Sports

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. This week we break from the norm to recognize two state champions.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. This week we break from the norm to recognize two state champions.

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PCN Athletes of the Week for Feb. 26, 2026

Coy Vrbka
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. This week we break from the norm to recognize two state champions. Athletes of the Week are brought to you by these fine sponsors.
Cross County head coach Mitch Boshart meets with the team just before the tip against Central City in early January. Boshart and company hits the road to Greeley and Central Valley High School for the D1-6 District final on Friday. PCN file photo by Ken Kush

Cross County head coach Mitch Boshart meets with the team just before the tip against Central City in early January. Boshart and company hits the road to Greeley and Central Valley High School for the D1-6 District final on Friday. PCN file photo by Ken Kush

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C2-6 District Final: Cross County at Central Valley

Ken Kush
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
GREELEY- Making the district basketball finals is no stranger to the Cross County Girls basketball team.The last four out of five years the Cougars have been in the district finals, however only one of those years, in 20212022 did they have to travel.
Junior Bella Recker (left) scored 23 points, but Edie Peterson (right) and the Cross County Cougars survived a 53-49 final to the D1-3 finals last Tuesday in Howells. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

Junior Bella Recker (left) scored 23 points, but Edie Peterson (right) and the Cross County Cougars survived a 53-49 final to the D1-3 finals last Tuesday in Howells. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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Osceola’s Bid To Extend Season Comes Up Short

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
HOWELLS- A Polk County showdown between Osceola and Cross County took place in Howells, 75 miles north in Colfax County on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the D1-3 girls subdistrict basketball tournament.
Storm Gets Past Elba, Lose Final to Archangels Catholic

Storm Gets Past Elba, Lose Final to Archangels Catholic

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Storm Gets Past Elba, Lose Final to Archangels Catholic

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
HUMPHREY – Tuesday night High Plains took on Elba for the second time this season. They squeezed out the win 51-43.Then they were supposed to play Archangels Catholic (formerly Humphrey St. Francis) on Thursday. There was a snow delay, and the game was moved to Friday night. High Plains lost 63-27.
SRC junior Noah Thelen knocked down six first half three-pointers and finished with 33 points as the Huskies advanced in the C2-2 tournament with an 86-78 OT win over Tekamah-Herman. PCN photo by Ken Kush

SRC junior Noah Thelen knocked down six first half three-pointers and finished with 33 points as the Huskies advanced in the C2-2 tournament with an 86-78 OT win over Tekamah-Herman. PCN photo by Ken Kush

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Huskies and Tigers Put on Shooting Clinic

Ken Kush
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
FREMONT- It was an offensive explosion as the Tekamah- Herman Tigers and the Shelby-RC Huskies put on a shooting clinic in the opening game of the C2-2 Boys subdistrict basketball tournament at Bergen High School.The winner to get No. 1 Fremont Bergan in the semifinals.
.When it was all over, Coy Vrbka (left) and Eli Fjell (right) shared a moment and congratulated each other for winning state championships. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

.When it was all over, Coy Vrbka (left) and Eli Fjell (right) shared a moment and congratulated each other for winning state championships. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONS: Fjell & Vrbka, Best Friends Bring Home Gold

Ken Kush
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
OMAHA-They came to the state tournament wearing matching t-shirts and left wearing matching gold medals, as Shelby- RC seniors Eli Fjell and Coy Vrbka, best friends for as long as they can remember capped their high school careers on top of the podium in their respective weight brackets at the CHI...
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.
Cougars go 1-1, top Centennial, fall short at East Butler

Cougars go 1-1, top Centennial, fall short at East Butler

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Cougars go 1-1, top Centennial, fall short at East Butler

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
BRAINARD - The Husker mens basketball team didn’t have the only close game Tuesday night, but Tiger and Cougar fans did come together at half time for that game. The Cougars led at half, but couldn’t hold on and the Tigers won 59-53.