Sports

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

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

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Cross County Boys’ State Basketball Preview

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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? Time will tell.
Front Row: Axel Vapenik, Brad Lott, James Keilig, Benji Cooper, Colter Larson, Eli Greenwall, Benson Seim, Gabe Nuttelman, Cannen Mooney, Devin Lonsdale and Gunner David. Back Row: Briar Crawford, Abe Peterson, Coach Chatrice White, Jacob Smith, Talon Carter, Thatcher Hanson, Brock Allen, Wyatt Hengelfelt, Kole Crawford, Langdon Arbuck, Sawyer Anderson, Carson Schaefer, Coach Bob Waltman and Coach Jimmy Blex. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Front Row: Axel Vapenik, Brad Lott, James Keilig, Benji Cooper, Colter Larson, Eli Greenwall, Benson Seim, Gabe Nuttelman, Cannen Mooney, Devin Lonsdale and Gunner David. Back Row: Briar Crawford, Abe Peterson, Coach Chatrice White, Jacob Smith, Talon Carter, Thatcher Hanson, Brock Allen, Wyatt Hengelfelt, Kole Crawford, Langdon Arbuck, Sawyer Anderson, Carson Schaefer, Coach Bob Waltman and Coach Jimmy Blex. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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GOOD LUCK

News Staff
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
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.

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PCN Athletes of the Week for March 6, 2025

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.
Rylee Ackerson takes the ball to the basket. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Rylee Ackerson takes the ball to the basket. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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High Plains Girls End Season with District Loss

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
SUPERIOR – The Storm traveled to Superior for districts. The Storm lost 73-33 to the fourth seeded team.Peyton Hofmann started the scoring for the Storm, followed by Courtney Carlstrom with a three. Superior got on a roll also, and it was 11-5 Wildcats.
Kelby Neujahr tries to get past a Mustang defender to the basket. PCN photo by Blaine Winslow.

Kelby Neujahr tries to get past a Mustang defender to the basket. PCN photo by Blaine Winslow.

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Osceola Boys Win Over Deshler and Lose Nail-Biter to Mustangs

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
McCOOL JUNCTION – Osceola’s subdistrict took them to McCool to face Deshler, who they beat 65-55 on Tuesday. Thursday they faced McCool Junction and lost after a hard-fought game.Osceola 65, Deshler 55Deshler started out hot, but Osceola did force a couple turnovers. Early on it was 6-4 Deshler.
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.

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

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
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.

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

Craig Pinley
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
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.
Blake Schmidt takes the ball up for layup. PCN file photo by Beth Sparrow.

Blake Schmidt takes the ball up for layup. PCN file photo by Beth Sparrow.

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Shelby-Rising City Finishes Season in Subs

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
YUTAN – After their win over Cornerstone Christian, Shelby- Rising City faced Yutan. The Huskies lost to Yutan 53-22.Pokorney got the Huskies on the board first with a bucket, but the Cheiftains followed. Blake Schmidt added a basket followed by Yutan.
Brodey Spurling tries to put one in against a Warrior. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

Brodey Spurling tries to put one in against a Warrior. PCN photo by Rick Holtz.

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HPC Boys End Season at Subs

Rick Holtz
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
HUMPHREY— The Storm saw their season end last week in the semifinal of the D2-3 Sub-District at Archangels Catholic.Class D-2 No. 7 Fullerton used a 25-point third quarter to take control of the contest with No. 10 High Plains.