Sports – Page 384 – North Platte Post Archive

Pro Bowl S Berry to Return to Chiefs vs Jets

Posted on October 31, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs safety Eric Berry is expected to play for the first time since spraining his ankle in a Week 2 loss to Denver when Kansas City plays the New York Jets on Sunday.

Berry was limited in practice but listed as probable on the final injury report Friday, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he is planning on Berry playing against the Jets.

Reid did not say whether Berry would start.

Berry hurt his ankle early against Denver on Sept. 14. He has practiced off and on the past few weeks but has not been active on game day.

The Chiefs refused to make Berry available to reporters Friday.

Huskers Ranked 21st in AP Preseason Poll

Posted on October 31, 2014

Lincoln – The Nebraska basketball program opens the season ranked 21st in the Associated Press Poll released Friday morning.

The Huskers, who return all five starters from a team that went 19-13 and reached the NCAA Tournament, totaled 309 points from the 65 voters from around the country.Friday’s preseason ranking marks the first time since Jan. 2, 1995, that the Huskers have been ranked in the Associated Press poll.

The Huskers are one of five Big Ten teams in the preseason top 25, joining Wisconsin (3), Michigan State (18), Ohio State (20) and Michigan (24). In addition, four other Big Ten teams, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Maryland are receiving votes in the preseason poll. It also marks the second time Nebraska has been ranked in the AP Preseason Poll, and the first since the 1992-93 season when the Huskers opened at No. 25.

The Huskers, who finished fourth in the Big Ten and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998, are led by juniors Terran Petteway, a first-team All-Big Ten pick who led the Big Ten at 18.1 points per game last season, and Shavon Shields, who averaged 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game en route to honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors. Nebraska returns nine letterwinners who totaled more than 80 percent of the Huskers’ scoring and rebounding from a year ago.

In addition to the nine teams ranked or receiving votes, Nebraska could see as many as four teams who are ranked or receiving votes in the non-conference portion of the schedule. Both Cincinnati and Florida State are receiving votes, while Wichita State – which NU could face in the second round of the Diamond Head Classic – is 11th. In addition, Colorado and George Washington are on the other side of the Diamond Head Classic bracket and could face the Huskers on Christmas Day.

Nebraska is one of nine programs across the country – and one of two teams in the Big Ten – ranked in both the men’s and women’s preseason AP polls, joining Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, Louisville, Texas, UConn, Michigan State and Syracuse.

Nebraska’s only exhibition game is Thursday, Nov. 6, against Southwest Minnesota State with tip-off slated for 7 p.m. NU’s regular-season opener is on Sunday, Nov. 16, against Northern Kentucky with tip-off at Pinnacle Bank Arena slated for 1 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available for both contests by visiting Huskers.com or calling 800-8-BIGRED

AP Top 25 (Preseason)
RK     TEAM                           RECORD      PTS
1       Kentucky (52)                29-11            1,604
2       Arizona (5)                    33-5             1,518
3       Wisconsin (8)                30-8             1,483
4       Duke                            26-9             1,415
5       Kansas                         25-10            1,346
6       North Carolina               24-10            1,274
7       Florida                          36-3             1,153
8       Louisville                      31-6             1,114
9       Virginia                         30-7             1,090
10      Texas                           24-11            1,061
11      Wichita State                 35-1             1,027
12      Villanova                       29-5             885
13      Gonzaga                       29-7             840
14      Iowa State                     28-8             781
15      VCU                             26-9             574
16      San Diego State            31-5             560
17      Connecticut                   32-8             552
18      Michigan State              29-9             521
19      Oklahoma                     23-10            426
20      Ohio State                    25-10            340
21      Nebraska                      19-13            309
22      SMU                             27-10            285
23      Syracuse                      28-6             178
24      Michigan                       28-9             167
25      Harvard                         27-5             98
25      Utah                             21-12            98

Kentucky Earns No. 1 Nod in AP Preseason Poll, Nebraska 21st

Posted on October 31, 2014

Kentucky is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason Top 25 for the second straight season.

The Wildcats lived up to expectations last season, overcoming a midseason slump to reach the national championship game, where they lost to Connecticut.

With most of that team back and another stellar recruiting class in place, Kentucky received 52 first-place votes from the 65-member panel to become the fourth team to earn consecutive preseason No. 1s.

Arizona was No. 2, receiving five first-place votes. No. 3 Wisconsin, with most of its team returning from last year’s Final Four run, had eight first-place votes but were 35 points behind Arizona in overall points.

