By: Dave Collins, Eagle Radio Sports Director

The Boys State Basketball Tournament will go on as scheduled Thursday according to the state's activities governing body.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As of Wednesday morning there was no plan to cancel the highly-popular annual event that draws thousands of fans to Lincoln in March.

At this time, the Nebraska School Activities Association’s (NSAA) state championships and district contests will go on as scheduled.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/textfile/spmeds/CoronavirusDisease.pdf">NSAA</a>&nbsp;will continue to work with our local medical advisors, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/publichealth/resources/">Nebraska Department of Education</a>, and<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">&nbsp;state officials</a>. Updates will be made when new information becomes available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By: Dave Collins, Eagle Radio Sports DirectorThe Boys State Basketball Tournament will go on as scheduled Thursday according to the state's activities governing body.&nbsp;&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning there was no plan to cancel the highly-popular annual event that draws thousands of fans to Lincoln in March.From the NSAA official website:At this time, the Nebraska School Activities Association’s (NSAA) state championships and district contests will go on as scheduled.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/textfile/spmeds/CoronavirusDisease.pdf">NSAA</a>&nbsp;will continue to work with our local medical advisors, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/publichealth/resources/">Nebraska Department of Education</a>, and<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">&nbsp;state officials</a>. Updates will be made when new information becomes available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NSAA monitoring coronavirus situation, Boys State Basketball still on schedule

Lincoln – Nebraska men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg announced Tuesday afternoon that Husker football players Brant Banks and Noah Vedral have been added the basketball program. Both players will accompany the team to the Big Ten Tournament and will be available for  Wednesday's first-round game against Indiana.

• Served as Nebraska's backup quarterback in 2019, playing in six games with a pair of starts

• Completed 14-of-16 passes for 201 yards and rushed seven times for 21 yards and two scores vs. Indiana

• Started his career at UCF under Coach Frost, playing in eight games as a true freshman as the Knights went a perfect 13-0

• Named the Lincoln Journal Star Co-Athlete of the Year in 2017, as he played football, basketball and track at Bishop Neumann High School

• Played four years of basketball, helping the school to three C-1 state titles and a 98-16 record

• Two-time all-state pick who totaled 1,286 points and 267 career steals

• Averaged 13.6 ppg as a senior and 14.1 ppg as a junior, leading Bishop Neumann HS to back-to-back state titles

• Redshirted in football in 2019, but took advantage of the rule allowing up to four games, as he saw action at offensive tackle in NU's win over Maryland

• Was a first-team all-district honoree at offensive tackle as well as a second-team all-district pick on the defensive side of the ball at Westbury Christian High School in 2018

• Averaged 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a junior, as he did not play as a senior as he enrolled at Nebraska in January of 2019

By: Husker AthleticsLincoln – Nebraska men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg announced Tuesday afternoon that Husker football players Brant Banks and Noah Vedral have been added the basketball program. Both players will accompany the team to the Big Ten Tournament and will be available for Wednesday's first-round game against Indiana.More details on the two new additions:Noah Vedral• Served as Nebraska's backup quarterback in 2019, playing in six games with a pair of starts• Completed 14-of-16 passes for 201 yards and rushed seven times for 21 yards and two scores vs. Indiana• Started his career at UCF under Coach Frost, playing in eight games as a true freshman as the Knights went a perfect 13-0• Named the Lincoln Journal Star Co-Athlete of the Year in 2017, as he played football, basketball and track at Bishop Neumann High School• Played four years of basketball, helping the school to three C-1 state titles and a 98-16 record• Two-time all-state pick who totaled 1,286 points and 267 career steals• Averaged 13.6 ppg as a senior and 14.1 ppg as a junior, leading Bishop Neumann HS to back-to-back state titlesBrant Banks• Redshirted in football in 2019, but took advantage of the rule allowing up to four games, as he saw action at offensive tackle in NU's win over Maryland• Was a first-team all-district honoree at offensive tackle as well as a second-team all-district pick on the defensive side of the ball at Westbury Christian High School in 2018• Averaged 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a junior, as he did not play as a senior as he enrolled at Nebraska in January of 2019

Two Husker football players added to basketball team for tournament

The University of Nebraska and Opendorse announced today the launch of the first-ever program designed to help student-athletes build their individual brands. The program will provide all 650-plus Nebraska student-athletes social media solutions with proven effectiveness at the highest levels of professional sports.

"Nebraska has always been a leader in college athletics," Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. "With that spirit in mind we are excited to partner with Opendorse. This agreement will provide all of our student-athletes the education and assessment tools they need to navigate the complexities of social media and maximize their brand in the digital world.

"As a father of a current Division I football player, I have a good understanding of how important social media is in the daily lives of our student-athletes. The ability to educate and assist our young men and women in this particular area is mutually beneficial for Nebraska and our student-athletes."

To provide its student-athletes with the best possible readiness tools, Nebraska has partnered with athlete marketing platform Opendorse to launch the Ready Now Program.

The Ready Now Program, powered by Opendorse Ready™, provides three core pillars to student-athlete success: Assessment, Education, and Performance – tailored to assist each individual athlete.

Founded by Nebraska Football alumni Blake Lawrence and Adi Kunalic, Opendorse has become a proven market leader in helping sports organizations and their athletes prepare and execute social media programs to increase the value of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). More than 10,000 athletes currently use Opendorse to maximize their value in collaboration with partners on social media. Opendorse has partnered with the NHL, NFLPA, PGA Tour and others while brands like Pepsi, Procter &amp; Gamble and EA Sports also use the platform.

"We've been preparing for this moment for over seven years," said Blake Lawrence, opendorse CEO. "Coach Frost and the Nebraska athletic administration understand the time is here to empower student-athletes to prepare their individual brands for future success.

"The Ready Now Program is here to help Nebraska student-athletes maximize the value of their brand with tools and services that have been proven at the highest levels of sports. As change inevitably comes, Opendorse is prepared to comply at scale – adapting our technology to ensure compliance just as we have for partners at dozens of players associations, leagues, and governing bodies."

Nebraska football student-athletes have long been among the most recognizable and marketable individuals in college sports. The Ready Now Program is a great fit for the program as college athletics continues to evolve.

"We believe social media is at the core of this next frontier for player development," Nebraska Head Coach Scott Frost said. "There's an opportunity for our players that transcends compensation today – we as coaches and leaders can provide our student-athletes the tools to maximize their future value while they're competing for the University of Nebraska.

"Regardless of what change comes in NIL legislation, we want every Nebraska athlete to be prepared with the blueprint for success beyond the field. With Ready Now and the unrivaled passion of the Husker fanbase, I believe a current student-athlete's brand can be considerably more valuable at Nebraska."

The passion for Nebraska Athletics extends well beyond the football field. The Nebraska volleyball program has led the nation in attendance for the past seven years, and members of the volleyball program are among the most prominent and recognizable student-athletes on campus.

"I applaud our athletic administration for implementing this program for all student-athletes, not just those in football or men's basketball," Nebraska Head Volleyball Coach John Cook said. "Nebraska is one of only a few schools where a young woman has a great opportunity to build her brand locally, regionally and nationally while competing in college athletics. This partnership is the latest example of the University of Nebraska's commitment to provide student-athletes with all the needed resources to maximize their time in Lincoln. There is No Place Like Nebraska!"

Men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg is completing his first season at Nebraska. In addition to six years as a collegiate head coach, Hoiberg has 19 years at the NBA level, including playing, coaching and front office experience.

"One of the reasons the NBA is so popular today is the work that players have done in building and marketing their personal brands. I witnessed that first hand during my time in the league. This is a great resource that the University of Nebraska is providing for its student-athletes. The earlier we can help our young men and women understand the value of their personal brand, the better positioned they will be for whatever professional path they choose."

The program will offer each student-athlete with a current valuation of their brand, review and flag content that could have a negative impact on a student-athlete's brand, and provide insights to increase their individual social value. Ready Now will provide ongoing student-athlete education with performance benchmarks, content calendars, and set-up with social strategy sessions. Finally, the program will help each athlete perform to the peak of their ability on social media. The program will allow the Huskers to maximize the value of their brand now and be best-prepared to  benefit if future legislation allows them to do so.

Opendorse is the social publishing platform designed to help the world's most influential athletes and individuals post with a single tap. Today more than 10,000 athletes around the world Opendorse to publish content from partners including the PGA TOUR, NHL, NFLPA, MLBPA, WNBPA, LPGA, over 100 professional and collegiate sports teams, and hundreds of brands.

The platform is purpose-built to help athletes make the most of their moment and to capture this massive opportunity alongside the organizations they're connected to. From All-Americans to All-Pros to CEOs – when important people share content on behalf of their partners or organizations – they share it through Opendorse.

