Las Vegas, Nev., all driving in runs.

Pitcher Kyleigh Sullivan, of Fort Worth, Texas, went six innings, allowing nine runs on seven hits and striking out eight.

The Knights scattered 10 hits in the game. Jayden Horner, of Firestone, Colo., Madisyn Hamar, of Chadron and Greenwalt all managed multiple hits. Horner led the Knights with three hits in four at bats.

“We came out solid today, had energy and focus, but our bats were as cold as it was outside today in game one, and it’s hard to win games when the bats are quiet,” said NPCC Knights Softball head coach Janelle Higgins. “Game two, our bats came alive, but our energy slowly went down with the sun and the temperature. It is our first go with playing in cold and wind this spring, and it hampered us. We dug deep and stayed in the game, but the spark came too late.”

“We find ourselves a little more each day out,” said Higgins. “It was hard to get back in the groove after having 11 days off because of weather. Tomorrow is a new day and it’s going to be a great day to play ball.”

The Knights&nbsp;will remain in Iowa for the time being. They will take on Southwestern Community College, in Creston, Iowa in a doubleheader beginning at noon Friday.

<p>Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist</p><p><i>Iowa Falls, Iowa. -</i>&nbsp;Both teams were strong in the pitcher’s circle Thursday, but Ellsworth Community College was just a little bit stronger at the plate in a 2-0 victory over the North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team.</p><p>Nevaeh Ramirez, of Thornton, Colo., started the game for the Knights, recording 18 outs. The righty surrendered two runs on one hit over six innings, striking out four and walking one.</p><p>The Knights scored a single by Kirsten Greenwalt, of Aurora, Colo. in the seventh inning. Greenwalt went 1-for-3 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.</p><p>The Knights outhit their opponent in the second game with 10 hits to Ellsworth’s seven, but the Panthers still claimed the 9-4 win.</p><p>The Knights scored three runs in the sixth inning with batters Greenwalt, Morganne Brown, of Milliken, Colo., and Essence McRae, of Las Vegas, Nev., all driving in runs.</p><p>Pitcher Kyleigh Sullivan, of Fort Worth, Texas, went six innings, allowing nine runs on seven hits and striking out eight.</p><p>The Knights scattered 10 hits in the game. Jayden Horner, of Firestone, Colo., Madisyn Hamar, of Chadron and Greenwalt all managed multiple hits. Horner led the Knights with three hits in four at bats.</p><p>“We came out solid today, had energy and focus, but our bats were as cold as it was outside today in game one, and it’s hard to win games when the bats are quiet,” said NPCC Knights Softball head coach Janelle Higgins. “Game two, our bats came alive, but our energy slowly went down with the sun and the temperature. It is our first go with playing in cold and wind this spring, and it hampered us. We dug deep and stayed in the game, but the spark came too late.”</p><p>The Knights are now 3-11 on the season.</p><p>“We find ourselves a little more each day out,” said Higgins. “It was hard to get back in the groove after having 11 days off because of weather. Tomorrow is a new day and it’s going to be a great day to play ball.”</p><p>The Knights&nbsp;will remain in Iowa for the time being. They will take on Southwestern Community College, in Creston, Iowa in a doubleheader beginning at noon Friday.</p>

Knights Softball falls to Ellsworth in doubleheader

<i>Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist</i>

The Lopes were runnin’ Thursday night, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Knights.

North Platte Community College’s volleyball team ultimately defeated Lamar Community College in a straight set sweep in McCook.

The final scores were: 25-16, 25-22 and 25-17. That raises the Knights to 12-12 on the season.

Peyton Negley, of North Platte, led the game with eight kills. Taylor Hansen, of Yuma, Colo., had seven kills.

Kim Krise, of Briggsdale, Colo., and Avery Johnson, of Hayes Center, each posted six kills while Johnson also contributed four blocks.

Allie Schneider, of Humphrey, Neb., stepped in with 32 assists and four blocks, and Jessica Trujillo, of Ft. Lupton, Colo., put up 11 digs.

“I thought we struggled to make adjustments when we needed to,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “The third set we finally did some things we needed to and had talked about. I’m glad we got the job done in three and had some people step in and execute as well.”

The Knights will return home for one more game before the Region IX Tournament. They take on Otero Junior College at noon Saturday in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

<p><i>Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist</i></p><p>The Lopes were runnin’ Thursday night, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Knights.</p><p>North Platte Community College’s volleyball team ultimately defeated Lamar Community College in a straight set sweep in McCook.</p><p>The final scores were: 25-16, 25-22 and 25-17. That raises the Knights to 12-12 on the season.</p><p>Peyton Negley, of North Platte, led the game with eight kills. Taylor Hansen, of Yuma, Colo., had seven kills.</p><p>Kim Krise, of Briggsdale, Colo., and Avery Johnson, of Hayes Center, each posted six kills while Johnson also contributed four blocks.</p><p>Allie Schneider, of Humphrey, Neb., stepped in with 32 assists and four blocks, and Jessica Trujillo, of Ft. Lupton, Colo., put up 11 digs.</p><p>“I thought we struggled to make adjustments when we needed to,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “The third set we finally did some things we needed to and had talked about. I’m glad we got the job done in three and had some people step in and execute as well.”</p><p>The Knights will return home for one more game before the Region IX Tournament. They take on Otero Junior College at noon Saturday in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.</p>

Knights defeat Lopes in three-set sweep

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3.18.21 NPCC Knights Volleyball vs Lamar - LIVESTREAM

<i>Story by NU Athletic Communications</i>

Nebraska junior thrower Burger Lambrechts Jr. was named the Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year on Wednesday after a vote by the league's head coaches. He is the first-ever Nebraska men's track and field athlete to win a Big Ten Athlete of the Year award. 

Lambrechts was the fifth-place finisher in the shot put at the NCAA Indoor Championships last weekend and was a USTFCCCA first-team All-American, throwing 65-0 3/4 (19.83m). It was the best finish by a Husker male in the shot put at the NCAA Indoor Championships since 2004. 

At the Big Ten Indoor Championships in Geneva, Ohio on Feb. 27, Lambrechts shattered his previous shot put personal best with a gold-medal winning throw of 67-4 3/4 (20.54m) on his fifth attempt, which won the event by more than two feet. Lambrechts had never topped 20 meters before in his career, but both his fifth and sixth (20.47m) throws went well beyond 20 meters. 

The Big Ten runner-up last year, Lambrechts climbed to No. 2 in school history behind only Carl Myerscough's school record of 70-6 1/4 (21.49m). 

