Hershey
Public Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of their 7-12 Assistant Principal/Activities Director for the 2022-2023 school year.&nbsp; Mr. Jordan Cudney has been hired to fill the position at Hershey.&nbsp; Jordan brings five years of experience as an Assistant
Principal/Activities Director at both Cozad High School and North Platte High School.

Prior
to getting into education administration, Jordan spent 12 years as a Physical Education/Strength &amp; Conditioning instructor as well as football/track coach at both the high school (Crete, Omaha Benson, Ord) and collegiate (Morningside University &amp; Midland University)
level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In
his role as activities director at Cozad and North Platte, he has led successful fundraising campaigns in those districts to help strengthen and promote their activities departments.&nbsp; Additionally, Jordan strives to be very organized and collaborative in his
leadership of the coaches/sponsors he works with and is excited to bring that to the Hershey activities department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jordan
is currently the President of the Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.&nbsp; We are excited to have Jordan’s wife Kara and their four children, Hadlee, Henley, Maverick, and Maizey join the Panther family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hershey
Public Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of their 7-12 Assistant Principal/Activities Director for the 2022-2023 school year.&nbsp; Mr. Jordan Cudney has been hired to fill the position at Hershey.&nbsp; Jordan brings five years of experience as an Assistant
Principal/Activities Director at both Cozad High School and North Platte High School.Prior
to getting into education administration, Jordan spent 12 years as a Physical Education/Strength &amp; Conditioning instructor as well as football/track coach at both the high school (Crete, Omaha Benson, Ord) and collegiate (Morningside University &amp; Midland University)
level.&nbsp;&nbsp;In
his role as activities director at Cozad and North Platte, he has led successful fundraising campaigns in those districts to help strengthen and promote their activities departments.&nbsp; Additionally, Jordan strives to be very organized and collaborative in his
leadership of the coaches/sponsors he works with and is excited to bring that to the Hershey activities department.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordan
is currently the President of the Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.&nbsp; We are excited to have Jordan’s wife Kara and their four children, Hadlee, Henley, Maverick, and Maizey join the Panther family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hershey Public Schools hires new AD

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Griffin Everitt slugged two home runs and had the walk-off RBI single in Nebraska's 6-5 win over Omaha on Monday afternoon at Hawks Field.

The Huskers (5-9) scored six runs on 12 hits and two errors, while the Mavericks (5-10) had five runs on seven hits and a pair of errors.

Starter Shay Schanaman threw six innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on three hits with six strikeouts and four walks. Mason Ornelas gave up two runs on two hits in one inning, while Emmett Olson surrendered one run on two hits and had two strikeouts in 1.2 innings. Braxton Bragg improved to 1-1 on the year after recording the final out in the top of the ninth.

Everitt had a career day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two homers, four RBI and two runs. Brice Matthews was 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and a run, followed by two hits apiece from Max Anderson and Garrett Anglim. Efry Cervantes hit his first home run as a Husker while going 1-for-4.

Mike Boeve began the third with a solo blast to right to put the Mavericks ahead 1-0. Omaha doubled its lead in the fourth after a Husker fielding error and Jack Lombardi's RBI single through the right side plated Devin Hurdle.

With one out in the sixth, Everitt smacked his first home run of the game over the wall in right, trimming the deficit in half. Matthews singled and advanced to second on a fielding error before Anglim ripped an RBI double down the left field line to tie the game at two.

Lombardi opened the seventh with a double to right field and later came around to score on a wild pitch, giving the Mavericks a 3-2 lead.

Nebraska responded with three runs on four hits to retake the lead at 5-3 after seven innings. Cervantes lifted a solo homer to right and Everitt unleashed a two-run shot to right for his second home run of the game.

A walk, single and a sacrifice fly brought Omaha within one run in the eighth. A hit batter and two consecutive singles brought home the Mavericks' fifth run of the game to tie it all up in the top of the ninth.

Anderson looped a double down the left field line in the bottom of the ninth with one out, followed by Everitt's RBI single to the gap in right center, scoring Anderson and giving the Huskers a 6-5 walk-off win in the home opener.

Nebraska continues its 10-game homestand tomorrow, as the Huskers start a two-game series with New Mexico State. First pitch between the Big Red and Aggies is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Hawks Field.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsGriffin Everitt slugged two home runs and had the walk-off RBI single in Nebraska's 6-5 win over Omaha on Monday afternoon at Hawks Field.The Huskers (5-9) scored six runs on 12 hits and two errors, while the Mavericks (5-10) had five runs on seven hits and a pair of errors.Starter Shay Schanaman threw six innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on three hits with six strikeouts and four walks. Mason Ornelas gave up two runs on two hits in one inning, while Emmett Olson surrendered one run on two hits and had two strikeouts in 1.2 innings. Braxton Bragg improved to 1-1 on the year after recording the final out in the top of the ninth.Everitt had a career day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two homers, four RBI and two runs. Brice Matthews was 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and a run, followed by two hits apiece from Max Anderson and Garrett Anglim. Efry Cervantes hit his first home run as a Husker while going 1-for-4.Mike Boeve began the third with a solo blast to right to put the Mavericks ahead 1-0. Omaha doubled its lead in the fourth after a Husker fielding error and Jack Lombardi's RBI single through the right side plated Devin Hurdle.With one out in the sixth, Everitt smacked his first home run of the game over the wall in right, trimming the deficit in half. Matthews singled and advanced to second on a fielding error before Anglim ripped an RBI double down the left field line to tie the game at two.Lombardi opened the seventh with a double to right field and later came around to score on a wild pitch, giving the Mavericks a 3-2 lead.Nebraska responded with three runs on four hits to retake the lead at 5-3 after seven innings. Cervantes lifted a solo homer to right and Everitt unleashed a two-run shot to right for his second home run of the game.A walk, single and a sacrifice fly brought Omaha within one run in the eighth. A hit batter and two consecutive singles brought home the Mavericks' fifth run of the game to tie it all up in the top of the ninth.Anderson looped a double down the left field line in the bottom of the ninth with one out, followed by Everitt's RBI single to the gap in right center, scoring Anderson and giving the Huskers a 6-5 walk-off win in the home opener.Nebraska continues its 10-game homestand tomorrow, as the Huskers start a two-game series with New Mexico State. First pitch between the Big Red and Aggies is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Hawks Field.

Everitt Slugs Two Homers in 6-5 Walk-Off Victory

Story and Photo by Heather Johnson

The North Platte Community College softball team finally had enough good weather to resume season play Sunday afternoon.

The Knights faced off against Southeast Community College in Beatrice, sustaining an 11-3 loss in the first game before bouncing back and winning the second game 6-4.

The Knights scored two runs on an error in the first inning of the first game. By the third, the Storm had pulled away for good, fueled by five runs.

Jenny Singer was in the circle for the Knights. The righty went two and a third innings, allowing six runs on four hits and striking out two.

Angelina Lockhart threw one and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Gwen Anderson led the Knights with two hits in three at bats, and Elena Montoya went yard in the fifth inning.

North Platte took advantage of a late lead to turn the tide in the second game.

The Knights scored on a stolen base during Taelyn Dakamas’s at bat in the first inning. She followed that up with a single. As a pitcher, Dakamas lasted seven innings, allowing nine hits and four runs while striking out five.

Dakamas, Anderson, Montoya, Kelsey Woodhouse, Lili Kukučková, Angelina Lockhart and Jayden Horner each collected one hit for the Knights, and Montoya added two stolen bases.

The Knights launched one home run on the day. Kukučková went for the long ball in the sixth inning.

The game was tied at four with the Knights batting in the top of the seventh when Dakamas grounded out, scoring two runs and sealing NPCC’s victory.

“It was nice to be able to get games in after being sidelined for eight days because of weather,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head women’s softball coach. “Game one, we beat ourselves. We let our mistakes snowball and couldn’t recover. It takes a lot of focus and heart to come back after a loss and earn a win, and that’s what we did. It will give us good momentum going into the next four days and six games on the road.”

They have a string of games lined up for this week, beginning with a doubleheader Monday. The Knights will play Central Community College at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Columbus.

The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics can be found on the Knights Facebook and Twitter accounts and online at npccknights.com.

Story and Photo by Heather JohnsonThe North Platte Community College softball team finally had enough good weather to resume season play Sunday afternoon.The Knights faced off against Southeast Community College in Beatrice, sustaining an 11-3 loss in the first game before bouncing back and winning the second game 6-4.The Knights scored two runs on an error in the first inning of the first game. By the third, the Storm had pulled away for good, fueled by five runs.Jenny Singer was in the circle for the Knights. The righty went two and a third innings, allowing six runs on four hits and striking out two.Angelina Lockhart threw one and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.Gwen Anderson led the Knights with two hits in three at bats, and Elena Montoya went yard in the fifth inning.North Platte took advantage of a late lead to turn the tide in the second game.The Knights scored on a stolen base during Taelyn Dakamas’s at bat in the first inning. She followed that up with a single. As a pitcher, Dakamas lasted seven innings, allowing nine hits and four runs while striking out five.Dakamas, Anderson, Montoya, Kelsey Woodhouse, Lili Kukučková, Angelina Lockhart and Jayden Horner each collected one hit for the Knights, and Montoya added two stolen bases.The Knights launched one home run on the day. Kukučková went for the long ball in the sixth inning.The game was tied at four with the Knights batting in the top of the seventh when Dakamas grounded out, scoring two runs and sealing NPCC’s victory.“It was nice to be able to get games in after being sidelined for eight days because of weather,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head women’s softball coach. “Game one, we beat ourselves. We let our mistakes snowball and couldn’t recover. It takes a lot of focus and heart to come back after a loss and earn a win, and that’s what we did. It will give us good momentum going into the next four days and six games on the road.”The Knights are now 1-7 on the season.They have a string of games lined up for this week, beginning with a doubleheader Monday. The Knights will play Central Community College at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Columbus.The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics can be found on the Knights Facebook and Twitter accounts and online at npccknights.com.