By: Husker AthleticsThe University of Nebraska and Opendorse announced today the launch of the first-ever program designed to help student-athletes build their individual brands. The program will provide all 650-plus Nebraska student-athletes social media solutions with proven effectiveness at the highest levels of professional sports."Nebraska has always been a leader in college athletics," Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. "With that spirit in mind we are excited to partner with Opendorse. This agreement will provide all of our student-athletes the education and assessment tools they need to navigate the complexities of social media and maximize their brand in the digital world."As a father of a current Division I football player, I have a good understanding of how important social media is in the daily lives of our student-athletes. The ability to educate and assist our young men and women in this particular area is mutually beneficial for Nebraska and our student-athletes."To provide its student-athletes with the best possible readiness tools, Nebraska has partnered with athlete marketing platform Opendorse to launch the Ready Now Program.The Ready Now Program, powered by Opendorse Ready™, provides three core pillars to student-athlete success: Assessment, Education, and Performance – tailored to assist each individual athlete.Founded by Nebraska Football alumni Blake Lawrence and Adi Kunalic, Opendorse has become a proven market leader in helping sports organizations and their athletes prepare and execute social media programs to increase the value of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). More than 10,000 athletes currently use Opendorse to maximize their value in collaboration with partners on social media. Opendorse has partnered with the NHL, NFLPA, PGA Tour and others while brands like Pepsi, Procter &amp; Gamble and EA Sports also use the platform."We've been preparing for this moment for over seven years," said Blake Lawrence, opendorse CEO. "Coach Frost and the Nebraska athletic administration understand the time is here to empower student-athletes to prepare their individual brands for future success."The Ready Now Program is here to help Nebraska student-athletes maximize the value of their brand with tools and services that have been proven at the highest levels of sports. As change inevitably comes, Opendorse is prepared to comply at scale – adapting our technology to ensure compliance just as we have for partners at dozens of players associations, leagues, and governing bodies."Nebraska football student-athletes have long been among the most recognizable and marketable individuals in college sports. The Ready Now Program is a great fit for the program as college athletics continues to evolve."We believe social media is at the core of this next frontier for player development," Nebraska Head Coach Scott Frost said. "There's an opportunity for our players that transcends compensation today – we as coaches and leaders can provide our student-athletes the tools to maximize their future value while they're competing for the University of Nebraska."Regardless of what change comes in NIL legislation, we want every Nebraska athlete to be prepared with the blueprint for success beyond the field. With Ready Now and the unrivaled passion of the Husker fanbase, I believe a current student-athlete's brand can be considerably more valuable at Nebraska."The passion for Nebraska Athletics extends well beyond the football field. The Nebraska volleyball program has led the nation in attendance for the past seven years, and members of the volleyball program are among the most prominent and recognizable student-athletes on campus."I applaud our athletic administration for implementing this program for all student-athletes, not just those in football or men's basketball," Nebraska Head Volleyball Coach John Cook said. "Nebraska is one of only a few schools where a young woman has a great opportunity to build her brand locally, regionally and nationally while competing in college athletics. This partnership is the latest example of the University of Nebraska's commitment to provide student-athletes with all the needed resources to maximize their time in Lincoln. There is No Place Like Nebraska!"Men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg is completing his first season at Nebraska. In addition to six years as a collegiate head coach, Hoiberg has 19 years at the NBA level, including playing, coaching and front office experience."One of the reasons the NBA is so popular today is the work that players have done in building and marketing their personal brands. I witnessed that first hand during my time in the league. This is a great resource that the University of Nebraska is providing for its student-athletes. The earlier we can help our young men and women understand the value of their personal brand, the better positioned they will be for whatever professional path they choose."About the Ready Now ProgramThe program will offer each student-athlete with a current valuation of their brand, review and flag content that could have a negative impact on a student-athlete's brand, and provide insights to increase their individual social value. Ready Now will provide ongoing student-athlete education with performance benchmarks, content calendars, and set-up with social strategy sessions. Finally, the program will help each athlete perform to the peak of their ability on social media. The program will allow the Huskers to maximize the value of their brand now and be best-prepared to benefit if future legislation allows them to do so.About OpendorseOpendorse is the social publishing platform designed to help the world's most influential athletes and individuals post with a single tap. Today more than 10,000 athletes around the world Opendorse to publish content from partners including the PGA TOUR, NHL, NFLPA, MLBPA, WNBPA, LPGA, over 100 professional and collegiate sports teams, and hundreds of brands.The platform is purpose-built to help athletes make the most of their moment and to capture this massive opportunity alongside the organizations they're connected to. From All-Americans to All-Pros to CEOs – when important people share content on behalf of their partners or organizations – they share it through Opendorse.

Husker athletic department launching program to build student-athlete brands

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are taking steps to allow college athletes to hire agents and sign endorsement deals. Many fear that if they don't act, then out-of-state rivals will leave the state's most storied university athletics programs in the dust by attracting the best recruits. A bill that would bar state universities from preventing their athletes from earning outside compensation easily cleared the state Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday. Athletics officials at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University back the measure and it appears to have bipartisan support, as Kansas' top-ranked men's basketball team prepares for March Madness.&nbsp;

By: Associate PressTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are taking steps to allow college athletes to hire agents and sign endorsement deals. Many fear that if they don't act, then out-of-state rivals will leave the state's most storied university athletics programs in the dust by attracting the best recruits. A bill that would bar state universities from preventing their athletes from earning outside compensation easily cleared the state Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday. Athletics officials at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University back the measure and it appears to have bipartisan support, as Kansas' top-ranked men's basketball team prepares for March Madness.&nbsp;

Kansas moves college athlete endorsement legislation forward

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 21 points but it was a basket of his that didn't count that really ignited Denver's 109-95 win over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks.

Murray soared for a thunderous slam dunk over D.J. Wilson with 9.8 seconds left in the third quarter and Denver clinging to a 74-71 lead Monday night. Wilson jumped in an attempt to prevent the jam and was pulverized on the play, staggering out of bounds.

“It was crazy,” Nuggets teammate Jerami Grant said. “I didn't think he had it in him. Obviously, he does. We've seen it.”

The biggest of baskets was waved off and a charge called on Murray instead of a foul on Wilson.

The crowd was incredulous, the Nuggets furious, but coach Michael Malone didn't challenge the call. (He mistakenly said after the game he had already used his challenge).

“It definitely wasn't a foul,” Murray said. “But yeah, I wanted to just drive, and I felt like I had a step, so I just took off."

Although the whistle went the other way, the play sparked Denver to a season sweep of the NBA-leading Bucks (53-12, who were without their top six scorers — including reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee).

“The crowd was phenomenal. After that, the crowd was into it every single play, every single steal, rebound, block, bucket,” Murray said. “Once we got them going, they got us going.”

The third quarter ended with Mason Plumlee's fast-break layup for a 76-71 Denver lead after Monte Morris blocked Frank Mason III's pull-up 3 from behind.

Then, the Nuggets pulled away with a 33-24 fourth quarter as Nikola Jokic, who took just two shots in the first half, finally found his rhythm and scored eight of his 10 points, including a 3-pointer that snapped an 0-for-13 skid from beyond the arc.

Paul Millsap added 20 points and Grant scored 19 as the Nuggets sent the Bucks to their third straight loss and fourth in five games.

Kyle Korver had 23 points to lead a big effort by the Bucks' backups, but Milwaukee sorely missed all that firepower during a fourth consecutive road defeat.

“At the warmup and certain guys weren't warming up, I was like, 'You playing tonight?' 'Nope, I don't think so.' Different guys are banged up — we're at that time of year,” Korver said. “We've got a good home stretch coming up here and we want to get right. Guys have nicks and knacks and you take care of it. We've got some important games coming up so it was definitely the right call.”

And the Nuggets thought Murray's waved-off basket was definitely the wrong call, albeit one that sparked them even more than any of his 21 points that did count.

“He definitely raised our energy,” Grant said. “He was hitting a ton of big shots."

The Bucks were swept by Denver in the two-game season series. The Nuggets won 127-115 in Milwaukee on Jan. 31 for their signature win this season.

With Jokic having an off night, Grant and Millsap picked up the slack with 15 first-half points each as the Nuggets raced out to a 16-point lead before Milwaukee cut it to 62-54 at the break.

Antetokounmpo got hurt in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, and on Sunday afternoon the Bucks said he had a minor sprain of his left knee and would miss at least two games. Milwaukee's 141-130 loss at Phoenix on Sunday marked the first time the Bucks dropped back-to-back games this season.

