The 2016-17 winter sports season was an incredible season across the area. Athletes all across Antelope, Boone, Knox and Holt counties put on a show week in and week out on their way to various records, state finishes and incredible performances.
With that, we are proud to announce the 2016-17 Local County News All-Area Teams for winter sports. 25 of the top girls and boys basketball players, as well as 22 of the top wrestlers proved themselves as elite among their peers each week. It’s never easy narrowing down so many athletes to such a small list but thanks to some help from area coaches, everyone on these lists are deserving of the accolades they have received. Girls Basketball On the court, Boone County was represented by two senior girls and a talented freshman in 2016-17. Kalie Bloom, Sr., Riverside: Bloom was the focal point of the Riverside attack on the year. The senior finished with 9.8 points per game, 3.1 assists per game and an impressive 2.8 steals per game. Lauren Hedlund, Fr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: Hedlund's strong freshman year should have Cardinals fans excited for the future. The young star put up 9.1 points per game, pulled in six rebounds a game and dished out 2.1 assists per game. Tessa Hedlund, Sr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: The center of the Cardinal offense, Hedlund finished among the area leaders in both scoring and assists with 10.4 points per game and 2.3 assists per game. Boys Basketball On the boys side of things, Boone County's list is full of talented shooters, including three from the county's state-qualifying squad. Joseph Bloom, So., Riverside: At 6'5", Bloom has a rare combination of height and athleticism in D2. He was a terror inside offensively and defensively all year. He finished with seven double-doubles on his way to 7.7 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game. Jonah Micek, Sr., St. Edward: Few players in the area may have meant for to their team than Micek. The senior did a little bit of everything for the Beavers, scoring 19.9 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game, two blocks per game and three assists per game. Tredyn Prososki, Fr., Riverside: Prososki was the definition of elite from the field. No player in the state made more 3-pointers than Prososki's 112. That incredible number helped him finish the year at 19.6 points per game. Jessie Sullivan, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: Sullivan was impressive from the floor all year, shooting 56.6 percent for the Cardinals. He led the way with 13.8 points per game and seven rebounds per game. Noah Valasek, Sr., Riverside: While Riverside certainly wasn't hurting for playmakers in '16-17, it was Valasek that ran the show. The gifted senior filled the stat sheet every night for the state-qualifying Chargers with 21.6 points per game, five rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game and 3.2 steals per game. Complete All-Area Lists The full all-area list, including athletes from Holt, Boone and Knox counties, is below, listed alphabetically: Girls Basketball Monica Arens, Sr., Crofton: 19.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG Payton Birkel, Jr., O’Neill: 11 PPG, 2 SPG Kalie Bloom, Sr., Riverside: 9.8 PPG, 3.1 APG, 2.8 SPG Hattie Blumenstock, Sr., St. Mary’s: 13.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG Amber Bruegman, Sr., Bloomfield: 8 PPG, 3 SPG Sarah Castaneda, Sr., Bloomfield: 19.4 PPG, 10 RPG, 1.4 BPG Taylor Colman, Sr., St. Mary’s: 10.2 PPG, 3.3 APG Logan Connot, Sr., St. Mary’s: 10.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG Harlee Fischer, Sr., Stuart: 19.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3 SPG Lauren Hedlund, Fr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 9.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.1 APG Tessa Hedlund, Sr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 10.4 PPG, 2.3 APG Kinsley Klabenes, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 9.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG Emily Knust, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 9.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG Jacie Laetsch, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 20 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 SPG, 4 APG Kinzly Macke, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 13 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.7 SPG Amber Miller, So., Elkhorn Valley: 10.3 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.8 SPG Hannah Ollendick, So., Elkhorn Valley: 13.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.8 SPG Taylor Peter, Fr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 9.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG Stevie Peters, Jr., Santee: 19.