<p><i>Story by NU Athletic Communications</i></p><p>Nebraska junior thrower Burger Lambrechts Jr. was named the Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year on Wednesday after a vote by the league's head coaches. He is the first-ever Nebraska men's track and field athlete to win a Big Ten Athlete of the Year award. </p><p>Lambrechts was the fifth-place finisher in the shot put at the NCAA Indoor Championships last weekend and was a USTFCCCA first-team All-American, throwing 65-0 3/4 (19.83m). It was the best finish by a Husker male in the shot put at the NCAA Indoor Championships since 2004. </p><p>At the Big Ten Indoor Championships in Geneva, Ohio on Feb. 27, Lambrechts shattered his previous shot put personal best with a gold-medal winning throw of 67-4 3/4 (20.54m) on his fifth attempt, which won the event by more than two feet. Lambrechts had never topped 20 meters before in his career, but both his fifth and sixth (20.47m) throws went well beyond 20 meters. </p><p>The Big Ten runner-up last year, Lambrechts climbed to No. 2 in school history behind only Carl Myerscough's school record of 70-6 1/4 (21.49m). </p>

Lambrechts Named Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year

CORALVILLE, Iowa - The fifth-ranked Nebraska volleyball team posted its eighth sweep in 13 matches this season with a 25-19, 25-21, 25-11 win over Iowa at XTream Arena on Wednesday night. 

The Huskers hit a season-high .356 to improve to 11-2 on the season. Nebraska had 49 kills and 13 errors and stifled Iowa (3-12) to .119 hitting with 29 kills and 17 errors.

Lexi Sun had 14 kills and 12 digs with a pair of aces. Madi Kubik had 10 kills and hit a season-best .364, and Lauren Stivrins had eight kills on .615 hitting to go with three blocks. Kayla Caffey and Jazz Sweet both had seven kills. Sweet turned in her best match of the year, hitting .417 with seven kills and two errors on 12 swings. 

Nicklin Hames set the balanced attack with 37 assists, seven digs and three kills. Kenzie Knuckles had 11 digs and Keonilei Akana had 10. The Huskers had a 49-37 digs advantage. 

Courtney Buzzerio led Iowa with nine kills.

The teams will meet again on Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center at 6 p.m. The match will be televised on NET and streamed on the FoxSports platform. Husker Sports Network will call the action on HSN affiliates, the Huskers app and Huskers.com. 

Set 1: Nebraska went out to an 8-4 lead but surrendered a 9-3 Iowa run that put the Hawkeyes up 13-11. Nebraska committed three service errors and three unforced attack errors to allow Iowa to go in front. Trailing 17-15, Nebraska got a kill from Sun and then benefited from three straight Iowa hitting errors that made it 19-17 Huskers. Kills by Sweet, Kubik and Hames made it 22-19 Big Red, and Sun tacked on a kill before Akana finished the set at 25-19 with an ace.

Set 2: The Huskers led 7-2 after a block and kill each by Hames and Stivrins. Nebraska increased its lead to six at 15-9 after consecutive kills by Kubik and Sun. But Iowa answered with a 5-0 run to cut it to 15-14. Sun kept the Huskers in front with back-to-back kills that made it 17-14. After Iowa pulled within 17-16, Caffey terminated a kill and then combined with Sun for a block. The junior middle blocker put down yet another kill to help the Huskers back to a four-point lead, 20-16. After Iowa got back within two, the Hawkeyes committed a service error before Sweet added a kill and Sun served an ace to make it 23-18. Another kill by Sweet earned set point at 24-21 and the Huskers closed it out at 25-21.

Set 3: Nebraska set out to finish the sweep, taking a 7-1 lead with Kubik serving a 5-0 run for the Big Red while four different Huskers registered kills early on. The Huskers continued to pour it on with kills by Caffey, Stivrins and Kubik to go up 17-6. Kubik and Stivrins teamed up for a block to make it 19-7, and Kubik and Caffey added kills down the stretch as the Huskers pulled away for a 25-11 win, their most decisive set win of the season. NU hit .429 in the third set and held Iowa to -.032 hitting. 

<p>Story by NU Athletic Communications</p><p>CORALVILLE, Iowa - The fifth-ranked Nebraska volleyball team posted its eighth sweep in 13 matches this season with a 25-19, 25-21, 25-11 win over Iowa at XTream Arena on Wednesday night. </p><p>The Huskers hit a season-high .356 to improve to 11-2 on the season. Nebraska had 49 kills and 13 errors and stifled Iowa (3-12) to .119 hitting with 29 kills and 17 errors.</p><p>Lexi Sun had 14 kills and 12 digs with a pair of aces. Madi Kubik had 10 kills and hit a season-best .364, and Lauren Stivrins had eight kills on .615 hitting to go with three blocks. Kayla Caffey and Jazz Sweet both had seven kills. Sweet turned in her best match of the year, hitting .417 with seven kills and two errors on 12 swings. </p><p>Nicklin Hames set the balanced attack with 37 assists, seven digs and three kills. Kenzie Knuckles had 11 digs and Keonilei Akana had 10. The Huskers had a 49-37 digs advantage. </p><p>Courtney Buzzerio led Iowa with nine kills.</p><p>The teams will meet again on Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center at 6 p.m. The match will be televised on NET and streamed on the FoxSports platform. Husker Sports Network will call the action on HSN affiliates, the Huskers app and Huskers.com. </p><p>Set 1: Nebraska went out to an 8-4 lead but surrendered a 9-3 Iowa run that put the Hawkeyes up 13-11. Nebraska committed three service errors and three unforced attack errors to allow Iowa to go in front. Trailing 17-15, Nebraska got a kill from Sun and then benefited from three straight Iowa hitting errors that made it 19-17 Huskers. Kills by Sweet, Kubik and Hames made it 22-19 Big Red, and Sun tacked on a kill before Akana finished the set at 25-19 with an ace.</p><p>Set 2: The Huskers led 7-2 after a block and kill each by Hames and Stivrins. Nebraska increased its lead to six at 15-9 after consecutive kills by Kubik and Sun. But Iowa answered with a 5-0 run to cut it to 15-14. Sun kept the Huskers in front with back-to-back kills that made it 17-14. After Iowa pulled within 17-16, Caffey terminated a kill and then combined with Sun for a block. The junior middle blocker put down yet another kill to help the Huskers back to a four-point lead, 20-16. After Iowa got back within two, the Hawkeyes committed a service error before Sweet added a kill and Sun served an ace to make it 23-18. Another kill by Sweet earned set point at 24-21 and the Huskers closed it out at 25-21.</p><p>Set 3: Nebraska set out to finish the sweep, taking a 7-1 lead with Kubik serving a 5-0 run for the Big Red while four different Huskers registered kills early on. The Huskers continued to pour it on with kills by Caffey, Stivrins and Kubik to go up 17-6. Kubik and Stivrins teamed up for a block to make it 19-7, and Kubik and Caffey added kills down the stretch as the Huskers pulled away for a 25-11 win, their most decisive set win of the season. NU hit .429 in the third set and held Iowa to -.032 hitting. </p>

