Sports

Osceola junior Bella Recker (24) put the Bulldogs on her back on Saturday, scoring 26 points and leading the Bulldogs to the 50-45 win over Twin River. PCN photo by Blaine Winslow

Osceola junior Bella Recker (24) put the Bulldogs on her back on Saturday, scoring 26 points and leading the Bulldogs to the 50-45 win over Twin River. PCN photo by Blaine Winslow

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Recker’s 26 points helps Osceola edge Titans

Craig Pinley
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
OSCEOLA – With one starter out with an injury and another rotation player ill, junior post player Bella Recker’s versatility came into clear focus Saturday for the Osceola girls basketball team during a 50-45 home win over Twin River.
SRC’s Noah Thelen scores on the drive at Centennial. Thelen scored seven points including the wining free throws. Thelen scored 24 in a loss at Nebraska Lutheran. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

SRC’s Noah Thelen scores on the drive at Centennial. Thelen scored seven points including the wining free throws. Thelen scored 24 in a loss at Nebraska Lutheran. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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Huskies Win Last Second Game Over Broncos

Beth Sparrow
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
UTICA - In an exciting finish, the Husky boys won over Centennial 51-50 thanks to Noah Thelen hitting two free throws with two seconds left.It was a close game the entire way, although the Huskies held the lead most of the time.
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. 15, 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 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 gets her hand raised after defeating Aurora’s Di Maria Leininger for her 100th career win on Thursday. Dakota finished second overall at 135 pounds. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

High Plains senior Dakota Gress gets her hand raised after defeating Aurora’s Di Maria Leininger for her 100th career win on Thursday. Dakota finished second overall at 135 pounds. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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56TH ANNUAL NORM MANSTEDT WRESTLING INVITATIONAL

Ken Kush
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
COLUMBUS- The Norm Manstedt Girls Invitational drew 67 teams from across Nebraska to the Columbus Fieldhouse located near Columbus High School on Thursday.Teams from both Class A and Class B competed on 10 mats and the Class A portion went to Norfolk who racked up 200.
Top-Makayo Confer of High Plains is shown in action at the Norm Manstedt Invite. Confer scored four of the team’s six points.

Top-Makayo Confer of High Plains is shown in action at the Norm Manstedt Invite. Confer scored four of the team’s six points.

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STORM GRAPPLERS ONLY LOCAL TEAM TO COMPETE AT MANSTEDT INVITE

Ken Kush
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
COLUMBUS- Some of the top wrestlers in the state were in action over the weekend at the two-day Norm Manstedt Invite held at the Columbus Fieldhouse.A total of 33 teams made the to Platte County and Columbus Discoverers won the team title with 253.5 points, followed by Lincoln East with 230.
SRC Tops Meridian/ Suffers Tough Loss at Riverside

SRC Tops Meridian/ Suffers Tough Loss at Riverside

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SRC Tops Meridian/ Suffers Tough Loss at Riverside

Ken Kush
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
SHELBY- A two-game weekend stint left the Shelby-RC Huskies a game above the .500 mark at 6-5 as they lost a close road battle with Riverside 42-38 and returned home less than 24-hours later and walloped Meridian in Crossroads Conference action 57-18.
The Shelby-RC Huskies dominated the Tri-County Duals as three wrestlers went undefeated over the two-days. The Huskies improved to 11-0-1 in duals this year. Photo provided.

The Shelby-RC Huskies dominated the Tri-County Duals as three wrestlers went undefeated over the two-days. The Huskies improved to 11-0-1 in duals this year. Photo provided.

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Huskies Dominate Tri-County Duals

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
DEWITT- The Shelby-RC Huskies went 9-0 at the two-day Tri-County Duals Meet at Tri-County High School.Shelby-RC who has yet to have their entire team wrestle this season, did get a key component back as Owen Krafka returned to competition for the first time this year.
Cougar senior Edie Peterson drives around the Sutton defense in last Thursday night’s game. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Cougar senior Edie Peterson drives around the Sutton defense in last Thursday night’s game. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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Cougar’s Struggle In Losses to Sutton and Oakland-Craig

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
SUTTON - Sutton is stacked with talent, and came away with a big win against the Cougars, 69-19.The Fillies got off to an early lead, hitting shots left and right and stealing the ball often. The Cougars had a trey from Kelsey Brehm, who had 5 of their 9 points in the first quarter.
Cross County Boys Basketball Climbs to No. 6 in Nebraska Prep Rankings

Cross County Boys Basketball Climbs to No. 6 in Nebraska Prep Rankings

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Cross County Boys Basketball Climbs to No. 6 in Nebraska Prep Rankings

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
SUTTON - Cross County got off to an early start, and came home with the win over the Mustangs 61-48.The early start was thanks in part to Benson Seim hitting three treys in the first quarter for nine of the Cougars’ 18 points. Sutton’s Myles Smith had five of Sutton’s 12 points in the first quarter.