Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Two-time All-American forward Brooke Littrell had a big fourth quarter to help Central Missouri slip past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-missouri/boxscore/7589" target="_blank">81-77</a>, Thursday night in Warrensburg.&nbsp;

The Jennies (17-6, 11-6) avenge a 79-74 overtime loss to the Lopers (17-7, 11-7) earlier this year and improve to 9-1 at home vs. UNK since 2012-13. Finally, this is the eighth straight game in the series decided by 10 points or less.

Littrell came in averaging 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game but got into some foul trouble early on. She had just four points over the first three quarters but went for 14 in the final 10 minutes. She made all five shots she attempted, went 4 of 5 at the line and grabbed three rebounds.

"We battled hard but just some little things we're going to have to clean up. We gave&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;three and ones to end the game," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "We didn't guard well enough; we can't give up 26 free throws and 15 second chance points to our four isn't going to work."

UNK appeared to have its biggest lead of the night, 63-57, after junior wing&nbsp;Meg Burns&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) hit a corner three at the end of the third. However, a video review between quarters wiped the points off the board due to a shot clock violation. UCM then went on a 9-2 run to lead 73-66 with 3:57 to play. The spurt featured five&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;points and a bucket from&nbsp;All-MIAA&nbsp;guard Olivia Nelson.

The&nbsp;Lopers, however, weren't done as they used a 5-0 run to erase a 77-70 deficit with less than two minutes remaining. After a Nelson miss, UNK had a chance to tie things with 34 seconds left but forward&nbsp;Shiloh McCool&nbsp;(Pleasant Hill, Ia.) went 1 of 2 at the line. UCM returned the favor as post Graycen Holden missed two freebies with 15 seconds left and the Jens up 79-77. Out of timeouts, UNK raced down the court with a 14-footer from Burns hitting iron instead of net. The Jens, this time, made both of its freebies to finish the scoring.

"We love the broken floor right there and she had a good look at it," said Johnson. "Proud of the execution at the moment since we were out of timeouts."

McCool had 19 points in the first half and 10 more in the second to have a new career-high point total. While her streak of seven double doubles came to an end (six rebounds), she had 10 buckets and nine freebies tonight. Her previous career-best of 25 points came last season vs. Central Oklahoma.

"She was unbelievably good. We probably didn't get her the ball enough in the fourth, but we couldn't seem to get her any space," said Johnson. "She was so heady the way she played and attacked. She made a lot of right decisions … when to kick it, when not to."

Besides&nbsp;Littrell, three other starters and Holden (10) scored in double figures. Nelson had 18 on 7 of 12 shooting with UNO transfer Lauren Frost (12 points, eight assists) and post Ashley Tull (14 points, nine rebounds) close to double doubles. Tull missed the game in&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;due to injury. Finally, the Jennies had advantages in second chance, bench and fast break points.

Besides McCool's heroics, junior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(Mullen) had 13 points, Burns tallied 14 and five assists with post&nbsp;Bailee&nbsp;Sobczak&nbsp;(Rapid City, S.D.) at nine points and nine rebounds (three offensive)."When we were a really tough team, we were really guarding to the scouting report," said Johnson. "We've got to get back to that just a little bit."

UNK heads to Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Tigers (6-17, 2-15) lost to Fort Hays State tonight, 75-47.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708095847442.jpeg" alt="Shiloh McCool (Photo from UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Shiloh McCool (Photo from UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Peter YazvacUNK AthleticsKearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Two-time All-American forward Brooke Littrell had a big fourth quarter to help Central Missouri slip past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-missouri/boxscore/7589" target="_blank">81-77</a>, Thursday night in Warrensburg.&nbsp;The Jennies (17-6, 11-6) avenge a 79-74 overtime loss to the Lopers (17-7, 11-7) earlier this year and improve to 9-1 at home vs. UNK since 2012-13. Finally, this is the eighth straight game in the series decided by 10 points or less.Littrell came in averaging 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game but got into some foul trouble early on. She had just four points over the first three quarters but went for 14 in the final 10 minutes. She made all five shots she attempted, went 4 of 5 at the line and grabbed three rebounds."We battled hard but just some little things we're going to have to clean up. We gave&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;three and ones to end the game," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "We didn't guard well enough; we can't give up 26 free throws and 15 second chance points to our four isn't going to work."UNK appeared to have its biggest lead of the night, 63-57, after junior wing&nbsp;Meg Burns&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) hit a corner three at the end of the third. However, a video review between quarters wiped the points off the board due to a shot clock violation. UCM then went on a 9-2 run to lead 73-66 with 3:57 to play. The spurt featured five&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;points and a bucket from&nbsp;All-MIAA&nbsp;guard Olivia Nelson.The&nbsp;Lopers, however, weren't done as they used a 5-0 run to erase a 77-70 deficit with less than two minutes remaining. After a Nelson miss, UNK had a chance to tie things with 34 seconds left but forward&nbsp;Shiloh McCool&nbsp;(Pleasant Hill, Ia.) went 1 of 2 at the line. UCM returned the favor as post Graycen Holden missed two freebies with 15 seconds left and the Jens up 79-77. Out of timeouts, UNK raced down the court with a 14-footer from Burns hitting iron instead of net. The Jens, this time, made both of its freebies to finish the scoring."We love the broken floor right there and she had a good look at it," said Johnson. "Proud of the execution at the moment since we were out of timeouts."McCool had 19 points in the first half and 10 more in the second to have a new career-high point total. While her streak of seven double doubles came to an end (six rebounds), she had 10 buckets and nine freebies tonight. Her previous career-best of 25 points came last season vs. Central Oklahoma."She was unbelievably good. We probably didn't get her the ball enough in the fourth, but we couldn't seem to get her any space," said Johnson. "She was so heady the way she played and attacked. She made a lot of right decisions … when to kick it, when not to."Besides&nbsp;Littrell, three other starters and Holden (10) scored in double figures. Nelson had 18 on 7 of 12 shooting with UNO transfer Lauren Frost (12 points, eight assists) and post Ashley Tull (14 points, nine rebounds) close to double doubles. Tull missed the game in&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;due to injury. Finally, the Jennies had advantages in second chance, bench and fast break points.Besides McCool's heroics, junior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(Mullen) had 13 points, Burns tallied 14 and five assists with post&nbsp;Bailee&nbsp;Sobczak&nbsp;(Rapid City, S.D.) at nine points and nine rebounds (three offensive)."When we were a really tough team, we were really guarding to the scouting report," said Johnson. "We've got to get back to that just a little bit."UNK heads to Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Tigers (6-17, 2-15) lost to Fort Hays State tonight, 75-47.

McCool Scores 29 But Lopers Fall in Warrensburg, 81-77

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College has canceled the remainder of the softball season. The athletic department will immediately begin a search for a new head coach.

NPCC announced on February 6th that Janelle Higgins will no longer be serving as the Knights softball coach. Higgins spent the last 13 years as the head coach of the Knights. The Knights started off their season 0-3 with a loss to Seminole State College (OK) and two loses Cowley County Community College. 

The remainder 25 games are now cancelled as NPCC continues their search for their next head coach.

North Platte PostNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College has canceled the remainder of the softball season. The athletic department will immediately begin a search for a new head coach.NPCC announced on February 6th that Janelle Higgins will no longer be serving as the Knights softball coach. Higgins spent the last 13 years as the head coach of the Knights. The Knights started off their season 0-3 with a loss to Seminole State College (OK) and two loses Cowley County Community College. The remainder 25 games are now cancelled as NPCC continues their search for their next head coach.

Knights softball season comes to an end

Omaha, Ne - Twelve area wrestlers have made it to the state semifinals at CHI Center in Omaha, set for Friday night. North Platte High sends 3 (A13 Ty Haneborg, So/A144 Jace Kennel, Sr/A157 Lathen Huntsman, Jr), Sutherland also will have 3 boys in the semifinals (D113&nbsp;Grady Dempcy, Jr/D138&nbsp;Cauy Kohl, Sr and&nbsp;Luke Harper, Jr also at D138).&nbsp;

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">Full results from each area wrestler.</a>

Chase County will be represented by&nbsp;Luis Co a Junior in Class C at 144 pounds and&nbsp;Jaret Peterson a Senior at 215 pounds in Class C. Hershey Freshman&nbsp;Zane Woodward will represent the Panthers in Class C at 120 pounds. Ogallala has a semifinalist in&nbsp;Jorge Carrizales at B 138, South Loups&nbsp;Dawson Mason is in the semifinals in Class D 132 pounds and Perkins County's&nbsp;Juan Perez qualifies in Class D 285.&nbsp;

Class B &amp; C will start Friday morning at 9:30am with the 1st Round Consolation matches, followed by 2nd round consolations. Class A, D &amp; Girls 1st and 2nd round consolations will begin at noon, and the semifinals kickoff at 6:30pm Friday night. Watch the POST for complete coverage Friday and Saturday by clicking on STATE WRESTLING at the top of this page.&nbsp;