"I played Division III basketball, so I can definitely imagine that," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer on imagining Italian sports leagues playing games without fans because of the new coronavirus.

Bucks: Milwaukee got back into the game with eight easy points off five Nuggets turnovers in the second quarter, when the Bucks trimmed a 52-36 deficit by closing the first half on an 18-10 run. ... The Bucks play seven of their next eight in Milwaukee.

Nuggets: Jokic continued a recent trend of non-assertive play on the offensive end as he made just one basket in the first half. ... The Nuggets play seven of their next eight on the road — and their only home game during that stretch is against the Clippers, who beat them by 29 points this month.

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 21 points but it was a basket of his that didn't count that really ignited Denver's 109-95 win over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks.Murray soared for a thunderous slam dunk over D.J. Wilson with 9.8 seconds left in the third quarter and Denver clinging to a 74-71 lead Monday night. Wilson jumped in an attempt to prevent the jam and was pulverized on the play, staggering out of bounds.“It was crazy,” Nuggets teammate Jerami Grant said. “I didn't think he had it in him. Obviously, he does. We've seen it.”Tweet! came the whistle.But instead of and-one, it was no way!The biggest of baskets was waved off and a charge called on Murray instead of a foul on Wilson.The crowd was incredulous, the Nuggets furious, but coach Michael Malone didn't challenge the call. (He mistakenly said after the game he had already used his challenge).“It definitely wasn't a foul,” Murray said. “But yeah, I wanted to just drive, and I felt like I had a step, so I just took off."Although the whistle went the other way, the play sparked Denver to a season sweep of the NBA-leading Bucks (53-12, who were without their top six scorers — including reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee).“The crowd was phenomenal. After that, the crowd was into it every single play, every single steal, rebound, block, bucket,” Murray said. “Once we got them going, they got us going.”The third quarter ended with Mason Plumlee's fast-break layup for a 76-71 Denver lead after Monte Morris blocked Frank Mason III's pull-up 3 from behind.Then, the Nuggets pulled away with a 33-24 fourth quarter as Nikola Jokic, who took just two shots in the first half, finally found his rhythm and scored eight of his 10 points, including a 3-pointer that snapped an 0-for-13 skid from beyond the arc.Paul Millsap added 20 points and Grant scored 19 as the Nuggets sent the Bucks to their third straight loss and fourth in five games.Kyle Korver had 23 points to lead a big effort by the Bucks' backups, but Milwaukee sorely missed all that firepower during a fourth consecutive road defeat.“At the warmup and certain guys weren't warming up, I was like, 'You playing tonight?' 'Nope, I don't think so.' Different guys are banged up — we're at that time of year,” Korver said. “We've got a good home stretch coming up here and we want to get right. Guys have nicks and knacks and you take care of it. We've got some important games coming up so it was definitely the right call.”And the Nuggets thought Murray's waved-off basket was definitely the wrong call, albeit one that sparked them even more than any of his 21 points that did count.“He definitely raised our energy,” Grant said. “He was hitting a ton of big shots."The Bucks were swept by Denver in the two-game season series. The Nuggets won 127-115 in Milwaukee on Jan. 31 for their signature win this season.With Jokic having an off night, Grant and Millsap picked up the slack with 15 first-half points each as the Nuggets raced out to a 16-point lead before Milwaukee cut it to 62-54 at the break.Antetokounmpo got hurt in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, and on Sunday afternoon the Bucks said he had a minor sprain of his left knee and would miss at least two games. Milwaukee's 141-130 loss at Phoenix on Sunday marked the first time the Bucks dropped back-to-back games this season.Now it's a three-game skid.QUOTE OF THE NIGHT"I played Division III basketball, so I can definitely imagine that," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer on imagining Italian sports leagues playing games without fans because of the new coronavirus.TIP-INSBucks: Milwaukee got back into the game with eight easy points off five Nuggets turnovers in the second quarter, when the Bucks trimmed a 52-36 deficit by closing the first half on an 18-10 run. ... The Bucks play seven of their next eight in Milwaukee.Nuggets: Jokic continued a recent trend of non-assertive play on the offensive end as he made just one basket in the first half. ... The Nuggets play seven of their next eight on the road — and their only home game during that stretch is against the Clippers, who beat them by 29 points this month.

Nuggets top NBA's best team playing shorthanded

LARAMIE, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Wyoming has fired head basketball coach Allen Edwards after back-to-back losing seasons. University officials announced Monday a search for a replacement will begin immediately. Wyoming made a surprise run in the recent Mountain West Conference tournament, beating Colorado State and Nevada before losing to Utah State 89-82 in the semifinals. It wasn't enough to salvage the Edwards era at Wyoming. Edwards' tenure as head coach got off to a promising start. The Cowboys finished 24-15 and won the College Basketball Invitational championship in 2017. Wyoming finished 20-13 in 2018 but limped to an 8-24 finish the following season and a 9-24 record this year.

By: Associated PressLARAMIE, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Wyoming has fired head basketball coach Allen Edwards after back-to-back losing seasons. University officials announced Monday a search for a replacement will begin immediately. Wyoming made a surprise run in the recent Mountain West Conference tournament, beating Colorado State and Nevada before losing to Utah State 89-82 in the semifinals. It wasn't enough to salvage the Edwards era at Wyoming. Edwards' tenure as head coach got off to a promising start. The Cowboys finished 24-15 and won the College Basketball Invitational championship in 2017. Wyoming finished 20-13 in 2018 but limped to an 8-24 finish the following season and a 9-24 record this year.

Wyoming Cowboys looking for new head basketball coach

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. -- March 8, 2020 -- Chadron State College softball got its first series win of the season on Sunday with the split of a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference doubleheader against Colorado State University-Pueblo at home on CSC Softball Field. A pair of one-run games went 2-1 in Pueblo's favor and 7-6 on CSC's side.

"One of the things we tell the players all the time," said CSC Head Softball Coach Kaley Ness, "is that we need each other to stay composed in the dugout no matter the situation, and we did a great job of that today, even though we were down at the end of the first game and Pueblo nearly made a comeback in the second."

Pitchers Hannah Anderson of CSUP and CSC's Tia Kohl dueled in the morning game, stranding 12 baserunners combined and allowing two earned runs between them.

One unearned run crossed for Pueblo in the second on an outfield throwing error that was aimed at home plate to catch a runner after two base hits by the ThunderWolves.

The Eagles tied the game at one run apiece in the third, when Allie Mason, Ellie Owens, and Bailey Marvel led with consecutive singles to start the inning, and Addison Spears had the game-tying RBI.

Alyssa McWilliams added the game-winning RBI in the sixth, as the ThunderWolves strung together a trio of singles themselves.

Kohl's record went to 5-6 on the season, while Anderson earned her second win to improve to 2-3.

The Eagles got off to a hot start in the second game, pounding out eight hits in the first two innings combined, to take a 7-0 lead. CSC batted all the way through the lineup in the second inning, and Spears took a hard pitch to her left side, as five runs scored in that rally alone. Gabby Russell added a sac fly.

Pueblo got on the board in the third inning and cut the CSC lead to 7-4 in the fourth, getting four base hits with two already out and putting three more runs up.

CSUP's Marissa Piatt had an RBI triple in the seventh, and scored on the following play on a single by McWilliams, but CSC pitcher DeAnna Barrera retired the next two batters to improve to 5-7 on the year in a complete game. 

The ThunderWolves' Taylor Strupp fell to 0-7.

One of the highlights of the latter game was the show stopping field work of Spears at second base. In the fifth and sixth innings she made diving stops in each inning which coach Ness said "definitely saved a few runs for us." One of those dives was a grounder which she flung to first base from a prone position. The other was a line drive which she turned into a double play.

"We work on diving in practice," said Spears, "and I've struggled with it, but I've learned the angles to take, and the hops the ball makes. It's important to see the ball all the way into the glove, or it's just going to go past you."

The double play was one of two on the day for the Eagles, and it was the fifth of the weekend.

Spears, a freshman from Berthoud, Colorado, also led the Eagles in the batter's box in the series, hitting 3-for-7 with four RBI and four runs scored. In addition to her three base hits, she recorded two walks, three sacrifice bunts, and one hit-by-pitch, leading CSC with a .600 on-base percentage.