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG Kelsey Sanger, Sr., Crofton: 19.1 PPG, 5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 3.9 SPG Liz Selting, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 8.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG Alison Stracke, Sr., Stuart: 4 PPG, 4 APG Kylie Thiele, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 6.8 PPG, 2.4 SPG Allyson Wemhoff, So., Elgin Public/Pope John: 11.9 PPG, 2.2 APG, 2.9 SPG Baylee Wemhoff, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 9.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.5 SPG Boys Basketball Justin Appleby, Jr., O’Neill: 12 PPG, 4.5 APG Tyson Belitz, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 19.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.2 SPG Ricky Bickerstaff, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 14.3 PPG, 4 APG, 2.5 SPG Joseph Bloom, So., Riverside: 7.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG Chad Bode, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 11.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG Cole Bruns, Sr., Bloomfield: 13.1 PPG, 6 RPG Kalen Dittrich, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 10.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG Brayden Effle, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 8.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3 APG Mason Hale, Jr., West Holt: School record for 3s in a season, 78, and game, 7. Alex Kerkman, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 11.7 PPG, 1.4 SPG Bryce Kerkman, Jr., West Holt: School record for 3-point percentage, 43, and 3s in a game, 7. Travis Kerkman, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 10.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1 BPG Daniel Libolt, Jr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 13 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.5 SPG Jonah Micek, Sr., St. Edward: 19.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2 BPG, 3 APG Dylan Potts, Sr., Crofton: 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG Tredyn Prososki, Fr., Riverside: 19.6 PPG, state leader in 3s made Tyler Regan, Sr., O’Neill: 13 PPG, 7 RPG Ethan Sattler, So., Stuart: 5.9 PPG, 4.2 APG Isaac Steinhauser, So., Stuart: 12.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG Jessie Sullivan, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 13.8 PPG, 7 RPG Christian Swally, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 10.6 PPG, 3.6 APG Alex Thramer, Jr., O’Neill: 10 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG Noah Valasek, Sr., Riverside: 21.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 3.2 SPG Grant White, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 18.1 PPG, 2.4 SPG, 2nd in state in 3s made Grant Wragge, Sr., Crofton: 12.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2 SPG Wrestling Jared Atkeson, Jr., St. Mary’s: 45-4, 3rd at state Will Atkeson, Sr., St. Mary’s: 42-8, 6th at state Jade Buss, So., West Holt: 18-18, 6th at state Jason Hahlbeck, Sr., O’Neill: 42-0, 1st at state Connor Hazen, Sr., Creighton: 24-4, 6th at state Zac Hazen, Sr., Creighton: 30-7, 4th at state Andrew Herley, So., Neligh-Oakdale: 40-8, 2nd at state Jaden Janssen, Jr., Crofton/Bloomfield: 40-11, 4th at state Jake Judge, Sr., West Holt: 37-9, 3rd at state Clay Konopasek, Sr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 31-15, 6th at state Alejandro Martinez, Sr., Elkhorn Valley: 36-3, 3rd at state Josh McFarland, So., Elkhorn Valley: 44-15, 4th at state Breydon Mlady, Sr., West Holt: 38-4, 5th at state Caden Moore, Jr., O’Neill: 41-2, 3rd at state Cauy Shaw, Jr., O’Neill: 33-7, 4th at state Darren Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 29-8, 4th at state Dillon Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 40-1, 1st at state Clay Thiele, So., Clearwater-Orchard: 34-17, state qualifier Bailey Thompson, Sr., O’Neill: 36-4, 1st at state Cameron Wilkinson, So., Neligh-Oakdale: 44-5, 4th at state Derek Wortman, So., Creighton: 34-16, 6th at state Bryce Zimmerer, So., Creighton: 38-11, 5th at state Honorable Mention, girls basketball Clearwater-Orchard - Allison Kerkman Wausa - Mary Johnson, Krissy Kumm Boone Central/Newman Grove - Jenna Kramer O’Neill - Samantha Eichelberger, Caleigh Miles, Makayla Pardun West Holt - Baily Kraus Elgin Public/Pope John - Jordan Mescher, Lydia Behnk Elkhorn Valley - Alyssa Rood Santee - Hannah Sheridan, Kiana Torrez Crofton - Haley Arens, Josie Sanger, Alexis Arens Neligh-Oakdale - Jayda Chance, Alexis Jensen Riverside - Morgan Haschke Stuart - Trisha Fox Niobrara/Verdigre - Shania RedOwl, Jace Forker Honorable Mention, boys basketball Stuart - Connor Jarman O’Neill - Jake Young Chambers/Wheeler Central - Connor Croxen, Zane Patrick, Logan Pelster Clearwater-Orchard - Jacob Long, Blake Hoke, Ryan Wilhelm Ewing - Bryce Summers Elgin Public/Pope John - Ashton Evans, Kenny Bush, Hunter Reestman Riverside - Ty