Knights split games in Beatrice

&nbsp; Lincoln&nbsp;- Nebraska earned a No. 8 seed and will face No. 9 seed Gonzaga in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship on Friday, March 18 in Louisville, Ky. The Huskers were joined by approximately 1,000 fans at Pinnacle Bank Arena for the official NCAA Selection Show Watch Party presented by Woodhouse on Sunday evening, as ESPN announced the first-ever 68-team women's tournament bracket for March Madness. Nebraska (24-8) earned a No. 23 NCAA Net ranking after going 11-7 in Big Ten regular-season and 2-1 to advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on March 5. During NU's Big Ten Tournament run, the Huskers defeated No. 10 Michigan 76-73. It marked Nebraska's third win over an Associated Top 10 team this season, including a 72-55 win over then-No. 5 Indiana at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Feb. 14. The Huskers also ran to a 79-58 victory over then-No. 8 Michigan at PBA on Jan. 4. The Huskers have been led this season by second-team All-Big Ten guard&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42985">Jaz Shelley</a>&nbsp;and second-team All-Big Ten post&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42706">Alexis Markowski</a>, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Shelley, a 5-9 guard from Moe, Australia, leads the Huskers in scoring (13.1 ppg), assists (5.0 apg), steals (1.8 spg) and blocked shots (1.0 bpg) while ranking second on the team in rebounding (6.5 rpg). The only player to rank among the top 20 in the Big Ten in all five major categories, Shelley was also a Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection by the conference media.&nbsp; Markowski, a unanimous choice by the coaches to the Big Ten All-Freshman team, ranks among the nation's best freshmen averaging 12.8 points and a team-best 8.0 rebounds. The 6-3 forward/center from Lincoln, Neb.,&nbsp;is the only Power Five conference freshman to average better than 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds this season. In addition to Shelley and Markowski, fourth-year guard&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41996">Sam Haiby</a>&nbsp;and third-year forward&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41993">Isabelle Bourne</a>&nbsp;added honorable-mention All-Big Ten accolades in 2022. Haiby, a 5-9 guard from Moorhead, Minn., is the only player in Husker history to achieve the combined career milestones of 1,000 points (1,361), 500 rebounds (526) and 400 assists (413). She was also a second-team All-Big Ten selection last season. Bourne, a two-time honorable-mention all-league pick from Canberra, Australia, joins Haiby, Shelley and Markowski in giving the Huskers four starters averaging in double figures. Nebraska's No. 8 seed marked the Huskers' best seed in the Big Dance since claiming a No. 4 seed in the 2014 NCAA Tournament after winning the Big Ten Tournament title. The Huskers are 1-0 in first-round games in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 8 seed, defeating No. 9 seed Xavier in College Park, Md., in 2008. Gonzaga punched its ticket to March Madness with a 71-59 win over BYU in the West Coast Conference Championship Game on Tuesday. The Bulldogs (26-6) went 15-2 in regular-season Big West play and finished No. 25 in the NET rankings. Gonzaga owns wins over 2022 NCAA Tournament qualifiers BYU, Utah, Stephen F. Austin, Montana State and Hawaii. Gonzaga lost twice to both Stanford and BYU and suffered a loss to at-large NCAA selection Washington State. The Bulldogs and Huskers do have a pair of common opponents this season in San Diego and Wyoming. Gonzaga went 2-0 against USD (76-66, Spokane; 69-43, San Diego) and defeated Wyoming (54-47, Spokane, Dec. 3). The Huskers defeated San Diego 64-56 in San Diego (Nov. 27) and defeated Wyoming 72-61 in Lincoln on Dec. 22. Melody Kempton (10.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg) leads a balanced Bulldog roster that features four players averaging in double figures, including Kayleigh (10.8 ppg, 3.8 apg) and Kaylynne Truong (10.8 ppg, 3.4 apg) and Yvonne Ejim (10.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg). Starters Cierra Walker (9.0 ppg), Abby O'Connor (6.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and Anamaria Virjoghe (3.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg) give Gonzaga a productive roster from top to bottom that averages 69.3 points per game while surrendering just 55.8 points per contest. The Bulldogs also carry a plus-10.4 rebound margin. In Louisville, the Cardinals earned a No. 1 seed for Coach Jeff Walz, who was a Nebraska assistant coach under 2022 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Paul Sanderford when current Husker Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8020">Amy Williams</a>&nbsp;was a senior at Nebraska in 1997-98. Louisville (25-4) will face America East Conference Tournament champion Albany (23-9) in the other first-round game at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday. The Huskers will be making their 15th NCAA appearance in program history, dating back to their first trip in 1988 after winning the Big Eight regular-season championship. More details on game times and television distribution will be announced soon. Nebraska's All-Time NCAA Tournament Appearances Year - Seed - First Round Opponent - Location 2022 - 8 (vs. Gonzaga) - Louisville, Ky. 2018 - 10 (vs. 7 Arizona State) - Austin, Texas 2015 - 9 (vs. 8 Syracuse) - Columbia, S.C. 2014 - 4 (vs. 13 Fresno State) - Los Angeles Calif. 2013 - 6 (vs. 11 Chattanooga) - College Station, Texas 2012 - 6 (vs. 11 Kansas) - Little Rock, Ark. 2010 - 1 (vs. 16 Northern Iowa) - Minneapolis, Minn. 2008 - 8 (vs. 9 Xavier) - College Park, Md. 2007 - 9 (vs. 8 Temple) - Raleigh, N.C. 2000 - 12 (vs. 5 Boston College) - Charlottesville, Va. 1999 - 11 (vs. 6 Kentucky) - Los Angeles, Calif. 1998 - 9 (vs. 8 New Mexico) - Norfolk, Va. 1996 - 9 (vs. 8 Colorado State) - Palo Alto, Calif. 1993 - 6 (vs. 11 San Diego) - Lincoln, Neb. 1988 - 5 (vs. 4 USC) - Los Angeles, Calif.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp; Lincoln&nbsp;- Nebraska earned a No. 8 seed and will face No. 9 seed Gonzaga in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship on Friday, March 18 in Louisville, Ky. The Huskers were joined by approximately 1,000 fans at Pinnacle Bank Arena for the official NCAA Selection Show Watch Party presented by Woodhouse on Sunday evening, as ESPN announced the first-ever 68-team women's tournament bracket for March Madness. Nebraska (24-8) earned a No. 23 NCAA Net ranking after going 11-7 in Big Ten regular-season and 2-1 to advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on March 5. During NU's Big Ten Tournament run, the Huskers defeated No. 10 Michigan 76-73. It marked Nebraska's third win over an Associated Top 10 team this season, including a 72-55 win over then-No. 5 Indiana at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Feb. 14. The Huskers also ran to a 79-58 victory over then-No. 8 Michigan at PBA on Jan. 4. The Huskers have been led this season by second-team All-Big Ten guard&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42985">Jaz Shelley</a>&nbsp;and second-team All-Big Ten post&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42706">Alexis Markowski</a>, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Shelley, a 5-9 guard from Moe, Australia, leads the Huskers in scoring (13.1 ppg), assists (5.0 apg), steals (1.8 spg) and blocked shots (1.0 bpg) while ranking second on the team in rebounding (6.5 rpg). The only player to rank among the top 20 in the Big Ten in all five major categories, Shelley was also a Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection by the conference media.&nbsp; Markowski, a unanimous choice by the coaches to the Big Ten All-Freshman team, ranks among the nation's best freshmen averaging 12.8 points and a team-best 8.0 rebounds. The 6-3 forward/center from Lincoln, Neb.,&nbsp;is the only Power Five conference freshman to average better than 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds this season. In addition to Shelley and Markowski, fourth-year guard&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41996">Sam Haiby</a>&nbsp;and third-year forward&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41993">Isabelle Bourne</a>&nbsp;added honorable-mention All-Big Ten accolades in 2022. Haiby, a 5-9 guard from Moorhead, Minn., is the only player in Husker history to achieve the combined career milestones of 1,000 points (1,361), 500 rebounds (526) and 400 assists (413). She was also a second-team All-Big Ten selection last season. Bourne, a two-time honorable-mention all-league pick from Canberra, Australia, joins Haiby, Shelley and Markowski in giving the Huskers four starters averaging in double figures. Nebraska's No. 8 seed marked the Huskers' best seed in the Big Dance since claiming a No. 4 seed in the 2014 NCAA Tournament after winning the Big Ten Tournament title. The Huskers are 1-0 in first-round games in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 8 seed, defeating No. 9 seed Xavier in College Park, Md., in 2008. Gonzaga punched its ticket to March Madness with a 71-59 win over BYU in the West Coast Conference Championship Game on Tuesday. The Bulldogs (26-6) went 15-2 in regular-season Big West play and finished No. 25 in the NET rankings. Gonzaga owns wins over 2022 NCAA Tournament qualifiers BYU, Utah, Stephen F. Austin, Montana State and Hawaii. Gonzaga lost twice to both Stanford and BYU and suffered a loss to at-large NCAA selection Washington State. The Bulldogs and Huskers do have a pair of common opponents this season in San Diego and Wyoming. Gonzaga went 2-0 against USD (76-66, Spokane; 69-43, San Diego) and defeated Wyoming (54-47, Spokane, Dec. 3). The Huskers defeated San Diego 64-56 in San Diego (Nov. 27) and defeated Wyoming 72-61 in Lincoln on Dec. 22. Melody Kempton (10.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg) leads a balanced Bulldog roster that features four players averaging in double figures, including Kayleigh (10.8 ppg, 3.8 apg) and Kaylynne Truong (10.8 ppg, 3.4 apg) and Yvonne Ejim (10.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg). Starters Cierra Walker (9.0 ppg), Abby O'Connor (6.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and Anamaria Virjoghe (3.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg) give Gonzaga a productive roster from top to bottom that averages 69.3 points per game while surrendering just 55.8 points per contest. The Bulldogs also carry a plus-10.4 rebound margin. In Louisville, the Cardinals earned a No. 1 seed for Coach Jeff Walz, who was a Nebraska assistant coach under 2022 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Paul Sanderford when current Husker Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8020">Amy Williams</a>&nbsp;was a senior at Nebraska in 1997-98. Louisville (25-4) will face America East Conference Tournament champion Albany (23-9) in the other first-round game at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday. The Huskers will be making their 15th NCAA appearance in program history, dating back to their first trip in 1988 after winning the Big Eight regular-season championship. More details on game times and television distribution will be announced soon. Nebraska's All-Time NCAA Tournament Appearances Year - Seed - First Round Opponent - Location 2022 - 8 (vs. Gonzaga) - Louisville, Ky. 2018 - 10 (vs. 7 Arizona State) - Austin, Texas 2015 - 9 (vs. 8 Syracuse) - Columbia, S.C. 2014 - 4 (vs. 13 Fresno State) - Los Angeles Calif. 2013 - 6 (vs. 11 Chattanooga) - College Station, Texas 2012 - 6 (vs. 11 Kansas) - Little Rock, Ark. 2010 - 1 (vs. 16 Northern Iowa) - Minneapolis, Minn. 2008 - 8 (vs. 9 Xavier) - College Park, Md. 2007 - 9 (vs. 8 Temple) - Raleigh, N.C. 2000 - 12 (vs. 5 Boston College) - Charlottesville, Va. 1999 - 11 (vs. 6 Kentucky) - Los Angeles, Calif. 1998 - 9 (vs. 8 New Mexico) - Norfolk, Va. 1996 - 9 (vs. 8 Colorado State) - Palo Alto, Calif. 1993 - 6 (vs. 11 San Diego) - Lincoln, Neb. 1988 - 5 (vs. 4 USC) - Los Angeles, Calif.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers to Face Gonzaga in Louisville

North Platte – The North Platte Catholic Schools is excited to invite the North Platte community to assist us in celebrating our D1 Boys Basketball Championship Title.

