Ansley/Litchfield fell to North Platte St. Pat’s Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Class D1 boys state basketball tournament. St. Pat’s led from start to finish as the Irish jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead. The Spartans fought back to within 9-7 but St. Pat’s would get the lead back up to 9 at the half. Ansley/Litchfield tried to stay within striking distance but just could never get over the hump as St. Pat’s held on for a 59-47 victory. A/L was led by Jeff Cunningham who had a team high 15 points and Caden Holm also finished in double figures for the Spartans with 11. Jack Heiss of North Platte St. Pat’s led all scorers with a game high 27. Ansley/Litchfield concludes the season at 20-5. St. Pat’s advances to the semifinals where they will face Humphrey Lindsay Holy Family as Holy Family got by Southern Valley 49-43. The other D1 semifinal Thursday will feature top seed Burwell against Howells Dodge. Burwell improved to 25-0 by defeating Central Valley 53-45. The Longhorns outscored Central Valley 18-2 in the 2nd quarter to take control. Burwell was led by Dillon Critel who had a team high 18 points. Howells Dodge defeated Walthill Thursday 68-49.
Mullen fell just short in their bid to make the Class D2 semifinals as the Broncos dropped a heartbreaker to defending state champion Falls City Sacred Heart Wednesday. Mullen built an 11 point lead at half but saw Sacred Heart come back to tie the game 47-47 and then take the lead in the final seconds to walk away with a 49-47 win. Clayton Moore led the way for Mullen with a team high 20 points as the Broncos conclude their season at 23-4. Sacred Heart will face Humphrey St. Francis in the semis as St. Francis defeated Wynot 49-41. In other D2 action, St. Mary’s defeated Osceola 62-50 and Parkview Christian defeated Loomis 71-54.
Other state tournament scores from Wednesday
Class B
Waverly 41, Omaha Skutt 40
Beatrice 49, Mount Michael 39
Class C1
Auburn 51, Pierce 28
Concordia 66, Milford 54
Wayne 59, Kearney Catholic 52
Adams Central 63, St. Paul 56 (OT)
Class C2
GICC 58, Tri County 29
Hartington CC 40, Freeman 37
Yutan 63, Chase County 43
BRLD 59, Bridgeport 43
