Sports – Page 621 – North Platte Post Archive

Tax Check-off Benefits Wildlife, Habitat Conservation

Posted on January 28, 2014

LINCOLN – Tax season provides a unique opportunity for Nebraskans to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation.

Line 42 on the 2013 state income tax form (Form 1040N) allows individuals to donate all or a part of their tax refund to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, ¬which focuses on saving Nebraska’s wildlife and wild places.

“The check-off is one of the principal sources of state funding used to conserve more than 95 percent of fish and wildlife species that are considered nongame,” said Kristal Stoner, wildlife diversity program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The tax check-off is an important funding source for implementation of Nebraska’s Natural Legacy Project. This plan was developed to conserve wildlife before they become rare and more costly to protect.

For taxpayers not entitled to a state tax refund, contributions can be made via NebraskaWildlifeFund.org or by mail to: The Wildlife Conservation Fund, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370.

Huskers to Honor Griffin Before Wednesday Clash with Michigan

Posted on January 28, 2014

The Nebraska women’s basketball team will honor Husker legend Kelsey Griffin Wednesday night in pregame ceremonies before the Big Red takes on Michigan in a key Big Ten battle.

Tip-off between the Huskers (13-5, 3-3 Big Ten) and Wolverines (14-6, 5-2 Big Ten) is set for 7 p.m. (CT) with live statewide television provided by NET. Larry Punteney and Brenda VanLengen will be on the call in a game that also will be streamed live by BTN.com All-Access.

Nebraska is coming off a 63-59 loss at Northwestern on Sunday that came down to the final seconds. It marked NU’s fourth Big Ten game decided by four points or less, including a 77-75 loss to nationally ranked Purdue in NU’s last game at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 19. The Huskers opened Big Ten play with a 66-65 victory over Northwestern and added an 88-85 overtime win over Minnesota on Jan. 16.

While the Huskers are hungry for a win to close January, the Wolverines will be looking to remain unbeaten in true road games this season while shooting for their fourth straight Big Ten road win. Michigan improved to 3-0 on the road in conference play with a 60-44 win at Wisconsin on Sunday.

Before the Huskers take aim at stopping Michigan’s road winning streak, Nebraska will take time out to honor Griffin. The 2010 first-team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year will join Husker legends Karen Jennings and Maurtice Ivy in having her jersey retired. Griffin was Nebraska’s first-ever Senior CLASS Award winner across any sport and the 2010 Nebraska Female Student-Athlete of the Year. She finished her illustrious college career with 2,033 points and 1,019 rebounds.

While Griffin will make history before the game, two-time All-American and first-team All-Big Ten forward Jordan Hooper could join her in a truly historic night. The 6-2 senior forward needs just five points to catch Griffin on NU’s all-time scoring list and 10 rebounds to join Griffin and Jennings as the only Huskers in history with 2,000 points and 1,000 boards.

Broncos’ Prater Feels ‘A Lot Better’ After Illness

Posted on January 28, 2014

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater says he’s feeling “a lot better” after missing three practices last week because of an illness and expects to be “totally fine” for the Super Bowl.

Prater kicked Monday for the first time since being sent home by the team last Thursday and says at media day on Tuesday that he didn’t feel too rusty. He missed practices last Thursday through Saturday, and felt as if “a truck hit me.”

While resting at home, Prater thought it was “strange” to see his name on the TV news scroll listed as “questionable” for the Super Bowl. He adds that for the Super Bowl, “I guess everything’s a big deal.”

Prater is 30 of 31 on field-goal attempts, including an NFL-record 64-yarder on Dec. 8 in Denver.

Storm Trade Horn To Stampede

Posted on January 28, 2014

KEARNEY, Neb. – For the second consecutive day, Tri-City Storm head coach and general manager Jim Hulton has announced a trade with the Sioux Falls Stampede.

Tuesday’s deal sends Christian Horn to the Stampede along with affiliate forward Will Harrison and a 3rd round pick in the 2014 Phase II Draft, in exchange for affiliate defenseman Gordi Myer and draft picks in the 2nd and 5th round of the 2014 Phase II Draft.

Horn, who was serving as an assistant captain after leaving the University of Minnesota to join Tri-City on Oct. 24, was one of the team’s leading scorers with 12 goals and 13 assists in 28 games.

The 20-year-old Plymouth, Minn. native plans on playing at a Division I University next season.

“Christian was a highly sought after commodity that we were reluctant to move,” Hulton said. “Ultimately, we decided that the return package was too enticing to refuse as, once again it addresses both immediate and long term needs.”

“We thank Christian for his many contributions to the Storm and wish him well in his future hockey endeavors.”