Join us on Tuesday, March 15 @ 5:30PM in the McDaid gymnasium.

The last time our school won a Championship title was in 1928. Ending this 94-year drought is coming with a lot of celebration!

Recognition will be give to our players, students and fans for receiving the Class D Sportsmanship Award.

And, we will give special recognition to senior, Jack Heiss, for breaking the school record for the most points scored in his high school career. Jack finished with 1,572 and did not play his freshman year due to an injury.

The last record set was in 1966 by John Arnold (1,557).

North Platte – The North Platte Catholic Schools is excited to invite the North Platte community to assist us in celebrating our D1 Boys Basketball Championship Title.Join us on Tuesday, March 15 @ 5:30PM in the McDaid gymnasium.The last time our school won a Championship title was in 1928. Ending this 94-year drought is coming with a lot of celebration!Recognition will be give to our players, students and fans for receiving the Class D Sportsmanship Award.And, we will give special recognition to senior, Jack Heiss, for breaking the school record for the most points scored in his high school career. Jack finished with 1,572 and did not play his freshman year due to an injury.The last record set was in 1966 by John Arnold (1,557).

NPSP Irish invite you to celebrate! 

From all of us at The Post congratulations the the North Platte St. Patrick's Irish on their first state basketball championship since 1928, defeating Loomis 65-57. Here is the medal presentation from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Go Irish!

By POST STAFFFrom all of us at The Post congratulations the the North Platte St. Patrick's Irish on their first state basketball championship since 1928, defeating Loomis 65-57. Here is the medal presentation from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Go Irish!<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VhHUkT8efbg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

📽 WATCH: St. Pats Irish State Basketball Championship Medal Presentation

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Congratulations North Platte St. Patrick’s High School – the 2022 NSAA Class D1 Boys State Basketball Champions! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a> <a href="https://t.co/kPO8K3gz9j">pic.twitter.com/kPO8K3gz9j</a>&mdash; NSAA (@nsaahome) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsaahome/status/1502328553639133190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">A win 94 years in the making. North Platte St. Pat’s wins their first state title in 94 years (1928). Final: NPSP 65 Loomis 57<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a> <a href="https://t.co/DmhAnE0MCU">pic.twitter.com/DmhAnE0MCU</a>&mdash; Mike Sautter (@MikeSautter_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSautter_/status/1502325924603338757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VhHUkT8efbg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

NPSP Irish win first state basketball title in 94 years

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball’s acrimonious lockout ended Thursday when a divided players’ association voted to accept management’s offer to salvage a 162-game season that will start April 7.

Owners approved the five-year labor contract with a 30-0 vote. MLB was expected to formally lift the lockout around 7 p.m. on its 99th day.

“I am genuinely thrilled to say Major League Baseball is back and we’re going to play 162 games,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “I want to start by apologizing to our fans. I know the last few months have been difficult.”

MLB’s roster freeze, imposed when the work stoppage began on Dec. 2, was to dissolve immediately, allowing Freddie Freeman, Carlos Correa and more than 100 other free agents to sign contracts.

Training camps in Florida and Arizona will open Friday, and the mandatory reporting date is Sunday. Exhibition games will begin March 17 or 18.

Fans can start making plans to be at Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium and Camden Yards next month. Opening day is being planned a little more than a week behind the original date on March 31.

The deal brings several major changes to the sport — a universal designated hitter, an expanded postseason and measures to disincentivize so-called “tanking.” Most of the labor fight centered on the game’s core economics.

The 184 games canceled by Manfred were instead postponed, with the regular season extended by three days to Oct. 5. Approximately three games per team will be made up as part of doubleheaders.

With pitchers Max Scherzer and Andrew Miller taking prominent roles as union spokesmen, players twice allowed management deadlines pass to salvage the original March 31 opening day, then let this Tuesday’s deadline for a 162-game schedule go by.

After narrowing the economic gap this week, MLB made another offer Thursday afternoon, saying this was the absolute, final, last moment to play 162 games and preserve full salary and service time.

Teams moved toward middle ground between themselves and the players. The union’s executive board approved the offer on a 26-12 vote. a person familiar with the balloting said, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no announcement was authorized.

“The deal pushes the game forward,” Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, a member of the union’s executive subcommittee, said in an telephone interview with The Associated Press. “It addresses a lot of the things that the players in the game should be focused on: the competitive integrity aspect of it.”

Playoffs will expand from 10 to 12 teams, with two division winners receiving first-round byes and the remaining four teams in a best-of-three wild card round in each league.

The deal allows teams to have advertising on uniforms and helmets for the first time and could lead to a pitch clock and limits on defensive shifts in 2023.

“I love our game,” Manfred said. “Having said that, since I’ve been commissioner, I’ve talked about the need to make changes in some of our rules to enhance the entertainment value of our product for the benefit of our fans. And I think the new agreement opens up an opportunity that we can work with the players to make sure that we can make good rule changes that work for our fans.”

The agreement calls for the luxury tax threshold to rise from $210 million last year to $230 million this season and gradually to $242 million in 2026, a loosening for the biggest spenders such as the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers and Red Sox.

Tax rates remain unchanged at the initial threshold, second and third thresholds. A new fourth threshold, aimed at billionaire New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, has tax rates of 80% for the first offender, 90%, for the second and 110% for the third.

The agreement allows training camps to open Friday in Florida and Arizona, more than three weeks after they were scheduled to on Feb. 16. Players can begin reporting Friday, with training cut to about 28 days rather than the usual 42 for pitchers and catchers.

The minimum salary rises from $570,500 to about $700,000 this year, with $20,000 annual increases.

A new $50 million bonus pool was established for players not yet eligible for arbitration, a way to boost salaries for young stars.

After yet another snag, this time over management’s desire for an international amateur draft, the deal came together Thursday afternoon and capped nearly a year of talks.

Players had fumed for years about the deal that expired Dec. 1, which saw payrolls decline 4% in 2021 compared to the last full season, back to their 2015 level. The union had an ambitious negotiating stance in talks that began last spring, asking for free-agency rights to increase with an age-based backstop and for an expansion of salary arbitration to its level from 1974-86.

In the late stages, the level and rates of the luxury tax, designed as a break on spending, became the key to a deal. Players think that too low of a threshold and too high of a rate acts tantamount to a salary cap, which the union fought off with a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95.

Despite hundreds of hours of threats and counter-threats, the sides avoided regular-season games being canceled by labor conflict for the first time since the 1994-95 strike.

“One of the good things about collective bargaining,” Manfred said, “is it gives our players the ability to have input on what their workplace in the game is going to look like going forward, and they took full opportunity to provide that input during these negotiations.

“It may be one of the best unions in America,” he added about the players association.

The cost, though, was rancor that cast both owners and players as money obsessed. Spring training was disrupted for the third straight year following two exhibition seasons altered by the coronavirus pandemic.

“People can go to the ballpark. That will help,” Cole said. “Maybe some people will go to the ballpark to tell us know how they feel negatively. That’s their right to do as well. I will say that nobody wants it to go this way. And some of the hurdles we’ve had to jump through over the last few weeks have not necessarily been ill will but just due process.

“It’s just a very democratic process and some of these sorts of things take some time. But I think everybody is tremendously excited to get back and tremendous excited to get back in front of the fans.”

Story by Ronald Blum - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball’s acrimonious lockout ended Thursday when a divided players’ association voted to accept management’s offer to salvage a 162-game season that will start April 7.Owners approved the five-year labor contract with a 30-0 vote. MLB was expected to formally lift the lockout around 7 p.m. on its 99th day.“I am genuinely thrilled to say Major League Baseball is back and we’re going to play 162 games,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “I want to start by apologizing to our fans. I know the last few months have been difficult.”MLB’s roster freeze, imposed when the work stoppage began on Dec. 2, was to dissolve immediately, allowing Freddie Freeman, Carlos Correa and more than 100 other free agents to sign contracts.Training camps in Florida and Arizona will open Friday, and the mandatory reporting date is Sunday. Exhibition games will begin March 17 or 18.Fans can start making plans to be at Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium and Camden Yards next month. Opening day is being planned a little more than a week behind the original date on March 31.The deal brings several major changes to the sport — a universal designated hitter, an expanded postseason and measures to disincentivize so-called “tanking.” Most of the labor fight centered on the game’s core economics.The 184 games canceled by Manfred were instead postponed, with the regular season extended by three days to Oct. 5. Approximately three games per team will be made up as part of doubleheaders.With pitchers Max Scherzer and Andrew Miller taking prominent roles as union spokesmen, players twice allowed management deadlines pass to salvage the original March 31 opening day, then let this Tuesday’s deadline for a 162-game schedule go by.After narrowing the economic gap this week, MLB made another offer Thursday afternoon, saying this was the absolute, final, last moment to play 162 games and preserve full salary and service time.Teams moved toward middle ground between themselves and the players. The union’s executive board approved the offer on a 26-12 vote. a person familiar with the balloting said, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no announcement was authorized.“The deal pushes the game forward,” Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, a member of the union’s executive subcommittee, said in an telephone interview with The Associated Press. “It addresses a lot of the things that the players in the game should be focused on: the competitive integrity aspect of it.”Playoffs will expand from 10 to 12 teams, with two division winners receiving first-round byes and the remaining four teams in a best-of-three wild card round in each league.The deal allows teams to have advertising on uniforms and helmets for the first time and could lead to a pitch clock and limits on defensive shifts in 2023.“I love our game,” Manfred said. “Having said that, since I’ve been commissioner, I’ve talked about the need to make changes in some of our rules to enhance the entertainment value of our product for the benefit of our fans. And I think the new agreement opens up an opportunity that we can work with the players to make sure that we can make good rule changes that work for our fans.”The agreement calls for the luxury tax threshold to rise from $210 million last year to $230 million this season and gradually to $242 million in 2026, a loosening for the biggest spenders such as the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers and Red Sox.Tax rates remain unchanged at the initial threshold, second and third thresholds. A new fourth threshold, aimed at billionaire New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, has tax rates of 80% for the first offender, 90%, for the second and 110% for the third.The agreement allows training camps to open Friday in Florida and Arizona, more than three weeks after they were scheduled to on Feb. 16. Players can begin reporting Friday, with training cut to about 28 days rather than the usual 42 for pitchers and catchers.The minimum salary rises from $570,500 to about $700,000 this year, with $20,000 annual increases.A new $50 million bonus pool was established for players not yet eligible for arbitration, a way to boost salaries for young stars.After yet another snag, this time over management’s desire for an international amateur draft, the deal came together Thursday afternoon and capped nearly a year of talks.Players had fumed for years about the deal that expired Dec. 1, which saw payrolls decline 4% in 2021 compared to the last full season, back to their 2015 level. The union had an ambitious negotiating stance in talks that began last spring, asking for free-agency rights to increase with an age-based backstop and for an expansion of salary arbitration to its level from 1974-86.In the late stages, the level and rates of the luxury tax, designed as a break on spending, became the key to a deal. Players think that too low of a threshold and too high of a rate acts tantamount to a salary cap, which the union fought off with a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95.Despite hundreds of hours of threats and counter-threats, the sides avoided regular-season games being canceled by labor conflict for the first time since the 1994-95 strike.“One of the good things about collective bargaining,” Manfred said, “is it gives our players the ability to have input on what their workplace in the game is going to look like going forward, and they took full opportunity to provide that input during these negotiations.“It may be one of the best unions in America,” he added about the players association.The cost, though, was rancor that cast both owners and players as money obsessed. Spring training was disrupted for the third straight year following two exhibition seasons altered by the coronavirus pandemic.“People can go to the ballpark. That will help,” Cole said. “Maybe some people will go to the ballpark to tell us know how they feel negatively. That’s their right to do as well. I will say that nobody wants it to go this way. And some of the hurdles we’ve had to jump through over the last few weeks have not necessarily been ill will but just due process.“It’s just a very democratic process and some of these sorts of things take some time. But I think everybody is tremendously excited to get back and tremendous excited to get back in front of the fans.”

