It was an exciting start to the MNAC boys basketball tournament Monday as quarterfinal games were played in Thedford and Callaway. In Thedford, #3 seed Twin Loup took on the #6 seed Anselmo-Merna in the first game of the night. Twin Loup built a 37-27 lead in the third quarter but saw AM fight back. The teams went back and forth down the stretch to create a thrilling ending. With just under 10 seconds remaining in the game, Anselmo-Merna’s Quinten Myers hit a step back three to tie the game at 44-44. Not to be outdone, Twin Loup’s Quincy Ryker launched a three from the corner with 2 seconds remaining which caught nothing but net and sent Twin Loup into the MNAC semifinals 47-44. Ryker was the leading scorer for Twin Loup with 18 points. Luqman Harris finished with 16 for the Wolves. Anselmo-Merna had three players finish in double figures led by Colin Cooksley who had a game high 21 points. Quinten Myers finished with 11 and Dane Duryea had 10. Twin Loup will face Sandhills/Thedford in the semifinals. The #2 seed Knights pulled away in the third quarter to win 65- 32 over Arthur County. Kyle Cox scored 12 of his game high 22 points in the third. Also finishing in double figures for S/T were Aydyn Hall with 14, Maurice Robinson had 12 points, and Brady Dahlberg finished with 10.
In Callaway, the opening game was tight with #5 seed Sandhills Valley holding off #4 Mullen 35-33. The game was tight throughout but the Mavericks were able to secure the win in the end. Sandhills Valley was led by Braden Powell who had a team high nine points. Kyle Finney had nine to help lead Mullen. Sandhills Valley will face top seed South Loup in the semifinal round. The Bobcats defeated Brady 66-38. Eleven players scored for South Loup led by Cache Gracey who had a game high 17 points.
Play continues Tuesday at the MNAC tournament with the girls quarterfinals. Games will be played in Dunning and Brady. Games in Dunning begin with Twin Loup vs Anselmo-Merna at 5:30 followed by the top seed Sandhills/Thedford vs Sandhills Valley. Quarterfinal games in Dunning will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and kbbn.com. A live video stream of the games, accompanied by the radio call will also be available on the Sandhills Express Facebook Page and You Tube Channel. Other quarterfinal games will take place in Brady where Arthur County will play Mullen at 5:30 followed by the #2 seed Brady facing off against South Loup.