Myer is currently playing for the Cleveland Barons AAA Midget Major team and has seven goals and 13 assists in 30 games.

The Toledo, Ohio native is committed to play collegiately at Ohio State and was drafted by Sioux Falls in the 17th round (254th overall) of the 2013 USHL Phase II Draft. The defenseman is expected to be with the Storm full-time for the 2014-15 season.

“We are thrilled to add Gordi Myer to our group,” Hulton said. “He was the key component to this deal as he is a young defenseman with a real big upside. We firmly believe that championship teams are built around goaltending and defense and that has been our primary focus around these latest transactions.”

Tri-City hosts Des Moines this weekend for a series at the Viaero Event Center. Friday night’s game begins at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest gets underway at 7:05.

Biggs Dismissed From Huskers Basketball Team

Posted on January 28, 2014

Lincoln – University of Nebraska men’s basketball coach Tim Miles made the following statement Tuesday morning on the status of Deverell Biggs.

“I’ve made the very difficult decision that Deverell Biggs will no longer be a part of our basketball program. We have consistently emphasized accountability for our student-athletes on the court, off the court and in the classroom. Individual accountability affects the entire group. As a basketball program, we are moving forward and perhaps a fresh start for Deverell may be beneficial to him as well.

Deverell will still have access to all of our academic resources to maintain his eligibility and progress toward graduation. Deverell is good young man. My hope is that he remains at Nebraska and finishes his classes this spring and finds another program where he can flourish. We wish him all the best.”

Biggs appeared in 15 games for the Huskers this season, averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest after redshirting in 2012-13.

MLB OKs Protective Cap for Pitchers, Fit for Camp

Posted on January 28, 2014January 28, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has approved a protective cap for pitchers to reduce the effects of being hit in the head by line drives.

The new hat will be available for pitchers to test during spring training on a voluntary basis. Major leaguers and minor leaguers won’t be required to wear it in games this year.

The safety plates are sewn into the hat and custom fitted. They weigh an extra six to seven ounces and offer increased protection to the forehead, temples and sides of the head.

Several pitchers have been hit in the head by line drives in the last few years. Brandon McCarthy sustained a brain contusion and skull fracture after being struck, and Doug Fister was hit during the World Series.

The safety hats are made by isoBLOX and were introduced Tuesday.

Hunter Education Instructor Training Scheduled in North Platte

Posted on January 27, 2014January 27, 2014

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will train apprentice firearm hunter education instructors Feb. 11 in North Platte. The workshop will be from 6-9 p.m. at Game and Parks’ southwest district office, 301 E. State Farm Road.

Register by Feb. 10 by visiting HuntSafeNebraska.org and clicking on the “Become a Volunteer” link about halfway down the page. Or visit the link directly at: https://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/programs/education/volunteer.asp

Contact Mike Streeter at 402-471-6134 or mike.streeter@nebraska.gov for more information.

No. 7 NPCC Knights Host “Fill the Gym” Night Wednesday Sponsored by KOOQ-ESPN

Posted on January 27, 2014January 27, 2014

North Platte – The No. 7 North Platte Community College men’s basketball team’s (18-1, 8-1 South Sub-Region) hosts three games this week. The Knights have not played at home since Dec. 11 and have started 2014 out with seven straight road games. The Knights kick things off on Wednesday Jan. 29 as they host the McCook Community College Indians (15-6, 6-3 South Sub-Region, 1-1 NCCAC) in a Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference (NCCAC) and Region IX game at 7:30 p.m. The Knights then host the Hastings College JV the next day Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. before finishing the week with Central Community College (16-4, 1-1 NCCAC) on Saturday Feb. 1 at 3 p.m.

The Knights host the Indians of McCook on “Fill the Gym” Night sponsored by KOOQ-ESPN for their first of two meetings this season. The Knights make the return trip to McCook on Feb. 11. The game is doubly important as it counts in the standings for both Region IX and the NCCAC race. McCook is led by Tony Dobbinson who is sixth in the nation in scoring at 23.2 points per game and Dominic Williams who averages 17.0 points and 8.3 rebounds.

As part of “Fill the Gym” Night, KOOQ-ESPN is giving away tickets all week during The Blitz with Robert Lovell and Scott Carlson. During halftime several members of the crowd will be given a chance to make a lay-up, a free throw and a 3-pointer in 30 seconds to win a prize from KOOQ-ESPN.

The Knights then host the Hastings College JV the next day on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. The Knights host of the Broncos after traveling to Hastings at the beginning of December. In that game, the Knights emerged victorious 82-79 behind 20 points from Tim Simmons. Ethan Montalvo (17), Marco Pascolo (15) and Cameron Williams (14) were all in double-figures for the Knights. Aireon Porter recorded 15 rebounds to go with six points. Nate Maloley led the Broncos with 25 points.