Chadron State travels to MSU Denver during the college's spring break, to take on the Roadrunners, who are tied for the RMAC lead at 10-2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583763912218.jpeg" alt="Freshman second baseman Addison Spears makes a catch.&nbsp; Spears had a huge Sunday both with the bat and in the field making stellar outs to preserve the series for CSC." />
 <figcaption>Freshman second baseman Addison Spears makes a catch.&nbsp; Spears had a huge Sunday both with the bat and in the field making stellar outs to preserve the series for CSC.</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. -- March 8, 2020 -- Chadron State College softball got its first series win of the season on Sunday with the split of a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference doubleheader against Colorado State University-Pueblo at home on CSC Softball Field. A pair of one-run games went 2-1 in Pueblo's favor and 7-6 on CSC's side."One of the things we tell the players all the time," said CSC Head Softball Coach Kaley Ness, "is that we need each other to stay composed in the dugout no matter the situation, and we did a great job of that today, even though we were down at the end of the first game and Pueblo nearly made a comeback in the second."Pitchers Hannah Anderson of CSUP and CSC's Tia Kohl dueled in the morning game, stranding 12 baserunners combined and allowing two earned runs between them.One unearned run crossed for Pueblo in the second on an outfield throwing error that was aimed at home plate to catch a runner after two base hits by the ThunderWolves.The Eagles tied the game at one run apiece in the third, when Allie Mason, Ellie Owens, and Bailey Marvel led with consecutive singles to start the inning, and Addison Spears had the game-tying RBI.Alyssa McWilliams added the game-winning RBI in the sixth, as the ThunderWolves strung together a trio of singles themselves.Kohl's record went to 5-6 on the season, while Anderson earned her second win to improve to 2-3.The Eagles got off to a hot start in the second game, pounding out eight hits in the first two innings combined, to take a 7-0 lead. CSC batted all the way through the lineup in the second inning, and Spears took a hard pitch to her left side, as five runs scored in that rally alone. Gabby Russell added a sac fly.Pueblo got on the board in the third inning and cut the CSC lead to 7-4 in the fourth, getting four base hits with two already out and putting three more runs up.CSUP's Marissa Piatt had an RBI triple in the seventh, and scored on the following play on a single by McWilliams, but CSC pitcher DeAnna Barrera retired the next two batters to improve to 5-7 on the year in a complete game. The ThunderWolves' Taylor Strupp fell to 0-7.One of the highlights of the latter game was the show stopping field work of Spears at second base. In the fifth and sixth innings she made diving stops in each inning which coach Ness said "definitely saved a few runs for us." One of those dives was a grounder which she flung to first base from a prone position. The other was a line drive which she turned into a double play."We work on diving in practice," said Spears, "and I've struggled with it, but I've learned the angles to take, and the hops the ball makes. It's important to see the ball all the way into the glove, or it's just going to go past you."The double play was one of two on the day for the Eagles, and it was the fifth of the weekend.Spears, a freshman from Berthoud, Colorado, also led the Eagles in the batter's box in the series, hitting 3-for-7 with four RBI and four runs scored. In addition to her three base hits, she recorded two walks, three sacrifice bunts, and one hit-by-pitch, leading CSC with a .600 on-base percentage.Chadron State travels to MSU Denver during the college's spring break, to take on the Roadrunners, who are tied for the RMAC lead at 10-2.

🥎 CSC takes series over CSU-Pueblo with 7-6 win Sunday

Minneapolis – A red-hot Minnesota team made a season-high 18 shots from 3-point range and shot 56.9 percent from the field overall, and the Gophers defeated Nebraska 107-75 on Sunday in the final game of the regular season for both teams.

Nebraska (7-24, 2-18 Big Ten Conference) finished winless in conference road games and will be the No. 14 seed in the Big Ten Conference Tournament, where the Huskers will face Indiana on Wednesday night in Indianapolis.

Senior guard Haanif Cheatham scored 17 points and junior guard Jervay Green added 15 to pace Nebraska, which played with only seven scholarship players, as guards Cam Mack and Dachon Burke Jr. are indefinitely suspended for violation of team rules.

Nebraska shot 37.8 percent from the field and a season-high 82.4 percent on free throws. Since going 8-of-30 on free throws in a loss to Northwestern a week ago, the Huskers have shot 26-of-32 over their last two games.

Gabe Kalscheur tied his career high with 26 points to lead Minnesota (14-16, 8-12) and finished with a career high 8 made 3-pointers, on 11 attempts. As a team, the Gophers were 18-of-35 on 3-pointers, or 51.4 percent, and surpassed their previous season high of 14 made 3-pointers, against Northwestern.

Nebraska jumped to a 6-0 lead and made five of its first eight field goal attempts but trailed 13-10 at the first media timeout. From there, Minnesota caught fire on offense, shooting 63 percent from the field in the first half, including 7-of-13 on 3-pointers.

Nebraska tried to keep pace, and the Huskers trailed by only seven points with 4:42 remaining before halftime. But the Gophers exploded with a 14-2 run in over the next 3:20 to open a 19-point lead, their biggest of the first half.

Cheatham had 11 points in the first half to pace the Huskers, who shot 38 percent from the field and trailed 53-27 at halftime. The Gophers quickly scored the first six points of the second half and finished with the most points scored this season against Nebraska, which also suffered its most lopsided loss of the season.

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 </figure>By: Husker AthleticsMinneapolis – A red-hot Minnesota team made a season-high 18 shots from 3-point range and shot 56.9 percent from the field overall, and the Gophers defeated Nebraska 107-75 on Sunday in the final game of the regular season for both teams.Nebraska (7-24, 2-18 Big Ten Conference) finished winless in conference road games and will be the No. 14 seed in the Big Ten Conference Tournament, where the Huskers will face Indiana on Wednesday night in Indianapolis.Senior guard Haanif Cheatham scored 17 points and junior guard Jervay Green added 15 to pace Nebraska, which played with only seven scholarship players, as guards Cam Mack and Dachon Burke Jr. are indefinitely suspended for violation of team rules.Nebraska shot 37.8 percent from the field and a season-high 82.4 percent on free throws. Since going 8-of-30 on free throws in a loss to Northwestern a week ago, the Huskers have shot 26-of-32 over their last two games.Gabe Kalscheur tied his career high with 26 points to lead Minnesota (14-16, 8-12) and finished with a career high 8 made 3-pointers, on 11 attempts. As a team, the Gophers were 18-of-35 on 3-pointers, or 51.4 percent, and surpassed their previous season high of 14 made 3-pointers, against Northwestern.Nebraska jumped to a 6-0 lead and made five of its first eight field goal attempts but trailed 13-10 at the first media timeout. From there, Minnesota caught fire on offense, shooting 63 percent from the field in the first half, including 7-of-13 on 3-pointers.Nebraska tried to keep pace, and the Huskers trailed by only seven points with 4:42 remaining before halftime. But the Gophers exploded with a 14-2 run in over the next 3:20 to open a 19-point lead, their biggest of the first half.Cheatham had 11 points in the first half to pace the Huskers, who shot 38 percent from the field and trailed 53-27 at halftime. The Gophers quickly scored the first six points of the second half and finished with the most points scored this season against Nebraska, which also suffered its most lopsided loss of the season.

Huskers end Big Ten slate with worst loss of season

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. -- March 7, 2020 -- For the first time this season, the Chadron State College softball team won back-to-back games on the same day, as the Eagles' pitching staff held the visiting Colorado State University-Pueblo ThunderWolves to just two earned runs and two unearned in a doubleheader sweep at CSC Softball Field on Saturday.

Pueblo led off the noon game with two runs in the top of the first, and held the lead through three and a half innings, before Chadron State rallied in the bottom of the fourth and held on to win 4-3.

The ThunderWolves started off with two doubles and a single in their go-ahead first at-bat, but CSC answered in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff triple by Bailey Marvel. Gabby Russell singled her home to make it 2-1.

Pueblo tacked on an unearned run on an error in the top of the fourth, but on the same play left fielder Angelica Maples recovered the ball and threw a second runner out at home, with catcher Bailey Rominger making the tag. That held the ThunderWolves at three runs for the game.

Chadron State's fourth inning benefitted from a pair of CSUP errors, putting Maples on board and later sending her across the plate after a stolen base. Later, Marvel scored the tying run on a Addison Spears single, and Spears scored the go-ahead from first on a double by Russell.

A pair of double plays by the CSC defense in the fifth and sixth innings, and a game-ending strikeout by pitcher Tia Kohl ensured the win for the Eagles.

Kohl evened her record at 5-5 on the season, and now has 23 and two-thirds consecutive innings without issuing a walk. Pueblo pitcher Samantha Riesen, who batted 2-for-2 and led her team with two RBI, remained winless in the circle at 0-6.

The Eagles didn't let the later game remain as close.

CSC slapped out eight base hits, all singles, in the 9-1 win that ended in the sixth, when the team took advantage of the run rule to walk off on an Alyx Gragg pinch-hit single. Half of the Eagles' hits were in the final frame.