MLB players vote to end lockout, salvaging 162-game season

North Platte, Neb. – March 10, 2022 – A member of North Platte’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo committee has been awarded the John Justin Standard of the West Award.

Hank Knisley, North Platte, was given the 2021 award on Sat., February 26.

Kinsley’s volunteer service with the rodeo began a dozen years ago, but he was volunteering with NebraskalandDays (NLD) well before that. As a member of the North Platte Lions Club, he helped with the NLD parade before serving a term as a NLD Board Member.

After his NLD term was over, he was asked to be on the rodeo committee. As a rodeo committee member, Knisley helps set up the hospitality room, making sure food and beverages are ordered and delivered, and works around the arena facility, too.

He’s dependable and does excellent work, said Shelli Arensdorf, co-chair of the rodeo.

“He’s always willing to step in for what needs done,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s something you really don’t want to do, he’s the first to stick his hand in the air and volunteer to help.”

The rodeo committee counts on him, like they do on all of their volunteers.

“You can rely on him, no matter what,” Arensdorf said. “If he says he’s going to do the job, he does it and does it very well. You don’t have to follow up to make sure it got done.”

His volunteerism goes beyond the rodeo. He served six years as a board member, vice president and president of the North Platte St. Patrick School Board and is on the snow removal committee. When the sidewalks need cleared at St. Pat’s School, he and a crew of volunteers are there by 6 am or earlier to move snow.

Knisley knows that as a volunteer, there is no assumption of gain.

“True volunteering is somebody who commits their time with absolutely no expectation of anything in return,” he said.

“It’s first and foremost about giving your time. At the end of the day, the Book tells us we’re supposed to help. And that’s what it’s really all about.”

As winner of the John Justin Standard of the West Award, Knisley will receive a custom pair of Justin Boots.

This year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo will be held June 15-18 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte, Neb. Performances begin at 8 pm nightly. Tickets are on sale at NebraskalandDays.com and range in price from $7 to $19.

For more information, visit the website or call the office at 308.532.7939.

Story by Ruth NicolausNorth Platte, Neb. – March 10, 2022 – A member of North Platte’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo committee has been awarded the John Justin Standard of the West Award.Hank Knisley, North Platte, was given the 2021 award on Sat., February 26.Kinsley’s volunteer service with the rodeo began a dozen years ago, but he was volunteering with NebraskalandDays (NLD) well before that. As a member of the North Platte Lions Club, he helped with the NLD parade before serving a term as a NLD Board Member.After his NLD term was over, he was asked to be on the rodeo committee. As a rodeo committee member, Knisley helps set up the hospitality room, making sure food and beverages are ordered and delivered, and works around the arena facility, too.He’s dependable and does excellent work, said Shelli Arensdorf, co-chair of the rodeo.“He’s always willing to step in for what needs done,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s something you really don’t want to do, he’s the first to stick his hand in the air and volunteer to help.”The rodeo committee counts on him, like they do on all of their volunteers.“You can rely on him, no matter what,” Arensdorf said. “If he says he’s going to do the job, he does it and does it very well. You don’t have to follow up to make sure it got done.”His volunteerism goes beyond the rodeo. He served six years as a board member, vice president and president of the North Platte St. Patrick School Board and is on the snow removal committee. When the sidewalks need cleared at St. Pat’s School, he and a crew of volunteers are there by 6 am or earlier to move snow.Knisley knows that as a volunteer, there is no assumption of gain.“True volunteering is somebody who commits their time with absolutely no expectation of anything in return,” he said.“It’s first and foremost about giving your time. At the end of the day, the Book tells us we’re supposed to help. And that’s what it’s really all about.”As winner of the John Justin Standard of the West Award, Knisley will receive a custom pair of Justin Boots.This year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo will be held June 15-18 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte, Neb. Performances begin at 8 pm nightly. Tickets are on sale at NebraskalandDays.com and range in price from $7 to $19.For more information, visit the website or call the office at 308.532.7939.

 GIVING HIS TIME  Buffalo Bill Rodeo volunteer wins award for years of service

Five Huskers are seeded 10th or better for the 2022 NCAA Wrestling Championships as the NCAA released the brackets Wednesday evening. This year's&nbsp;tournament is set for March 17-19 at Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Mich.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41882">Eric Schultz</a>&nbsp;leads the Huskers with a No. 3 seed at 197 pounds. The senior is coming off a second-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, his third consecutive runner-up finish at the conference tournament. Schultz, 16-2 on the season, is a five-time NCAA Championships qualifier and will face No. 30 Cole Urbasa of Penn first. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41870">Mikey Labriola</a>&nbsp;earned a nine-seed at 174 pounds after earning a fifth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships last weekend. The junior punches his fourth ticket to the NCAA Championships and enters the tournament 19-3 on the year. He will face No. 24 Joel Devine of Iowa State&nbsp;in his first match. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41873">Ridge Lovett</a>&nbsp;(149) earns a No. 10 seed in his second outing at the NCAA Championships. The Post Falls, Idaho native earned his third national championship qualification following a fourth-place finish in the 149-pound bracket at the Big Ten Championships last weekend. Lovett enters the tournament 20-3 this season and meets No. 23 seed Jaden Abas of Stanford&nbsp;in the first round. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41879">Chad Red Jr.</a>&nbsp;(141) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41887">Taylor Venz</a>&nbsp;(184) are seeded 19th and 10th&nbsp;in their respective weight classes and are set to make their fifth trip to the national tournament. Red Jr. earned an at-large bid and enters the championships 12-6 on the year. The four-time All-American will meet No. 14 seed Dresden Simon of Central Michigan first. Venz earned a fifth-place finish at the conference championship last weekend and is 16-7 overall this season. The Farmington, Minn., native enters the NCAA Championships as a two-time All-American and will face No. 23 Travis Stefanik (Princeton) in his first match. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41880">Peyton Robb</a>&nbsp;(157) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41871">Christian Lance</a>&nbsp;(285) will make their second-straight trip to the national championship tournament seeded 10th and 12th, respectively. Robb earned a fifth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships. He is 13-8 on the year and meets No. 23 Markus Hartman of Army&nbsp;in his first match. Lance enters the tournament following a seventh-place finish at Big Tens and holds a 16-8 overall record on the season. He will face NC State's No. 21&nbsp;seed Tyrie Houghton first. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41888">Bubba Wilson</a>&nbsp;(165) heads to the national tournament for the first time as the No. 27&nbsp;seed. Wilson, who finished sixth at the conference tournament and is 13-13 overall this season, will face No. 6&nbsp;seed Cameron Amine of Michigan&nbsp;first. Nebraska's NCAA Championship Lineup* 141: #19&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41879">Chad Red Jr.</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Indianapolis, Ind.&nbsp; 149: #10&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41873">Ridge Lovett</a>&nbsp;• So. • Post Falls, Idaho 157: #10&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41880">Peyton Robb</a>&nbsp;• So. • Owatonna, Minn. 165: #27&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41888">Bubba Wilson</a>&nbsp;• RFr. • Manhattan, Kan. 174: #9&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41870">Mikey Labriola</a>&nbsp;• Jr. • Easton, Pa. 184: #10&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41887">Taylor Venz</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Farmington, Minn.&nbsp; 197: #3&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41882">Eric Schultz</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Tinley Park, Ill.&nbsp; 285: #12&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41871">Christian Lance</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Nixa, Mo. *Number indicates seeding&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFive Huskers are seeded 10th or better for the 2022 NCAA Wrestling Championships as the NCAA released the brackets Wednesday evening. This year's&nbsp;tournament is set for March 17-19 at Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Mich.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41882">Eric Schultz</a>&nbsp;leads the Huskers with a No. 3 seed at 197 pounds. The senior is coming off a second-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, his third consecutive runner-up finish at the conference tournament. Schultz, 16-2 on the season, is a five-time NCAA Championships qualifier and will face No. 30 Cole Urbasa of Penn first. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41870">Mikey Labriola</a>&nbsp;earned a nine-seed at 174 pounds after earning a fifth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships last weekend. The junior punches his fourth ticket to the NCAA Championships and enters the tournament 19-3 on the year. He will face No. 24 Joel Devine of Iowa State&nbsp;in his first match. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41873">Ridge Lovett</a>&nbsp;(149) earns a No. 10 seed in his second outing at the NCAA Championships. The Post Falls, Idaho native earned his third national championship qualification following a fourth-place finish in the 149-pound bracket at the Big Ten Championships last weekend. Lovett enters the tournament 20-3 this season and meets No. 23 seed Jaden Abas of Stanford&nbsp;in the first round. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41879">Chad Red Jr.</a>&nbsp;(141) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41887">Taylor Venz</a>&nbsp;(184) are seeded 19th and 10th&nbsp;in their respective weight classes and are set to make their fifth trip to the national tournament. Red Jr. earned an at-large bid and enters the championships 12-6 on the year. The four-time All-American will meet No. 14 seed Dresden Simon of Central Michigan first. Venz earned a fifth-place finish at the conference championship last weekend and is 16-7 overall this season. The Farmington, Minn., native enters the NCAA Championships as a two-time All-American and will face No. 23 Travis Stefanik (Princeton) in his first match. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41880">Peyton Robb</a>&nbsp;(157) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41871">Christian Lance</a>&nbsp;(285) will make their second-straight trip to the national championship tournament seeded 10th and 12th, respectively. Robb earned a fifth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships. He is 13-8 on the year and meets No. 23 Markus Hartman of Army&nbsp;in his first match. Lance enters the tournament following a seventh-place finish at Big Tens and holds a 16-8 overall record on the season. He will face NC State's No. 21&nbsp;seed Tyrie Houghton first. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41888">Bubba Wilson</a>&nbsp;(165) heads to the national tournament for the first time as the No. 27&nbsp;seed. Wilson, who finished sixth at the conference tournament and is 13-13 overall this season, will face No. 6&nbsp;seed Cameron Amine of Michigan&nbsp;first. Nebraska's NCAA Championship Lineup* 141: #19&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41879">Chad Red Jr.</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Indianapolis, Ind.&nbsp; 149: #10&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41873">Ridge Lovett</a>&nbsp;• So. • Post Falls, Idaho 157: #10&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41880">Peyton Robb</a>&nbsp;• So. • Owatonna, Minn. 165: #27&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41888">Bubba Wilson</a>&nbsp;• RFr. • Manhattan, Kan. 174: #9&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41870">Mikey Labriola</a>&nbsp;• Jr. • Easton, Pa. 184: #10&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41887">Taylor Venz</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Farmington, Minn.&nbsp; 197: #3&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41882">Eric Schultz</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Tinley Park, Ill.&nbsp; 285: #12&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41871">Christian Lance</a>&nbsp;• Sr. • Nixa, Mo. *Number indicates seeding&nbsp;&nbsp;