Huskers Get Back on Track with Sweep at Iowa

<h2>Girls Soccer:&nbsp;</h2><p><b>Abby Orr - Senior Keeper</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009860739&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/abby-orr-spring-sports-2020" title="Abby Orr Spring Sports 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Abby Orr Spring Sports 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Gracie Haneborg - Senior attacker</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009859878&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/gracie-haneborg-girls-soccer-2020" title="Gracie Haneborg girls soccer 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Gracie Haneborg girls soccer 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Coach Kaminski</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009859293&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/sarah-kaminski" title="Sarah Kaminski Media day 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Sarah Kaminski Media day 2020</a></div></div><h2>Boys Soccer:&nbsp;</h2><p><b>Colin Manzano - Senior&nbsp;</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009860076&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/collin-manzano-soccer-2020" title="Collin Manzano Soccer 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Collin Manzano Soccer 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Jaylan Ruffin - Senior Defender</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009859776&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/jaylan-ruffin-soccer-2020" title="Jaylan Ruffin Soccer 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jaylan Ruffin Soccer 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Coach Whitney</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009860010&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/daniel-whitney-media-day-2020" title="Daniel Whitney Media Day 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Daniel Whitney Media Day 2020</a></div></div><h2>Girls Tennis:&nbsp;</h2><p><b>Priscila Mondragon - Senior</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009859377&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/priscila-mondragon-tennis" title="Priscila Mondragon Tennis 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Priscila Mondragon Tennis 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Brianna Plaster - Senior</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009860493&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/brianna-plaster-media-day-tennis-2020" title="Brianna Plaster Media Day Tennis 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Brianna Plaster Media Day Tennis 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Coach Blake</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009859962&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/danielle-blake-tennis-spring-sports-media-day-2020" title="Danielle Blake Tennis spring sports media day 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Danielle Blake Tennis spring sports media day 2020</a></div></div><h2>Boys Golf:</h2><p><b>Blake Barner - Senior</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009860706&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/blake-barner-golf-2020" title="Blake Barner Golf 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Blake Barner Golf 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Kasch Morrison - Senior</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009859506&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/kasch-morrison" title="Kasch Morrison Boys Golf 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Kasch Morrison Boys Golf 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Coach Orcutt</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009860319&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/coach-orcutt-boys-golf-spring-sports-media-day-2020" title="Coach Orcutt Boys Golf spring sports media day 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Orcutt Boys Golf spring sports media day 2020</a></div></div><h2>Track and Field:</h2><p><b>Coach Pack</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009859674&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/jimmie-pack-spring-sports-media-day-2020" title="Jimmie Pack Spring sports media day 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jimmie Pack Spring sports media day 2020</a></div></div><p><b>Coach Doz</b></p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1009860427&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/coach-doz-spring-sports-media-day-2020" title="Coach Doz spring sports media day 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Doz spring sports media day 2020</a></div></div>

NPHS Spring sports: Audio from Media day - Coaches and Players! 

Coming off one of their best seasons in recent times, NPHS boys basketball entered the 2020-21 season full of questions. Would COVID shut them down? Will they get in a full season?&nbsp;

For head coach Matt Kaminski, there was really only one question on his mind: What's the next step?&nbsp;

In 2019-20 the Boys captured 9 wins on the season, their best total since 2013-14 (12-14), and had a lot of momentum heading into the season. They had three starters from the previous year returning ensuring that a strong core would be in place to help propel them to start the year. They had been bolstered by young talent who were hungry to get experience at the varsity level.&nbsp;

The season started out bumpy with a tough schedule featuring both ranked teams and teams that had made the state tournament the year prior. The team would be 2-5 headed into the Christmas break.&nbsp;

Much like the girls the second half of the season would be where the Boys found their stride. As Coach Kaminski would say "we played a rough front nine, now let's come back strong on the back nine".&nbsp;

A win against a scrappy Lexington team followed by a blowout of Sidney would be the confidence boost the team needed to see. They would go 4-1 during a stretch that saw them play five games in seven days and looked to be clicking on all cylinders.&nbsp;

Then COVID decided it wanted to come to the party. A positive test would sideline the team for 10 days halting everything they could do and taking away a lot of the wind in their sails.&nbsp;

To their credit, this was a team that never quit on any game and finished the season 3-2 heading into district play. The statement game of that stretch was a tough win up in Gering that featured a 13 point comeback for the Dawgs and a one-point victory.&nbsp;

They got a tough draw headed into the A-1 district and would open up play against a Lincoln North Star team that had a huge chip on their shoulder.&nbsp;

The team matched their nine-win total from the previous year and once again have a lot of good momentum headed into the 2021-22 season.&nbsp;

Here is a look back on the season, here is Head Coach Matt Kaminski:&nbsp;

Enjoy some great photos from the year:&nbsp;

<p>Coming off one of their best seasons in recent times, NPHS boys basketball entered the 2020-21 season full of questions. Would COVID shut them down? Will they get in a full season?&nbsp;</p><p>For head coach Matt Kaminski, there was really only one question on his mind: What's the next step?&nbsp;</p><p>In 2019-20 the Boys captured 9 wins on the season, their best total since 2013-14 (12-14), and had a lot of momentum heading into the season. They had three starters from the previous year returning ensuring that a strong core would be in place to help propel them to start the year. They had been bolstered by young talent who were hungry to get experience at the varsity level.&nbsp;</p><p>The season started out bumpy with a tough schedule featuring both ranked teams and teams that had made the state tournament the year prior. The team would be 2-5 headed into the Christmas break.&nbsp;</p><p>Much like the girls the second half of the season would be where the Boys found their stride. As Coach Kaminski would say "we played a rough front nine, now let's come back strong on the back nine".&nbsp;</p><p>A win against a scrappy Lexington team followed by a blowout of Sidney would be the confidence boost the team needed to see. They would go 4-1 during a stretch that saw them play five games in seven days and looked to be clicking on all cylinders.&nbsp;</p><p>Then COVID decided it wanted to come to the party. A positive test would sideline the team for 10 days halting everything they could do and taking away a lot of the wind in their sails.&nbsp;</p><p>To their credit, this was a team that never quit on any game and finished the season 3-2 heading into district play. The statement game of that stretch was a tough win up in Gering that featured a 13 point comeback for the Dawgs and a one-point victory.&nbsp;</p><p>They got a tough draw headed into the A-1 district and would open up play against a Lincoln North Star team that had a huge chip on their shoulder.&nbsp;</p><p>The team matched their nine-win total from the previous year and once again have a lot of good momentum headed into the 2021-22 season.&nbsp;</p><p>Here is a look back on the season, here is Head Coach Matt Kaminski:&nbsp;</p><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 2020-21 Boys Basketball season wrap up with Coach K" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/eb8nj-fd6ec8?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div><p>Enjoy some great photos from the year:&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615988379935.jpeg" alt="Senior boys.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Senior boys.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615988413687.jpeg" alt="boys court.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>boys court.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615988428732.jpeg" alt="kaminski coaching.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>kaminski coaching.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615988446481.jpeg" alt="Boys xmas.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Boys xmas.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615988462431.jpeg" alt="Boys bench.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Boys bench.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615988480507.jpeg" alt="Boys celebrating.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Boys celebrating.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure>

NPHS Basketball: Winter season wrap up with Coach Kaminski - Audio and Pictures

Story&nbsp;

By ARNIE STAPLETON - Associated Press<br>

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have exercised star linebacker Von Miller’s 2021 option.