Omaha, Ne - Twelve area wrestlers have made it to the state semifinals at CHI Center in Omaha, set for Friday night. North Platte High sends 3 (A13 Ty Haneborg, So/A144 Jace Kennel, Sr/A157 Lathen Huntsman, Jr), Sutherland also will have 3 boys in the semifinals (D113&nbsp;Grady Dempcy, Jr/D138&nbsp;Cauy Kohl, Sr and&nbsp;Luke Harper, Jr also at D138).&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">Full results from each area wrestler.</a>Chase County will be represented by&nbsp;Luis Co a Junior in Class C at 144 pounds and&nbsp;Jaret Peterson a Senior at 215 pounds in Class C. Hershey Freshman&nbsp;Zane Woodward will represent the Panthers in Class C at 120 pounds. Ogallala has a semifinalist in&nbsp;Jorge Carrizales at B 138, South Loups&nbsp;Dawson Mason is in the semifinals in Class D 132 pounds and Perkins County's&nbsp;Juan Perez qualifies in Class D 285.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepost%2Fvideos%2F1415099596105111%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Class B &amp; C will start Friday morning at 9:30am with the 1st Round Consolation matches, followed by 2nd round consolations. Class A, D &amp; Girls 1st and 2nd round consolations will begin at noon, and the semifinals kickoff at 6:30pm Friday night. Watch the POST for complete coverage Friday and Saturday by clicking on STATE WRESTLING at the top of this page.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsandhillspost%2Fvideos%2F7105794182861738%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

North Platte High & Sutherland each send 3 graplers to Semifinals Friday Night

Gothenburg, NEB. - The C1-11 girls subdistricts final is tonight in Gothenburg featuring the #2 Ogallala Indians (12-9) taking on the #1 Gothenburg Swedes (18-5). Live radio coverage will be on Flatrock 100.7 with the Kwik Stop pregame to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The last time these two teams met back on February 6th, Ogallala shocked Gothenburg by defeating the Swedes 75-61. Gothenburg earned its first-round win over rival Cozad 64-32. Ogallala had a thriller with Hershey where the Indians came out on top 44-39.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Join Canon Rath on Flatrock 100.7 for all the action.&nbsp;Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT with tipoff scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">click here </a>to listen online.&nbsp;

North Platte/Sandhills PostGothenburg, NEB. - The C1-11 girls subdistricts final is tonight in Gothenburg featuring the #2 Ogallala Indians (12-9) taking on the #1 Gothenburg Swedes (18-5). Live radio coverage will be on Flatrock 100.7 with the Kwik Stop pregame to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;The last time these two teams met back on February 6th, Ogallala shocked Gothenburg by defeating the Swedes 75-61. Gothenburg earned its first-round win over rival Cozad 64-32. Ogallala had a thriller with Hershey where the Indians came out on top 44-39.&nbsp;&nbsp;Join Canon Rath on Flatrock 100.7 for all the action.&nbsp;Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT with tipoff scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">click here </a>to listen online.&nbsp;

C1-11 girls subdistricts high school hoops radio coverage: Ogallala vs Gothenburg

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/14/nu-volleyball-coach-says-nebraska-crossing-could-be-new-home-for-olympic-volleyball-training-center/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Backers of turning Nebraska Crossing into a major, regional destination for tourism, shopping and youth sports enlisted help Wednesday from a major state celebrity.

But during a public hearing at the Nebraska Legislature on updating the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act,” several people said the bill was likely unconstitutional and needed work.

John Cook, the University of Nebraska volleyball coach, told state senators they should capitalize on the volleyball momentum in Nebraska and lure USA Volleyball’s training center for its Olympic team to the state.

Volleyball official ‘pretty fired up’

Cook said that the current training site in Anaheim, California, is “abysmal”&nbsp; and that the head of USA Volleyball was “pretty fired up” about the possibility of moving to Nebraska after attending the Huskers’ outdoor stadium match in August — a match that drew a world record 92,003 fans.

“They just fell in love with Nebraska,” Cook said.

“To me it’s just a beautiful opportunity for the USA program,” he added. “And volleyball, as you know, is pretty big now.”

Nebraska Crossing owner/operator Rod Yates told senators he was in “the final stages” of putting together an agreement to relocate the training facility to Gretna.

NHL hockey franchise another possibility?

Yates said the facility would likely cost $150 million to $200 million, which would be financed via a voter-approved slice of sales tax proceeds from the expanded shopping mall. He projected it would attract 100 Olympic athletes, as well as training and coaching staff.

Yates, who recently won state approval to establish a “Good Life District” in the Nebraska Crossing area, also said he’s meeting with the head of the National Hockey League on Friday about locating a franchise in the Good Life District.

According to Yates, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss has estimated that an expanded Nebraska Crossing, with retailers like IKEA, in addition to 3,000 apartments, 1,000 hotel beds and multiple youth sports tournament fields, could attract 16 million to 18 million visitors a year, creating 40,000 full-time jobs and 18,000 new residents.

The project would cost upwards of $3.2 billion and span 2,000 acres both east and west of the existing Nebraska Crossing, of which Yates said about 200 acres have been acquired.

“We’re going to create the modern-day version of Mall of America. That’s the potential for our district,” Yates said.

Nebraska Crossing officials did not respond to a request for a copy of the Goss report.

But Yates testified that as soon as he was able to obtain a construction loan for the project, he would move ahead with buying the rest of the land for the district.

This all comes after the Nebraska Legislature last year passed a bill to create “Good Life” districts for “retail tourism” and youth sports tournaments.

The law’s goal was to create a regional draw comparable to the Legends complex in Kansas City, which is the largest tourism site in Kansas. It boasts a NASCAR track, the Sporting Kansas City soccer stadium, a water park, a Nebraska Furniture Mart and 100 other stores.

Half of the state’s 5.5-cent sales tax would be devoted to the development costs of the Good Life districts in Nebraska — the first time the state has provided tax incentives for retail development, as opposed to manufacturing plants and company headquarters.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn said her Good Life District act has been met with “great enthusiasm across the state.”

Districts have been already approved for Nebraska Crossing and an area around 192nd Street and West Dodge Road in Omaha. Grand Island has applied to become a district for its proposed 875-acre “Veteran Village,” a housing/sports complex project. Bellevue is also interested, officials said Wednesday.

Linehan introduced Legislative Bill 1374 this year to amend last year’s act. The main provisions require a public vote by a community to permit a Good Life District and creation of a partnership with that community in order to obtain bond financing.

But the new proposal ran into opposition from several people, including the bonding company that works for the City of Gretna.

Mike Rogers, a bond attorney, said at least two provisions of LB 1374 were “constitutionally problematic” and “non-functioning.”

One would improperly delegate the state’s taxing power to a private developer, he said, by allowing the developer to change the boundaries of the Good Life District and thus change the tax rates of areas within the district.

Another provision, Rogers said, would give a “great advantage” to an operator of a Good Life District when attempting to acquire land.

The cities of Sarpy County, as well as Grand Island and the League of Nebraska Municipalities, also testified against the bill but said they would support it if an amendment provided by Rogers was adopted.

Drew Snyder, an Elkhorn real estate developer who owns much of the land within the proposed district, said the power given to the Good Life District manager amounted to condemnation power.

He and other developers testified that more than one developer ought to be allowed to develop property within the Good Life District.

“I want to collaborate,” Snyder said, but Yates “won’t meet.”

Linehan said it was clear that the parties involved needed to meet and that the constitutionality questions need to be addressed.

But she was adamant about her support for the bill.

“That area is going to be developed,” Linehan said. “So we can have 10 truck stops or strip malls or this great project. I’m for this great project.”