Duke and Kansas round out the top five, followed by North Carolina, Florida, Louisville, Virginia and Texas.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ preseason 2014-15 college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, 2013-14 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last year’s final ranking:

	Record	Pts	Prv
1. Kentucky (52)	29-11	1,604	—
2. Arizona (5)	33-5	1,518	4
3. Wisconsin (8)	30-8	1,483	12
4. Duke	26-9	1,415	8
5. Kansas	25-10	1,346	10
6. North Carolina	24-10	1,274	19
7. Florida	36-3	1,153	1
8. Louisville	31-6	1,114	5
9. Virginia	30-7	1,090	3
10. Texas	24-11	1,061	—
11. Wichita St.	35-1	1,027	2
12. Villanova	29-5	885	6
13. Gonzaga	29-7	840	—
14. Iowa St.	28-8	781	9
15. VCU	26-9	574	24
16. San Diego St.	31-5	560	13
17. UConn	32-8	552	18
18. Michigan St.	29-9	521	11
19. Oklahoma	23-10	426	21
20. Ohio St.	25-10	340	22
21. Nebraska	19-13	309	—
22. SMU	27-10	285	—
23. Syracuse	28-6	178	14
24. Michigan	28-9	167	7
25. Harvard	27-5	98	—
25. Utah	21-12	98	—

Others receiving votes: Stanford 71, Iowa 58, Colorado 57, UCLA 35, Minnesota 34, Kansas St. 27, Arkansas 21, Pittsburgh 20, Memphis 15, NC State 14, Louisiana Tech 9, Cincinnati 8, LSU 8, George Washington 7, Dayton 6, Notre Dame 6, Oklahoma St. 6, Florida St. 5, Georgetown 5, Illinois 3, Maryland 3, BYU 2, UNLV 2, Baylor 1, Stephen F. Austin 1, UTEP 1, West Virginia 1.

MacKinnon Scores Twice, Avs Beat Islanders 5-0

Posted on October 31, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon scored his first two goals of the season and Semyon Varlamov stopped 40 shots for his 14th NHL shutout, lifting the Colorado Avalanche to a 5-0 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

MacKinnon, the 19-year-old reigning rookie of the year, has struggled to get on track this season. He scored both of his goals in the second period, one on a power play — hopping up and down on his skates to celebrate — and the other when he tipped a shot past goalie Chad Johnson.

Cody McLeod and Marc-Andre Cliche also netted their first goals of the season. Erik Johnson added another in the third period.

Varlamov was sharp against the Islanders, one of the NHL’s highest scoring teams. It was his first shutout since April 5 at St. Louis.

NPCC Athletics in Action This Weekend

Posted on October 31, 2014

North Platte – The North Platte Community College athletic programs are in action with three different sports this weekend. The volleyball team (19-16) travels to Columbus for the Region IX Division II Tournament to extend their season which starts on Friday. The men’s basketball team travels to McCook to kick off their season in the McCook Community College Classic on Friday and Saturday. The women’s basketball team remains at home as they host the Hampton Inn Classic on Friday and Saturday.

The Lady Knights volleyball team plays twice on Friday in the Region IX Division II Tournament. The Lady Knights first play Southeast Community College (16-18) at 4 p.m. on Friday. North Platte then plays the host No. 2 Central Community College (29-6) at 7 p.m. The Tournament continues on Saturday November 1.

The Knights basketball team kicks off the season on Friday against Clarendon College at 6 p.m. in McCook. The Knights are coming off a 27-5 record from a season ago and an appearance in the Region IX Semifinals. Sophomores Cameron Williams, Marco Pascolo, Xavier Hall, Riley Rice and Luke Pittle are joined by 10 newcomers. The Knights return to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. as they face Midland University JV. North Platte’s first home game of the year is Thursday, November 6 at 6 p.m. against Hastings College JV.

The Lady Knights basketball team starts off their season on Friday as they host Midland University JV in the Hampton Inn Classic at 7:30 p.m. The Lady Knights are coming off a 16-13 record along with a Region IX Division II Championship. Sophomores April Stull, Aliyah Brown, Kirra Hill-Carter and Alleyah Evans are joined by 11 newcomers. The Lady Knights return to action on Saturday at 3 p.m. to conclude the Hampton Inn Classic against Fort Carson.

Registration Open for 2015 State Games of America

Posted on October 31, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. (October 30, 2014) — Amateur athletes and teams from Nebraska are eligible to enter the 2015 State Games of America (SGA) in Lincoln, Nebraska,July 28–August 2, 2015. The SGA is the largest Olympic-style sports festival in the nation, with 20,000 athletes expected to compete in more than 60 sports and recreational events with multiple age divisions and skill levels. Online registration is open at SGA2015.com.

For Nebraskans, the 2015 SGA replaces this year’s Cornhusker State Games and provides a unique opportunity to compete in a national event close to home. The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) is organizing the 2015 SGA, and they expect it to be the largest State Games of America ever. NSC Executive Director Dave Mlnarik says participation by Nebraskans will be a key to success.

“We know Nebraskans will enjoy the opportunity to compete against some of the best amateur athletes from across the nation,” said Mlnarik. “We’re counting on them to help our guests have a great experience at the State Games of America.”

Most competitors from other states must qualify for the 2015 SGA by medaling in a sanctioned state games competition. Qualifying is waived for developing sports, including adventure racing, chess, pocket billiards, horseshoe pitching, water skiing, sailing, sport skydiving and open water swimming.