On Saturday Feb. 1 the Knights finish up their three game home stand when they host the Central Community College Raiders. The Raiders make the return trip to North Platte after the Knights knocked off Central in Columbus 78-71. The Knights placed four players in double-figures in that game, led by Montalvo’s 21. Cameron Williams and Marco Pascolo each scored 19 while Tim Simmons contributed 13. TraDeon Hollins led the Raiders with 16 points.

Saturday’s game will also be Boy Scout Night at the college as Boy Scout’s will be given free admission and the Knights basketball team will sign autographs after the game.

All three home games will be broadcast live by Coaches Aid and ASBN. A link to all live broadcasted games is available on the Knights webpage at www.npccknights.com. All three games will also be broadcast live be ESPN radio 1410 and online.

NPCC Lady Knights Return Home for Three Games

Posted on January 27, 2014January 27, 2014

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team (9-9, 1-1 Region IX Division II, 1-1 NCCAC) returns home for three home games this week after playing five straight on the road. The Lady Knights start the home swing by hosting the York College JV on Tuesday Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. North Platte then hosts McCook Community College (3-18, 0-2 NCCAC) the next day on Wednesday Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. The Lady Knights finish out the week hosting Central Community College (16-6, 1-0 Region IX Division II, 2-0 NCCAC) on Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m.

The Lady Knights host the York College JV Lady Panthers in a rematch from earlier this season. The Lady Knights and Lady Panthers played in York at the beginning of December with North Platte earning the 65-56 victory. In that contest the Lady Knights were led by sophomores Jordan Dickerson and DaVontaye Merritt who finished with 15 and 14 points respectively. Aliyah Brown was also in double-figures with 10 points. Mesha Ellison led the Lady Panthers with 18 points.

On Wednesday the Lady Knights take on the McCook Community College Lady Indians in a Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference (NCCAC) game. It is the first of two meetings between the teams as North Platte heads to McCook for the rematch on Feb. 11. North Platte is currently 1-1 in the NCCAC while McCook is 0-2. McCook is led by Cydnee Ceballos who averages 12.6 points per game.

The Lady Knights then host the Central Community College Lady Raiders in a rematch from Jan. 18. In that game the Lady Raiders out-scored the Lady Knights 49 to 32 in the second half to earn the 67-74 victory. DaVontaye Merritt was the leading scorer in the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Courtney Widick and April Stull were also in double-figures with 14 and 12 respectively. The Lady Raiders placed three players in double-figures and had 11 different players score.

The game with Central Community College will also be the annual Girl Scout Night with Girl Scouts getting into the game. After the game, the Lady Knights will sign autographs for the Girl Scouts.

All three games will be broadcast live online with links available on the Knights website (www.npccknights.com) through the partnership with Coaches Aid and ASBN. The games with York College JV, McCook Community College and Central Community College will also be broadcast live on ESPN 1410 radio and online.

Wilkie Named Forward of the Week

Posted on January 27, 2014

KEARNEY, Neb. – After a 3-0-0 week which included wins over Lincoln and Sioux Falls, Tri-City Storm forward Chris Wilkie has been named the USHL’s Forward of the Week.

Wilkie had three goals and an assist in the three victories, and extended his point streak to eight games.

In Tuesday’s win over the Stars, Wilkie picked up an assist on a goal by Chase Berger. The win was the first for Tri-City since Nov. 23, 2011, breaking a streak of eight losses in the state capitol.

The 17-year-old followed that up with his first career multi-goal game as Tri-City defeated Sioux Falls 3-2. Wilkie scored both Storm goals in regulation during the third period, before converting on a do-or-die shootout attempt. His shootout goal kept his team’s chances of victory alive before forward Dan Labosky scored the winner two rounds later.

On Saturday night, the Omaha, Neb. native scored a third period power play goal to start a comeback that led to a 4-3 victory.

The North Dakota commit is second on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points in 35 games.

During his eight game point streak, Wilkie has scored five goals and six assists, while propelling his team to a 4-4-0 record. The streak started when the forward returned from an injury, scoring a breakaway goal in a win over Omaha on Jan. 8. Ever since, Wilkie has been rolling along, continually impressing on offense.

Wilkie joins fellow forwards Ryan McMurphy, Joel L’Esperance and goaltender Jacob Johansson as Storm players who have been honored by the league this season.

Tri-City hosts Des Moines this weekend for a series at the Viaero Event Center. Friday night’s game begins at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest gets underway at 7:05.