Martinsen St. Mary’s Josh Cuddy Bloomfield - Braden Eisenhauer, Wilson Wagner Elkhorn Valley - Austin Miller West Holt - Devon Dohrman, Shayden Neptune Crofton - Noah McFarland Boone Central/Newman Grove - Dylan Gentrup, Derek Stuhr Two of Boone County's top football players will take the field as part of Northeast Nebraska's premiere all-star game. Dalton Wagner of Boone Central/Newman Grove and Noah Valasek of Riverside will take part in the 5th Annual Red vs. White Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic. Both will take the field as part of the White Team. The rosters were announced Tuesday by the event’s Board of Directors, according to Mike Fuehrer, Sports Development Manager for the Norfolk Area Sports Council. The football game will be played on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Veteran’s Memorial Field in Norfolk. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Faith Regional Health Services of Norfolk is the game’s Title Sponsor. Fuehrer said he has been impressed with how the annual classic has come together over the course of the past five years. “We’re distributing right around 2,500 tickets each year. And, this will be our third year for an All-Star Marching Band, it will be our second year for cheerleaders and, for the first-time ever, Hartington Cedar Catholic will be show-casing its dance team,’’ Fuehrer said. “Each year we’re adding another piece to what has become a very popular event for all of northeast Nebraska." Rod Brummels of Osmond, who will be coaching the 36-player White Team, said his staff is excited for the players named to the White Team. “We feel we had an excellent pool of players to choose from in selecting our squad,’’ he said. “Were excited about all facets of the team. “We feel we have excellent linemen, both offensively and defensively. It is a group filled with size and great motors.’’ On offense, Brummels said the White Team was able to fill skill positions with versatility. “That will allow us to build a unit around both speed and power in the run game and an efficiency and explosiveness in the passing game,’’ he said. “Defensively we feel like our back seven of linebackers and defensive backs will complement our front four and give us a defense that will match up well in the game.’’ Brummels will be assisted by Tracy Lichty of Norfolk High School, Joe Imus of Riverside (Cedar Rapids-Spalding), Travis Jordan of Madison, Ron Lund of Howells-Dodge and Brock Eichelberger of O’Neill High School. Due to increased demand of marketing services and website development, Pitzer Digital LLC recently added another full-time sales associate and website developer.
Meggie Flenniken, who has spent the last year and half at Sandhills Publishing in Lincoln, began her new role with the Northeast Nebraska marketing and media firm Pitzer Digital last week. Flenniken’s primary responsibilities will be marketing consulting and website development throughout the multi-state Midwest and Plains Regions. “We’re very excited to have Meggie as part of the Pitzer Digital family,” said founder Carrie Pitzer. “She brings a wealth of experience in marketing and website development, especially in the ag and business sector, and will be an asset to our diversified client list.” Flenniken is originally from Blue Hill, Neb. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with endorsements in public relations, advertising and applied communications. Although new to the area, Flenniken has strong ties to Northeast Nebraska. She and her husband, Craig, recently moved from Lincoln to the rural Ewing area. He serves as the superintendent of Summerland Golf Course and is a graduate of Ewing High School. “I am so excited to be back in a small community. Boone County is so welcoming,” Flenniken said. “I can’t wait to get to know everyone and become involved in the community.” Flenniken is joining one of the fastest-growing marketing and media companies in the state. Between full-time graphic designer Samantha Cleveland and now Flenniken, Pitzer said the firm not only offers services usually only found in urban areas, but it now has the staff to help even more businesses. Based in Neligh, Pitzer Digital has two divisions — marketing and media. The media division oversees the Antelope County News, Knox County News, Holt County News, Boone County News and The Orchard News, also known as My Local County News. The media division has arguably become one of, if not the, most popular online media in Northeast Nebraska. While Flenniken will assist with those media advertising efforts, her primary duties will be with the marketing division as she works with small businesses. Pitzer Digital has built over 100 websites in the last three years in several states. The company assists with social media campaigns, print and digital marketing and printing options, which fits well into Flenniken’s expertise. “I’ve noticed that it’s important to first develop a relationship with small businesses, access their individual situation and deliver a marketing plan that meets their needs,” she said. “I’m excited to see the businesses grow here in Northeast Nebraska.” Flenniken can be reached by calling 402-887-4000 or by email at meggie@pitzerdigital.com. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) brings together high school juniors and seniors from around the state to explore the ag industry, discover potential ag-related careers and strengthen their appreciation for agriculture.