The move engages the final season of the six-year, $114.5 million contract Miller signed in 2016 in the aftermath of his Super Bowl 50 MVP performance.

It also guarantees him $7 million of his $17.5 million base salary.

Tuesday was the deadline to exercise his option or Miller, who turns 32 this month, would have become an unrestricted free agent. The Broncos tweeted without comment an image of Miller celebrating the team’s Super Bowl triumph five years ago.

Miller has recovered from a freak ankle injury that sidelined him all of last season, and he recently was cleared of off-the-field concerns when the local district attorney’s office declined to bring charges against him following an unspecified investigation by the Parker, Colorado, police department.

Before that, new general manager George Paton said he wanted Miller to remain in Denver but was monitoring his legal situation before committing to his return.

Miller was John Elway’s first draft pick back in 2011, when he was the No. 2 overall pick behind Cam Newton, whom he dominated in Super Bowl 50 to help Denver beat Carolina 24-10 in Peyton Manning’s farewell game.

Miller is the Broncos’ all-time leader with 106 regular-season sacks and 25 forced fumbles. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler.

Last year he became the first NFL player and first superstar athlete to announce he’d contracted COVID-19. After recovering, he embarked on a strenuous strength and conditioning program and appeared primed for a big season before suffering an ankle tendon injury six days before the opener.

The move to keep Miller came a day after the Broncos agreed to three-year deals with Broncos veteran defensive end Shelby Harris and cornerback Ronald Darby, who spent last season in Washington.

<p>Story&nbsp;

By ARNIE STAPLETON - Associated Press<br></p><p>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have exercised star linebacker Von Miller’s 2021 option.</p><p>The move engages the final season of the six-year, $114.5 million contract Miller signed in 2016 in the aftermath of his Super Bowl 50 MVP performance.</p><p>It also guarantees him $7 million of his $17.5 million base salary.</p><p>Tuesday was the deadline to exercise his option or Miller, who turns 32 this month, would have become an unrestricted free agent. The Broncos tweeted without comment an image of Miller celebrating the team’s Super Bowl triumph five years ago.</p><p>ADVERTISEMENT</p><p>Miller has recovered from a freak ankle injury that sidelined him all of last season, and he recently was cleared of off-the-field concerns when the local district attorney’s office declined to bring charges against him following an unspecified investigation by the Parker, Colorado, police department.</p><p>Before that, new general manager George Paton said he wanted Miller to remain in Denver but was monitoring his legal situation before committing to his return.</p><p>Miller was John Elway’s first draft pick back in 2011, when he was the No. 2 overall pick behind Cam Newton, whom he dominated in Super Bowl 50 to help Denver beat Carolina 24-10 in Peyton Manning’s farewell game.</p><p>Miller is the Broncos’ all-time leader with 106 regular-season sacks and 25 forced fumbles. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler.</p><p>Last year he became the first NFL player and first superstar athlete to announce he’d contracted COVID-19. After recovering, he embarked on a strenuous strength and conditioning program and appeared primed for a big season before suffering an ankle tendon injury six days before the opener.</p><p>The move to keep Miller came a day after the Broncos agreed to three-year deals with Broncos veteran defensive end Shelby Harris and cornerback Ronald Darby, who spent last season in Washington.</p>

Denver Broncos exercise Von Miller’s 2021 option

Lamar, Colo. – North Platte Community College women’s basketball team pushed their winning streak to three games with a road victory over Lamar Community College on Tuesday night. The Knights took the lead early and never looked back defeating the Runnin’ Lopes, 66-52.

“I am proud of our fight and determination tonight,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We withstood their run in the third quarter and continued to battle to earn this road win.”

Knights ran away in the first quarter connecting on their first seven shots from the floor. Leading 14-2, the Knights pushed their lead out to fifteen as Amber Wolever drove the lane and kicked it back out to an open Jennessy Aragon-Dennis who connected from beyond the arc.

The Runnin’ Lopes cut the deficit to twelve as the clock moved inside three minutes, but the Knights answered as Kanesha Hall banked in a three-point shot to extend the lead back to fifteen. Diamond Moore-Heath gave the Knights their largest lead of the game as she received the ball from Kayla Pope and laid it off the glass for an uncontested layup, 22-5.

Runnin’ Lopes offense shook off the rust in the second quarter and cut the deficit to seven inside five minutes to play, 24-17. Janay Brauer answered for the Knights firing up a deep three to push the Knights lead back to ten. The Runnin’ Lopes and Knights battled throughout the remainder of the quarter, but the Knights led at the break, 30-21.

In the third quarter, the Knights pushed their lead back to fifteen after Jocelyn Sellers found Jada Ballard cutting through the lane for an open layup, 40-25. Lamar went on a 18-4 run in the closing minutes of the third quarter to cut the deficit to one. The Knights managed to escape the pressure and built a four-point lead by the end of the third quarter, 47-43.

Moore-Heath helped push the Knights lead back to six with an excellent post move that cleared the way for an open bucket, 49-43. Knights pushed their lead back to double digits as Ballard completed an old fashioned three-point play, 55-45.

Knights tightened their defense over the remaining four minutes never letting the Runnin’ Lopes cut the deficit closer than nine. The Knights closed out the Runnin’ Lopes to earn the victory and extended their winning streak to three games.

Moore-Heath recorded her seventh double-double of the season totaling 25 points and 11 rebounds on the night. Her teammate Ballard added her first double-double of her collegiate career collecting 14 points to go along with her 10 rebounds.

Knights (6-9 overall, 5-5 Region IX) will travel to Beatrice, Neb. for their final road game of the season on Saturday, March 20. Tip is set for 2 p.m. at the Truman Center Gymnasium.

