High Plains Storm

LEFT: Carson Swedenburg (HPC) goes up for a basket while Blake Schmidt (SRC) defends. MIDDLE LEFT: Dalton Pokorney (SRC) makes a move to the post on his way to 2 of his 25 points. MIDDLE RIGHT: Ayden Hans hit the buzzer-beater to give the Storm the win. RIGHT: Noah Thelen looks to find an open teammate. PCN photos by Rick Holtz

LEFT: Carson Swedenburg (HPC) goes up for a basket while Blake Schmidt (SRC) defends. MIDDLE LEFT: Dalton Pokorney (SRC) makes a move to the post on his way to 2 of his 25 points. MIDDLE RIGHT: Ayden Hans hit the buzzer-beater to give the Storm the win. RIGHT: Noah Thelen looks to find an open teammate. PCN photos by Rick Holtz

For Subscribers

Hans’ Game-Winner Lifts Storm Over Huskies

Rick Holtz
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
SHELBY — Ayden Hans has ice in his veins.The Storm senior broke a 51-all tie at the buzzer to give High Plains a 54-51 win over Shelby-Rising City on Friday. Hans scored 8 of his team-high 16 points in the final quarter as the Storm came from behind against the Huskies.
LEFT: Leah Whitmore (SRC) dribbles around Allie Howell (HPC). MIDDLE LEFT: Allie Howell finished with 5 points for the Storm. MIDDLE RIGHT: Kaleigh Ruth goes up for 2 of her 5 points. RIGHT: Courtney Carlstrom dribbles around the Husky defense. PCN photos by Rick Holtz

LEFT: Leah Whitmore (SRC) dribbles around Allie Howell (HPC). MIDDLE LEFT: Allie Howell finished with 5 points for the Storm. MIDDLE RIGHT: Kaleigh Ruth goes up for 2 of her 5 points. RIGHT: Courtney Carlstrom dribbles around the Husky defense. PCN photos by Rick Holtz

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Lady Storm Top Huskies in County Battle

Rick Holtz
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
SHELBY — High Plains held off a late Shelby-Rising City run to hold on for a 35-32 win on Friday.Rylee Ackerson scored 4 of her 5 points in the final 3:26 of the fourth quarter to keep the Storm ahead of the Huskies. Shelby-Rising City connected on just 2-of-9 free throws in the final quarter.
Three HPC senior wrestlers took first place at Pleasanton: Gage Friesen, Hudson Urkoski and Caleb Sharman. Photo provided.

Three HPC senior wrestlers took first place at Pleasanton: Gage Friesen, Hudson Urkoski and Caleb Sharman. Photo provided.

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Three Storm Grapplers Place in Pleasanton

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
PLEASANTON – High Plains boys wrestled at Pleasanton on Saturday. They placed sixth with six wrestlers total. Three took first place. A total of 25 teams were at the meet.Seniors Hudson Urkoski, Gage Friesen and Caleb Sharman all placed first.
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 Jan. 2, 2025

News Staff
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.Edie PetersonEdie Peterson had 23 points, shot 50% (making 5 of 10) on three pointers and hit all 4 of her free throws for Cross County against Wood River.
Carter Urkoski (HPC) fights Brody Johnson (EB, 6’11) for the rebound. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Carter Urkoski (HPC) fights Brody Johnson (EB, 6’11) for the rebound. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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Storm Boys Place 2nd at East Butler

Beth Sparrow
Monday, December 30, 2024
BRAINARD – The Storm went to East Butler for their annual holiday tournament. Friday they faced Walthill in a rematch of district finals from last spring. This time High Plains won 75-57. Saturday they played in the tournament against fourth ranked in Class D1, East Butler.
Ayden Hans puts the ball up against Nebraska Christian. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Ayden Hans puts the ball up against Nebraska Christian. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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Storm Ups Offense, Thanks to Hans, Urkoski

Craig Pinley
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
POLK – Ayden Hans and Carter Urkoski have shown offensive skills for High Plains boys basketball before, but usually it’s one or the other doing the high scoring.
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.

For Subscribers

PCN Athletes of the Week for Dec. 19, 2024

News Staff
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.Bella ReckerBella had a double-double against East Butler with 17 points and 10 rebounds. She also had 3 steals in their win.
Gahvi Lesiak dribbles the ball down the court. PCN file photo by Rick Holtz.

Gahvi Lesiak dribbles the ball down the court. PCN file photo by Rick Holtz.

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Lady Storm Can’t Hold On in OT Against Mustangs

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
MCCOOL JUNCTION - The Lady Storm started well against the Lady Mustangs, but ended up with a disappointing overtime loss 54-49.In the first quarter, it was Gahvi Lesiak and Emma Brown doing all the scoring with Lesiak with 7 and Brown 9. Lesiak got 4 of her 10 steals this quarter also.
Raul Marino takes the ball to the basket past some Fullerton defenders. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

Raul Marino takes the ball to the basket past some Fullerton defenders. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

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Storm Win over Red Hornets and Can’t Hold Off the Warriors

Rick Holtz
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
GRAND ISLAND - High Plains got their first win on the road against the Heartland Lutheran Red Hornets. They won 60-35.HPC 14, 17, 20, 9 = 60 HL 7, 6, 7, 15 = 35 Stats were not available at press time.FULLERTON — High Plains could not hold off a hot shooting Fullerton team on Saturday.