The Legislature’s Revenue Committee took no action on LB 1374 following the public hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708007132557.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook testified Wednesday in favor of an update of the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act.” (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook testified Wednesday in favor of an update of the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act.” (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/14/nu-volleyball-coach-says-nebraska-crossing-could-be-new-home-for-olympic-volleyball-training-center/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Backers of turning Nebraska Crossing into a major, regional destination for tourism, shopping and youth sports enlisted help Wednesday from a major state celebrity.But during a public hearing at the Nebraska Legislature on updating the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act,” several people said the bill was likely unconstitutional and needed work.First, the celebrity:John Cook, the University of Nebraska volleyball coach, told state senators they should capitalize on the volleyball momentum in Nebraska and lure USA Volleyball’s training center for its Olympic team to the state.<h2>Volleyball official ‘pretty fired up’</h2>Cook said that the current training site in Anaheim, California, is “abysmal”&nbsp; and that the head of USA Volleyball was “pretty fired up” about the possibility of moving to Nebraska after attending the Huskers’ outdoor stadium match in August — a match that drew a world record 92,003 fans.“They just fell in love with Nebraska,” Cook said.“To me it’s just a beautiful opportunity for the USA program,” he added. “And volleyball, as you know, is pretty big now.”Nebraska Crossing owner/operator Rod Yates told senators he was in “the final stages” of putting together an agreement to relocate the training facility to Gretna.<h2>NHL hockey franchise another possibility?</h2>Yates said the facility would likely cost $150 million to $200 million, which would be financed via a voter-approved slice of sales tax proceeds from the expanded shopping mall. He projected it would attract 100 Olympic athletes, as well as training and coaching staff.Yates, who recently won state approval to establish a “Good Life District” in the Nebraska Crossing area, also said he’s meeting with the head of the National Hockey League on Friday about locating a franchise in the Good Life District.According to Yates, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss has estimated that an expanded Nebraska Crossing, with retailers like IKEA, in addition to 3,000 apartments, 1,000 hotel beds and multiple youth sports tournament fields, could attract 16 million to 18 million visitors a year, creating 40,000 full-time jobs and 18,000 new residents.The project would cost upwards of $3.2 billion and span 2,000 acres both east and west of the existing Nebraska Crossing, of which Yates said about 200 acres have been acquired.“We’re going to create the modern-day version of Mall of America. That’s the potential for our district,” Yates said.Nebraska Crossing officials did not respond to a request for a copy of the Goss report.But Yates testified that as soon as he was able to obtain a construction loan for the project, he would move ahead with buying the rest of the land for the district.This all comes after the Nebraska Legislature last year passed a bill to create “Good Life” districts for “retail tourism” and youth sports tournaments.The law’s goal was to create a regional draw comparable to the Legends complex in Kansas City, which is the largest tourism site in Kansas. It boasts a NASCAR track, the Sporting Kansas City soccer stadium, a water park, a Nebraska Furniture Mart and 100 other stores.Half of the state’s 5.5-cent sales tax would be devoted to the development costs of the Good Life districts in Nebraska — the first time the state has provided tax incentives for retail development, as opposed to manufacturing plants and company headquarters.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn said her Good Life District act has been met with “great enthusiasm across the state.”<h2>Omaha, Grand Island also have projects</h2>Districts have been already approved for Nebraska Crossing and an area around 192nd Street and West Dodge Road in Omaha. Grand Island has applied to become a district for its proposed 875-acre “Veteran Village,” a housing/sports complex project. Bellevue is also interested, officials said Wednesday.Linehan introduced Legislative Bill 1374 this year to amend last year’s act. The main provisions require a public vote by a community to permit a Good Life District and creation of a partnership with that community in order to obtain bond financing.But the new proposal ran into opposition from several people, including the bonding company that works for the City of Gretna.<h2>‘Constitutionally problematic’</h2>Mike Rogers, a bond attorney, said at least two provisions of LB 1374 were “constitutionally problematic” and “non-functioning.”One would improperly delegate the state’s taxing power to a private developer, he said, by allowing the developer to change the boundaries of the Good Life District and thus change the tax rates of areas within the district.Another provision, Rogers said, would give a “great advantage” to an operator of a Good Life District when attempting to acquire land.The cities of Sarpy County, as well as Grand Island and the League of Nebraska Municipalities, also testified against the bill but said they would support it if an amendment provided by Rogers was adopted.Drew Snyder, an Elkhorn real estate developer who owns much of the land within the proposed district, said the power given to the Good Life District manager amounted to condemnation power.He and other developers testified that more than one developer ought to be allowed to develop property within the Good Life District.“I want to collaborate,” Snyder said, but Yates “won’t meet.”Linehan said it was clear that the parties involved needed to meet and that the constitutionality questions need to be addressed.But she was adamant about her support for the bill.“That area is going to be developed,” Linehan said. “So we can have 10 truck stops or strip malls or this great project. I’m for this great project.”The Legislature’s Revenue Committee took no action on LB 1374 following the public hearing.

NU volleyball coach says Nebraska Crossing could be new home for Olympic volleyball training center

The NPCC Knights Softball Winter Camp scheduled for Feb. 24 has been canceled. If you registered for the camp, please contact Jessica Hernandez at 308-535-3604 for a full refund.

NPCCThe NPCC Knights Softball Winter Camp scheduled for Feb. 24 has been canceled. If you registered for the camp, please contact Jessica Hernandez at 308-535-3604 for a full refund.

Knights Softball Winter Camp Canceled

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Minutes after Kansas City Chiefs players vowed to go for a third-straight Super Bowl title Wednesday, shots were fired and multiple people were carried from the screen on stretchers.

Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said eight to 10 people were injured but declined further comment, saying only that additional information will be released soon.

Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.

The shooting broke the celebratory mood on Valentine's Day as Chiefs fans marked their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade.

“We are stacking up trophies," linebacker Drue Tranquill said as he grabbed a reporter's mic during Wednesday’s festivities to mark the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">come-from-behind, 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers</a>.

Confetti cannons exploded from double-decker buses as players rolled through the crowd, DJs and drummers heralding their arrival. Throngs lined the route, with fans climbing trees and street poles, or standing on rooftops for a better view. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of those buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy. Former “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet was part of the mob.

“Best fans in the world,” exclaimed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the winning touchdown pass, as he walked along the route, with the players signing jerseys and at least one person’s head.

“Never stop," running back Isiah Pacheco added from the route.

Key on the minds of many fans is whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would join her boyfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;for the parade and victory speeches. Swift has not commented. She has a show in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night, the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour.

She was nowhere to be seen early in the parade. Instead, Kelce was joined by his mom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">Donna Kelce,</a>&nbsp;the superstar of NFL moms (her oldest son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-jason-kelce-retires-2a5cff3398a6413a52d0bb3fdc2eef22">Jason Kelce</a>, is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles).

Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) had players stripping off shirts. The weather also helped generate a crowd that city officials estimate could top 1 million.

“I missed last year. I said, ‘I’m not missing this year,’” said longtime fan Charles Smith Sr., who flew from his home in Sicklerville, New Jersey, for the parade.

Known by friends as Kansas City Smitty, the 52-year-old first became a Chiefs fan when Christian Okoye played fullback for the team starting in the late 1980s.

“I got a history with this team,” he said, adding that he ran out of his home with a giant flag, screaming “Kansas City," when the Chiefs clinched the victory in overtime.

The city and the team each chipped in around $1 million for the event commemorating Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">defend their title</a>.

Some fans camped overnight and others began to stake out spots before dawn to catch prime viewing spots. Bailey McDermott, 17, and Gracie Gilby, 16, of Lebanon, Missouri, got up at 3 a.m. to make the three-hour drive to the parade. They had a party to watch the game, confetti poppers erupting when the Chiefs won.

“Kind of freaking out at the end,” said Gilby, who wore a sequined Chiefs jerseys with Kelce's No. 87 on it. McDermott also had a sequined jersey, hers bearing Mahomes' No. 15.

Many of the largest school districts in the area canceled classes, and businesses along the parade path are turning the day into a viewing party for their workers. At least 600 Kansas City police officers will be stationed along the the 2-mile (3.22-kilometer) route, police Chief Stacey Graves said.

Teens and younger kids were everywhere, some tossing footballs, others watching replays of game highlights on giant TV screens.

Among them was Elysseah Buford and her friend, Devaun Burns, who watched the game in between taking orders at McDonald's. “We’re losing. We’re losing,” Buford recalled saying. But Burns scolded her, even as a manager declared that the game was a lost cause: “I said, ’Don’t speak it. Believe it.”

The 18-year-old high school seniors from Raymore joined the festivities with another friend, 17-year-old Mekiyzeion Williams, who dared to ask what would have happened if Hardman missed the TD catch. “Shut up,” Burns said.

After decades without a championship, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Five seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years. That year, fans abandoned their cars on the side of the highway so they could walk to the celebration.

Then, last year, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 and prophetically vowed they would be back for more</a>.

One big change this year is that the parade is getting started one hour earlier at 11 a.m. so the crowd will dissipate before the Valentine’s Day dinner crowd shows up.