Three Pueblo errors and three base hits by CSC helped the Eagles get out to a 7-0 lead in the first three innings. 

Pueblo got one run back in the fourth on a passed ball, but CSC came back with two more in the sixth to seal the deal. 

Spears, Russell, Rominger, and Gragg all hit safely to put the game-clinching runs across, while Mackenzi Kroll added a sacrifice fly.

CSC pitcher DeAnna Barrera allowed only three hits in the game while striking out five, to get to 4-7 with the win. Pueblo twirler Taylor Strupp went to 0-5.

The Eagles are now 9-12 overall and 4-6 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play, headed into Sunday's final two games with the ThunderWolves, who are now 1-19 and 1-9 in league play.

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 </figure>By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. -- March 7, 2020 -- For the first time this season, the Chadron State College softball team won back-to-back games on the same day, as the Eagles' pitching staff held the visiting Colorado State University-Pueblo ThunderWolves to just two earned runs and two unearned in a doubleheader sweep at CSC Softball Field on Saturday.Pueblo led off the noon game with two runs in the top of the first, and held the lead through three and a half innings, before Chadron State rallied in the bottom of the fourth and held on to win 4-3.The ThunderWolves started off with two doubles and a single in their go-ahead first at-bat, but CSC answered in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff triple by Bailey Marvel. Gabby Russell singled her home to make it 2-1.Pueblo tacked on an unearned run on an error in the top of the fourth, but on the same play left fielder Angelica Maples recovered the ball and threw a second runner out at home, with catcher Bailey Rominger making the tag. That held the ThunderWolves at three runs for the game.Chadron State's fourth inning benefitted from a pair of CSUP errors, putting Maples on board and later sending her across the plate after a stolen base. Later, Marvel scored the tying run on a Addison Spears single, and Spears scored the go-ahead from first on a double by Russell.A pair of double plays by the CSC defense in the fifth and sixth innings, and a game-ending strikeout by pitcher Tia Kohl ensured the win for the Eagles.Kohl evened her record at 5-5 on the season, and now has 23 and two-thirds consecutive innings without issuing a walk. Pueblo pitcher Samantha Riesen, who batted 2-for-2 and led her team with two RBI, remained winless in the circle at 0-6.The Eagles didn't let the later game remain as close.CSC slapped out eight base hits, all singles, in the 9-1 win that ended in the sixth, when the team took advantage of the run rule to walk off on an Alyx Gragg pinch-hit single. Half of the Eagles' hits were in the final frame.Three Pueblo errors and three base hits by CSC helped the Eagles get out to a 7-0 lead in the first three innings. Pueblo got one run back in the fourth on a passed ball, but CSC came back with two more in the sixth to seal the deal. Spears, Russell, Rominger, and Gragg all hit safely to put the game-clinching runs across, while Mackenzi Kroll added a sacrifice fly.CSC pitcher DeAnna Barrera allowed only three hits in the game while striking out five, to get to 4-7 with the win. Pueblo twirler Taylor Strupp went to 0-5.The Eagles are now 9-12 overall and 4-6 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play, headed into Sunday's final two games with the ThunderWolves, who are now 1-19 and 1-9 in league play.

🥎 Eagles sweep Pueblo Saturday, aim for series sweep Sunday

2020 Girls High School State Basketball Opening Round Preview, Results

Game Notes: Katelyn Sylvester led Sidney with 19 points, Nicole Birner scored 12...The Vikings used a 20-7 third quarter run to take control...Sidney has not won a state game since 1984.

A pair of teams that were in last year's Class B tournament will meet this year in the opening round.&nbsp; Sidney dropped a 51-37 decision to Elkhorn South, the 10th consecutive opening round loss for the Lady Raiders, while Grand Island Northwest went on to win its fourth state championship.

Sidney and Northwest met in the 2014 tourney, a 65-44 GINW win on its way to a state title, which was also the last time the Vikings had gone to state before last season's championship run.

Sidney comes into state with a 19-6 mark and a district championship win over the Blair Bears, grinding out a season-low of points in a victory, 34-28.

GINW is 21-5 and enters on a six-game winning streak, champions of the B4 district with a 57-41 win over Omaha Mercy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Vikings have four upperclassmen players who can break out and score, led by senior guard Whitney Brown (17.8 ppg) and senior forward Lauren Hauser (10 ppg).

Sidney may end up reliant on insiders, 6'0" senior forward Mattie Johnson (14.7 ppg)&nbsp; and 6'0" junior Karly Sylvester (9.4 ppg).&nbsp;

Senior guard Nicole Birner is Sidney's third leading rebounder and also adds in almost nine points a game.

Semifinals Friday: Beatrice 43, Scottsbluff 26

Preview: The Scottsbluff Bearcats are making their fifth trip to state basketball, and first since 2016.&nbsp; Bennington hasn't been in 11 years and also makes its fifth state appearance in school history.

After taking down rival Sidney in the sub-district finals Scottsbluff (16-10) handed Omaha Gross Catholic a rout in the B-6 championship 62-49 to come into state with a four-game winning streak.

Bennington has won seven consecutive games and took down Omaha Skutt Catholic in the B-3 finals by 22, not a huge surprise seeing as Skutt finished 6-19 on the year.

Senior guard Yara Garcia will be crucial for the Bearcats.&nbsp; The Cats leading scorer (16.2 ppg) and rebounder (5.53 rpg) will have to stay out of foul trouble and find success against a Badger defense that surely will be looking to stop her first.

Guards Aubrey Krentz and Payton Burda are part of a deep Bearcat backcourt and hope to take some of the burden off Garcia.

Bennington features a trio of double-figure scorers led by senior guards Miley Prine (17.5 ppg) and Grace Tetschner (10.6 ppg).&nbsp; Junior Abigale Boyes (10.4 ppg) finishes the group that also makes up Bennington's top three rebounders.

C1 - #2 Chadron 30, #7 Adams Central 44 - F

Game Notes:&nbsp; Chadron's Olivia Reed led the Cardinals in scoring with 13 points...Chadron suffered through a scoring drought in the second and third quarters with just eight total points...The Cardinals season ends at 23-3.

Chadron is back in the state basketball mix for the first time since 2016 and looking for its second title (C1/2000).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 23-win Cardinals have just two setbacks this year and come in with a nine-game winning streak as champions of the C1-2 district.

Adams Central can't match those numbers (16-10) but did play a challenging schedule and defeated 23-3 Broken Bow in the district finals 52-37.

Youth in the paint will be a strength for Chadron. Sophomore 6'0" forward Olivia Reed will be a load for the Patriots defense to handle, she's scoring 17 a game to go along with seven rebounds.&nbsp; Freshman Anika Burke is 6'3" and scores 5.4 points with about four rebounds a night.

Adams Central will counter with a young post talent of its own, 6'2" freshman Rachel Goodon (6.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg). Senior Kylie Dierks will help in the post (8.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and the Patriots backcourt leaders of Bryn Lang and Jessica Babcock put up 18.6 points a game.

Chadron's senior guards Shea Bailey and Taylor Strotheide put up 18.8 points combined a night, a close match-up offensively with Adams Central.

Friday: Humphrey St Francis 68, Mullen 38 Saturday: 3rd Place:&nbsp; Falls City Sacred Heart 59, Mullen 36

The Mullen Broncos are making their fourth state basketball tournament appearance in school history and are headed back for the second consecutive year.&nbsp; 

Last year in the first round the Broncos were clipped by Bruning-Davenport-Shickley (BDS, the very team the Broncos face in this year's opening round...Mullen led 30-24 heading into the fourth quarter before BDS put together a 12-4 run to advance to the semifinals in 2019.

Mullen will rely on the backcourt of junior guard Samantha Moore and sophomore Taylor Svoboda who combine to score almost 27 points per game.

That pair is familiar with the match-up and Moore led the Broncos with 11 points at state in 2019; Svoboda chipped in seven.

BDS will count on 5'11" senior forward Regan Alfs and junior Macy Kamler at guard who combine for 15.2 ppg, and add in senior guard Rylee Haeker's 8.2 ppg for a third option.

Alfs and Kamler scored 20 for BDS in last year's State win over Mullen, while Haeker is a new addition as a senior that the Broncos haven't seen.

The 25-1 Broncos are coming into the tournament hot, on an eight-game winning streak after cruising by Leyton in the D2-3 district championship by 27 points.&nbsp; Mullen's only setback came to 21-3 C2 school South Loup in early February.

BDS is 18-5 and lost to Lawrence-Nelson in a sub-district final 59-54, but still made it to the district finals and ousted Stuart by 22.&nbsp; Lawrence-Nelson is in this year's state field and could be a state finals rematch for BDS.