NCAA Announces Championship Brackets (wrestling)

It was a tale of two halves for the Nebraska men's basketball team Wednesday night in the opening game of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. The Huskers dominated the first half en route to a 14-point halftime lead, but Northwestern outscored Nebraska by 16 in the second half, as the Wildcats rallied for a 71-69 victory. The loss snapped Nebraska's three-game winning streak, as the Huskers ended their season with a 10-22 record. Northwestern, which defeated Nebraska for the third time this season, evened its record at 15-15 and advanced to play Iowa on Thursday. The Huskers stretched their 14-point halftime lead to 15 with 15:28 to play. But Northwestern responded to that 15-point deficit with a 14-0 run in less than three minutes. Nebraska continued to hold the lead until back-to-back 3-pointers put Northwestern in front by one with 6:24 remaining. From there, the lead changed hands twice and the game was tied twice before Chase Audige broke the final tie with the game-winning free throw 18.1 seconds remaining. Down one with the ball, Nebraska was whistled for an offensive foul on its next possession, giving the ball back to Northwestern. Boo Bouie then knocked down 1-of-2 free throws to make it a two-point game and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42978">Trey McGowens'</a>&nbsp;driving layup with two seconds left was blocked to seal Northwestern's victory. After shooting 52 percent in the first half, Nebraska shot just 32 percent in the second half, finishing the game at 43 percent overall. The Huskers went more than seven minutes without a field goal late in the game, during which time Nebraska saw its three-point lead turn into a four-point deficit. Overall, the Huskers made just two field goals over the final 10 minutes. Nebraska was effective at attacking the paint in the first half, outscoring the Wildcats 28-6 in the paint in the opening 20 minutes. But Northwestern outscored Nebraska by 14 in the paint in the second half. The Wildcats were the better team from long range throughout the game, as Northwestern was 10-of-30 the 3-point line while Nebraska was just 3-of-15. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;led Nebraska with a game-high 21 points in his final game. He also added nine assists and seven rebounds, flirting with the first triple-double in Big Ten Tournament history.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;tied his career high with 16 points, and he grabbed seven rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;had nine points and seven boards, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42984">Kobe Webster</a>&nbsp;knocked down two of Nebraska's three 3-pointers and finished with eight points. Buie led Northwestern with 16 points, including 14 in the second half. Pete Nance also flirted with a triple-double, as he scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out eight assists. Nebraska was dominant in the first half. Each team attempted 29 shots in the opening period, but Nebraska made seven more shots. Northwestern led by three at the 14-minute mark before Nebraska made a run. Four different Huskers scored during a 7-0 spurt that put the Huskers on top 17-13. After Northwestern cut the lead to two, Nebraska built a double-digit lead with an extended run. Leading 20-18, the Huskers scored 15 of the next 17 points. That stretch ended with a 10-0 run that put Nebraska on top 35-20 with 3:45 remaining in the half. Defensively, Nebraska held Northwestern to only two field goals over the final eight minutes of the first half. Thanks to the defense and an efficient offense, Nebraska took a 39-25 lead into the locker room after Verge capped a superb half with a layup just before the first-half buzzer. Verge had nine points, five rebounds and five assists in the opening 20 minutes, while Walker led Nebraska with 11 first-half points. The beginning of the second half featured a series of small runs by both teams. Northwestern scored the first five points of the period to quickly cut the lead to nine. After the lead was trimmed to eight, Nebraska scored four straight points to push its advantage back to double digits. Following a Northwestern basket, the Huskers scored five straight points to cap a larger 9-2 run that gave Nebraska its biggest lead at 50-35 with 15:28 to play. But Northwestern came back in a big way. The Wildcats used a 14-0 run over the next three minutes to make it a 50-49 game with 12:24 remaining. At the end of the run, the Wildcats were 9-of-10 from the field in the second half, including 3-of-3 from the 3-point line. Following the 14-0 run, Nebraska scored six of the next eight points to stretch the lead to five halfway through the period. Northwestern cut the lead back to one a minute later before Verge converted a three-point play and Walker knocked down a free throw to give Nebraska a 60-55 win with eight minutes remaining. But Verge's basket was the Huskers' only field goal over the next 7:08 and Nebraska's second-to-last field goal of the game. The Huskers continued to lead by five until Northwestern hit back-to-back 3-pointers to take a 63-62 lead, the Wildcats' first lead since the 13-minute mark of the first half. Nebraska got the lead back on a pair of Walker free throws before Northwestern built its biggest lead at 69-65 with 1:49 to play. But Nebraska would not go down quietly.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens</a>&nbsp;hit a basket and Verge knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 69 with 1:01 to play. The Huskers then forced a missed shot on Northwestern's ensuing possession, but the Wildcats got the offensive rebound which eventually led to Audige's game-winning free throw. Nebraska Post-Game Notes