After the massive cleanup, the team gets ready to try it again.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Minutes after Kansas City Chiefs players vowed to go for a third-straight Super Bowl title Wednesday, shots were fired and multiple people were carried from the screen on stretchers.Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said eight to 10 people were injured but declined further comment, saying only that additional information will be released soon.Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.The shooting broke the celebratory mood on Valentine's Day as Chiefs fans marked their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade.“We are stacking up trophies," linebacker Drue Tranquill said as he grabbed a reporter's mic during Wednesday’s festivities to mark the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">come-from-behind, 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers</a>.Confetti cannons exploded from double-decker buses as players rolled through the crowd, DJs and drummers heralding their arrival. Throngs lined the route, with fans climbing trees and street poles, or standing on rooftops for a better view. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of those buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy. Former “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet was part of the mob.“Best fans in the world,” exclaimed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the winning touchdown pass, as he walked along the route, with the players signing jerseys and at least one person’s head.“Never stop," running back Isiah Pacheco added from the route.Key on the minds of many fans is whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would join her boyfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;for the parade and victory speeches. Swift has not commented. She has a show in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night, the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour.She was nowhere to be seen early in the parade. Instead, Kelce was joined by his mom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">Donna Kelce,</a>&nbsp;the superstar of NFL moms (her oldest son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-jason-kelce-retires-2a5cff3398a6413a52d0bb3fdc2eef22">Jason Kelce</a>, is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles).Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) had players stripping off shirts. The weather also helped generate a crowd that city officials estimate could top 1 million.“I missed last year. I said, ‘I’m not missing this year,’” said longtime fan Charles Smith Sr., who flew from his home in Sicklerville, New Jersey, for the parade.Known by friends as Kansas City Smitty, the 52-year-old first became a Chiefs fan when Christian Okoye played fullback for the team starting in the late 1980s.“I got a history with this team,” he said, adding that he ran out of his home with a giant flag, screaming “Kansas City," when the Chiefs clinched the victory in overtime.The city and the team each chipped in around $1 million for the event commemorating Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">defend their title</a>.Some fans camped overnight and others began to stake out spots before dawn to catch prime viewing spots. Bailey McDermott, 17, and Gracie Gilby, 16, of Lebanon, Missouri, got up at 3 a.m. to make the three-hour drive to the parade. They had a party to watch the game, confetti poppers erupting when the Chiefs won.“Kind of freaking out at the end,” said Gilby, who wore a sequined Chiefs jerseys with Kelce's No. 87 on it. McDermott also had a sequined jersey, hers bearing Mahomes' No. 15.Many of the largest school districts in the area canceled classes, and businesses along the parade path are turning the day into a viewing party for their workers. At least 600 Kansas City police officers will be stationed along the the 2-mile (3.22-kilometer) route, police Chief Stacey Graves said.Teens and younger kids were everywhere, some tossing footballs, others watching replays of game highlights on giant TV screens.Among them was Elysseah Buford and her friend, Devaun Burns, who watched the game in between taking orders at McDonald's. “We’re losing. We’re losing,” Buford recalled saying. But Burns scolded her, even as a manager declared that the game was a lost cause: “I said, ’Don’t speak it. Believe it.”The 18-year-old high school seniors from Raymore joined the festivities with another friend, 17-year-old Mekiyzeion Williams, who dared to ask what would have happened if Hardman missed the TD catch. “Shut up,” Burns said.After decades without a championship, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Five seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years. That year, fans abandoned their cars on the side of the highway so they could walk to the celebration.Then, last year, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 and prophetically vowed they would be back for more</a>.One big change this year is that the parade is getting started one hour earlier at 11 a.m. so the crowd will dissipate before the Valentine’s Day dinner crowd shows up.After the massive cleanup, the team gets ready to try it again.

8 to 10 people injured after shooting near Chiefs parade, official says

The Associated Press national player of the week in women's basketball for Week 14 of the season:

The 5-foot-9&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/season/2023-24/player/jaz-shelley">grad student</a>&nbsp;scored 10 of her season-high 23 points in the final five minutes to help the Huskers erase a 14-point fourth quarter deficit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-score-iowa-nebraska-0c1860db366a14284fbfbb5fc3d9d689">and beat No. 2 Iowa</a>, tying the highest ranked team that Nebraska has ever beaten. She made all four of her free throws in the final 19 seconds to seal the victory. She also had five assists in the win. Shelley also had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in a win over Michigan.

Raegan Beers,&nbsp;<a href="https://osubeavers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/raegan-beers/9880">Oregon State</a>. The sophomore helped the Beavers get their first top five road win in school history with a victory over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-state-colorado-basketball-score-535e08e4feeaddb7b4bc186cb9d2ce0d">then-No. 4 Colorado</a>. She had 12 points and 12 rebounds in that game. She also had 17 points in a win over then-No. 20 Utah.

Liz Kitley (Virginia Tech), Chloe Kitts (&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/wbball/roster/player/chloe-kitts/">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;), Savannah Wheeler (&nbsp;<a href="https://goblueraiders.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/savannah--wheeler/13044">Middle Tennessee</a>&nbsp;)

Claira McGowan,&nbsp;<a href="https://lipscombsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/claira-mcgowan/5617">Lipscomb</a>. Scored a Division I program record 37 points in a double-overtime win over North Florida. Also had 17 points in a victory over Jacksonville. The junior guard averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the two victories.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707940709073.jpeg" alt="Nebraska's Jaz Shelley, left, drives against Iowa's Gabbie Marshall, center right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska's Jaz Shelley, left, drives against Iowa's Gabbie Marshall, center right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressThe Associated Press national player of the week in women's basketball for Week 14 of the season:JAZ SHELLEY, NEBRASKAThe 5-foot-9&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/season/2023-24/player/jaz-shelley">grad student</a>&nbsp;scored 10 of her season-high 23 points in the final five minutes to help the Huskers erase a 14-point fourth quarter deficit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-score-iowa-nebraska-0c1860db366a14284fbfbb5fc3d9d689">and beat No. 2 Iowa</a>, tying the highest ranked team that Nebraska has ever beaten. She made all four of her free throws in the final 19 seconds to seal the victory. She also had five assists in the win. Shelley also had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in a win over Michigan.RUNNER-UPRaegan Beers,&nbsp;<a href="https://osubeavers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/raegan-beers/9880">Oregon State</a>. The sophomore helped the Beavers get their first top five road win in school history with a victory over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-state-colorado-basketball-score-535e08e4feeaddb7b4bc186cb9d2ce0d">then-No. 4 Colorado</a>. She had 12 points and 12 rebounds in that game. She also had 17 points in a win over then-No. 20 Utah.HONORABLE MENTIONLiz Kitley (Virginia Tech), Chloe Kitts (&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/wbball/roster/player/chloe-kitts/">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;), Savannah Wheeler (&nbsp;<a href="https://goblueraiders.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/savannah--wheeler/13044">Middle Tennessee</a>&nbsp;)KEEP AN EYE ONClaira McGowan,&nbsp;<a href="https://lipscombsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/claira-mcgowan/5617">Lipscomb</a>. Scored a Division I program record 37 points in a double-overtime win over North Florida. Also had 17 points in a victory over Jacksonville. The junior guard averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the two victories.

AP Player of the Week: Nebraska's Jaz Shelley leads team to comeback win over Iowa

North Platte, Neb. – Three North Platte players finished in double figures to aid in a 79-65 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday night.

Bryce Baez led the way with 22 points while Parker Baumann and Michael Cooper chipped in 19 and 10 points, respectively.&nbsp;

In the opening half a three from Zeki Cavli cut the deficit to 20-18, but the Knights countered with an 8-0 run to stretch their lead to double digits with 6:00 to play. Knights continued to hold the momentum down the stretch, while entering the halftime break with a 36-25 lead.

McCook slowly chipped away at the deficit until a 9-0 run cut the margin to 46-40 with 11:40 remaining. A corner three from Baez ignited the North Platte offense, as they countered with a 9-2 run to stretch the margin back into double digits.

In the final six minutes, McCook pulled back within seven but could not get any closer down the stretch. Back-to-back transition layups pushed the margin to 66-55, as North Platte continued to match the Indians down the stretch to close out the regular season sweep.

Knights (12-12, 3-5 Region IX) are back in action at home on Saturday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

NPCCNorth Platte, Neb. – Three North Platte players finished in double figures to aid in a 79-65 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday night.Bryce Baez led the way with 22 points while Parker Baumann and Michael Cooper chipped in 19 and 10 points, respectively.&nbsp;In the opening half a three from Zeki Cavli cut the deficit to 20-18, but the Knights countered with an 8-0 run to stretch their lead to double digits with 6:00 to play. Knights continued to hold the momentum down the stretch, while entering the halftime break with a 36-25 lead.McCook slowly chipped away at the deficit until a 9-0 run cut the margin to 46-40 with 11:40 remaining. A corner three from Baez ignited the North Platte offense, as they countered with a 9-2 run to stretch the margin back into double digits.In the final six minutes, McCook pulled back within seven but could not get any closer down the stretch. Back-to-back transition layups pushed the margin to 66-55, as North Platte continued to match the Indians down the stretch to close out the regular season sweep.Knights (12-12, 3-5 Region IX) are back in action at home on Saturday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

   Knights down McCook at home

North Platte, Neb. – Jada Grigsby and Mariah Gardner combined for 28 points in a 56-38 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday evening.

Grigsby scored 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field, while Gardner chipped in 12 points in 32 minutes. North Platte won the rebounding battle 35-32, while forcing 28 McCook turnovers in the win.

North Platte improves to&nbsp;15-9 overall&nbsp;and 4-1 in Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference action, while McCook drops to 14-12 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

A tightly contested opening first ten minutes gave way to a back and forth second quarter. A five-point Knights lead was extended to 16-7 on a jumper by Jada Thompson with 4:40 remaining. McCook narrowed the margin to six, but a 6-2 run helped North Platte carry a 22-12 lead into the halftime break.

Knights extended their lead in the opening seconds of the third quarter on a corner three by Grigsby. McCook mounted a run late to cut the lead to nine, but a pair of free throws from Gardner stretched the lead back into double figures headed into the final ten minutes.

Knights continued to hold the double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, as Grigsby tallied nine points to help North Platte close out the home win.