<p><i>Story by Daniel Stinman&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public Information</i></p><p>Lamar, Colo. – North Platte Community College women’s basketball team pushed their winning streak to three games with a road victory over Lamar Community College on Tuesday night. The Knights took the lead early and never looked back defeating the Runnin’ Lopes, 66-52.</p><p>“I am proud of our fight and determination tonight,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We withstood their run in the third quarter and continued to battle to earn this road win.”</p><p>Knights ran away in the first quarter connecting on their first seven shots from the floor. Leading 14-2, the Knights pushed their lead out to fifteen as Amber Wolever drove the lane and kicked it back out to an open Jennessy Aragon-Dennis who connected from beyond the arc.</p><p>The Runnin’ Lopes cut the deficit to twelve as the clock moved inside three minutes, but the Knights answered as Kanesha Hall banked in a three-point shot to extend the lead back to fifteen. Diamond Moore-Heath gave the Knights their largest lead of the game as she received the ball from Kayla Pope and laid it off the glass for an uncontested layup, 22-5.</p><p>Runnin’ Lopes offense shook off the rust in the second quarter and cut the deficit to seven inside five minutes to play, 24-17. Janay Brauer answered for the Knights firing up a deep three to push the Knights lead back to ten. The Runnin’ Lopes and Knights battled throughout the remainder of the quarter, but the Knights led at the break, 30-21.</p><p>In the third quarter, the Knights pushed their lead back to fifteen after Jocelyn Sellers found Jada Ballard cutting through the lane for an open layup, 40-25. Lamar went on a 18-4 run in the closing minutes of the third quarter to cut the deficit to one. The Knights managed to escape the pressure and built a four-point lead by the end of the third quarter, 47-43.</p><p>Moore-Heath helped push the Knights lead back to six with an excellent post move that cleared the way for an open bucket, 49-43. Knights pushed their lead back to double digits as Ballard completed an old fashioned three-point play, 55-45.</p><p>Knights tightened their defense over the remaining four minutes never letting the Runnin’ Lopes cut the deficit closer than nine. The Knights closed out the Runnin’ Lopes to earn the victory and extended their winning streak to three games.</p><p>Moore-Heath recorded her seventh double-double of the season totaling 25 points and 11 rebounds on the night. Her teammate Ballard added her first double-double of her collegiate career collecting 14 points to go along with her 10 rebounds.</p><p>Knights (6-9 overall, 5-5 Region IX) will travel to Beatrice, Neb. for their final road game of the season on Saturday, March 20. Tip is set for 2 p.m. at the Truman Center Gymnasium.</p>

Knights extend winning streak against Runnin’ Lopes

Lamar, Colo. – The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team could not hold off the Runnin’ Lopes in the second half. As Lamar Community College defeated the Knights on Tuesday night, 65-58.

The seven-day layoff did not seem to affect the Knights as they quickly jumped out to a 13-4 lead in the opening minutes of action. Knights extended their lead to fifteen as Jason Eubank stole the ball and laid it off the glass in transition, 17-4.

The Runnin’ Lopes rebounded and cut the deficit to ten inside ten minutes to play in the first half. Slavomyr Marchenko and German Plotnikov pushed the Knights lead back to fourteen as the Knights collected buckets on back-to-back offensive possessions, 26-12.

Knights kept their lead at double digits as the teams traded baskets over the next couple of minutes. Eubank pushed the Knights lead to seventeen on a step back three point shot in the final minutes of the opening half, 38-21. The Runnin’ Lopes added basket in the closing seconds to trim the deficit down to fifteen at the break, 38-23.

Out of the break, the Runnin’ Lopes trimmed the deficit down to seven in the first six minutes of the second half, 38-31. German Plotnikov ended the dry spell for the Knights as he connected on a pair of free throws, to push the lead back to nine. Lamar slowly cut into the deficit over the next four minutes cutting the Knights lead to four with 7:25 to play.

The Runnin’ Lopes outscored the Knights 20-9 over the final seven minutes, to take their first lead of the game and to steal the win away from the Knights.

The Knights had three scorers in double digits including Plotnikov (15), Eubank (14), and Jevarrick Butler (12). Danilo Matovic led the Knights on the glass with seven rebounds.

Knights (4-10) will continue their two-game road trip on Saturday, March 20 as they travel to Beatrice, Neb. to take on the Storm of Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 4 p.m. at the Truman Center Gymnasium.

<p><i>Story by Daniel Stinman&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public Information</i></p><p>Lamar, Colo. – The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team could not hold off the Runnin’ Lopes in the second half. As Lamar Community College defeated the Knights on Tuesday night, 65-58.</p><p>The seven-day layoff did not seem to affect the Knights as they quickly jumped out to a 13-4 lead in the opening minutes of action. Knights extended their lead to fifteen as Jason Eubank stole the ball and laid it off the glass in transition, 17-4.</p><p>The Runnin’ Lopes rebounded and cut the deficit to ten inside ten minutes to play in the first half. Slavomyr Marchenko and German Plotnikov pushed the Knights lead back to fourteen as the Knights collected buckets on back-to-back offensive possessions, 26-12.</p><p>Knights kept their lead at double digits as the teams traded baskets over the next couple of minutes. Eubank pushed the Knights lead to seventeen on a step back three point shot in the final minutes of the opening half, 38-21. The Runnin’ Lopes added basket in the closing seconds to trim the deficit down to fifteen at the break, 38-23.</p><p>Out of the break, the Runnin’ Lopes trimmed the deficit down to seven in the first six minutes of the second half, 38-31. German Plotnikov ended the dry spell for the Knights as he connected on a pair of free throws, to push the lead back to nine. Lamar slowly cut into the deficit over the next four minutes cutting the Knights lead to four with 7:25 to play.</p><p>The Runnin’ Lopes outscored the Knights 20-9 over the final seven minutes, to take their first lead of the game and to steal the win away from the Knights.</p><p>The Knights had three scorers in double digits including Plotnikov (15), Eubank (14), and Jevarrick Butler (12). Danilo Matovic led the Knights on the glass with seven rebounds.</p><p>Knights (4-10) will continue their two-game road trip on Saturday, March 20 as they travel to Beatrice, Neb. to take on the Storm of Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 4 p.m. at the Truman Center Gymnasium.</p>

Runnin’ Lopes second half rally downs Knights

McCook, Neb. - The North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball Team dropped a nail-biter to McCook Community College in five sets Tuesday night.

The final scores were: 15-25, 26-24, 26-24, 18-25 and 13-15.

Alysen Daniels, of Mullen, led with 13 kills. Peyton Negley, of North Platte, also went for 10 kills. Taylor Hansen, of Yuma, Colo. had 10 kills and seven blocks while Madi Neely, of Broken Bow, had four kills.

Allie Schneider, of Humphrey, Neb., tallied 45 set assists, and Ruby Valle, of Weldona, Colo., recorded 20 digs.

“We battled and came up short,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “I think we did some nice things – we blocked better than we have been and passed in serve receive better, but errors were our enemy today. We can’t miss 14 serves and expect to win. We have some other games this week, and I would like to see us execute our jobs better, and I think we can be successful.”

The Knights dip to 11-12 on the season. They will return to McCook Thursday to take on Lamar Community College at 6 p.m.