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 </figure><h2>2020 Girls High School State Basketball Opening Round Preview, Results</h2>By: Dave Collins, Eagle Radio Sports DirectorThursday, March 5<h2>B - #5 Sidney 44, #4 GINW 47 - F</h2>9:45 a.m. (MT) - Pinnacle Bank ArenaGame Notes: Katelyn Sylvester led Sidney with 19 points, Nicole Birner scored 12...The Vikings used a 20-7 third quarter run to take control...Sidney has not won a state game since 1984.A pair of teams that were in last year's Class B tournament will meet this year in the opening round.&nbsp; Sidney dropped a 51-37 decision to Elkhorn South, the 10th consecutive opening round loss for the Lady Raiders, while Grand Island Northwest went on to win its fourth state championship.Sidney and Northwest met in the 2014 tourney, a 65-44 GINW win on its way to a state title, which was also the last time the Vikings had gone to state before last season's championship run.Sidney comes into state with a 19-6 mark and a district championship win over the Blair Bears, grinding out a season-low of points in a victory, 34-28.GINW is 21-5 and enters on a six-game winning streak, champions of the B4 district with a 57-41 win over Omaha Mercy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Vikings have four upperclassmen players who can break out and score, led by senior guard Whitney Brown (17.8 ppg) and senior forward Lauren Hauser (10 ppg).Sidney may end up reliant on insiders, 6'0" senior forward Mattie Johnson (14.7 ppg)&nbsp; and 6'0" junior Karly Sylvester (9.4 ppg).&nbsp;Senior guard Nicole Birner is Sidney's third leading rebounder and also adds in almost nine points a game.<h2>B - #6 Scottsbluff 57, #3 Bennington 47</h2>7:45 p.m. (MT) - Devaney CenterSemifinals Friday: Beatrice 43, Scottsbluff 26Preview: The Scottsbluff Bearcats are making their fifth trip to state basketball, and first since 2016.&nbsp; Bennington hasn't been in 11 years and also makes its fifth state appearance in school history.After taking down rival Sidney in the sub-district finals Scottsbluff (16-10) handed Omaha Gross Catholic a rout in the B-6 championship 62-49 to come into state with a four-game winning streak.Bennington has won seven consecutive games and took down Omaha Skutt Catholic in the B-3 finals by 22, not a huge surprise seeing as Skutt finished 6-19 on the year.Senior guard Yara Garcia will be crucial for the Bearcats.&nbsp; The Cats leading scorer (16.2 ppg) and rebounder (5.53 rpg) will have to stay out of foul trouble and find success against a Badger defense that surely will be looking to stop her first.Guards Aubrey Krentz and Payton Burda are part of a deep Bearcat backcourt and hope to take some of the burden off Garcia.Bennington features a trio of double-figure scorers led by senior guards Miley Prine (17.5 ppg) and Grace Tetschner (10.6 ppg).&nbsp; Junior Abigale Boyes (10.4 ppg) finishes the group that also makes up Bennington's top three rebounders.<h2>C1 - #2 Chadron 30, #7 Adams Central 44 - F</h2>1:00 p.m. (MT) - Devaney CenterGame Notes:&nbsp; Chadron's Olivia Reed led the Cardinals in scoring with 13 points...Chadron suffered through a scoring drought in the second and third quarters with just eight total points...The Cardinals season ends at 23-3.Chadron is back in the state basketball mix for the first time since 2016 and looking for its second title (C1/2000).&nbsp;&nbsp;The 23-win Cardinals have just two setbacks this year and come in with a nine-game winning streak as champions of the C1-2 district.Adams Central can't match those numbers (16-10) but did play a challenging schedule and defeated 23-3 Broken Bow in the district finals 52-37.Youth in the paint will be a strength for Chadron. Sophomore 6'0" forward Olivia Reed will be a load for the Patriots defense to handle, she's scoring 17 a game to go along with seven rebounds.&nbsp; Freshman Anika Burke is 6'3" and scores 5.4 points with about four rebounds a night.Adams Central will counter with a young post talent of its own, 6'2" freshman Rachel Goodon (6.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg). Senior Kylie Dierks will help in the post (8.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and the Patriots backcourt leaders of Bryn Lang and Jessica Babcock put up 18.6 points a game.Chadron's senior guards Shea Bailey and Taylor Strotheide put up 18.8 points combined a night, a close match-up offensively with Adams Central.<h2>D2 - #3 Mullen 60, #6 BDS 54</h2>7:45 p.m. (MT) - Lincoln Southwest HSFriday: Humphrey St Francis 68, Mullen 38 Saturday: 3rd Place:&nbsp; Falls City Sacred Heart 59, Mullen 36The Mullen Broncos are making their fourth state basketball tournament appearance in school history and are headed back for the second consecutive year.&nbsp; Last year in the first round the Broncos were clipped by Bruning-Davenport-Shickley (BDS, the very team the Broncos face in this year's opening round...Mullen led 30-24 heading into the fourth quarter before BDS put together a 12-4 run to advance to the semifinals in 2019.Mullen will rely on the backcourt of junior guard Samantha Moore and sophomore Taylor Svoboda who combine to score almost 27 points per game.That pair is familiar with the match-up and Moore led the Broncos with 11 points at state in 2019; Svoboda chipped in seven.BDS will count on 5'11" senior forward Regan Alfs and junior Macy Kamler at guard who combine for 15.2 ppg, and add in senior guard Rylee Haeker's 8.2 ppg for a third option.Alfs and Kamler scored 20 for BDS in last year's State win over Mullen, while Haeker is a new addition as a senior that the Broncos haven't seen.The 25-1 Broncos are coming into the tournament hot, on an eight-game winning streak after cruising by Leyton in the D2-3 district championship by 27 points.&nbsp; Mullen's only setback came to 21-3 C2 school South Loup in early February.BDS is 18-5 and lost to Lawrence-Nelson in a sub-district final 59-54, but still made it to the district finals and ousted Stuart by 22.&nbsp; Lawrence-Nelson is in this year's state field and could be a state finals rematch for BDS.

🏀 Girls State Basketball Updates

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Jon Teske scored 12 points and Zavier Simpson added 11 in their home finale, and No. 25 Michigan beat Nebraska 82-58. The Wolverines also welcomed former coach John Beilein back to Crisler Center. Beilein watched from a box about halfway up the seating bowl as his old team closed out its home schedule. Michigan led 32-28 at halftime before starting the second with an 18-4 run. Nebraska was without guard Cam Mack, suspended for a violation of team rules. The Cornhuskers have lost 15 straight. Isaiah Livers had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Michigan. Haanif Cheatham led Nebraska with 19 points.

Michigan eliminates Nebraska in Big Ten women's tournament

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Amy Dlik scored 22 points, Naz Hillmon added 20 and seventh-seeded Michigan used a strong third-quarter to defeat 10th-seeded Nebraska 81-75 in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. Leigha Brown and Isabelle Bourne combined for 22 points to put Nebraska on top 42-34 at halftime but the Wolverines took the lead for good with a 13-2 run to open the second half. Hilmon contributed five points, Akienreh Johnson tied it at 44 with a layup and Maddie Nolan followed with a 3-pointer for the lead. Brown finished with 22 points and Bourne 16.

Associated PressANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Jon Teske scored 12 points and Zavier Simpson added 11 in their home finale, and No. 25 Michigan beat Nebraska 82-58. The Wolverines also welcomed former coach John Beilein back to Crisler Center. Beilein watched from a box about halfway up the seating bowl as his old team closed out its home schedule. Michigan led 32-28 at halftime before starting the second with an 18-4 run. Nebraska was without guard Cam Mack, suspended for a violation of team rules. The Cornhuskers have lost 15 straight. Isaiah Livers had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Michigan. Haanif Cheatham led Nebraska with 19 points.Michigan eliminates Nebraska in Big Ten women's tournamentINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Amy Dlik scored 22 points, Naz Hillmon added 20 and seventh-seeded Michigan used a strong third-quarter to defeat 10th-seeded Nebraska 81-75 in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. Leigha Brown and Isabelle Bourne combined for 22 points to put Nebraska on top 42-34 at halftime but the Wolverines took the lead for good with a 13-2 run to open the second half. Hilmon contributed five points, Akienreh Johnson tied it at 44 with a layup and Maddie Nolan followed with a 3-pointer for the lead. Brown finished with 22 points and Bourne 16.