North Platte returns to Region IX action on Saturday against Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707940514633.jpeg" alt="Reece Halley completes the layup in the third quarter against McCook on Tuesday night. (Daniel Stinman, Mid-Plains Community College)" />
 <figcaption>Reece Halley completes the layup in the third quarter against McCook on Tuesday night. (Daniel Stinman, Mid-Plains Community College)</figcaption>
 </figure>NPCCNorth Platte, Neb. – Jada Grigsby and Mariah Gardner combined for 28 points in a 56-38 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday evening.Grigsby scored 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field, while Gardner chipped in 12 points in 32 minutes. North Platte won the rebounding battle 35-32, while forcing 28 McCook turnovers in the win.North Platte improves to&nbsp;15-9 overall&nbsp;and 4-1 in Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference action, while McCook drops to 14-12 overall and 4-1 in conference play.A tightly contested opening first ten minutes gave way to a back and forth second quarter. A five-point Knights lead was extended to 16-7 on a jumper by Jada Thompson with 4:40 remaining. McCook narrowed the margin to six, but a 6-2 run helped North Platte carry a 22-12 lead into the halftime break.Knights extended their lead in the opening seconds of the third quarter on a corner three by Grigsby. McCook mounted a run late to cut the lead to nine, but a pair of free throws from Gardner stretched the lead back into double figures headed into the final ten minutes.Knights continued to hold the double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, as Grigsby tallied nine points to help North Platte close out the home win.North Platte returns to Region IX action on Saturday against Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.&nbsp;

Knights stretch win streak to three with win over McCook

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jordy Bahl, the softball pitching star who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-jordy-bahl-98906a61b5c2c6917a7435097e7036d4">transferred to Nebraska</a>&nbsp;after winning two straight national championships at Oklahoma, will miss the rest of the season after injuring her knee during the Cornhuskers' opener last week.

Bahl announced the anterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jordybahl/status/1757487856459616542?s=20">X and Instagram</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. She was hurt while delivering a pitch in the third inning against Washington at an event in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Feb. 8.

“With a heart thankful for God’s plan and timing, I will be red shirting this year, and looking forward to a season of growth and learning from a different point of view,” she wrote. “I’m thankful for the support of my family, friends, coaches, and staff. I’m truly blessed to have so many wonderful and loving people in my life. I’m not going anywhere. See you in 2025.”

Bahl will apply for a medical hardship for the 2024 season. Nebraska officials said they expect the hardship will be granted and that Bahl will have two seasons of eligibility.

The two-time All-America pitcher shocked the college softball world last June when, a week after she led Oklahoma to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-softball-oklahoma-florida-state-b9075d910505fdc6d4ddd11c35996972">third straight national championship</a>&nbsp;and was named Most Outstanding Player in the Women’s College World Series, she announced she would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-oklahoma-softball-jordy-bahl-e3a8f46d4a53f0c2f1af539a4f2652bc">transfer to her home-state school.</a>

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jordy Bahl, the softball pitching star who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-jordy-bahl-98906a61b5c2c6917a7435097e7036d4">transferred to Nebraska</a>&nbsp;after winning two straight national championships at Oklahoma, will miss the rest of the season after injuring her knee during the Cornhuskers' opener last week.Bahl announced the anterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jordybahl/status/1757487856459616542?s=20">X and Instagram</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. She was hurt while delivering a pitch in the third inning against Washington at an event in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Feb. 8.“With a heart thankful for God’s plan and timing, I will be red shirting this year, and looking forward to a season of growth and learning from a different point of view,” she wrote. “I’m thankful for the support of my family, friends, coaches, and staff. I’m truly blessed to have so many wonderful and loving people in my life. I’m not going anywhere. See you in 2025.”Bahl will apply for a medical hardship for the 2024 season. Nebraska officials said they expect the hardship will be granted and that Bahl will have two seasons of eligibility.The two-time All-America pitcher shocked the college softball world last June when, a week after she led Oklahoma to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-softball-oklahoma-florida-state-b9075d910505fdc6d4ddd11c35996972">third straight national championship</a>&nbsp;and was named Most Outstanding Player in the Women’s College World Series, she announced she would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-oklahoma-softball-jordy-bahl-e3a8f46d4a53f0c2f1af539a4f2652bc">transfer to her home-state school.</a>

Nebraska softball sensation Jordy Bahl announces she'll miss the rest of the season with knee injury

GOTHENBURG, NEB. - Postseason action is underway for Class C &amp; D in girls high school hoops and in the C1-11 girls subdistrict, we will have live coverage between the Ogallala Indians as they take on the Hershey Panthers. Live coverage will on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> to listen online.&nbsp;

It's a rematch as the two teams faced off back on December 16th, 2023, where Ogallala pulled late in the game to defeat Hershey 55-49. Hershey has a chance for redemption in the opening round of the C1-11 girls subdistricts as they are riding on a two-game winning streak. Ogallala, however, finished their regular season by defeating top-ranked Gothenburg 75-61 last week.&nbsp;

Join Canon Rath for tonight's subdistrict battle as #2 Ogallala (11-9) is taking on #3 Hershey (13-8).&nbsp;Our Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin 5:50pm MT/6:50pm CT with tip off scheduled for 6:00pm MT/7:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or click here to listen online. &nbsp;

We will carry Fridays subdistrict championship game on Flatrock 100.7. Tip off for Friday is scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Follow along our POST SITES for more information regarding Friday's subdistrict final when it becomes available.&nbsp;

Sandhills/North Platte Post&nbsp;GOTHENBURG, NEB. - Postseason action is underway for Class C &amp; D in girls high school hoops and in the C1-11 girls subdistrict, we will have live coverage between the Ogallala Indians as they take on the Hershey Panthers. Live coverage will on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> to listen online.&nbsp;It's a rematch as the two teams faced off back on December 16th, 2023, where Ogallala pulled late in the game to defeat Hershey 55-49. Hershey has a chance for redemption in the opening round of the C1-11 girls subdistricts as they are riding on a two-game winning streak. Ogallala, however, finished their regular season by defeating top-ranked Gothenburg 75-61 last week.&nbsp;Join Canon Rath for tonight's subdistrict battle as #2 Ogallala (11-9) is taking on #3 Hershey (13-8).&nbsp;Our Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin 5:50pm MT/6:50pm CT with tip off scheduled for 6:00pm MT/7:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or click here to listen online. &nbsp;We will carry Fridays subdistrict championship game on Flatrock 100.7. Tip off for Friday is scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Follow along our POST SITES for more information regarding Friday's subdistrict final when it becomes available.&nbsp;

C1-11 girls subdistricts high school hoops radio coverage: Ogallala vs Hershey

NORTH PLATTE, NE, February 12, 2024 - North Platte Public Schools is pleased to announce Aaron McCoy as its next Activities Director. Mr. McCoy graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with his bachelor’s degree in a Social Science Field Endorsement and a music minor. He then continued his education as he finished his master’s degree for a 7-12 Principalship. 

Mr. McCoy comes to North Platte with plenty of experience. During the past year, Mr. McCoy has served as the Principal at Bertrand Community School. Previous to that, Mr. McCoy was at Overton where he taught, coached, served as Assistant Activities Director, and then Activities Director. 

Mr. McCoy has coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track from junior high remedial skills levels all the way to state champions. Welcome to North Platte Public Schools, Mr. McCoy! Bulldog Country can’t wait for you to get started!

North Platte Public SchoolsNORTH PLATTE, NE, February 12, 2024 - North Platte Public Schools is pleased to announce Aaron McCoy as its next Activities Director. Mr. McCoy graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with his bachelor’s degree in a Social Science Field Endorsement and a music minor. He then continued his education as he finished his master’s degree for a 7-12 Principalship. Mr. McCoy comes to North Platte with plenty of experience. During the past year, Mr. McCoy has served as the Principal at Bertrand Community School. Previous to that, Mr. McCoy was at Overton where he taught, coached, served as Assistant Activities Director, and then Activities Director. Mr. McCoy has coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track from junior high remedial skills levels all the way to state champions. Welcome to North Platte Public Schools, Mr. McCoy! Bulldog Country can’t wait for you to get started!

NPPS Announces New Activities Director

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;earned their first road win in franchise history with a 21-25, 33-31, 30-28, 25-21 four-set victory over the Grand Rapids Rise Monday night at Van Andel Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha (2-2) survived 10 Grand Rapids (2-1) set points to come away with a victory to hand Interim Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;her first career win in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Playing in front of a crowd of 4,060, the Supernovas got major contributions from setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson&nbsp;in her first league start. The Puerto Rico Olympian dished out 50 assists, 19 digs and four kills which included the set-ending spike in set two.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;led the Omaha attackers with 18 kills on a .240 clip that also included 10 digs and one ace.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;had another standout performance with 17 kills on a .260 hitting percentage and 15 digs. Outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;terminated eight balls with 12 digs, but she tortured the Rise from behind the service line with six aces which equals her own Pro Volleyball Federation record for most aces in a single match.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;recorded 18 digs with five assists while serving substitution&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;hammered two aces. Middle blocker&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;finished with eight kills, three blocks and one ace in her Omaha debut.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Louisville All-American Claire Chaussee had a match-high 19 kills to lead the Rise while opposite Emiliya Dimitrova totaled 16 and Simone Abbott finished with 15. Starting setter Ashley Evans handed out 43 assists while libero Sarah Sponcil finished with 23 digs.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .198 on the night with 12 blocks and 10 aces. Grand Rapids finished with a .201 hitting percentage, 13 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SET 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas shot out to a quick 3-1 behind the league-leading 11th ace of the season by de la Cruz as well as the first kill for Vuchkova in an Omaha uniform. The set escalated from there with Grand Rapids firing back with a 4-1 run to take a 9-6 lead. The Rise would hold an advantage for most of the set, eventually gaining a 19-15 edge with back-to-back kills from Symone and Kayla Caffey. However, Vuchkova found a groove from behind the service line, putting pressure on the Rise passers leading to a 4-0 run - including a Vuchkova ace - to pull within 22-21. After a Grand Rapids timeout, the Rise would close out the set with Marin Grote terminating a set-ending kill to make the final set score 25-21.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Grand Rapids offense rolled hitting .342 compared to Omaha’s .228. Nuneviller led the Supernovas with five kills while Abbott had a set-high six kills. Each team had two blocks with Omaha outpacing Grand Rapids in aces 2-0.&nbsp;

