The 2021 NSAA boys state basketball championships continue today in Lincoln. Opening round games will be played today in Classes B, C1, C2, D1, D2. Ansley/Litchfield will be making its first state appearance as a cooperative sports program. Ansley last appeared at the boys state tournament in 1999 and Litchfield last appeared in 2009. The Spartans are 20-4 this season and advanced to the boys state tournament by claiming the D1-6 district championship with a 39-30 victory over Lourdes Central Catholic. Matt Drew is the head coach of Ansley/Litchfield and he told KCNI/KBBN Sports that it was somewhat of a relief to get through the district final and it has been great to see the excitement that the team’s achievement has brought to the schools and communities.
Ansley/Litchfield is the #6 seed in the D1 tournament and will matchup today against the #3 seed North Platte St. Pat’s. The Irish enter the tournament at 21-5 on the season. Coach Drew talked about the challenges that St. Pat’s will present and the keys for Ansley/Litchfield to be successful.
Today’s game between Ansley/Litchfield and North Platte St. Pat’s is scheduled to tip off at 6:30 pm at Lincoln Southeast with the winner advancing to Thursday’s semifinals to face the winner of Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family vs Southern Valley. In other D1 action, top seed and undefeated Burwell faces Central Valley with the winner advancing to play the winner of Howells/Dodge vs Walthill.
Mullen is making their second straight appearance at the state tournament and their fourth in the last five years. Mullen is 23-3 this season and advanced to the state tournament by winning the D2-1 district championship with a 67-29 win over Hay Springs. KCNI/KBBN Sports visited with Mullen head coach Brad Wright who said that after being bounced by Humphrey St. Francis in the semifinals last season the team was motivated to get back to the state tournament. Coach Wright said that “patience” is one area that he has seen is team grow in during the year.
Mullen will get the defending D2 state champion Falls City Sacred Heart in the opening round today. Coach Wright talked about the Irish and what he considers to be the keys for his team to be successful.
Today’s game between Mullen and Sacred Heart is scheduled to tip off at 4 pm from Lincoln East high school. The winner will advance out to the semifinals and face the winner of Humphrey St. Francis and Wynot.
All Mullen and Ansley/Litchfield games during the boys state tournament will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and on the web at kbbn.com