Mighty Michigan: Husker men lose 15th straight; Wolverines end NU women's Big Ten tournament

The Alliance High School Activities Hall of Fame will induct 4 new members in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Activities Hall of Fame is organized as a way of maintaining the rich heritage and tradition of the successful activity programs at Alliance High School. The Hall of Fame will serve as a means of recognizing, preserving, and honoring the athletes, performers, coaches, sponsors, directors, contributors and alumni who made significant contributions to activity programs. The Activities Hall of Fame will help maintain the spirit, pride, and sense of community, as well as serving as a historical account of the great activity traditions of Alliance High School.

The selection committee meets once a year to vote on new members. In order for nominee to be inducted, the nominee must receive at least a 75% majority vote from the selection committee members in attendance.&nbsp;

On February 27th the selection committee met and reviewed 23 outstanding applications. Four outstanding candidates were chosen.

1972 graduate Dennis Girard: Dennis was a 2-time State Wrestling champion in 1971 and 72. He is one of only 4, 2-time wrestling champions in Alliance history. Dennis is also one of only 2 Alliance wrestlers to receive All-American honors in high school. He was also a member of the 1971 state cross country championship team and went on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska.

1992 graduate Tracy Kelly Kearney:&nbsp; Tracy was a 10 letter winner at Alliance High School. She was senior MVP, Co-Captain and All Western Conference in Volleyball, a 3-time All Conference and All Region selection in Basketball and a 4-time Western Conference and 3-time District Champion in Track and Field as well as a 4 year State medalist in Track and Field.

1994 Graduate Chad Thompson:&nbsp; Chad was a 3 year starter at receiver in Football and is the single season and career receiving leader at AHS.&nbsp; He was also a 4 year letter winnerin both Basketball and Track and Field. He started for the 1994 State qualifing team in Basketball and was a State Medalist in Track and Field. He went on to play football at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

1989 Graduate Jamie Tomlin: Jamie was a 3 sport athlete at AHS earning letters in Cross Country, Basketball and Track and Field. He was a 2-time All State selection in basketball and is the AHS all time leading scorer at AHS boys basketball with 1439 career points.&nbsp; He was a starter on 2 State qualifing teams and a member of the 1989 team that set the Nebraska single season scoring record averaging 94.4 points per game. Jamie was also a state qualifier in Track and Field. He went on to play college basketball at WNCC and the Univeristy of Nebraska-Kearney.

The 4 honorees will inducted into the AHS Activities Hall of Fame this spring.

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 </figure>By: Mike GlesingerThe Alliance High School Activities Hall of Fame will induct 4 new members in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Activities Hall of Fame is organized as a way of maintaining the rich heritage and tradition of the successful activity programs at Alliance High School. The Hall of Fame will serve as a means of recognizing, preserving, and honoring the athletes, performers, coaches, sponsors, directors, contributors and alumni who made significant contributions to activity programs. The Activities Hall of Fame will help maintain the spirit, pride, and sense of community, as well as serving as a historical account of the great activity traditions of Alliance High School.The selection committee meets once a year to vote on new members. In order for nominee to be inducted, the nominee must receive at least a 75% majority vote from the selection committee members in attendance.&nbsp;On February 27th the selection committee met and reviewed 23 outstanding applications. Four outstanding candidates were chosen.1972 graduate Dennis Girard: Dennis was a 2-time State Wrestling champion in 1971 and 72. He is one of only 4, 2-time wrestling champions in Alliance history. Dennis is also one of only 2 Alliance wrestlers to receive All-American honors in high school. He was also a member of the 1971 state cross country championship team and went on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska.1992 graduate Tracy Kelly Kearney:&nbsp; Tracy was a 10 letter winner at Alliance High School. She was senior MVP, Co-Captain and All Western Conference in Volleyball, a 3-time All Conference and All Region selection in Basketball and a 4-time Western Conference and 3-time District Champion in Track and Field as well as a 4 year State medalist in Track and Field.1994 Graduate Chad Thompson:&nbsp; Chad was a 3 year starter at receiver in Football and is the single season and career receiving leader at AHS.&nbsp; He was also a 4 year letter winnerin both Basketball and Track and Field. He started for the 1994 State qualifing team in Basketball and was a State Medalist in Track and Field. He went on to play football at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.1989 Graduate Jamie Tomlin: Jamie was a 3 sport athlete at AHS earning letters in Cross Country, Basketball and Track and Field. He was a 2-time All State selection in basketball and is the AHS all time leading scorer at AHS boys basketball with 1439 career points.&nbsp; He was a starter on 2 State qualifing teams and a member of the 1989 team that set the Nebraska single season scoring record averaging 94.4 points per game. Jamie was also a state qualifier in Track and Field. He went on to play college basketball at WNCC and the Univeristy of Nebraska-Kearney.The 4 honorees will inducted into the AHS Activities Hall of Fame this spring.

AHS to induct 4 new members to Activities Hall of Fame

2020 Nebraska High School Boys State Basketball

#2 Scottsbluff vs #7 Alliance - 6:00 (MT) Devaney Center

#4 Ogallala vs. #5 Kearney Catholic - 9:45 a.m. (MT) - Devaney Center

#4 Mullen vs. #5 St. Mary's - 9:45 a.m. (MT) - Lincoln Southeast HS

<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/bask/bbpair.pdf">NSAA's Complete All-Class Boys State Bracket</a>

<h2>2020 Nebraska High School Boys State Basketball</h2>Local Match-ups - Thursday, March 12Class B#2 Scottsbluff vs #7 Alliance - 6:00 (MT) Devaney CenterClass C1#4 Ogallala vs. #5 Kearney Catholic - 9:45 a.m. (MT) - Devaney CenterClass D2#4 Mullen vs. #5 St. Mary's - 9:45 a.m. (MT) - Lincoln Southeast HS<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/bask/bbpair.pdf">NSAA's Complete All-Class Boys State Bracket</a>

🏀 Panhandle teams traveling hundreds of miles to play each other at Boys State Basketball

Chicago State University said its men's basketball team will not travel for two regularly scheduled Western Athletic Conference games this week and its women's team will not host two games, citing the spread of the coronavirus. 

The school said in a statement that it was making the move with the “health and well-being of the campus community in mind.” The cancellations are believed to be the first by a major sport in the United States. 

Chicago State said it is also evaluating whether to attend next week's WAC tournament in Las Vegas. The school said it would make a decision about participation later this week. The school also said it is reviewing travel plans for intercollegiate sports teams.

Could NCAA Tournament follow suit? Fanless games getting serious consideration for March Madness?

The NCAA is ruling out no contingencies when it comes to coronavirus and the NCAA Tournament. 

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Chief Operating Officer Donald Remy did not dismiss the possibility of games being played with no fans in arenas. The games presumably would still be televised. 

The NCAA declined further comment to The Associated Press on the possibility of no fans in the stands. Also, the NCAA announced it has established a coronavirus advisory panel of medical, public health and epidemiology experts and NCAA schools. NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Hainline will lead the group.

Associated PressChicago State University said its men's basketball team will not travel for two regularly scheduled Western Athletic Conference games this week and its women's team will not host two games, citing the spread of the coronavirus. The school said in a statement that it was making the move with the “health and well-being of the campus community in mind.” The cancellations are believed to be the first by a major sport in the United States. Chicago State said it is also evaluating whether to attend next week's WAC tournament in Las Vegas. The school said it would make a decision about participation later this week. The school also said it is reviewing travel plans for intercollegiate sports teams.Could NCAA Tournament follow suit? Fanless games getting serious consideration for March Madness?The NCAA is ruling out no contingencies when it comes to coronavirus and the NCAA Tournament. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Chief Operating Officer Donald Remy did not dismiss the possibility of games being played with no fans in arenas. The games presumably would still be televised. The NCAA declined further comment to The Associated Press on the possibility of no fans in the stands. Also, the NCAA announced it has established a coronavirus advisory panel of medical, public health and epidemiology experts and NCAA schools. NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Hainline will lead the group.

College basketball teams refusing to play because of coronavirus

Eric Paschall scored nine of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, Andrew Wiggins had a double-double and the Golden State Warriors rallied to stun the Denver Nuggets 116-100. The Warriors were down 77-65 with 5:08 left in the third quarter before going on a 43-15 run to take control of the game. Wiggins finished 22 points and 10 assists for the Warriors. Will Barton and Paul Millsap each had 18 points as the Nuggets fell behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the second seed in the Western Conference.&nbsp;

The Los Angeles Clippers have moved a game ahead of Denver for second place in the NBA’s Western Conference.

Kawhi Leonard delivered 25 points and the Clippers picked up their fifth straight win by defeating Oklahoma City, 109-94. Paul George received a warm reception from Thunder fans before scoring 16 points against the team that traded him last summer. Montrezl&nbsp; Harrell also had 16 points against the Thunder, who matched their most lopsided home loss of the season. Dennis Schroder&nbsp; scored 24 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari each added 15 for Oklahoma City.