SET 2:&nbsp;In one of the most highly contested sets of the early season, Omaha and Grand Rapids exchanged blows throughout the entire set, not being separated by more than two points. The Supernovas grabbed the upper hand after a Briggs serving sub ace to go ahead 22-20. The Rise rallied behind an Omaha service error, a Scully Shannon ace and a Supernovas hitting error to retake the lead 23-22. After Nuneviller tied the set at 23 with a kill, each team exchanged points in the final stretch. Grand Rapids had five set points but couldn’t capitalize on any.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following a Rise block to make it 31-30, Nuneviller came up clutch again with a kill to tie it at 31. De la Cruz followed up with a kill as Schaben-Lansman put the finishing touch on an endless second set with her fifth kill of the game to give Omaha a 33-31 set two win to tie the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nuneviller recorded six of her 18 kills in that set while Omaha hit .180 with two blocks and three aces. Grand Rapids hit better at .191 with three blocks and two aces. Dimitrova led the way with eight kills in the set alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SET 3:&nbsp;The Supernovas set the tone in the third set following intermission, climbing out to an 8-2 lead thanks to serving runs from Valentín-Anderson and de la Cruz - who had two aces in that stretch. After a Rise timeout, Grand Rapids came back into the fold with a run of their own. Spearheaded by a front row that recorded four blocks, the Rise rallied off a 12-4 run to take the set lead at 14-12, which also included a pair of kills from former ACC Player of the Year Chaussee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Valentín-Anderson and Schaben-Lansman combined to become the catalyst for a 5-1 Omaha run. Schaben-Lansman came up with a solo block and back-to-back kills to hand the Supernovas the lead back at 17-15. A 6-1 run by Grand Rapids gave the Rise a 21-18 advantage, but another Briggs serving sub ace tied the match at 22. The two teams would split the next 11 points to make it 28-all, which also included four Chaussee kills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Team captain Nuneviller stepped up when needed most, combining on a block with&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;to give Omaha set point which was followed by a Valentín-Anderson overpass kill to make the set final 30-28 and give the Supernovas a 2-1 match lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schaben-Lansman recorded seven of her kills in that set with Nuneviller earning five. Omaha had five blocks to go along with three aces. Chaussee led the Rise with five kills while Grand Rapids totaled six blocks and one ace.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SET 4:&nbsp;Omaha earned an early edge at 6-4 but extended that lead to 10-4 with a Nuneviller service run that consisted of a Dixon kill, Nuneviller ace and Dixon coming together with de la Cruz for a block. A consistent theme of the night were the comebacks of the Rise as Grand Rapids rallied from a 13-6 deficit with runs of 4-1 and 7-1 to get within one point at 18-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two teams would exchange rallies as a Grote kill got the Rise to 21-20. Schaben-Lansman slammed down a kill which was followed by a Rise hitting error to make it 23-20. Vuchkova recorded her last of three blocks with a solo stuff to make it match point. Dixon terminated her fourth kill on her sixth swing to give Omaha its first road win in franchise history to secure a 25-21 set-four victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supernovas continue their road trip with their second matchup against the Vegas Thrill on Thursday, February 15 as the Thrill host their first-ever home match. First serve is set for 9 p.m. CST with all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network that can be found on flagship station 93.7 The Ticket, 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;&nbsp;

How it feels to beat Cathy George in her first career Pro Volleyball Federation win:&nbsp;"It was a fun match. We always joke that I think all of us coaches have known each other forever. It's very cool to be able to coach against someone that I've looked up to in my career and just such a legend here. I think this league is so special for so many reasons. The athletes are getting to compete at such a high level, but for us coaches, it's fun to coach a group like this. They're hungry to compete, and they know each other, so it's just like us coaches. That environment tonight and the way they were competing against each other, that was probably one of my favorite matches I've coached."&nbsp;&nbsp;

How Omaha continues its momentum:&nbsp;"I've said this. Our team has resilience but the way they fought back and the character they showed in those moments where we fought off set points that's a gut check for any team. To see them compete and even the Grand Rapids Rise, they were fighting too. Those were earned points and we have talked about that all the time in the gym. It's the way you earn points. To me, that's how you build character and how you build trust in each other. I'm proud of this team and how they fought, and we continue our road trip."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Natalia Valentin-Anderson Quotes&nbsp;

How it feels to play a four-set match that felt like a marathon:&nbsp;"I'm definitely feeling happy. I'm not going to say tired because we just got the win, and the time doesn't matter how long or how short it was. I thought it was a great game overall."&nbsp;

If she's looking forward to playing the Rise again:&nbsp;"For sure. Definitely. Any team that's across the net it's just an opportunity to compete and get better. They're a great team. If the level continues to rise in the league, it's amazing for any team and the future of this league."

Story by Supernovas CommunicationGRAND RAPIDS, MI. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;earned their first road win in franchise history with a 21-25, 33-31, 30-28, 25-21 four-set victory over the Grand Rapids Rise Monday night at Van Andel Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha (2-2) survived 10 Grand Rapids (2-1) set points to come away with a victory to hand Interim Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;her first career win in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Playing in front of a crowd of 4,060, the Supernovas got major contributions from setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson&nbsp;in her first league start. The Puerto Rico Olympian dished out 50 assists, 19 digs and four kills which included the set-ending spike in set two.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;led the Omaha attackers with 18 kills on a .240 clip that also included 10 digs and one ace.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;had another standout performance with 17 kills on a .260 hitting percentage and 15 digs. Outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;terminated eight balls with 12 digs, but she tortured the Rise from behind the service line with six aces which equals her own Pro Volleyball Federation record for most aces in a single match.&nbsp;&nbsp;Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;recorded 18 digs with five assists while serving substitution&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;hammered two aces. Middle blocker&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;finished with eight kills, three blocks and one ace in her Omaha debut.&nbsp;&nbsp;Former Louisville All-American Claire Chaussee had a match-high 19 kills to lead the Rise while opposite Emiliya Dimitrova totaled 16 and Simone Abbott finished with 15. Starting setter Ashley Evans handed out 43 assists while libero Sarah Sponcil finished with 23 digs.&nbsp;Omaha hit .198 on the night with 12 blocks and 10 aces. Grand Rapids finished with a .201 hitting percentage, 13 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;SET 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas shot out to a quick 3-1 behind the league-leading 11th ace of the season by de la Cruz as well as the first kill for Vuchkova in an Omaha uniform. The set escalated from there with Grand Rapids firing back with a 4-1 run to take a 9-6 lead. The Rise would hold an advantage for most of the set, eventually gaining a 19-15 edge with back-to-back kills from Symone and Kayla Caffey. However, Vuchkova found a groove from behind the service line, putting pressure on the Rise passers leading to a 4-0 run - including a Vuchkova ace - to pull within 22-21. After a Grand Rapids timeout, the Rise would close out the set with Marin Grote terminating a set-ending kill to make the final set score 25-21.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Grand Rapids offense rolled hitting .342 compared to Omaha’s .228. Nuneviller led the Supernovas with five kills while Abbott had a set-high six kills. Each team had two blocks with Omaha outpacing Grand Rapids in aces 2-0.&nbsp;SET 2:&nbsp;In one of the most highly contested sets of the early season, Omaha and Grand Rapids exchanged blows throughout the entire set, not being separated by more than two points. The Supernovas grabbed the upper hand after a Briggs serving sub ace to go ahead 22-20. The Rise rallied behind an Omaha service error, a Scully Shannon ace and a Supernovas hitting error to retake the lead 23-22. After Nuneviller tied the set at 23 with a kill, each team exchanged points in the final stretch. Grand Rapids had five set points but couldn’t capitalize on any.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a Rise block to make it 31-30, Nuneviller came up clutch again with a kill to tie it at 31. De la Cruz followed up with a kill as Schaben-Lansman put the finishing touch on an endless second set with her fifth kill of the game to give Omaha a 33-31 set two win to tie the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nuneviller recorded six of her 18 kills in that set while Omaha hit .180 with two blocks and three aces. Grand Rapids hit better at .191 with three blocks and two aces. Dimitrova led the way with eight kills in the set alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;SET 3:&nbsp;The Supernovas set the tone in the third set following intermission, climbing out to an 8-2 lead thanks to serving runs from Valentín-Anderson and de la Cruz - who had two aces in that stretch. After a Rise timeout, Grand Rapids came back into the fold with a run of their own. Spearheaded by a front row that recorded four blocks, the Rise rallied off a 12-4 run to take the set lead at 14-12, which also included a pair of kills from former ACC Player of the Year Chaussee.&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentín-Anderson and Schaben-Lansman combined to become the catalyst for a 5-1 Omaha run. Schaben-Lansman came up with a solo block and back-to-back kills to hand the Supernovas the lead back at 17-15. A 6-1 run by Grand Rapids gave the Rise a 21-18 advantage, but another Briggs serving sub ace tied the match at 22. The two teams would split the next 11 points to make it 28-all, which also included four Chaussee kills.&nbsp;&nbsp;Team captain Nuneviller stepped up when needed most, combining on a block with&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;to give Omaha set point which was followed by a Valentín-Anderson overpass kill to make the set final 30-28 and give the Supernovas a 2-1 match lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Schaben-Lansman recorded seven of her kills in that set with Nuneviller earning five. Omaha had five blocks to go along with three aces. Chaussee led the Rise with five kills while Grand Rapids totaled six blocks and one ace.&nbsp;&nbsp;SET 4:&nbsp;Omaha earned an early edge at 6-4 but extended that lead to 10-4 with a Nuneviller service run that consisted of a Dixon kill, Nuneviller ace and Dixon coming together with de la Cruz for a block. A consistent theme of the night were the comebacks of the Rise as Grand Rapids rallied from a 13-6 deficit with runs of 4-1 and 7-1 to get within one point at 18-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two teams would exchange rallies as a Grote kill got the Rise to 21-20. Schaben-Lansman slammed down a kill which was followed by a Rise hitting error to make it 23-20. Vuchkova recorded her last of three blocks with a solo stuff to make it match point. Dixon terminated her fourth kill on her sixth swing to give Omaha its first road win in franchise history to secure a 25-21 set-four victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Supernovas continue their road trip with their second matchup against the Vegas Thrill on Thursday, February 15 as the Thrill host their first-ever home match. First serve is set for 9 p.m. CST with all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network that can be found on flagship station 93.7 The Ticket, 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;&nbsp;Laura "Bird" Kuhn Quotes:&nbsp;How it feels to beat Cathy George in her first career Pro Volleyball Federation win:&nbsp;"It was a fun match. We always joke that I think all of us coaches have known each other forever. It's very cool to be able to coach against someone that I've looked up to in my career and just such a legend here. I think this league is so special for so many reasons. The athletes are getting to compete at such a high level, but for us coaches, it's fun to coach a group like this. They're hungry to compete, and they know each other, so it's just like us coaches. That environment tonight and the way they were competing against each other, that was probably one of my favorite matches I've coached."&nbsp;&nbsp;How Omaha continues its momentum:&nbsp;"I've said this. Our team has resilience but the way they fought back and the character they showed in those moments where we fought off set points that's a gut check for any team. To see them compete and even the Grand Rapids Rise, they were fighting too. Those were earned points and we have talked about that all the time in the gym. It's the way you earn points. To me, that's how you build character and how you build trust in each other. I'm proud of this team and how they fought, and we continue our road trip."&nbsp;&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson Quotes&nbsp;How it feels to play a four-set match that felt like a marathon:&nbsp;"I'm definitely feeling happy. I'm not going to say tired because we just got the win, and the time doesn't matter how long or how short it was. I thought it was a great game overall."&nbsp;If she's looking forward to playing the Rise again:&nbsp;"For sure. Definitely. Any team that's across the net it's just an opportunity to compete and get better. They're a great team. If the level continues to rise in the league, it's amazing for any team and the future of this league."