<p><i>Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist</i></p><p>McCook, Neb. - The North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball Team dropped a nail-biter to McCook Community College in five sets Tuesday night.</p><p>The final scores were: 15-25, 26-24, 26-24, 18-25 and 13-15.</p><p>Alysen Daniels, of Mullen, led with 13 kills. Peyton Negley, of North Platte, also went for 10 kills. Taylor Hansen, of Yuma, Colo. had 10 kills and seven blocks while Madi Neely, of Broken Bow, had four kills.</p><p>Allie Schneider, of Humphrey, Neb., tallied 45 set assists, and Ruby Valle, of Weldona, Colo., recorded 20 digs.</p><p>“We battled and came up short,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “I think we did some nice things – we blocked better than we have been and passed in serve receive better, but errors were our enemy today. We can’t miss 14 serves and expect to win. We have some other games this week, and I would like to see us execute our jobs better, and I think we can be successful.”</p><p>The Knights dip to 11-12 on the season. They will return to McCook Thursday to take on Lamar Community College at 6 p.m.</p>

Knights/Indians battle it out in intense five-set game

<i>The quilt second from left was donated to the family of Garrett Nokes during the MPCC Spring Fundraising Rodeo in McCook.</i>

Almost $12,000 was raised during the Mid-Plains Community College Spring Fundraising Rodeo Friday and Saturday at the Kiplinger Arena in McCook. Proceeds will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and team travel expenses.

The event was dedicated to former head rodeo team coach Garrett Nokes who passed away in February. It included a presentation featuring a saddled riderless horse, led by Nokes’ son Parker, who rode around the arena while Garrett’s bio was read.

Some of the activities also raised money for the Nokes family. That included the sale of a steer and t-shirts - which are ongoing.

Anyone interested in purchasing a Nokes memorial t-shirt can do so by contacting Wranglers booster committee member Brenda Peters at petersb@mpcc.edu or calling (308) 345-8117.

One of the live auction items was a quilt made by Bonna Fortune, the grandmother of MPCC Rodeo Team member Wynn Schaack, of Wall, S.D.

The quilt featured a patch in the middle that depicted a kneeling cowboy and had a caption that read, “In memory of Garrett Nokes.” The quilt sold for $3,600. It was given to the rodeo team who, in turn, handed it over to Garrett’s family.

The rodeo also included a team jacket presentation and Dual Excellence Scholarship ceremony.

Gigi Sattler, of McCook, was the winner of a drawing for a Traeger Pro Series wood-fired pellet grill.

<p><i>Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615928690683.jpeg" alt="quilt.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>quilt.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>The quilt second from left was donated to the family of Garrett Nokes during the MPCC Spring Fundraising Rodeo in McCook.</i></p><p>Almost $12,000 was raised during the Mid-Plains Community College Spring Fundraising Rodeo Friday and Saturday at the Kiplinger Arena in McCook. Proceeds will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and team travel expenses.</p><p>The event was dedicated to former head rodeo team coach Garrett Nokes who passed away in February. It included a presentation featuring a saddled riderless horse, led by Nokes’ son Parker, who rode around the arena while Garrett’s bio was read.</p><p>Some of the activities also raised money for the Nokes family. That included the sale of a steer and t-shirts - which are ongoing.</p><p>Anyone interested in purchasing a Nokes memorial t-shirt can do so by contacting Wranglers booster committee member Brenda Peters at petersb@mpcc.edu or calling (308) 345-8117.</p><p>One of the live auction items was a quilt made by Bonna Fortune, the grandmother of MPCC Rodeo Team member Wynn Schaack, of Wall, S.D.</p><p>The quilt featured a patch in the middle that depicted a kneeling cowboy and had a caption that read, “In memory of Garrett Nokes.” The quilt sold for $3,600. It was given to the rodeo team who, in turn, handed it over to Garrett’s family.</p><p>The rodeo also included a team jacket presentation and Dual Excellence Scholarship ceremony.</p><p>Gigi Sattler, of McCook, was the winner of a drawing for a Traeger Pro Series wood-fired pellet grill.</p>

MPCC spring fundraising rodeo supports team/Nokes family

Lincoln County CASA is honoring the late Kevin Kennedy and celebrating all the frontline heroes in our community.

The Kevin Kennedy 5K Hero Race on Saturday, April 10 begins at 5 p.m. and the Kids fun mile begins at 5:45 p.m. at Iron Horse Park. We are also offering a Virtual Race from April 9-11th.

Organizers are encouraging you to dress in costume to honor your favorite community hero, whether that be a police officer, firefighter, teacher, etc.

Prizes will be awarded in various run classes and for best costumes

Online registration is available at <a href="https://www.platteriverfitness.com/">platteriverfitness.com</a> or pick up a paper registration at the Rec Center. 

For more information, call Lincoln County CASA at 308-520-0577, or go to <a href="http://www.lincolncountycasa.org/">LincolncountyCASA.org</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615924045546.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p><i>News Release</i></p><p>Lincoln County CASA is honoring the late Kevin Kennedy and celebrating all the frontline heroes in our community.</p><p>The Kevin Kennedy 5K Hero Race on Saturday, April 10 begins at 5 p.m. and the Kids fun mile begins at 5:45 p.m. at Iron Horse Park. We are also offering a Virtual Race from April 9-11th.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615924278273.png" alt="Kevin Kennedy, Jr." />
                        <figcaption>Kevin Kennedy, Jr.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Organizers are encouraging you to dress in costume to honor your favorite community hero, whether that be a police officer, firefighter, teacher, etc.</p><p>Prizes will be awarded in various run classes and for best costumes</p><p>Online registration is available at <a href="https://www.platteriverfitness.com/">platteriverfitness.com</a> or pick up a paper registration at the Rec Center. </p><p>For more information, call Lincoln County CASA at 308-520-0577, or go to <a href="http://www.lincolncountycasa.org/">LincolncountyCASA.org</a>.</p>

'Kevin Kennedy Hero Race' set for April 10 at Iron Horse Park

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SPVA 2020-21 all conference girls basketball announced

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SPVA 2020-21 all conference boys basketball announced

Ask Coach Hammond and he will say this year will be one to remember.