Applications for this year’s NAYI are now available from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending this summer’s program in Lincoln have until April 15th to apply. “Agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry with an abundance of potential for future career opportunities,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “NAYI provides students time to network with current and future ag leaders, learn more about the agricultural industry and discover the many agricultural career paths available to them in the future.” NAYI is a five-day summer program for current high school juniors and seniors. The Institute will be held July 10-14, 2017, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussion on agricultural issues and opportunities, a computer-simulated farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation and a street dance. Celebrating 46 years this year, NAYI is the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation. NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), which is comprised of 21 collegeaged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interest and involvement in agriculture. Applications are available online or by contacting the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-6859. “It’s remarkable to think of the impact this program has had on the Nebraska agriculture community,” Ibach said. “NAYI is what the future of our industry looks like. If you know a current high school junior or senior interested in agriculture, encourage him or her to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline. ” Drivers heading south out of Albion should be prepared to encounter construction over the coming months.
Culvert work will begin the week of January 16 on Highway 14 from the N14/N-52 junction north to Albion, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads. Traffic will not be impacted during this phase of the project. Anticipated completion is the end of September. Please use caution when traveling through this area. Visit the 511 webpage at www.511.nebraska.gov or dial 511 or 800-906-9069 to get the most current updates on highway conditions. Registration is open for a youth wrestling tournament in Albion in January. On January 29, Pre-K-8 area students are invited to a wrestling tournament at Boone Central High School. Brackets will be 4-man round robin with each wrestler having 3 matches. There will be four mats (each split up) in two gyms. Everyone will weigh in and bracketing will be done after. The PreK-2nd grade division will weigh in at 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and wrestle at 10:30 with three one minute periods. The 3-6 grade division weighs in at 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and wrestle after the first division with three one minute periods. The 7-8 grade division will eigh in at 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with three 90 second periods. Entry Fee per wrestler: $12.00 for pre-registered - $15.00 for walk-ins. Pre-Registration strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome with a limit at 275 wrestlers. Payment is required the date of meet. All pre-registrations must be received by 8 p.m. January 27. Checks are to be made payable to Boone Central Wrestling Club. Admissions for adults are $4.00, students are $2.00 and children five and under free. Email name, club/town, grade, parent, and phone to bcyouthwrestling@gmail.com. Mail form to: Mike Grape 2639 280th Street Albion, NE 68620 Click here for form. 24 Boone County students and three Newman Grove students have been honored on the fall 2016 Acadmic All-State team by the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Since 2006, this NSAA Award Program has recognized students who meet the criteria for nomination by their school in the season of their activity. Each year the NSAA and the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association recognize students during fall, winter and spring Seasons who are nominated by their schools for their individual academic excellence, leadership and significant contributions in their NSAA activity. To be eligible for the honor, students must meet three requirements: 1. A nominated student must be a varsity player or organizational leader who has played a significant role on the team or in the organizational activity during the seasons for which nominations are accepted. 