Supernovas upend Rise in four-set marathon 

Area Wrestling District results/State Qualifications 

GRAND ISLAND, NEB. - The best Nebraska boys basketball showcase is upon us as the Ogallala Indians (20-1, #7 C-1) will battle with the Crete Cardinals (19-0, #1 B) this afternoon in the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island.

Sandhills PostGRAND ISLAND, NEB. - The best Nebraska boys basketball showcase is upon us as the Ogallala Indians (20-1, #7 C-1) will battle with the Crete Cardinals (19-0, #1 B) this afternoon in the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island.

2024 Heartland Hoops Classic Radio Coverage: Ogallala vs Crete

High School Basketball - Scottsbluff High School @ North Platte High School

The NSAA released the Girls Basketball sub-district brackets this week; among the favorites from the area this year will be Gothenburg girls team, (16-5) on the year in class C1. The Swedes will host either Chase County or Cozad on Tuesday, February 13. On the other side of that C1-11 sub-district sit's Ogallala (11-9) and Hershey (13-8). Flatrock 100.7 will carry the Ogallala/Hershey game on Tuesday. Maywood-Hayes Center &amp; Paxton are also #1 seeds from the area.&nbsp;

Here are the other brackets featuring teams from our POST area.

The NSAA released the Girls Basketball sub-district brackets this week; among the favorites from the area this year will be Gothenburg girls team, (16-5) on the year in class C1. The Swedes will host either Chase County or Cozad on Tuesday, February 13. On the other side of that C1-11 sub-district sit's Ogallala (11-9) and Hershey (13-8). Flatrock 100.7 will carry the Ogallala/Hershey game on Tuesday. Maywood-Hayes Center &amp; Paxton are also #1 seeds from the area.&nbsp;Here are the other brackets featuring teams from our POST area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497481979.png" alt="C2 10" />
 <figcaption>C2 10</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497104734.png" alt="Girls D1 11" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497130334.png" alt="Girls D1 12" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497151846.png" alt="Girls D2 9" />
 <figcaption>Girls D2 9</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497212205.png" alt="Girls D2 10" />
 <figcaption>Girls D2 10</figcaption>
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Nebraska Girls Sub-District brackets released: Tournaments begin Monday

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will host its annual spring fundraiser rodeo in McCook March 8-9.

Performances are open to the public. They will begin at 7 p.m. each night at the Kiplinger Arena at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. Slack is scheduled for noon March 8 and at 10 a.m. March 9.

Admission for the regular performances is $10 per person with the exception of children 12 and younger – who will be admitted free.

Concessions and team merchandise will be for sale both days. Proceeds will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and travel expenses for rodeo team members.

The fundraiser is sanctioned by the Kansas Pro Rodeo Association and the Nebraska State Rodeo Association. It is sponsored in part by a grant from Red Willow County Tourism.

Phillips Rodeo Company is the stock contractor.

Entries can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasprorodeo.com/" target="_blank">kansasprorodeo.com</a>&nbsp;beginning March 1. They can be called in March 3 to (620) 275-1655 or (620) 260-9845.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707409625951.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JohnsonMPCCThe Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will host its annual spring fundraiser rodeo in McCook March 8-9.Performances are open to the public. They will begin at 7 p.m. each night at the Kiplinger Arena at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. Slack is scheduled for noon March 8 and at 10 a.m. March 9.Admission for the regular performances is $10 per person with the exception of children 12 and younger – who will be admitted free.Concessions and team merchandise will be for sale both days. Proceeds will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and travel expenses for rodeo team members.The fundraiser is sanctioned by the Kansas Pro Rodeo Association and the Nebraska State Rodeo Association. It is sponsored in part by a grant from Red Willow County Tourism.Phillips Rodeo Company is the stock contractor.Entries can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasprorodeo.com/" target="_blank">kansasprorodeo.com</a>&nbsp;beginning March 1. They can be called in March 3 to (620) 275-1655 or (620) 260-9845.

MPCC Rodeo Team spring fundraiser rodeo will be March 8-9

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;Supernovas rookie sensation&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;exploded for 14 kills and 19 digs in her first career professional start, but Omaha fell to the Vegas Thrill in a five-set thriller 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-18, 12-15 Wednesday at the CHI Health Center.&nbsp;

Two-time Olympian&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;posted an impressive six aces on the match and sparked numerous service runs for the Supernovas. De la Cruz now has a league-leading 10 aces on the season. She also notched 13 kills, with a .273 hitting percentage. Iowa native&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added 15 kills, but was also a force at the net with a team-leading four blocks. The Supernovas had 10 total blocks.&nbsp;

Omaha setter&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;dished out 40 assists on the night along with a team-high 20 digs. The Supernovas hit .188 in the match with eight aces and 90 total digs.

Thrill middle blocker Molly McCage accounted for eight of the Thrill’s 15 blocks. She contributed offensively as well with 14 kills and a .375 hitting percentage. Hannah Maddux led Vegas with 18 kills and added three blocks.

Vegas setter Alisha Glass Childress completed a double-double with 46 assists and 16 digs. Thrill libero Kylie Murr led the defensive effort with a match-high 28 digs.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;After a back-and-forth opening set, Hilley pulled the Supernovas’ lead to 9-6 with a block. Omaha middle blocker&nbsp;Danielle Hart&nbsp;added a block of her own after a long rally to bring the score to 15-11. Briggs tallied the final three kills for the Supernovas to secure a 25-19 first-set win. The outside hitter from Ortonville, Mich. led the Supernovas with six kills and posted a .666 hitting percentage. The Supernovas out blocked the Thrill 5-2.

