SEM begins play today at the Class D1 girls state basketball tournament in Lincoln. The Mustangs qualified for the state tournament with a 70-56 win over Alma in the D1-6 district final last Friday. SEM trailed 47-42 going into the fourth quarter but outscored Alma 28-9 in the final eight minutes to secure the win. Mikah O’Neill scored 26 points, including 14 in the 4th quarter, in SEM’s district final. O’Neill leads the team in scoring this season averaging 17 points per game. SEM head coach John Rohde visited with Central Nebraska’s Sports Source this week as the Lady Mustangs prepare for the state tournament. When asked what has been the biggest improvement from the beginning of the season to now, the coach said the way bench players have improved which has created more competitive practices and has made everyone better.
SEM will face top seed Ravenna today in the state quarterfinals. The Bluejays are 24-2 on the season and are led by Tori Sklenar who averages 18 points per game. Coach Rohde said it will be key for SEM to defend the 3 but not allow shooters to get around the defense and have a free lane to the basket.
The winner of today’s game will advance to the D1 state semifinals on Friday. Today’s game will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and on kbbn.com. Tip off for the game is scheduled for 9 a.m.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH SEM COACH JOHN ROHDE