2. A nominated student must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average, in all curricular subjects, of 93% or 3.7 on a 4.0-point scale or the equivalent. 3. NSAA high schools or their cooperative sponsorship may nominate a maximum of two students per NSAA activity program. Any student, freshman through senior, is eligible for the honor. The full list of Boone County honorees is below. Boone Central Thomas Hosford (boys cross country and play production) Scott Wright (boys cross country) Katie Goodwater (girls cross country) April Johnson (girls golf) Riley Boyd (softball) Jaclyn Frey (softball) Tessa Hedlund (volleyball) Nicole Woebbecke (volleyball) Riverside Amber Berger (girls cross country) Ryan Langan (football) Noah Valasek (football) Valeria Lozano (play production) Sarah Turner (play production) Kalie Bloom (volleyball) Baylee Wlaschin (volleyball) St. Edward Caden Cruise (boys cross country) Riley Riggs-Ramage (boys cross country) Emma Ketelsen (girls cross country) Jonah Micek (football) Keenan Rasmussen (football) Tara Buettner (play production) Shonda Shanle (play production) Tyra Reardon (volleyball) Treva Tharnish (volleyball) Newman Grove Caden Ranslem (football) Mya Donelson (play production) Tyson Haddix (play production) Residents in Knox County are being warned of yet another phone scam.
The latest is a VISA and MasterCard scam. The caller will have much of the information about the victim and their card, with the exception of one piece they need to complete the fraud. The caller will state that they are with the Security and Fraud Department at VISA and that your card has been flagged for unusual activity. They will then ask if you made a random purchase at a random location for a large dollar amount. If the victim states that they did not make the purchase, the caller will then state that they will credit the account, with the credit sent to the victim's address. The caller then states that they are launching a fraud investigation and asks the victim to verify the three-digit security code on the back of the card. The three-digit security code is the piece of information the scammer is looking for. They will then make a purchase for the same amount they stated as the fraudulent purchase in the beginning of the phone call. The call seems like a legitimate call from the credit card company. However, it is a scam. If you receive a call of this nature, authorities recommend hanging up and calling the number on the back of your card and speak directly with the VISA fraud department. The Boone County Big Give is in full force this Holiday Season and hopes are high with more business partnering with the organization. The Boone County Big Give is a concentrated awareness campaign to showcase area charitable organizations and their current needs. The event is designed to help put the spotlight on our local charitable organizations, making it easier for them to educate the general public about their services and benefits to the community and visitors. By working together, we can boost the awareness and support of the charitable organizations and intiatives that help make Boone County a great place to live and visit. The Big Give is underwritten by the Boone County Foundation Fund, which is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation. During the Boone County Big Give, the public is invited to attend and participate in events hosted by participating organizations to learn more about what each one does and the people it serves. This includes a specific need that has become a priority for each organization. For some, this is funding for programming and for others, gifts are needed to help repair or replace equipment. Although the Boone County Big Give’s purpose is awareness, the event does create an opportunity for giving. Donations can be made in person at any designated Giving Station (bank locations across Boone County, Rae Valley Market in Petersburg, Scot Daniels State Farm Insurance in Albion and Country Partners Co-op in Primrose) or at any organization event. Gifts can also be made online or by mail. However, to be included in the matching funds opportunity, gifts must be received by the end of day Saturday, December 3rd. Those who are unfamiliar with the work area charitable organizations are doing, or who have never considered making a gift to support Boone County are encouraged to take a minute to learn about all of the good that’s taking place right here at home. Together we can make Boone County an even better place to live, work and play. Friday, Dec. 2 Petersburg Community Club Open House All Day Location: Rae Valley Market, 104 West County Road, Petersburg, NE Stop by for food/refreshments & to see examples of Outdoor Fitness Circuit Equipment! *Hosted by the Petersburg Community Club Coffee & Rolls Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am Location: Albion Senior Center, Albion, NE *Hosted by Albion Senior Center Waffle Breakfast Time: 8:00 - 11 am Location: Samaritan Estates, 1225 S. 6th Street, Albion, NE *Hosted by Good Samaritan Society-Albion + Boone County Food Pantry Open House with Refreshments Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Location: St. Edward Fire and Rescue Department, St. Edward, NE *Hosted by St. Edward Fire and Rescue Department Soup & Sandwich Luncheon with Demo Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm (demo begins at 12:15 pm) Location: Kvam Community Room at the Boone County Health Center (North Entrance), Albion, NE Come have lunch at the Kvam room and see a brief demo of the Small Footprint Probe - the 2016 Big Give project for the BC Health Center Foundation! *Hosted by the Boone County Health Center Foundation Open House at the Museum! Time: 1:00-5:00 pm Location: Boone County Historical Museum, Albion, NE Come by for coffee and hot cider and see our special holiday collection! *Hosted by the Boone County Historical Society Boone County Big Give "Social" Time: 7:00 pm Location: Albion Country Club, 2491 NE Hwy 91, Albion, NE Come by and watch as gifts are tallied in real time! Food, refreshments and great conversation provided. *Hosted by the Boone County Foundation Fund Saturday, Dec. 3 Popular Children's Group: The String Beans Time: 2:00 pm Location: Boone County Fitness Center, 527 S. 5th Street, Albion, NE FREE Admission made possible by funds raised at the 2015 Big Give by the Albion Area Arts Council! *Hosted by Albion Area Arts Council + Boone County Fitness Center Sunday, Dec. 4 Singer/Songwriter Daniel Christian Time: 3:00 pm Location: Boone Central High School Gym, 605 S. 6th St., Albion, NE *Hosted by the Albion Area Arts Council + Boone Central Schools (Performing Arts Remodel) **Admission fee for general public; Included for season ticket holders The 2016 Fall Sports Season was a thriller week in and week out. Athletes all across Antelope, Boone, Knox and Holt counties put in work on and off the field and showed up when it was game time and proved themselves as the top performers every week. With that, we are proud to announce the inaugural Local County News All-Area Teams. 25 of the top football and volleyball players, as well as 15 of the top boy and girl cross country runners proved themselves as elite among their peers each week. It wasn’t easy narrowing down so many athletes to such a small list but thanks to some help from area coaches, everyone on these lists are deserving of the accolades they have received. FOOTBALL On the football team, Boone County was represented by three incredible athletes. Dylan Gentrup, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove, QB/CB: It was no secret that Gentrup was a great talent. However, no one could have predicted just how good he would be in his first season as the starting quarterback for the Cardinals. Coach Mark Hudson said Gentrup was the best player on the field every Friday and the stats agree. He finished the year with 1,111 yards passing, 13 touchdowns, 1,060 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns rushing. Braydon Olson, Sr., St. Edward, RB/CB: A player with speed that you can't teach, Olson started the year with a 300 yard performance. That was just the start of a big season for the senior, finishing with 1,586 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns. Noah Valasek, Sr., Riverside, QB/S: This may have been the worst-kept secret on the list. Four three years now, Valasek has been the best player on the best six-man football team in Nebraska. Despite missing the last few games due to injury, he still put up 1,008 yards passing and 25 touchdowns while adding 888 yards rushing and 22 more touchdowns. VOLLEYBALL Five Boone County volleyballers proved each game that they were among the elites. Jenna Kramer, Sr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: Kramer was one of the top players in the area at the point of attack. She finished the season with an impressive 258 kills and 27 aces. Grace Schalk, Jr., Riverside: A great player on a great Riverside squad, Schalk helped the Chargers to a 22-10 record this year, including handing Elgin Public/Pope John their only loss during the regular season. She finished the season with 148 kills and 56 aces. Maddie Walkowiak, Jr., Riverside: Walkowiak proved herself to be one of the better scoring artists in the area in 2016. The scary part? She's still got one more year of high school ball to improve. She finished with 329 kills, 45 aces and 27 blocks. Not bad. Baylee Wlaschin, Sr., Riverside: With all these Chargers scoring points, someone had to get them the ball. That was Wlaschin's job and she was outstanding at it. She finished the season with an incredible 790 assists and was a strong server as well, putting