Set 2:&nbsp;Briggs continued her career night with her seventh kill of the match to get the Supernovas off to a 3-1 start. The Thrill forced an Omaha timeout at 15-17 after three consecutive points. A block and a kill by Schaben-Lansman evened the score at 18-18. The Thrill’s McCage contributed three kills to force an Omaha timeout at 23-21. The Thrill ended the set 25-23 off of McCage’s eighth kill of the match.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;After trailing early in the set, a 6-0 run sparked by a de la Cruz serving clinic forced a Thrill timeout at 12-8. De la Cruz dialed up three aces on the service run for the Supernovas. The Thrill mounted momentum of their own behind Saskia Hippe to force a Supernovas timeout at 17-16. Omaha opposite&nbsp;Nia Reed&nbsp;ended the run with a kill off the block. The Thrill took the 21-18 lead after a trio of Supernovas errors. McCage posted her fourth block of the match to get the Thrill to set point, and Maddux finished the set at 25-20 with a kill. Maddux led the Thrill with five kills and a .417 hitting percentage. McCage added three kills.

Set 4:&nbsp;De la Cruz served up back-to-back aces to give the Supernovas an early 7-3 lead. Briggs found the floor on a crafty second-ball kill to extend the Omaha lead. A 4-0 service run by Layne Van Buskirk forced a Supernovas timeout at 19-13. Up against set point, the Thrill committed a service error to give the Supernovas a 25-18 set win. De la Cruz totaled five kills on the set. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman each added three.

Set 5:&nbsp;Schaben-Lansman tallied her 13th kill of the match to put the Supernovas up 5-1. A block and a kill by McCage cut the lead to 8-7. A Maddux kill gave the Thrill their first lead of the set at 9-8. Another Maddux kill extended the Trill lead to 13-10. De La Cruz answered with her 13th kill of the match. An Omaha error brought the Thrill to match point and Hippe ended the match 15-12.

The Supernovas hit the road for their first away match of the season. They will face off with the Grand Rapids Rise at 6 p.m. (CT) at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;Supernovas rookie sensation&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;exploded for 14 kills and 19 digs in her first career professional start, but Omaha fell to the Vegas Thrill in a five-set thriller 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-18, 12-15 Wednesday at the CHI Health Center.&nbsp;Two-time Olympian&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;posted an impressive six aces on the match and sparked numerous service runs for the Supernovas. De la Cruz now has a league-leading 10 aces on the season. She also notched 13 kills, with a .273 hitting percentage. Iowa native&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added 15 kills, but was also a force at the net with a team-leading four blocks. The Supernovas had 10 total blocks.&nbsp;Omaha setter&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;dished out 40 assists on the night along with a team-high 20 digs. The Supernovas hit .188 in the match with eight aces and 90 total digs.Thrill middle blocker Molly McCage accounted for eight of the Thrill’s 15 blocks. She contributed offensively as well with 14 kills and a .375 hitting percentage. Hannah Maddux led Vegas with 18 kills and added three blocks.Vegas setter Alisha Glass Childress completed a double-double with 46 assists and 16 digs. Thrill libero Kylie Murr led the defensive effort with a match-high 28 digs.&nbsp;Set 1:&nbsp;After a back-and-forth opening set, Hilley pulled the Supernovas’ lead to 9-6 with a block. Omaha middle blocker&nbsp;Danielle Hart&nbsp;added a block of her own after a long rally to bring the score to 15-11. Briggs tallied the final three kills for the Supernovas to secure a 25-19 first-set win. The outside hitter from Ortonville, Mich. led the Supernovas with six kills and posted a .666 hitting percentage. The Supernovas out blocked the Thrill 5-2.Set 2:&nbsp;Briggs continued her career night with her seventh kill of the match to get the Supernovas off to a 3-1 start. The Thrill forced an Omaha timeout at 15-17 after three consecutive points. A block and a kill by Schaben-Lansman evened the score at 18-18. The Thrill’s McCage contributed three kills to force an Omaha timeout at 23-21. The Thrill ended the set 25-23 off of McCage’s eighth kill of the match.&nbsp;Set 3:&nbsp;After trailing early in the set, a 6-0 run sparked by a de la Cruz serving clinic forced a Thrill timeout at 12-8. De la Cruz dialed up three aces on the service run for the Supernovas. The Thrill mounted momentum of their own behind Saskia Hippe to force a Supernovas timeout at 17-16. Omaha opposite&nbsp;Nia Reed&nbsp;ended the run with a kill off the block. The Thrill took the 21-18 lead after a trio of Supernovas errors. McCage posted her fourth block of the match to get the Thrill to set point, and Maddux finished the set at 25-20 with a kill. Maddux led the Thrill with five kills and a .417 hitting percentage. McCage added three kills.Set 4:&nbsp;De la Cruz served up back-to-back aces to give the Supernovas an early 7-3 lead. Briggs found the floor on a crafty second-ball kill to extend the Omaha lead. A 4-0 service run by Layne Van Buskirk forced a Supernovas timeout at 19-13. Up against set point, the Thrill committed a service error to give the Supernovas a 25-18 set win. De la Cruz totaled five kills on the set. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman each added three.Set 5:&nbsp;Schaben-Lansman tallied her 13th kill of the match to put the Supernovas up 5-1. A block and a kill by McCage cut the lead to 8-7. A Maddux kill gave the Thrill their first lead of the set at 9-8. Another Maddux kill extended the Trill lead to 13-10. De La Cruz answered with her 13th kill of the match. An Omaha error brought the Thrill to match point and Hippe ended the match 15-12.The Supernovas hit the road for their first away match of the season. They will face off with the Grand Rapids Rise at 6 p.m. (CT) at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Paige Briggs Explodes in First Career Start as Omaha Falls to Vegas in Five-Set Thriller 

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;announced that&nbsp;Tyler Harris&nbsp;is the Lopers new wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. He replaces Moses Harper who was named head coach at Division II Lincoln (Mo.) University last month.&nbsp;

Harris, a native of Andover, Kan., is no stranger to the MIAA as he spent the last seven years at Emporia State as a player, graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

&nbsp; Beginning his playing career at Hutchinson (Kan.) C.C., Harris was an All-MIAA receiver in 2018 before transitioning to a GA role where he led the Hornet outside receivers for two years. He then was tabbed for a full-time role prior to the 2021 season, serving as receivers coach/recruiting coordinator. His recruiting territory was Southwestern Kansas, Wichita, Kansas junior colleges, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas Metroplex.

"I'm very excited to have Tyler and his wife, Kailey, join the UNK Football Family. Tyler is a very talented coach that has had a proven track record of developing wide receivers," said Held. "He understands the MIAA Conference and he will help us elevate on offense as we go into our second year as a staff. &nbsp;We fired up for him to be a Loper!"

&nbsp; Harris was an integral part of the Hornets quick and potent passing attack as he coached standout receivers Jaylen Varner, Tyler Kahmann, Corey Thomas and Cole Schumacher, among others. Each earned All-MIAA honors in their career with Varner, Kahmann and Thomas being first-team selections. In 2023 Varner and Thomas both went over 1,000 receiving yards and combined for 32 receiving touchdowns. Varner has since transferred to Minnesota with Kahmann earning Academic All-American honors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707402697218.jpeg" alt="Tyler Harris (Photo from UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Harris (Photo from UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;announced that&nbsp;Tyler Harris&nbsp;is the Lopers new wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. He replaces Moses Harper who was named head coach at Division II Lincoln (Mo.) University last month.&nbsp;Harris, a native of Andover, Kan., is no stranger to the MIAA as he spent the last seven years at Emporia State as a player, graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.&nbsp; Beginning his playing career at Hutchinson (Kan.) C.C., Harris was an All-MIAA receiver in 2018 before transitioning to a GA role where he led the Hornet outside receivers for two years. He then was tabbed for a full-time role prior to the 2021 season, serving as receivers coach/recruiting coordinator. His recruiting territory was Southwestern Kansas, Wichita, Kansas junior colleges, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas Metroplex."I'm very excited to have Tyler and his wife, Kailey, join the UNK Football Family. Tyler is a very talented coach that has had a proven track record of developing wide receivers," said Held. "He understands the MIAA Conference and he will help us elevate on offense as we go into our second year as a staff. &nbsp;We fired up for him to be a Loper!"&nbsp; Harris was an integral part of the Hornets quick and potent passing attack as he coached standout receivers Jaylen Varner, Tyler Kahmann, Corey Thomas and Cole Schumacher, among others. Each earned All-MIAA honors in their career with Varner, Kahmann and Thomas being first-team selections. In 2023 Varner and Thomas both went over 1,000 receiving yards and combined for 32 receiving touchdowns. Varner has since transferred to Minnesota with Kahmann earning Academic All-American honors.Emporia is coming off back-to-back 9-3 seasons and has made three straight bowl games. As a player, Harris helped the Hornets win the 2018 Corsicana (Texas) Bowl. He finished the year with 57 catches for 829 yards and a MIAA-best 14 receiving TD's.Harris graduated from Andover Central High School and received a Marketing degree from Emporia State in 2018.UNK announced its Class of 2024 as part of Division II signing day. Spring practice starts at the end of March; a complete workout schedule is TBA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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