Story by NU Athletic Communications

It was a tale of two halves for the Nebraska men's basketball team Wednesday night in the opening game of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. The Huskers dominated the first half en route to a 14-point halftime lead, but Northwestern outscored Nebraska by 16 in the second half, as the Wildcats rallied for a 71-69 victory. The loss snapped Nebraska's three-game winning streak, as the Huskers ended their season with a 10-22 record. Northwestern, which defeated Nebraska for the third time this season, evened its record at 15-15 and advanced to play Iowa on Thursday. The Huskers stretched their 14-point halftime lead to 15 with 15:28 to play. But Northwestern responded to that 15-point deficit with a 14-0 run in less than three minutes. Nebraska continued to hold the lead until back-to-back 3-pointers put Northwestern in front by one with 6:24 remaining. From there, the lead changed hands twice and the game was tied twice before Chase Audige broke the final tie with the game-winning free throw 18.1 seconds remaining. Down one with the ball, Nebraska was whistled for an offensive foul on its next possession, giving the ball back to Northwestern. Boo Bouie then knocked down 1-of-2 free throws to make it a two-point game and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42978">Trey McGowens'</a>&nbsp;driving layup with two seconds left was blocked to seal Northwestern's victory. After shooting 52 percent in the first half, Nebraska shot just 32 percent in the second half, finishing the game at 43 percent overall. The Huskers went more than seven minutes without a field goal late in the game, during which time Nebraska saw its three-point lead turn into a four-point deficit. Overall, the Huskers made just two field goals over the final 10 minutes. Nebraska was effective at attacking the paint in the first half, outscoring the Wildcats 28-6 in the paint in the opening 20 minutes. But Northwestern outscored Nebraska by 14 in the paint in the second half. The Wildcats were the better team from long range throughout the game, as Northwestern was 10-of-30 the 3-point line while Nebraska was just 3-of-15. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;led Nebraska with a game-high 21 points in his final game. He also added nine assists and seven rebounds, flirting with the first triple-double in Big Ten Tournament history.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;tied his career high with 16 points, and he grabbed seven rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;had nine points and seven boards, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42984">Kobe Webster</a>&nbsp;knocked down two of Nebraska's three 3-pointers and finished with eight points. Buie led Northwestern with 16 points, including 14 in the second half. Pete Nance also flirted with a triple-double, as he scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out eight assists. Nebraska was dominant in the first half. Each team attempted 29 shots in the opening period, but Nebraska made seven more shots. Northwestern led by three at the 14-minute mark before Nebraska made a run. Four different Huskers scored during a 7-0 spurt that put the Huskers on top 17-13. After Northwestern cut the lead to two, Nebraska built a double-digit lead with an extended run. Leading 20-18, the Huskers scored 15 of the next 17 points. That stretch ended with a 10-0 run that put Nebraska on top 35-20 with 3:45 remaining in the half. Defensively, Nebraska held Northwestern to only two field goals over the final eight minutes of the first half. Thanks to the defense and an efficient offense, Nebraska took a 39-25 lead into the locker room after Verge capped a superb half with a layup just before the first-half buzzer. Verge had nine points, five rebounds and five assists in the opening 20 minutes, while Walker led Nebraska with 11 first-half points. The beginning of the second half featured a series of small runs by both teams. Northwestern scored the first five points of the period to quickly cut the lead to nine. After the lead was trimmed to eight, Nebraska scored four straight points to push its advantage back to double digits. Following a Northwestern basket, the Huskers scored five straight points to cap a larger 9-2 run that gave Nebraska its biggest lead at 50-35 with 15:28 to play. But Northwestern came back in a big way. The Wildcats used a 14-0 run over the next three minutes to make it a 50-49 game with 12:24 remaining. At the end of the run, the Wildcats were 9-of-10 from the field in the second half, including 3-of-3 from the 3-point line. Following the 14-0 run, Nebraska scored six of the next eight points to stretch the lead to five halfway through the period. Northwestern cut the lead back to one a minute later before Verge converted a three-point play and Walker knocked down a free throw to give Nebraska a 60-55 win with eight minutes remaining. But Verge's basket was the Huskers' only field goal over the next 7:08 and Nebraska's second-to-last field goal of the game. The Huskers continued to lead by five until Northwestern hit back-to-back 3-pointers to take a 63-62 lead, the Wildcats' first lead since the 13-minute mark of the first half. Nebraska got the lead back on a pair of Walker free throws before Northwestern built its biggest lead at 69-65 with 1:49 to play. But Nebraska would not go down quietly.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens</a>&nbsp;hit a basket and Verge knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 69 with 1:01 to play. The Huskers then forced a missed shot on Northwestern's ensuing possession, but the Wildcats got the offensive rebound which eventually led to Audige's game-winning free throw. Nebraska Post-Game Notes<ul>
 <li>Nebraska dropped&nbsp;its third straight Big Ten Tournament opener following tonight's 71-69 loss to Northwestern.</li><li>Tonight marked the fourth time in the last six meetings with Northwestern that the contest was decided by five points or less. Nebraska&nbsp;is 0-4 on those contests.</li><li><a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;posted his seventh 20-point game of the season and 19th of his career with 21 points. It marked the 20th time this season where a Husker had at least 20 points.</li><li><a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;finished with nine assists tonight and finished the season in fifth place on NU's single-season assist list. He passed Brian Carr (166, 1986-87) for fifth place tonight. Verge leads the Big Ten with 5.45 assists per game, an average that ranked fifth in school history. Verge dished out five-or-more assists in seven of the final eight games.</li><li>Verge averaged 8.6 assists per game in NU's final three games of the season</li><li>Nebraska finished with 11 steals, the seventh time this season with at least 10 steals. Both&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42978">Trey McGowens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;had four steals, matching their highest single-game total of their Husker careers.</li><li><a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;tied a career high with 16 points, which&nbsp;he set two previous times, the last at Michigan State on Jan. 5. It marked his 18th double-figure game of the season. Walker went 4-of-5 from the floor and finished the year shooting 68.3 percent. That mark broke NU's single-season record of 67.2 percent by Larry Cox in 1975-76.</li><li>Walker is the first Husker to shoot at least 60 percent (5 att/gm) since Kamani Ffriend and Steffon Bradford in 2000-01</li><li>Walker went a career-best 8-of-9 from the foul line and finished the season shooting 72.6 percent from the line</li><li>Nebraska went 22-of-27 from the line, the seventh time in the final eight games that Nebraska shot at least 80 percent from the line. NU finished the year shooting 73.1 percent from the line, its highest percentage since shooting a school-record 76.6 percent in 2011-12.</li><li><a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens</a>&nbsp;was held to six points, his lowest output since Nov. 19, and snapped a school freshman record streak of 12 consecutive games in double figures. &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens</a>&nbsp;finished the year with a 16.8 scoring average, breaking NU's single-season freshman record of 15.5 by Joe McCray in 2004-05. McGowens' 522 points are&nbsp;the most by any Husker since James Palmer Jr. scored a school-record 708 points in 2018-19.</li><li>In addition to holding the NU freshman scoring mark, McGowens finished in the top 10 on NU's freshman chart in free throws made (162, first), free throws attempted (195, first), field goals (160, second), rebounds (161, t-fourth) and 3-pointers (40, sixth).</li><li><a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42978">Trey McGowens</a>&nbsp;averaged 3.5 steals per game over NU's last four games and finished the year averaging 1.6 steals per game.</li>
 </ul>

Northwestern Comeback Ends Nebraska's Season

Story by Ronald Blum - Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Negotiators for locked-out players and Major League Baseball spent 16 1/2 hours bargaining, then recessed talks until Wednesday morning as Commissioner Rob Manfred let his deadline to reach a deal preserving a 162-game season pass.

Shortly after 3 a.m. on the 98th day of the lockout, MLB said no additional games had been canceled and talks will continue.

“The players’ association requested to speak to their board early tomorrow before responding to our proposal and will be getting back to us in the morning,” an MLB spokesman said in a statement.

A session Tuesday morning at MLB’s office across the street from Radio City Music Hall was followed by an afternoon session at the union’s office overlooking Rockefeller Center, about a three-block walk. The sides then switched to talking by telephone from their separate offices.

MLB made moves toward players on the key economic issues of the luxury tax, the amount of a new bonus pool for pre-arbitration-eligible players and minimum salaries. The league also pushed for its long-held goal of an international amateur draft.

Yet, it remained unclear whether this more intensive phase of talks would lead to an agreement or yet another breakdown in oft-strained negotiations that have dragged on for nearly a year.

Manfred originally set a Feb. 28 deadline for preserving opening day on March 31.

After 16 1/2 hours of bargaining in Jupiter, Florida, that began Feb. 28 and ended at 2:30 a.m. the following morning produced progress, Manfred extended that deadline to 5 p.m. the following day.

Talks broke down, and Manfred announced the first two series for each team during the season had been canceled. Negotiators returned to New York and resumed bargaining on Sunday.

While it appears there is no chance opening day could take place as originally schedule, MLB told the union that Tuesday was the last possible day to reach an agreement that would allow a modified 162-game schedule, along with full salary and service time needed to reach free agency for players.

MLB on Tuesday offered a tax threshold starting at $230 million and rising to $242 million, a person familiar with the proposal said, confirming a move first reported by The Athletic. The person, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no public statements were authorized, said management’s proposal contained tougher penalties at a higher payroll level than in the expired agreement.

The union began the week at $238 million for this year, rising to $263 million in 2026.

The union entered Monday asking for an $80 million bonus pool for this year and MLB was at $30 million. MLB offered a $700,000 minimum salary and the union asked for $725,000.

There were greater differences in the final four seasons of the proposed five-year deal. The union’s proposed figure for 2026 was $263 million at the start of the week.

Story by Ronald Blum - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Negotiators for locked-out players and Major League Baseball spent 16 1/2 hours bargaining, then recessed talks until Wednesday morning as Commissioner Rob Manfred let his deadline to reach a deal preserving a 162-game season pass.Shortly after 3 a.m. on the 98th day of the lockout, MLB said no additional games had been canceled and talks will continue.“The players’ association requested to speak to their board early tomorrow before responding to our proposal and will be getting back to us in the morning,” an MLB spokesman said in a statement.A session Tuesday morning at MLB’s office across the street from Radio City Music Hall was followed by an afternoon session at the union’s office overlooking Rockefeller Center, about a three-block walk. The sides then switched to talking by telephone from their separate offices.MLB made moves toward players on the key economic issues of the luxury tax, the amount of a new bonus pool for pre-arbitration-eligible players and minimum salaries. The league also pushed for its long-held goal of an international amateur draft.Yet, it remained unclear whether this more intensive phase of talks would lead to an agreement or yet another breakdown in oft-strained negotiations that have dragged on for nearly a year.Manfred originally set a Feb. 28 deadline for preserving opening day on March 31.After 16 1/2 hours of bargaining in Jupiter, Florida, that began Feb. 28 and ended at 2:30 a.m. the following morning produced progress, Manfred extended that deadline to 5 p.m. the following day.Talks broke down, and Manfred announced the first two series for each team during the season had been canceled. Negotiators returned to New York and resumed bargaining on Sunday.While it appears there is no chance opening day could take place as originally schedule, MLB told the union that Tuesday was the last possible day to reach an agreement that would allow a modified 162-game schedule, along with full salary and service time needed to reach free agency for players.MLB on Tuesday offered a tax threshold starting at $230 million and rising to $242 million, a person familiar with the proposal said, confirming a move first reported by The Athletic. The person, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no public statements were authorized, said management’s proposal contained tougher penalties at a higher payroll level than in the expired agreement.The union began the week at $238 million for this year, rising to $263 million in 2026.The union entered Monday asking for an $80 million bonus pool for this year and MLB was at $30 million. MLB offered a $700,000 minimum salary and the union asked for $725,000.There were greater differences in the final four seasons of the proposed five-year deal. The union’s proposed figure for 2026 was $263 million at the start of the week.

MLB, union bargain for 16 1/2 hours, recess until morning

Story by Arnie Stapleton - Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have finally landed a worthy successor to Peyton Manning.

Six years and a day after Manning retired, Broncos general manager George Paton agreed to send a massive haul of players and draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks for nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson, two people familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the blockbuster trade, which is pending Wilson passing a physical, can’t become official until the start of the new league year on March 16.

The teams cannot comment on the deal until then, but the Broncos cleverly tweeted a clip of Tom Hanks’ character in “Cast Away” drawing a face on the volleyball he named “Wilson.”

About an hour later, the Seahawks tweeted another clip from that movie in which Hanks’ scraggly, skinny character loses the volleyball at sea and hollers, ” Wilson, where are you? Wilson! Wilson! ”

Denver was seen as the front-runner for Aaron Rodgers before the two-time reigning MVP agreed Tuesday to stay in Green Bay, presumably as the highest-paid player in NFL history. Not long afterward, Paton landed a Super Bowl-winning quarterback anyway, and one who’s five years younger than the 38-year-old Packers star.

The NFL Network reported the Seahawks agreed to send Wilson and a fourth-round pick to Denver in exchange for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-rounder, along with quarterback Drew Lock, defensive end Shelby Harris and tight end Noah Fant, the Broncos’ first-round draft pick in 2019.

Since Manning retired a month after winning Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have churned through 10 starting quarterbacks, including a different starter in each of the last five season openers: Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, who beat out Lock last summer.

The Broncos haven’t been back to the playoffs since Manning retired, but they appear to have a playoff-worthy roster. New coach Nathaniel Hackett, Rodgers’ former offensive coordinator, is building an offense around dynamic wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and running back Javonte Williams.

And now he has the quarterback to make it all work, one who can stack up with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Derek Carr in the tough AFC West.

Jeudy tweeted a frowning emoji upon word of Rodgers staying put, then he tweeted a smiling emoji when word broke that Wilson was headed to Denver.

The Seahawks had made it clear they weren’t interested in moving Wilson unless a transformational offer came along.

