The first Nebraska Girls Basketball Showcase took place Saturday at the Indian Gym in Broken Bow. The event was spearheaded by Broken Bow girls basketball coach Kelly Cooksley to put the spotlight on girls basketball in the state of Nebraska and the spotlight certainly shined bright. Four games were played with all four delivering excitement and tense competition.
Game one featured Pleasanton against Adams Central. Pleasanton, top ranked in Class D1, entered with a 40 game winning streak and moved up in class to face Class C1 top ten ranked Adams Central. Pleasanton overcame a 13 point 2nd half deficit to tie the game late at 46. After Adams Central went up 48-46, Pleasanton had a chance to tie the game at the free throw line with 1.8 seconds remaining but could not convert as Adams Central held on for the two point win. Libby Trausch had a game high 18 points for AC while Pleasanton was led by Kaci Pierce who had a team high 15.
Game two featured North Central out of Class C2 against undefeated and Class C1 top ten ranked Malcolm. It was a tight tough defensive battle that went to overtime with Malcolm escaping with a 33-32 win. Malcolm was led by Alyssa Fortik who had a game high 13 while North Central was led by Hunter Wiebelhaus who finished with a team high 10.
Game three saw Class D2 Mullen face Class C1 Louisville. Mullen led by only two going into the fourth quarter but outscored Louisville 21-6 in final eight minutes to collect a 44-27 win. The Lady Broncos were led by Samantha Moore who scored 18 of her game high 21 points in the second half and had 13 in Mullen’s big fourth quarter run. Louisville was led by McKenzie Norris who had a team high 10.
In the final game of the night, Broken Bow would improve to 12-0 on the season as the Lady Indians held off Oakland Craig 50-37. Kya Scott had a big night for Bow knocking down four 3’s and finishing with a game high 19 points. Kali Staples had a big first half for Broken Bow as she scored 11 in the half and finished with 13.
Broken Bow head coach Kelly Cooksley told KCNI/KBBN Sports that plans are already being made to continue the event next season.
Here’s a look at highlights from all four matchups on Saturday!
