Six of twelve state championship games were played Friday at the 2022 NSAA girls and boys state basketball championships. North Platte St. Pat’s claimed the Class D1 boys state title today as they knocked off Loomis in the championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln 65-57. It’s been a long time since St. Pat’s hoisted the championship trophy as the Irish last won a state championship in 1928. St. Pat’s was led by Brecken Erickson who had a team high 19 points and Jack Heiss finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Loomis was led by their two outstanding senior guards as Quinn Johnson finished with 20 points and Shay Swanson finished with 18.
The Class C1 girls championship game had to go to overtime to crown a champion. North Bend Central held Lincoln Lutheran scoreless in overtime and Central’s Josie Cleveringa hit a three and made a free throw for all of North Bend’s points in overtime as the Tigers claimed their 3rd straight state title with a 35-31 victory. Kaitlyn Emanuel led North Bend Central with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Lincoln Lutheran was led by Shanae Bergt who had a team high 13 points.
Omaha Roncalli defeated Omaha Skutt for the Class B boys championship 52-37. Roncalli shot 48% from the field while Skutt managed just 28%. It was Roncalli’s second state title and first since 1996.
Humphrey Lindsay Holy Family edged GICC for the Class C2 boys title 43-42. GICC had a chance to win it in the final seconds but Gil Jengmer missed a jumper with 3 seconds left. Holy Family shot just 34% from the field compared to 52% for the Crusaders but were 17/22 from the free throw line while GICC was just 7/17 from the line.
The Class A girls championship went to Fremont as they held off Lincoln Southwest 37-32 and the Class D2 title was claimed by Falls City Sacred Heart as the Lady Irish held off Humphrey St. Francis 43-33
State tournament consolation games
Class C2 girls
Oakland Craig 60, Crofton 57
Class C1 boys
Kearney Catholic 79, Fort Calhoun 65
Class D2 boys
Falls City Sacred Heart 63, Osceola 40
Class D1 girls
Bergan 60, Hartington CC 39
