The winter sports season in Nebraska will officially come to its close this week with the boys state basketball tournament which begins today at various sites in Lincoln. In the midst of the coronavirus news, the atmosphere of this year’s tournament will be completely different. On Wednesday, the Nebraska School Activities Association accepted the city of Lincoln and Lancaster County Health Department’s recommendation to restrict access to the tournament. The tournament schedule will remain in tact but only “immediate family members” of players and coaches of teams participating will be allowed to attend the games. NSAA executive director Jay Bellar said during a news conference “We do realize that this is the best thing to do.” Patricia Lopez, interim health director for the city on Lincoln health department said she understands the importance of the state tournament. “The reality to not include as many spectators and to limit spectators to immediate family only is to ensure and try to protect public health from the spread of the coronavirus across the state.” According to the Omaha World Herald, the decision comes in light of a Crofton student testing positive for the coronavirus disease after attending the girls state basketball tournament last week.
The Mullen Broncos have advanced to the Class D2 state semifinals. Mullen defeated St. Mary’s of O’Neill in a thriller 51-49. St. Mary’s went to the free throw line with 2 seconds left with a chance to tie the game but could not convert. Bryce McIntosh had a big game with a game high 18 points to lead Mullen. Brendon Walker also finsihed in double figures with 11. The Broncos will play top seed Humphrey St. Francis tomorrow for the right to advance to the state championship game. St. Francis defeated Randolph 57-46. Tomorrow’s semifinal will tip at 2 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. In other D2 action, Falls City Sacred Heart defeated Johnson Brock 45-40
Other opening round matchups today include:
Class A
#1 Bellevue West 55 vs #8 Elkhorn 34
#4 Omaha Westside 74 vs #5 Creighton Prep 70
#2 Millard North 62 vs #7 Papillion La-Vista South 60
#3 Omaha Central vs #6 Omaha South
Class B
#1 Omaha Skutt Catholic 66 vs #8 Norris 58
#4 Wahoo 50 vs #5 Elkhorn Mt. Michael 76
#2 Scottsbluff 53 vs #7 Alliance 38
#3 Hastings vs #6 Omaha Roncalli
Class C1
#1 Adams Central 65 vs #8 St. Paul 42
#4 Ogallala 65 vs #5 Kearney Catholic 62
#2 Auburn 54 vs #7 Ashland-Greenwood 48
#3 Lincoln Christian 44 vs #6 Wayne 38
Class C2
#1 GICC 41 vs #8 Palmyra 38
#4 Yutan 63 vs #5 Ponca 56 (2OT)
#2 BRLD 71 vs #7 Doniphan-Trumbull 46
#3 Sutton vs #6 Centennial
Class D1
#1 North Platte St. Pat’s 57 vs #8 Pleasanton 48 (OT)
#4 Laurel Concord Coleridge 75 vs #5 Paxton 47
#2 Humphrey Lindsay Holy Family 71 vs #7 Fullerton 53
#3 Osmond 48 vs #6 Southern Valley 50