Anthony Davis scored 18 of his 37 points during the second-quarter to lead the Lakers past the 76ers 120-107. LeBron James had 22 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds for the Lakers, who moved to 47-13 with their ninth win in 10 games. Glenn Robinson III matched his career high with 25 points and Tobias Harris had 18, but the 76ers suffered their ninth straight road loss since Jan. 20.

Caris LeVert pumped in a season-high 51 points and the Nets halted a four-game losing streak by outlasting the Celtics, 129-120 in overtime at Boston. Brooklyn erupted for 51 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 17-point hole before outscoring the Celtics, 11-2 in OT. Jaylen Brown finished with a team-high 22 points and Kemba Walker had 21 for the Celts, who fell 1 ½ games behind the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors.

Toronto ended a three-game skid as Pascal Siakam provided 33 points and Kyle Lowry added 28 in a 123-114 win at Phoenix. Siakam scored 12 in the third quarter to help the Raptors erase a seven-point halftime deficit. Norman Powell added 26 points while backup Chris Boucher furnished 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Malik Beasley contributed 28 points and D'Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 23 in the second half of the Timberwolves’ 139-134 downing of New Orleans. James Johnson scored 19 points and helped Minnesota shoot 55.7% from the field and 17-for-20 from the line. Zion Williamson scored 25 points and Jrue Holiday had 27 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, who are four games behind Memphis for the final Western Conference playoff berth.

Dejounte Murray scored 21 points and the Spurs gave Tim Duncan his first victory as an acting head coach with a 104-103 victory at Charlotte. San Antonio longtime coach Gregg Popovich missed the game while dealing with “personal business,” according to the team. Bryn Forbes added 15 points for the Spurs, who trailed by 17 in the first half.

De’Aaron Fox poured in 31 points and the Kings blew a 28-point lead before winning for the sixth time in seven games since the All-Star break, 133-126 versus the Wizards. Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 21 points and Buddy Hield added 17 as Sacramento had seven players score in double figures.

Associated PressEric Paschall scored nine of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, Andrew Wiggins had a double-double and the Golden State Warriors rallied to stun the Denver Nuggets 116-100. The Warriors were down 77-65 with 5:08 left in the third quarter before going on a 43-15 run to take control of the game. Wiggins finished 22 points and 10 assists for the Warriors. Will Barton and Paul Millsap each had 18 points as the Nuggets fell behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the second seed in the Western Conference.&nbsp;The Los Angeles Clippers have moved a game ahead of Denver for second place in the NBA’s Western Conference.Kawhi Leonard delivered 25 points and the Clippers picked up their fifth straight win by defeating Oklahoma City, 109-94. Paul George received a warm reception from Thunder fans before scoring 16 points against the team that traded him last summer. Montrezl&nbsp; Harrell also had 16 points against the Thunder, who matched their most lopsided home loss of the season. Dennis Schroder&nbsp; scored 24 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari each added 15 for Oklahoma City.Anthony Davis scored 18 of his 37 points during the second-quarter to lead the Lakers past the 76ers 120-107. LeBron James had 22 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds for the Lakers, who moved to 47-13 with their ninth win in 10 games. Glenn Robinson III matched his career high with 25 points and Tobias Harris had 18, but the 76ers suffered their ninth straight road loss since Jan. 20.Caris LeVert pumped in a season-high 51 points and the Nets halted a four-game losing streak by outlasting the Celtics, 129-120 in overtime at Boston. Brooklyn erupted for 51 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 17-point hole before outscoring the Celtics, 11-2 in OT. Jaylen Brown finished with a team-high 22 points and Kemba Walker had 21 for the Celts, who fell 1 ½ games behind the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors.Toronto ended a three-game skid as Pascal Siakam provided 33 points and Kyle Lowry added 28 in a 123-114 win at Phoenix. Siakam scored 12 in the third quarter to help the Raptors erase a seven-point halftime deficit. Norman Powell added 26 points while backup Chris Boucher furnished 19 points and 15 rebounds.Malik Beasley contributed 28 points and D'Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 23 in the second half of the Timberwolves’ 139-134 downing of New Orleans. James Johnson scored 19 points and helped Minnesota shoot 55.7% from the field and 17-for-20 from the line. Zion Williamson scored 25 points and Jrue Holiday had 27 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, who are four games behind Memphis for the final Western Conference playoff berth.Dejounte Murray scored 21 points and the Spurs gave Tim Duncan his first victory as an acting head coach with a 104-103 victory at Charlotte. San Antonio longtime coach Gregg Popovich missed the game while dealing with “personal business,” according to the team. Bryn Forbes added 15 points for the Spurs, who trailed by 17 in the first half.De’Aaron Fox poured in 31 points and the Kings blew a 28-point lead before winning for the sixth time in seven games since the All-Star break, 133-126 versus the Wizards. Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 21 points and Buddy Hield added 17 as Sacramento had seven players score in double figures.

Nuggets embarrassed by one of NBA's worst teams

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos have agreed to acquire cornerback A.J. Bouye from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal can't be processed and the teams cannot comment on it until the NFL's new league year begins March 18.

The fourth-round pick in the deal is the one the Broncos acquired from the San Francisco 49ers at the trade deadline last season for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who helped his new team reach the Super Bowl.

Bouye, who is due $13 million each of the next two seasons, has 14 interceptions in seven NFL seasons in Houston and Jacksonville. He made his only Pro Bowl in 2017.

His acquisition could complicate Chris Harris Jr.'s future. Harris, who served as a mentor to Bouye early in his career when they shared the same agent, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in two weeks.

Harris tweeted his congratulations to Bouye and Chiefs D-back&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mathieu_Era/status/1234960830841659392?s=20">Tyrann Mathieu then tweeted a message to Harris</a>&nbsp;imagining them playing in the same backfield in Kansas City.

Trading Bouye creates another hole for Jacksonville to fill heading into free agency and the draft. The Jaguars traded star cornerback Jalen Ramsey last October and now will have a revamped defensive backfield that includes four players younger than 26 years old: cornerbacks Tre Herndon and Parry Nickerson and safeties Ronnie Harrison and Jarrod Wilson.

Jacksonville surely will draft a cornerback, which is considered one of the positions with the most talent and depth in the draft. The Jags will now have 10 picks, including two first-rounders and two fourth-rounders.

Bouye adds to a growing list of jettisoned players from Jacksonville's dynamic 2017 defense, which helped the team make the AFC championship game. General manager Dave Caldwell traded Ramsey and defensive end Dante Fowler to the Los Angeles Rams in separate deals, cut safety Tashaun Gipson and defensive tackle Malik Jackson to create cap space, and just last week opted not to pick up a team option in defensive tackle Marcell Dareus' contract for 2020.

Associated PressENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos have agreed to acquire cornerback A.J. Bouye from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal can't be processed and the teams cannot comment on it until the NFL's new league year begins March 18.The fourth-round pick in the deal is the one the Broncos acquired from the San Francisco 49ers at the trade deadline last season for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who helped his new team reach the Super Bowl.Bouye, who is due $13 million each of the next two seasons, has 14 interceptions in seven NFL seasons in Houston and Jacksonville. He made his only Pro Bowl in 2017.His acquisition could complicate Chris Harris Jr.'s future. Harris, who served as a mentor to Bouye early in his career when they shared the same agent, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in two weeks.Harris tweeted his congratulations to Bouye and Chiefs D-back&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mathieu_Era/status/1234960830841659392?s=20">Tyrann Mathieu then tweeted a message to Harris</a>&nbsp;imagining them playing in the same backfield in Kansas City.Trading Bouye creates another hole for Jacksonville to fill heading into free agency and the draft. The Jaguars traded star cornerback Jalen Ramsey last October and now will have a revamped defensive backfield that includes four players younger than 26 years old: cornerbacks Tre Herndon and Parry Nickerson and safeties Ronnie Harrison and Jarrod Wilson.Jacksonville surely will draft a cornerback, which is considered one of the positions with the most talent and depth in the draft. The Jags will now have 10 picks, including two first-rounders and two fourth-rounders.Bouye adds to a growing list of jettisoned players from Jacksonville's dynamic 2017 defense, which helped the team make the AFC championship game. General manager Dave Caldwell traded Ramsey and defensive end Dante Fowler to the Los Angeles Rams in separate deals, cut safety Tashaun Gipson and defensive tackle Malik Jackson to create cap space, and just last week opted not to pick up a team option in defensive tackle Marcell Dareus' contract for 2020.Plus, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue posted on social media Monday that he no longer wants to sign a long-term deal to remain in Jacksonville and hopes to force a trade.