The 2019-2020 season ended badly for the NPHS Girls basketball team in two ways. First, they ran up against a Lincoln Pius X team that was clicking on all cylinders and would end as the eventual state champion. The second reason, COVID had just hit and no one was sure what was going to happen next.&nbsp;

As they entered 2020, the girls basketball team watched fall sports like a hawk, how would Volleyball do in the COVID era? Could they get through a fall sports season? What would basketball look like since it was a close contact sport?&nbsp;

Coach Hammond didn't have time for these worries, he had expectations and a team to coach. He wanted to prove that last year's ability to host districts followed by a run to the state tournament wasn't just a "blip", it was the new normal for NPHS basketball.&nbsp;

We see you coach, and boy did you come through this year.&nbsp;

Its no secret to anyone who follows Lady Dawg basketball closely that the start of the season didn't go so well for the Blue and Gold. But a harder schedule is what you get when you want to be considered one of the best.&nbsp;

Early injuries and a rough schedule had the girls 3-3 heading into the Christmas break and just 4-4 heading into the new year.&nbsp;

The opportunity to rest and recoup is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Lady Dawgs came out in January on fire running off a 12-2 record to finish the season 16-4. That was good enough to end up number six in power points and for the second year in a row, host a district tournament.&nbsp;

Another couple of W's over urban teams put the Dawgs back in the state tournament for the second year in a row. They would go on to lose in the first round to #3 Fremont bringing an end to their season.&nbsp;

Two trips in two years to the state tournament, perhaps we do have a new normal for Lady Dawg basketball.&nbsp;<br><br><b>Heres a look back at the season starting with some audio from Coach Hammond:&nbsp;</b>

<b>The girls getting the send-off headed to the state tournament:</b>

<p>Ask Coach Hammond and he will say this year will be one to remember.</p><p>The 2019-2020 season ended badly for the NPHS Girls basketball team in two ways. First, they ran up against a Lincoln Pius X team that was clicking on all cylinders and would end as the eventual state champion. The second reason, COVID had just hit and no one was sure what was going to happen next.&nbsp;</p><p>As they entered 2020, the girls basketball team watched fall sports like a hawk, how would Volleyball do in the COVID era? Could they get through a fall sports season? What would basketball look like since it was a close contact sport?&nbsp;</p><p>Coach Hammond didn't have time for these worries, he had expectations and a team to coach. He wanted to prove that last year's ability to host districts followed by a run to the state tournament wasn't just a "blip", it was the new normal for NPHS basketball.&nbsp;</p><p>We see you coach, and boy did you come through this year.&nbsp;</p><p>Its no secret to anyone who follows Lady Dawg basketball closely that the start of the season didn't go so well for the Blue and Gold. But a harder schedule is what you get when you want to be considered one of the best.&nbsp;</p><p>Early injuries and a rough schedule had the girls 3-3 heading into the Christmas break and just 4-4 heading into the new year.&nbsp;</p><p>The opportunity to rest and recoup is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Lady Dawgs came out in January on fire running off a 12-2 record to finish the season 16-4. That was good enough to end up number six in power points and for the second year in a row, host a district tournament.&nbsp;</p><p>Another couple of W's over urban teams put the Dawgs back in the state tournament for the second year in a row. They would go on to lose in the first round to #3 Fremont bringing an end to their season.&nbsp;</p><p>Two trips in two years to the state tournament, perhaps we do have a new normal for Lady Dawg basketball.&nbsp;<br><br><b>Heres a look back at the season starting with some audio from Coach Hammond:&nbsp;</b></p><div><iframe title="NPHS Girls Basketball Season wrap with Coach Hammond" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/e9wdm-fdcdb0?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div><p><b>The girls getting the send-off headed to the state tournament:</b></p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">STATE SENDOFF TIME!!! Your Lady Dawgs basketball team was sent off by BULLDOG NATION this morning at NPHS!! They will be taking on the Fremont Tigers in the First Round of the Class A State Tournament TONITE at 8:30 PM. Good luck ladies and bring home a “W”!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTMB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTMB</a> <a href="https://t.co/EaYFOCVvZE">pic.twitter.com/EaYFOCVvZE</a></p>&mdash; NPHS_Activities (@NPHS_Activities) <a href="https://twitter.com/NPHS_Activities/status/1366799405291081729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p><b>And photos from the year:&nbsp;</b></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615906141613.jpeg" alt="Girls BB team - Photo by Baileigh pack.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Girls BB team - Photo by Baileigh pack.jpg</figcaption>
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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615906165843.jpeg" alt="Shoot around - Photo by Bernie Madison.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Shoot around - Photo by Bernie Madison.jpg</figcaption>
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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615906182422.jpeg" alt="Purdy lay in - photo by travis ouderkirk.jpg" />
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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615906207851.jpeg" alt="Senior night - photo by Jordan cudney.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Senior night - photo by Jordan cudney.jpg</figcaption>
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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615906224935.jpeg" alt="Girls team ready for district.jpg" />
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NPHS Basketball: Girls season wrap up! Pictures and audio

The Nebraska women's basketball team earned a bid to the 32-team Postseason WNIT, when selections for the field were announced on Monday, March 15.

The Huskers (12-12) will begin postseason play against UT Martin at the eight-team Memphis Regional in the WNIT on Friday, March 19 at 11 a.m. (CT) at My Town Movers Fieldhouse in Colliersville, Tenn. 

The Huskers will take on either Colorado (10-10) or Louisiana (16-6) in Saturday's second round. Other first-round games in Memphis include Samford (14-9) vs. Ole Miss (11-11), 5 p.m., and Illinois State (15-7) vs. Tulane (17-8), 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

All of Nebraska's games in the WNIT will be streamed live by FloHoops while also being carried live on radio by the Husker Sports Network, Huskers.com and the Huskers App.

The Huskers, who finished the regular season with a 9-10 Big Ten Conference mark, posted five wins over NCAA Tournament teams (Rutgers, Northwestern-2, Michigan State, Idaho State) and will be the Big Ten's lone representative in the Postseason WNIT.

This year's tournament will start with eight teams at each of four regional sites — Charlotte, N.C.; Fort Worth, Texas; Memphis, Tenn.; and Rockford, Ill. First-round play begins Friday, March 19; Round 2 is March 20, and Round 3 is March 22. The four regional champions will advance to the Memphis site, with the semifinals tipping off March 26 and the championship game set for March 28. Every team will get at least two games in this year's event.

Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said the Huskers were excited to continue their season in the WNIT.

"We are heading into the postseason looking at the WNIT as a great opportunity," Williams said. "We think we have a team that had a season worthy of NCAA Tournament selection, but we weren't chosen. Now we have another chance to prove ourselves while getting our young players some invaluable experience. We are excited to keep playing, and we are going to try and make the most of it." 

Nebraska features second-team All-Big Ten guard Sam Haiby, along with honorable-mention All-Big Ten selections Isabelle Bourne and Kate Cain. Haiby, a junior from Moorhead, Minn., led the Huskers in scoring (17.3 ppg), assists (4.5 apg) and steals (1.2 spg) while adding 6.9 rebounds per contest. She is the only Big Ten player to rank among the top 12 players in the conference in scoring, rebounding and assists.

Bourne, a 6-2 sophomore forward from Canberra, Australia, ranked second among the Huskers in scoring (13.9 ppg) while leading the Big Red in rebounding (7.8 rpg). 

