High Plains Storm

High Plains senior Brodey Spurling won the triple jump and finished third in the long jump at the Merrick County Invite on Tuesday. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

High Plains senior Brodey Spurling won the triple jump and finished third in the long jump at the Merrick County Invite on Tuesday. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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Cougars and Storm Join 10-Team Field at Merrick County Track and Field Invite

Ken Kush
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
CENTRAL CITY- The weatherman provided great weather on Tuesday as 10 girls and boys teams gathered in Central City for the Merrick County Invite.No team scores were kept as all of the teams were getting their first taste of outdoor action after indoor meets last weekend.
Members of the High Plains golf team are, (left to right)-Caleb Dubas, Jacob Lesiak, Chase Owens, Kyler Hans and Leland Pike. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

Members of the High Plains golf team are, (left to right)-Caleb Dubas, Jacob Lesiak, Chase Owens, Kyler Hans and Leland Pike. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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High Plains Golf Preview

Ken Kush
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
POLK- The High Plains Storm boys golf team is five members strong and you need four individual scores to place at a tournament.The Storm will have one senior, three juniors and one freshman on the team this season.
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.

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PCN Athletes of the Week for March 5, 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
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.
High Plains senior Dakota Gress pins Summerland’s Lilly Kester at the Nebraska Girls State Wrestling Tournament. Dakota went on to a fifth place finish at Class B 125 pounds. PCN photo by Travis Lane.

High Plains senior Dakota Gress pins Summerland’s Lilly Kester at the Nebraska Girls State Wrestling Tournament. Dakota went on to a fifth place finish at Class B 125 pounds. PCN photo by Travis Lane.

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DAKOTA GRESS BRINGS BACK MEDAL TO HIGH PLAINS

Ken Kush
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
OMAHA- The highest finish of the state tournament by an area girl wrestler was turned in by Storm senior Dakota Gress who took home fifth place at 125 pounds in Class B.Dakota opened with an 11-0 MD over Wayne’s Ayvree Abler, but lost to state champion Felycia Kerman in an ultimate tie-breaker 6-2.
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.

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PCN Athletes of the Week for Feb. 19

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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. SRC HUSKIES WRESTLINGThe Shelby-RC Huskies hosted the D-3 District Wrestling Meet on both Friday and Saturday.
Storm senior Gahvi Lesiak (5) releases the mid-range jumper in the win over Osceola. Lesiak scored 28 against the Bulldogs and 21 in the win over BDS. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

Storm senior Gahvi Lesiak (5) releases the mid-range jumper in the win over Osceola. Lesiak scored 28 against the Bulldogs and 21 in the win over BDS. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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High Plains Offense Clicked in Wins Over Osceola and BDS

Ken Kush
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
OSCEOLA- With just two games remaining on the regular season schedule for the High Plains Storm girls basketball team, including Tuesday night’s road contest at Osceola for the first of two CRC games this week, the Storm were looking for a signature win to build momentum for the post-season which...
Cross County sophomore Olive Peterson eyes the basket on her way to a game-high 19 points in the teams win over High Plains this past Saturday. PCN photo by Rick Holtz

Cross County sophomore Olive Peterson eyes the basket on her way to a game-high 19 points in the teams win over High Plains this past Saturday. PCN photo by Rick Holtz

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Peterson sisters combine for 36 points in 55-39 Cougar win

Craig Pinley
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
POLK – Olive Peterson scored 19 points and sister Eden added 17 more as Cross County extended its win streak to five games with a 55-39 win at High Plains Saturday night.Olive Peterson tallied 12 of her points in the first half as the Cougars (16-6) took a 28-17 lead into the break.
Sawyer Anderson puts up the jumper in the win over High Plains on Saturday. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

Sawyer Anderson puts up the jumper in the win over High Plains on Saturday. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

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Cougars Pick up Wins Over Knights and Storm

Craig Pinley
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
POLK – Benji Cooper finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds and Sawyer Anderson and Colter Larson added 11 points apiece as Cross County beat host High Plains 71-44 Saturday night to move to 15-3 on the season.