The NSAA boys state basketball tournament continued Thursday with state quarterfinal games played in classes B, C1, and D1.
In Class C1, undefeated and top seed Ogallala moved into the semifinals with a dominant 77-43 win over #8 seed Syracuse. Ogallala took control of the game early and led 39-15 at halftime. Ogallala had five players finish in double figures led by Sawyer Smith who scored a game high 23. Ogallala will face Douglas County West in Friday’s semifinal round. DC West held off GICC 49-41 to advance. On the other side of the C1 bracket, #2 seed Ashland-Greenwood advanced to the semifinals with a 65-53 win over Lincoln Christian. Ashland-Greenwood will face Auburn in the semifinals. Auburn and Gothenburg went to overtime to determine a winner. Auburn scored with 13 seconds left in OT to take the lead at 41-40. Gothenburg had the ball with a chance to win but a last second shot was no good as Auburn held on for the victory. Gothenburg was led in scoring by Bryson Neels who finished with a team high 12 points. The Swedes end the season with a record of 20-7.
In Class D1, top seed Howells-Dodge advanced to the semifinals with a 57-37 win over Fullerton. Howells-Dodge will face Elm Creek in the semis. Elm Creek advanced with a 55-46 win over North Platte St. Pat’s. On the other side of the D1 bracket, Lutheran High Northeast defeated Mead, in overtime, 47-44 and McCool Junction knocked off East Butler 55-50.
Opening round tournament games in Class B took place on Thursday. Top seed Omaha Skutt advanced with a 51-41 win over Lincoln Pius X. Skutt will face Elkhorn North in the semifinals. Elkhorn North advanced with a 66-39 win over Wahoo. On the other side of the Class B bracket, Norris defeated Bennington 63-55 and Scottsbluff defeated Gretna East 76-53.
Semifinal games in all classes will take place today in Lincoln.