Mlnarik says recreational athletes who have competed in the Cornhusker State Games should feel right at home even if they’ve never entered a national event. “We want Nebraskans to know they don’t have to be elite athletes to participate in the State Games of America. Competing with others from around the country who share your passion for a sport will be a rewarding experience,” said Mlnarik.

The 2015 State Games of America will feature venues used for high-level collegiate and high school competitions, including facilities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and University of Nebraska–Omaha. Opening ceremonies will take place at Memorial Stadium, and the Athletes Village will be anchored at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln and Ralston Arena for Omaha-area participants.

The opening of registration was announced at the annual NSC Awards Banquet at the Del Ray Ballroom in Lincoln. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman spoke about the importance of the State Games of America event to the state. Nebraska native and Olympic gold and bronze medalist Curtis Tomasevicz–who participated in the Cornhusker State Games as a youth–says he’s looking forward to the 2015 SGA.

“The Cornhusker State Games always provided a great experience and helped fuel my desire to improve and grow as an athlete and a person. I’m proud and excited that Nebraska is hosting next year’s State Games of America, and I plan to be there. I hope all Nebraska athletes will join in the fun, and I’m sure they’ll be great ambassadors for the state,” Tomasevicz said.

Gov. Heineman and Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler praised the NSC for its work and encouraged all Nebraskans to participate, volunteer or donate. The event will require 5,000 volunteers, double the amount for the annual Cornhusker State Games, and Mlnarik reported that the fundraising campaign is at 80 percent of its $1 million goal.

Details regarding events, registration and the host city of Lincoln are available at SGA2015.com. Follow State Games of America on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

Pelini Praises D-Line Heading into Purdue Game

Posted on October 31, 2014

Lincoln, Neb. – Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini said the Huskers “had a good week of practice” after Thursday’s 45-minute walkthrough at the Hawks Championship Center.

“We got a lot done here today,” Pelini said. “We cleaned up some of the things we went through earlier in the week. We knew that (Purdue) had two weeks to prepare. We threw a lot at our guys and our challenge is to make sure across the board we understand our game plan and we execute.”

Pelini also praised his interior defensive linemen, especially sophomore Maliek Collins, whom Pelini compared to two-time All-American Glenn Dorsey (LSU, 2006-07).

“Maliek Collins reminds me of a player I coached at LSU big time,” Pelini said. “And that’s high praise, because Glenn Dorsey was a heckuva player. Maliek reminds me a lot of Dorsey, except he’s bigger.”

Pelini added that he expects Purdue’s defense to throw a lot at Nebraska’s offense.

“It’s been interesting to watch their evolution,” Pelini said. “They gave us a lot of really unusual looks. This year, they’ve had a number of different looks, a little bit like a flavor of the week type of defense as far as what we’ve seen from these guys. How they decide to come out and play us – your guess is as good as mine to a certain extent. We have to be ready to adjust to what they do. I think our guys understand the plan and what we are doing, and we’ve given them a lot of different looks throughout the week to prepare them.”

On the injury front, Pelini said that he anticipates tight end Cethan Carter to be back after the bye week, which begins following Saturday’s matchup against Purdue. Pelini added that linebacker Marcus Newby and place kicker Mauro Bondi will not be available for Saturday.

The Huskers host Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium at 2:30 p.m. The game will be televised to a regional audience on ABC, and will be available to others on ESPN2 and ESPN3.

Nielsen: 23.5 Million saw Game 7 of World Series

Posted on October 31, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — An estimated 23.5 million people watched the San Francisco Giants’ 3-2 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 7, enabling the matchup to escape the distinction of least-watched World Series.

The Nielsen company says more people watched Wednesday night’s contest than any series game since the 2011 Game 7 between St. Louis and Texas.

It was also 10 million more people than tuned in to any of the previous six games between the Giants and Royals. Overall, the series averaged 13.8 million viewers, second only to the Giants’ four-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers in 2012 as the series with the lowest viewership.

Sandoval, Shields among 121 Free Agents

Posted on October 31, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s business season began Thursday when 121 players become free agents, a group that includes Pablo Sandoval, Michael Morse, Jake Peavy, Sergio Romo and Ryan Vogelsong of the World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

James Shields, Nori Aoki and Jason Frasor of the AL champion Kansas City Royals also were among the players who became free.

Up to 30 more players can become eligible, depending on contract options.

Top free agent pitchers also include Max Scherzer and Jon Lester. Among the top hitters are shortstop Hanley Ramirez, outfielder Nelson Cruz and designated hitter Victor Martinez.

NCAA Starts to Establish Governance Structure

Posted on October 31, 2014

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA Board of Directors is asking school leaders to present a more diverse list of potential committee members as it starts reshaping its governance structure.

Board members were expected to vote Thursday on candidates for the new committee, called the Council. But the board was not satisfied with the diversity of the pool. With the Council scheduled to begin work in January, the NCAA says the board will conduct a final vote next month.

Chairman Nathan Hatch, the president at Wake Forest, says a more diverse Council will lead to “better decisions” for the NCAA.