Seattle’s offseason had mostly been focused on adjustments on defense with coaching and scheme changes, and the belief that with Wilson still at quarterback the Seahawks would remain contenders in the stacked NFC West.

Last week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, coach Pete Carroll said that general manager John Schneider was receiving calls about Wilson’s availability but the Seahawks weren’t shopping him.

The trade, though, was the culmination of more than a year’s worth of buildup. Wilson first expressed his discontent with the franchise last offseason after Seattle won the division but lost in the first round of the playoffs.

The acrimony got to the point that his agent publicly expressed the teams Wilson would be willing to accept a trade to, but the quarterback and the Seahawks moved forward together for one more season.

This was always the offseason that seemed to make the most sense for a potential move with Wilson, however. He has two years remaining on his current contract and a salary cap hit of $37 million for the 2022 season.

Wilson was a third-round pick in 2012 out of Wisconsin. He won the starting job as a rookie after Seattle had signed Matt Flynn in free agency. The decision to go with Wilson was one of the smartest ever made by Carroll.

Wilson started 149 regular-season games and 16 playoff games before suffering a fractured middle finger on his right hand and missing four games last season, when he went 6-8. Seattle finished 7-10, the only losing season in Wilson’s tenure.

He struggled upon his return but finished strong, showing it was more of an injury-marred stretch than an indication he was in any sort of decline.

Wilson helped Seattle to its only Super Bowl title with a 43-8 thumping of Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl 48, then lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl a year later. Overall, he’s 9-7 in the playoffs.

Lock is 8-13 with 25 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions over three seasons in Denver.

Unless the Seahawks package their newly acquired picks and try to land, say, Deshaun Watson from the Texans should he clear up his legal issues, it appears a larger rebuild may be in play for Seattle.

The Seahawks have major free agent questions with left tackle Duane Brown, safety Quandre Diggs, cornerback D.J. Reed and running back Rashaad Penny. There also have been questions about 31-year-old linebacker Bobby Wagner’s future in Seattle with the Seahawks facing a $20 million cap hit under his current contract.

And now they need a starting quarterback.

Story by Arnie Stapleton - Associated PressENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have finally landed a worthy successor to Peyton Manning.Six years and a day after Manning retired, Broncos general manager George Paton agreed to send a massive haul of players and draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks for nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson, two people familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday.The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the blockbuster trade, which is pending Wilson passing a physical, can’t become official until the start of the new league year on March 16.The teams cannot comment on the deal until then, but the Broncos cleverly tweeted a clip of Tom Hanks’ character in “Cast Away” drawing a face on the volleyball he named “Wilson.”About an hour later, the Seahawks tweeted another clip from that movie in which Hanks’ scraggly, skinny character loses the volleyball at sea and hollers, ” Wilson, where are you? Wilson! Wilson! ”Denver was seen as the front-runner for Aaron Rodgers before the two-time reigning MVP agreed Tuesday to stay in Green Bay, presumably as the highest-paid player in NFL history. Not long afterward, Paton landed a Super Bowl-winning quarterback anyway, and one who’s five years younger than the 38-year-old Packers star.The NFL Network reported the Seahawks agreed to send Wilson and a fourth-round pick to Denver in exchange for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-rounder, along with quarterback Drew Lock, defensive end Shelby Harris and tight end Noah Fant, the Broncos’ first-round draft pick in 2019.Since Manning retired a month after winning Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have churned through 10 starting quarterbacks, including a different starter in each of the last five season openers: Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, who beat out Lock last summer.The Broncos haven’t been back to the playoffs since Manning retired, but they appear to have a playoff-worthy roster. New coach Nathaniel Hackett, Rodgers’ former offensive coordinator, is building an offense around dynamic wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and running back Javonte Williams.And now he has the quarterback to make it all work, one who can stack up with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Derek Carr in the tough AFC West.Jeudy tweeted a frowning emoji upon word of Rodgers staying put, then he tweeted a smiling emoji when word broke that Wilson was headed to Denver.The Seahawks had made it clear they weren’t interested in moving Wilson unless a transformational offer came along.Seattle’s offseason had mostly been focused on adjustments on defense with coaching and scheme changes, and the belief that with Wilson still at quarterback the Seahawks would remain contenders in the stacked NFC West.Last week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, coach Pete Carroll said that general manager John Schneider was receiving calls about Wilson’s availability but the Seahawks weren’t shopping him.The trade, though, was the culmination of more than a year’s worth of buildup. Wilson first expressed his discontent with the franchise last offseason after Seattle won the division but lost in the first round of the playoffs.The acrimony got to the point that his agent publicly expressed the teams Wilson would be willing to accept a trade to, but the quarterback and the Seahawks moved forward together for one more season.This was always the offseason that seemed to make the most sense for a potential move with Wilson, however. He has two years remaining on his current contract and a salary cap hit of $37 million for the 2022 season.Wilson was a third-round pick in 2012 out of Wisconsin. He won the starting job as a rookie after Seattle had signed Matt Flynn in free agency. The decision to go with Wilson was one of the smartest ever made by Carroll.Wilson started 149 regular-season games and 16 playoff games before suffering a fractured middle finger on his right hand and missing four games last season, when he went 6-8. Seattle finished 7-10, the only losing season in Wilson’s tenure.He struggled upon his return but finished strong, showing it was more of an injury-marred stretch than an indication he was in any sort of decline.Wilson helped Seattle to its only Super Bowl title with a 43-8 thumping of Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl 48, then lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl a year later. Overall, he’s 9-7 in the playoffs.Lock is 8-13 with 25 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions over three seasons in Denver.Unless the Seahawks package their newly acquired picks and try to land, say, Deshaun Watson from the Texans should he clear up his legal issues, it appears a larger rebuild may be in play for Seattle.The Seahawks have major free agent questions with left tackle Duane Brown, safety Quandre Diggs, cornerback D.J. Reed and running back Rashaad Penny. There also have been questions about 31-year-old linebacker Bobby Wagner’s future in Seattle with the Seahawks facing a $20 million cap hit under his current contract.And now they need a starting quarterback.

AP sources: Seahawks agree to trade Russell Wilson to Denver

Alonzo Verge Jr. and Bryce McGowens were honored Monday, as the Big Ten Conference announced its weekly honors. Verge shared Big Ten Player of the Week honors with Iowa's Keegan Murray, while McGowens was named Freshman of the Week.

Both were recognized following the Huskers' 2-0 week which included road wins at No. 23 Ohio State and No. 10 Wisconsin. It marked the first time in program history that Nebraska won consecutive road games against ranked opponents.

Verge averaged 19.5 points on 50 percent shooting, 8.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in two wins to post his first weekly honor. The senior posted his team-best fifth double-double at Ohio State with 13 points and 11 assists and keyed NU's win at Wisconsin with a game-high 26 points and six assists. He scored nine of his 26 point in Nebraska's decisive 12-0 run en route to its first top-10 road win since 2014. Verge is the first Husker to be named Big Ten Player of the Week since Jan. 22, 2018 (James Palmer Jr.).

McGowens starred in the Huskers' 78-70 win at Ohio State, with a game-high 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field and 8-of-9 from the foul line. It was his 11th 20-point game of the season, breaking NU's freshman record, while he became just the fifth Husker freshman or sophomore to score 500 points in a season. It marked McGowens' eighth Freshman-of-the-Week award, which is the second-highest total since the conference began the award in 2010-11. McGowens has won the weekly award five of the past six weeks dating back to Jan. 31.

In addition to the player awards, Nebraska was chosen as Dick Vitale's Team of the Week on ESPN.com following the wins over Ohio State and Wisconsin. The win over the Buckeyes snapped a 24-game losing streak against ranked teams dating back to 2019.

The Huskers open Big Ten Tournament action on Wednesday, March 9, against Northwestern. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. (Central) on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsAlonzo Verge Jr. and Bryce McGowens were honored Monday, as the Big Ten Conference announced its weekly honors. Verge shared Big Ten Player of the Week honors with Iowa's Keegan Murray, while McGowens was named Freshman of the Week.Both were recognized following the Huskers' 2-0 week which included road wins at No. 23 Ohio State and No. 10 Wisconsin. It marked the first time in program history that Nebraska won consecutive road games against ranked opponents.Verge averaged 19.5 points on 50 percent shooting, 8.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in two wins to post his first weekly honor. The senior posted his team-best fifth double-double at Ohio State with 13 points and 11 assists and keyed NU's win at Wisconsin with a game-high 26 points and six assists. He scored nine of his 26 point in Nebraska's decisive 12-0 run en route to its first top-10 road win since 2014. Verge is the first Husker to be named Big Ten Player of the Week since Jan. 22, 2018 (James Palmer Jr.).McGowens starred in the Huskers' 78-70 win at Ohio State, with a game-high 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field and 8-of-9 from the foul line. It was his 11th 20-point game of the season, breaking NU's freshman record, while he became just the fifth Husker freshman or sophomore to score 500 points in a season. It marked McGowens' eighth Freshman-of-the-Week award, which is the second-highest total since the conference began the award in 2010-11. McGowens has won the weekly award five of the past six weeks dating back to Jan. 31.In addition to the player awards, Nebraska was chosen as Dick Vitale's Team of the Week on ESPN.com following the wins over Ohio State and Wisconsin. The win over the Buckeyes snapped a 24-game losing streak against ranked teams dating back to 2019.The Huskers open Big Ten Tournament action on Wednesday, March 9, against Northwestern. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. (Central) on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.

Verge, McGowens Earn Big Ten Weekly Honors

The North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team has postponed upcoming games because of weather. 

The doubleheader originally scheduled for Wednesday against Hastings College has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 18 at Dowhower Softball Complex in North Platte. 

Additionally, the away games planned for Saturday against Central Community College have been moved to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. March 14 in Columbus. 

The doubleheader against Southeast Community College is still on for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday in Beatrice. 

The North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team has postponed upcoming games because of weather. The doubleheader originally scheduled for Wednesday against Hastings College has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 18 at Dowhower Softball Complex in North Platte. Additionally, the away games planned for Saturday against Central Community College have been moved to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. March 14 in Columbus. The doubleheader against Southeast Community College is still on for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday in Beatrice. The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics can be found on the Knights Facebook and Twitter accounts and online at npccknights.com.

NPCC Softball games rescheduled due to weather

The Nebraska men's basketball team opens up Big Ten Tournament play Wednesday afternoon, as the Huskers take on Northwestern.

Tipoff from Gainbridge Fieldhouse is set for 5 p.m. (central) and the game will be carried on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network. It is one of two first-round games that day, as Minnesota will take on Penn State 25 minutes following the conclusion of the Huskers' matchup.

