Cross County Cougars

Ella Clark shoots a three; she made three of them in the game. PCN photos by Rick Holtz

Ella Clark shoots a three; she made three of them in the game. PCN photos by Rick Holtz

Cougars End Season With Loss to Elkhorn Valley at State

LINCOLN – Cross County met Elkhorn Valley (Tilden/Meadow Grove) at state girls basketball in Lincoln in the first round. Cross County was seeded fifth, with Elkhorn Valley fourth.
Thatcher Hanson goes for three. PCN file photo by Beth Sparrow.

Thatcher Hanson goes for three. PCN file photo by Beth Sparrow.

Cross County Boys’ State Basketball Preview

LINCOLN – The returning C2 third place team returns to Lincoln to try to improve on last year’s performance. It had been years since Cross County made state, but will the losses of last year’s seniors be too much?
Edie Peterson is listed as a player to watch at state basketball

Edie Peterson is listed as a player to watch at state basketball

CLASS C-2: Loaded C-2 field has perennial powers

By Tony Chapman, NSAAHow deep is the 2025 Class C-2 girls basketball field? Unbeaten and 26-0 Elkhorn Valley was able to garner just the fourth-seed via the NSAA power point standings. Only defending champion Yutan has advanced to Lincoln with fewer than 20 wins. Yes, it’s that deep.
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

PCN Athletes of the Week for March 6, 2025

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.
Benji Cooper dribbles between two Kimball defenders. The freshman had a couple timely plays for the Cougars. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Benji Cooper dribbles between two Kimball defenders. The freshman had a couple timely plays for the Cougars. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Hanson’s Career Night Leads Cougars to 2nd Straight State Berth

STROMSBURG – Thatcher Hanson has been one of the top assist leaders among Class C2 players this season with 95, but on Saturday afternoon he was the scorer Cross County’s boys basketball team needed, tallying a career-high 25 points on 10 of 14 field goal shooting during a 74-51 C2-3 district...
Ema Dickey fights a Humphrey Lindsay defender to the basket. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

Ema Dickey fights a Humphrey Lindsay defender to the basket. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

Third Time’s a Defensive Gem; Cougars Beat H-L for C2-6 District Title

STROMSBURG – Down eight points early in the second period, Cross County’s offense kicked into another gear to fast-break its way to 10 straight points during a 1:44 span en route to a 49-44 district C2-6 finals win over Humphrey Lindsay Friday night.The home team’s 24th win in 26 games catapulted...
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. This week there was no way to pick just one.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. This week there was no way to pick just one.

PCN Athletes of the Week for Feb. 27, 2025

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. This week there was no way to pick just one.  Athletes of the Week are brought to you by these fine sponsors.
Adrienne Waller goes up for a basket against Sandy Creek. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Adrienne Waller goes up for a basket against Sandy Creek. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Peterson, Larson Three-Pointers Spark Subdistrict Finals Win

STROMSBURG - For a quarter, the Cross County’s girls basketball team struggled to score offensively, down 6-4 after one quarter, but a last-second three-pointer by Bricelynn Larson just before the half and the long-range shots of Edie Peterson in the third quarter provided the spark for a 39-26...
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

PCN Athletes of the Week for Feb. 20, 2025

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. Athletes of the Week are brought to you by these fine sponsors. Lindee KelleyLindee put in the final free throws against Centennial for their win 45-43.
Five Huskies placed first including (left to right) Collin Vrbka, Eli Fjell, Coy Vrbka, Jett Vrbka and Owen Krafka. PCN photo by Jen Vrbka.

Five Huskies placed first including (left to right) Collin Vrbka, Eli Fjell, Coy Vrbka, Jett Vrbka and Owen Krafka. PCN photo by Jen Vrbka.

CRC WRESTLING

BRAINARD – East Butler hosted conference wrestling again this year, with this year’s addition of Twin River. Centennial was not present this year. Ten teams competed. CRC teams Twin River, Shelby-Rising City, High Plains, Cross County-Osceola, East Butler and Meridian.