down 52 aces. There's a reason the Chargers did so good this season. Nicole Woebbecke, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: One of the more well-rounded players in Boone County, Woebbecke was capable of scoring points as well as playing strong defense. She finished the year with 143 kills, 36 aces and 200 digs. BOYS CROSS COUNTRY One of the top runners in the area was the pride of Boone Central/Newman Grove. Thomas Hosford, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Hosford was the leader for a Boone Central/Newman Grove squad that was in need of a strong top runner. He recorded a best time of 18:43.0. GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Boone County cross country fans were spoiled by some outstanding performers this year. Amber Berger, Riverside: Berger consistently performed well in 2016. She recorded a best time of 22:37.6. She also qualified for state, posting a time of 23:14.6. Katie Goodwater, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Boone Central/Newman Grove is used to having strong cross country teams, and this year was no different. Goodwater was one of two state qualifiers for the Cardinals, posting a time of 21:19.0. Her season best was 20:23.0. Christina Soto-Stopak, Boone Central/Newman Grove: That other state qualifier? It was Soto-Stopak, who finished with an impressive time of 20:22.9, good enough for third in Class C. She also posted a season best time of 19:25.0. The full all-area list, including athletes from Holt, Antelope and Knox counties, is below, listed alphabetically:
FOOTBALL Tyson Belitz, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale, WR/LB: 780 yards receiving, 11 touchdowns, 90 tackles, three interceptions Chris Bentley, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale, E/DE: 556 yards receiving, 14 touchdowns, 62 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks Creston Bertschinger, Jr., Clearwater-Orchard, RB/LB: 1,199 all-purpose yards, 10 total touchdowns, 84 tackles Brady Brockhaus, Jr., Creighton, WR/DB: 494 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns, 12 interceptions Tanner Crosley, Sr., Crofton, RB: 1,551 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns Connor Croxen, Sr.,, Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, WR/CB: 549 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, 70 tackles, eight interceptions Josh Cuddy, Sr.,, St. Mary’s, QB/S: 632 yards passing, eight touchdowns, 897 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns, 85 tackles, four interceptions Franklin Fessler, Sr., Stuart, RB/LB: 117 tackles, four sacks, four interceptions Dylan Gentrup, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove, QB/CB: 1,111 yards passing, 13 touchdowns, 1,060 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns Nicholas Haburchak, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, RB/LB: 700 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns, 167 yards receiving, 128 tackles Jason Hahlbeck, Sr., O’Neill, T/DE: 100 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three sacks Liam Heithoff, Jr., Elgin Public/Pope John, G/DE: 105 total tackles, 52 solo tackles (new school record) Daniel Libolt, Jr., Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, RB/LB: 818 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns, 341 yards receiving, seven touchdowns, 70 tackles Josh McFarland, So., Elkhorn Valley, QB/LB: 413 yards passing, 337 yards rushing, five touchdowns, 75 tackles, three interceptions Breydon Mlady, Sr., West Holt, RB/LB: 922 yards rushing, 16 total touchdowns Quinten Moles, Jr., Bloomfield, QB/CB: 2,511 yards rushing, 34 touchdowns Sam Morrill, Sr., Creighton, G/LB: 124 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries Shayden Neptune, Jr., West Holt, WR/S: 155 tackles, six interceptions Ryan Neumann, Sr., Creighton, QB/S: 1,344 yards passing, 23 touchdowns, 1,675 yards rushing, 33 touchdowns, two kick return touchdowns Braydon Olson, Sr., St. Edward, RB/CB: 1,586 yards rushing, 31 touchdowns Kevin Rudloff, Sr., Niobrara/Verdigre, RB/S: 918 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns Alex Thramer, Jr., O’Neill, QB/LB: 1,969 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, 339 yards rushing, six touchdowns Noah Valasek, Sr., Riverside, QB/S: 1,008 yards passing, 25 touchdowns, 888 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns Grant White, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale, QB/S: 1,798 yards passing, 32 touchdowns, 266 yards rushing, five touchdowns Bryce Zimmerer, So., Creighton, RB/CB: 1,488 yards rushing, 24 touchdowns, 223 receiving yards, four touchdowns VOLLEYBALL Kirsten Adams, So., Creighton: 166 kills, 105 blocks Monica Arens, Sr., Crofton: 360 kills, 79 blocks Hattie Blumenstock, Sr., St. Mary’s: 239 kills, 122 total blocks Peyton Clifton, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 