Nebraska moved into the No. 13 seed on the final day of the season following the Huskers' 74-73 win over No. 10 Wisconsin in Madison coupled with Northwestern's 75-62 win over Minnesota Sunday evening. Northwestern won both regular season meetings, including a 77-65 win on Feb. 22.

The Huskers closed the regular season with three straight wins on the road, including wins over No. 21 Ohio State and Wisconsin.  The Badgers shared the regular-season crown, as Illinois defeated Iowa, 74-72, on Sunday, as the Illini will the tournament's top seed.

The winner of Nebraska-Northwestern matchup will take on fifth-seeded Iowa Thursday afternoon at approx. 1 p.m.

The Nebraska men's basketball team opens up Big Ten Tournament play Wednesday afternoon, as the Huskers take on Northwestern.Tipoff from Gainbridge Fieldhouse is set for 5 p.m. (central) and the game will be carried on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network. It is one of two first-round games that day, as Minnesota will take on Penn State 25 minutes following the conclusion of the Huskers' matchup.Nebraska moved into the No. 13 seed on the final day of the season following the Huskers' 74-73 win over No. 10 Wisconsin in Madison coupled with Northwestern's 75-62 win over Minnesota Sunday evening. Northwestern won both regular season meetings, including a 77-65 win on Feb. 22.The Huskers closed the regular season with three straight wins on the road, including wins over No. 21 Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Badgers shared the regular-season crown, as Illinois defeated Iowa, 74-72, on Sunday, as the Illini will the tournament's top seed.The winner of Nebraska-Northwestern matchup will take on fifth-seeded Iowa Thursday afternoon at approx. 1 p.m.

Nebraska to Face Northwestern in B1G Tourney Opener

Alonzo Verge Jr. had nine of his game-high 26 points in an 11-0 run, as Nebraska stunned No. 10 Wisconsin with a 74-73 win on Sunday afternoon in Madison, Wis.

The Huskers, who closed out Big Ten play with three straight wins, trailed 71-62 after Brad Davison's three-pointer with 5:48 remaining, but held the Big Ten champion Badgers without a field goal the remainder of the game and to just 40 percent on the day.

Trailing 71-65, Verge Jr. took over in the last 3:05 before fouling out with 19.8 seconds left. The senior scored seven straight points, as his three-pointer with 1:48 left gave the Huskers the lead for good.

Wisconsin trailed 74-71 and had a pair of chances to tie in the final 20 seconds. Chucky Hepburn was fouled on a three-point attempt with 19.8 seconds left, but missed the first one before sinking the next two to make it a one-point game. After C.J. Wilcher missed the front end of a one-and-one with 11.9 seconds left, the Husker defense forced Hepburn into a miss to preserve the win.

Wisconsin had won 15 straight games by two possessions or less before Sunday's loss.

In addition to Verge Jr., who also dished out six assists, Derrick Walker had 15 points and seven rebounds while Wilcher added 10 in starting for Bryce McGowens, who missed the game with an injury. Nebraska shot 54 percent from the floor in the win, including 57 percent in building a 40-36 halftime lead.

Brad Davison led four Badgers in double-figures with a 20 points but went 5-of-15 from the floor.

Nebraska got off to a blistering start, using an 8-0 run to build a 10-3 lead and force a Wisconsin timeout, as Walker and Lat Mayen had two early baskets. The Badgers pulled to within 14-11 after five straight points by Johnny Davis, but Nebraska would rebound.

The Huskers ran off an 11-2 spurt to build their largest lead of the day at 25-13 following an Alonzo Verge jumper with 9:50 left in the half. Nebraska led 32-21 after Walker's basket, as he had 12 first-half points and Nebraska had 26 points in the paint in the first half.

The Badgers charged back, using an 13-4 run to get within 36-34 after a Hepburn basket, but Walker quickly answered with a driving basket and NU took a 40-36 lead into the locker room after Wilcher's basket in the final seconds. In all, Nebraska shot 57 percent in the half and forced seven Badger turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.

Nebraska extended the margin to 45-37 after a Walker basket with 18:54 left, but the Badgers would roar back. Wisconsin used a 12-2 run to tie the score at 47 before another 13-3 put the hosts up by 10 with just over 10 minutes left.

The Huskers would rally, using a 10-4 run to get within 66-62 after a Kobe Webster three-pointer and stayed within striking distance until Verge's late-game heroics clinched the upset win for the Huskers.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsAlonzo Verge Jr. had nine of his game-high 26 points in an 11-0 run, as Nebraska stunned No. 10 Wisconsin with a 74-73 win on Sunday afternoon in Madison, Wis.The Huskers, who closed out Big Ten play with three straight wins, trailed 71-62 after Brad Davison's three-pointer with 5:48 remaining, but held the Big Ten champion Badgers without a field goal the remainder of the game and to just 40 percent on the day.Trailing 71-65, Verge Jr. took over in the last 3:05 before fouling out with 19.8 seconds left. The senior scored seven straight points, as his three-pointer with 1:48 left gave the Huskers the lead for good.Wisconsin trailed 74-71 and had a pair of chances to tie in the final 20 seconds. Chucky Hepburn was fouled on a three-point attempt with 19.8 seconds left, but missed the first one before sinking the next two to make it a one-point game. After C.J. Wilcher missed the front end of a one-and-one with 11.9 seconds left, the Husker defense forced Hepburn into a miss to preserve the win.Wisconsin had won 15 straight games by two possessions or less before Sunday's loss.In addition to Verge Jr., who also dished out six assists, Derrick Walker had 15 points and seven rebounds while Wilcher added 10 in starting for Bryce McGowens, who missed the game with an injury. Nebraska shot 54 percent from the floor in the win, including 57 percent in building a 40-36 halftime lead.Brad Davison led four Badgers in double-figures with a 20 points but went 5-of-15 from the floor.Nebraska got off to a blistering start, using an 8-0 run to build a 10-3 lead and force a Wisconsin timeout, as Walker and Lat Mayen had two early baskets. The Badgers pulled to within 14-11 after five straight points by Johnny Davis, but Nebraska would rebound.The Huskers ran off an 11-2 spurt to build their largest lead of the day at 25-13 following an Alonzo Verge jumper with 9:50 left in the half. Nebraska led 32-21 after Walker's basket, as he had 12 first-half points and Nebraska had 26 points in the paint in the first half.The Badgers charged back, using an 13-4 run to get within 36-34 after a Hepburn basket, but Walker quickly answered with a driving basket and NU took a 40-36 lead into the locker room after Wilcher's basket in the final seconds. In all, Nebraska shot 57 percent in the half and forced seven Badger turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.Nebraska extended the margin to 45-37 after a Walker basket with 18:54 left, but the Badgers would roar back. Wisconsin used a 12-2 run to tie the score at 47 before another 13-3 put the hosts up by 10 with just over 10 minutes left.The Huskers would rally, using a 10-4 run to get within 66-62 after a Kobe Webster three-pointer and stayed within striking distance until Verge's late-game heroics clinched the upset win for the Huskers.

Huskers Stun No. 10 Wisconsin

03.05.2022 NPCC Knights Women DISTRICT F CHAMPIONSHIP! - LIVESTREAM

News Release North Platte First Nationals

The FNBO Nationals Legion Baseball Program is looking for baseball players for their 2022 Juniors and Seniors rosters.

American Legion Baseball enjoys a reputation as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues.

If you or your baseball player is between the ages of 13 - 19, head over to the TEAM REGISTRATION page on the FNBO Nationals <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/">website</a> and sign-up today.

If you don't want to register online, we will be hosting in-person registration at The Sports Shoppe &amp; Big Red Etc. , just north of Wal-Mart on Saturday, March 12th from 12-3 PM.

The total cost to participate is $750, which is due only if the player makes the team.

Tryouts are tentatively scheduled for outdoors at Bill Wood Field; however, if weather permits, tryouts may be moved indoors at the D&amp;N Event Center.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646482614499.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release North Platte First NationalsThe FNBO Nationals Legion Baseball Program is looking for baseball players for their 2022 Juniors and Seniors rosters.American Legion Baseball enjoys a reputation as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues.If you or your baseball player is between the ages of 13 - 19, head over to the TEAM REGISTRATION page on the FNBO Nationals <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/">website</a> and sign-up today.If you don't want to register online, we will be hosting in-person registration at The Sports Shoppe &amp; Big Red Etc. , just north of Wal-Mart on Saturday, March 12th from 12-3 PM.The total cost to participate is $750, which is due only if the player makes the team.Tryouts will be held• Sunday, March 13th at 1 PM• Monday, March 14th at 5 PMTryouts are tentatively scheduled for outdoors at Bill Wood Field; however, if weather permits, tryouts may be moved indoors at the D&amp;N Event Center.

North Platte Legion baseball teams to hold tryouts 

LINCOLN, Neb.-This year’s action in vying for the state title in the NSAA Girls and Boys State Basketball Tournaments will take place the same week. Throughout the week, which runs from March 7 through March 12, Nebraska State Troopers will be patrolling the roads to make sure players and fans arrive safely.&nbsp;

“State basketball is a fantastic time for teams from around the state and this year’s tournament means twice the action in one week of time,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Since we’ll have more teams and fans traveling at the same time, let’s all do our part to keep the roads safe and keep the action on the court. Follow traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, drive sober, and wear your seat belt.”

The NSAA Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament has a different schedule this year, hosting both events the same week. Champions will be crowned Friday and Saturday. With the tournaments joining to be in the same week, troopers will perform high visibility patrols throughout the week. This effort will take place in Lincoln and other high-traffic areas across Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646427505368.png" alt="NSP Photo" />
 <figcaption>NSP Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By NEBRASKA STATE PATROLLINCOLN, Neb.-This year’s action in vying for the state title in the NSAA Girls and Boys State Basketball Tournaments will take place the same week. Throughout the week, which runs from March 7 through March 12, Nebraska State Troopers will be patrolling the roads to make sure players and fans arrive safely.&nbsp;“State basketball is a fantastic time for teams from around the state and this year’s tournament means twice the action in one week of time,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Since we’ll have more teams and fans traveling at the same time, let’s all do our part to keep the roads safe and keep the action on the court. Follow traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, drive sober, and wear your seat belt.”The NSAA Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament has a different schedule this year, hosting both events the same week. Champions will be crowned Friday and Saturday. With the tournaments joining to be in the same week, troopers will perform high visibility patrols throughout the week. This effort will take place in Lincoln and other high-traffic areas across Nebraska.This effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $15,635 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. Any motorists in need of assistance can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 and speak directly with an NSP dispatcher.