Cain, a 6-5 senior center from Middletown, N.Y., averaged 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and a Big Ten-best 2.9 blocks per contest. Nebraska's school record holder with 350 career blocks, which ranks No. 2 among all active NCAA Division I players, Cain is a three-time Big Ten All-Defensive selection and was one of 15 candidates for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Nebraska is one of eight Big Ten Conference teams to advance to the postseason, joining NCAA Tournament qualifiers Maryland, Indiana, Rutgers, Iowa, Michigan, Northwestern and Michigan State among the 96 overall postseason qualifiers around the nation.

The 2021 Postseason WNIT marks the 23rd year of the event and marks the first time it has featured a 32-team bracket since 2006, as tournament officials pared the event back because of COVID-19 issues. Scheduling restrictions this season made it impossible for teams to play their normal number of games, but four squads still notched 20 or more victories (Bowling Green, California Baptist, Delaware, UT Martin).

This year's tournament features four teams from the Atlantic 10 and three teams each from the Big East, Missouri Valley and SEC. Five conferences placed two teams - the American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West and Pac-12. The ACC, Colonial, Horizon, Ohio Valley, Southern, Sun Belt and Western Athletic all added single representatives in the tournament.

A complete tournament bracket with match-ups and locations will be announced as soon as possible.

Bowling Green (20-6), Mid-American<br>California Baptist (24-0), Western Athletic<br>Dayton (14-3), Atlantic 10<br>Delaware (21-4), Colonial<br>Louisiana (16-6), Sun Belt<br>New Mexico (15-4), Mountain West<br>Rice (18-4), Conference USA<br>Samford (14-9), Southern<br>UT Martin (20-5), Ohio Valley

<p><i>Story by NU Athletic Communications</i></p><p>The Nebraska women's basketball team earned a bid to the 32-team Postseason WNIT, when selections for the field were announced on Monday, March 15.</p><p>The Huskers (12-12) will begin postseason play against UT Martin at the eight-team Memphis Regional in the WNIT on Friday, March 19 at 11 a.m. (CT) at My Town Movers Fieldhouse in Colliersville, Tenn. </p><p>The Huskers will take on either Colorado (10-10) or Louisiana (16-6) in Saturday's second round. Other first-round games in Memphis include Samford (14-9) vs. Ole Miss (11-11), 5 p.m., and Illinois State (15-7) vs. Tulane (17-8), 7:30 p.m. on Friday.</p><p>All of Nebraska's games in the WNIT will be streamed live by FloHoops while also being carried live on radio by the Husker Sports Network, Huskers.com and the Huskers App.</p><p>The Huskers, who finished the regular season with a 9-10 Big Ten Conference mark, posted five wins over NCAA Tournament teams (Rutgers, Northwestern-2, Michigan State, Idaho State) and will be the Big Ten's lone representative in the Postseason WNIT.</p><p>This year's tournament will start with eight teams at each of four regional sites — Charlotte, N.C.; Fort Worth, Texas; Memphis, Tenn.; and Rockford, Ill. First-round play begins Friday, March 19; Round 2 is March 20, and Round 3 is March 22. The four regional champions will advance to the Memphis site, with the semifinals tipping off March 26 and the championship game set for March 28. Every team will get at least two games in this year's event.</p><p>Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said the Huskers were excited to continue their season in the WNIT.</p><p>"We are heading into the postseason looking at the WNIT as a great opportunity," Williams said. "We think we have a team that had a season worthy of NCAA Tournament selection, but we weren't chosen. Now we have another chance to prove ourselves while getting our young players some invaluable experience. We are excited to keep playing, and we are going to try and make the most of it." </p><p>Nebraska features second-team All-Big Ten guard Sam Haiby, along with honorable-mention All-Big Ten selections Isabelle Bourne and Kate Cain. Haiby, a junior from Moorhead, Minn., led the Huskers in scoring (17.3 ppg), assists (4.5 apg) and steals (1.2 spg) while adding 6.9 rebounds per contest. She is the only Big Ten player to rank among the top 12 players in the conference in scoring, rebounding and assists.</p><p>Bourne, a 6-2 sophomore forward from Canberra, Australia, ranked second among the Huskers in scoring (13.9 ppg) while leading the Big Red in rebounding (7.8 rpg). </p><p>Cain, a 6-5 senior center from Middletown, N.Y., averaged 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and a Big Ten-best 2.9 blocks per contest. Nebraska's school record holder with 350 career blocks, which ranks No. 2 among all active NCAA Division I players, Cain is a three-time Big Ten All-Defensive selection and was one of 15 candidates for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year Award.</p><p>Nebraska is one of eight Big Ten Conference teams to advance to the postseason, joining NCAA Tournament qualifiers Maryland, Indiana, Rutgers, Iowa, Michigan, Northwestern and Michigan State among the 96 overall postseason qualifiers around the nation.</p><p>The 2021 Postseason WNIT marks the 23rd year of the event and marks the first time it has featured a 32-team bracket since 2006, as tournament officials pared the event back because of COVID-19 issues. Scheduling restrictions this season made it impossible for teams to play their normal number of games, but four squads still notched 20 or more victories (Bowling Green, California Baptist, Delaware, UT Martin).</p><p>This year's tournament features four teams from the Atlantic 10 and three teams each from the Big East, Missouri Valley and SEC. Five conferences placed two teams - the American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West and Pac-12. The ACC, Colonial, Horizon, Ohio Valley, Southern, Sun Belt and Western Athletic all added single representatives in the tournament.</p><p>A complete tournament bracket with match-ups and locations will be announced as soon as possible.</p><p>Automatic Qualifiers (9)</p><p>Bowling Green (20-6), Mid-American<br>California Baptist (24-0), Western Athletic<br>Dayton (14-3), Atlantic 10<br>Delaware (21-4), Colonial<br>Louisiana (16-6), Sun Belt<br>New Mexico (15-4), Mountain West<br>Rice (18-4), Conference USA<br>Samford (14-9), Southern<br>UT Martin (20-5), Ohio Valley</p><p>At-Large (23)</p><p>Arizona State (11-10), Pac-12<br>Charlotte (10-10), Conference USA<br>Clemson (11-13), Atlantic Coast<br>Colorado (10-10), Pac-12<br>Creighton (9-11), Big East<br>DePaul (14-8), Big East<br>Drake (16-11), Missouri Valley<br>Florida (11-13), SEC<br>Fordham (12-4), Atlantic 10<br>Fresno State (16-10), Mountain West<br>Houston (16-7), American <br>Illinois State (15-7), Missouri Valley<br>Milwaukee (19-7), Horizon<br>Missouri (9-11), SEC<br>Nebraska (12-12), Big Ten<br>Northern Iowa (14-12), Missouri Valley<br>Ohio (14-8), Mid-American<br>Ole Miss (11-11), SEC<br>Saint Louis (12-4), Atlantic 10<br>San Francisco (15-10), West Coast<br>Tulane (17-8), American<br>UMass (14-7), Atlantic 10<br>Villanova (15-6), Big East</p>