128 digs, 357 assists, 46 aces Taylor Colman, Sr., St. Mary’s: 885 assists, 212 digs Logan Connot, Sr., St. Mary’s: 239 kills, 125 total blocks Regan Dierks, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 265 kills, 50 aces, 83 blocks, 142 digs Harlee Fischer, Sr., Stuart: 320 kills, 330 digs Nikki Grosserode, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 148 kills, 29 aces, 189 digs JoCee Johnston, So., Clearwater-Orchard: 253 kills, 88 blocks, 31 aces Jenna Kramer, Sr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 258 kills, 27 aces Bailey Kraus, Jr., West Holt: 143 kills, 73 blocks, 203 digs Jacie Laetsch, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 467 kills, 76 aces, 62 blocks, 273 digs Jordan Mescher, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 268 digs, 92 percent serving Amber Miller, So., Elkhorn Valley: 70 aces (new school record), 285 digs, 300 assists Amy Nelson, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 203 kills, 70 blocks Alyssa Rood, Sr., Elkhorn Valley: 285 digs, 36 aces, 113 kills Kelsey Sanger, Sr., Crofton: 308 kills, 77 aces, 59 blocks, 437 digs Grace Schalk, Jr., Riverside: 148 kills, 56 aces Liz Selting, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 324 kills, 105 digs, 42 blocks Alison Stracke, Sr., Stuart: 70 aces, 598 assists, 226 digs Chase Vleck, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 224 kills, 37 aces, 195 digs Maddie Walkowiak, Jr., Riverside: 329 kills, 45 aces, 27 blocks Baylee Wlaschin, Sr., Riverside: 790 assists, 52 aces Nicole Woebecke, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 143 kills, 36 aces, 200 digs BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Tanner Arens, Crofton: Best time of 18:18.78, State time of 18:18.78 Cole Belitz, Neligh-Oakdale: Best time of 17:36 Braydon Effle, Elkhorn Valley: Best time of 19:05.0 Thomas Hosford, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Best time of 18:43.0 Garrison Hazen, Creighton: Best time of 17:48.0. State time of 18:03.6 Zac Hazen, Creighton: Best time of 18:48.8. State time of 19:44.8 Brandon Heller, West Holt: Best time of 18:49.7. State time of 19:00.9 Tyler Janssen, Crofton: Best time of 18:06.33. State time of 18:33.78 Nathaniel Jennings, O’Neill: Best time of 17:32.0. State time of 19:04.1 Derek Mahony, Chambers/Wheeler Central: Best time of 19:03.0 Austin Miller, Elkhorn Valley: Best time of 18:04.0. State time of 18:37.4 Caden Moore, O’Neill: Best time of 17:41.0. State time of 19:28.2 Jake Neuhalfen, Crofton: Best time of 17:02.4. State time of 17:03.72 McCoy Strong, O’Neill: Best time of 17:21.0. State time of 18:43.7 Ben Thiele, West Holt: Best time of 18:02.2. State time of 18:02.2 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Haley Arens, Crofton: Best time of 19:35.0. State time of 19:35.0 Amber Berger, Riverside: Best time of 22:37.6. State time of 23:14.6 Mariah Dendinger, Crofton: Best time of 22:59.0. State time of 22:59.0 Kira Dickau, Stuart: Best time of 21:05.9. State time of 21:05.9 Bree Eisenhauer, Bloomfield/Wausa: Best time of 20:47.2. State time of 20:47.2 Katie Goodwater, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Best time of 20:23.0. State time of 21:19.0 Kasi Grosserode, Neligh-Oakdale: Best time of 23:10.0 Jessica Lange, Crofton: Best time of 23:14.0. State time of 23:14.0 Taya Rainforth, O’Neill: Best time of 22:40.0 Alyssa Reiman, West Holt: Best time of 22:14.9. State time of 22:24.3 Christina Soto-Stopak, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Best time of 19:25.0. State time of 20:22.9 Alison Stineman, Elkhorn Valley: Best time of 19:20.0. State time of 21:24.1 Whitney Watson, O’Neill: Best time of 20:50.0. State time of 22:02.1 Ann Woockman, Bloomfield/Wausa: Best time of 22:02.48. State time of 23:13.3 Krista Zavadil, Crofton: Best time of 22:12.9. State time of 22:12.9 HONORABLE MENTION, FOOTBALL St. Mary's - Will Atkeson, Pete Blumenstock, Zac Wiese Wausa - Ghatlin Hegge Clearwater-Orchard - Travis Kerkman Boone Central/Newman Grove - Dalton Wagner, Cody Nelson, Levi Kruger O'Neill - Bailey Thompson, Wyatt Liewer, Justin Appleby, Jake Young West Holt - Jake Judge Elgin Public/Pope John - Chad Bode, Miles Schrage Elkhorn Valley - Shawn Klinetobe, Dylan Wilkins Creighton - Travis Tyler Crofton - Grant Wragge, Dylan Potts Bloomfield - Luke Fehringer Neligh-Oakdale - Damon Arehart, Pepper Marchant Riverside - Ty Martinsen, Tredyn Prososki, Trey Carraher St. Edward - Keenan Rasumussen, Jonah Micek Chambers/Wheeler Central - Carter Croxen, Zane Patrick, Ross Gribble HONORABLE MENTION, VOLLEYBALL Stuart - Rachel Kaup O'Neill - Payton Birkel Clearwater-Orchard - Kylie Thiele, Kinzly Macke Ewing - Miranda Summer, Bailey Schindler, Ashley Koenig, Jodi Fry Elgin Public/Pope John - Baylee Wemhoff, Grace Henn, Paige Meis, Nicki Payne Riverside - Morgan Haschke Bloomfield - Leah Poppe, Brandi Guenther |