Sports – Page 634 – North Platte Post Archive

Second Period Propels Storm To Fourth Straight Win

Posted on January 9, 2014

OMAHA, Neb. – Two second period goals were all the Tri-City Storm (12-17-2) needed on Wednesday night to defeat the Omaha Lancers (23-6-4) 2-1 and get their first victory against their in-state rivals this season.

Forward Chase Berger picked up the first assist on both of his teams’ goals in the win, while Chris Wilkie converted on a breakaway in his hometown and goaltender Jacob Johansson made 17 saves in his sixth consecutive victory.

The Storm outshot Omaha 30-18 in the game. The 18 shots against are the lowest total Tri-City has allowed this season.

Tyler Vesel opened the scoring with his USHL leading 25th goal at 2:38 of the first. But Tri-City settled down after a shaky few minutes and finished the period with some good offensive chances, outshooting the Lancers 10-8.

The Storm scored both of their goals in the middle period to take the lead for good.

Berger found Wilkie and send him in alone on a breakaway minutes into the period. The Omaha native made a quick move and beat Lancers’ goaltender Cole Bruns with a wrist shot glove side to tie the game 1-1. It was Wilkie’s eighth tally of the season in his first game back on the ice after missing two games with an injury.

Later in the period, Berger pickpocketed a Lancer defenseman in front of the Omaha net and fed a pass right on the stick of forward Kyle Eastman for a tap in goal. Eastman’s second tally of the season turned out to be the game-winner for Tri-City, and the Angola, N.Y. native was named the first star of the game for his efforts.

Neither team was able to score in the third period as the Storm locked things down defensively, allowing only five shots in the final frame.

Both teams also held each other scoreless on special teams, as the Storm were 0-for-4 on the power play, while the Lancers were 0-for-5.

The two teams will have a rematch on Friday night in Kearney at the Viaero Event Center with the puck dropping at7:30 p.m.

Notes: The Storm scratched forwards Nick Hutchison, Joey DiBenedetto and Nolan Aibel, along with defenseman Cutler Martin.…

SCORING SUMMARY

1st Period
Omaha – Tyler Vesel (Louie Rowe, Nash Worden) 2:38

2nd Period

Tri-City – Chris Wilkie (Chase Berger) 2:40
Tri-City – Kyle Eastman (Chase Berger) 16:07

3rd Period

(no scoring)

PENALTIES

1st Period
Tri-City – Chris Wilkie – (Tripping), 2 min, 4:35
Omaha – Matt Nelson – (Holding), 2 min, 11:04

2nd Period
Omaha – Connor Light – (Tripping), 2 min, 4:08
Tri-City – Chris Wilkie – (Tripping), 2 min, 6:56
Tri-City – Kyle Eastman – (Tripping), 2 min, 10:11
Omaha – Nash Worden – (Interference), 2 min, 13:48
Tri-City – Austin Poganski – (Tripping), 2 min, 17:48
Tri-City – Drew Mayer – (Roughing), 2 min, 20:00
Omaha – Anthony Angello – (Roughing), 2 min, 20:00

3rd Period

Tri-City – Jalen Schulz – (Holding), 2 min, 7:12
Omaha – Luca Frigo – (Head Contact), 2 min, 16:16

Power Play

Tri-City – 0/4

Omaha – 0/5

Shots

Tri-City: 10, 13, 7 = Total: 30

Omaha: 8, 5, 5 = Total: 18

Saves

Tri-City – Jacob Johansson – 17/18

Omaha – Cole Bruns – 28/30

Neb. Lawmaker Wants to Ban Mountain Lion Hunting

Posted on January 8, 2014January 9, 2014

(AP) — Nebraska’s longest-serving state lawmaker is proposing a ban on mountain lion hunting.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha introduced a measure Wednesday to force an end to the state Game and Parks Commission’s yearly hunting season. Cougars are seen most often in the Pine Ridge region of northwest Nebraska.

Chambers says he’s outraged by a recent auction of a mountain-lion hunting permit by the Nebraska Big Game Society, and a decision to let the hunting season proceed after a female in Sioux County was accidentally killed in a trap. Chambers says the animals pose serious no real threat to humans or livestock.

Mountain lion are native to Nebraska, but vanished in the late 1800s after settlers started poisoning and hunting them. Officials estimate that 22 live in the Pine Ridge area.

Huskers Continue Home Stand Against Indiana, Penn

Posted on January 8, 2014

The No. 8 Nebraska wrestling team (6-0) hosts Indiana and Penn this weekend as the Huskers continue their four-dual home stand at the Devaney Center.

The Huskers face off against Big Ten foe Indiana on Friday at 7 p.m. CT. The matchup marks the 17th all-time meeting between the two schools and will be streamed on the Big Ten Digital Network. The link to BTDN is provided above and requires a subscription to view the dual. Prior to the match, the Devaney Center will hold a high school dual starting at 5 p.m.

Nebraska’s showdown with Penn is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. The dual is part of the “Tumble and Rumble” event, which coincides with a women’s gymnastics meet on the Devaney Center floor. The Huskers and Quakers will compete against each other for the third time, with NU holding a 1-0-1 advantage in the series. Huskers.com will stream the “Tumble and Rumble” event, with simultaneous wrestling and gymnastics action.

Both of Nebraska’s duals this weekend can be followed on Twitter from @HuskerWrestling. Scoring will also be provided on TrackWrestling.com.

The Huskers enter the weekend coming off a 26-12 win over Wyoming at the Devaney Center. Seven of Nebraska’s wrestlers won matches during the come-from-behind victory, which marked NU’s sixth win of the 2013-14 season.

No. 5 NPCC Knights Start Region IX Road Schedule Friday

Posted on January 8, 2014

North Platte – The No. 5 North Platte Community College men’s basketball team (12-0, 4-0 South Sub-Region) returns to action after a month break on Friday January 10 and Saturday January 11 as they travel to Scottsbluff and Torrington, Wyo. for two Region IX South Sub-Region game. On Friday the Knights face the Western Nebraska Community College Cougars (10-6, 2-1 South Sub-Region) at 8:30 p.m. CST and then take on the Eastern Wyoming College Lancers (8-6, 0-3 South Sub-Region) Saturday at 5 p.m. CST.

North Platte is led by sophomore Ethan Montalvo who averages 15.3 points per game. Freshman Cameron Williams is the only other Knight averaging double figures at 12.0 points per game. Jake Maslo (6.8 rpg) and Aireon Porter (6.6 rpg) lead the Knights in rebounding. Tim Simmons paces the Knights with 2.4 assists per game.

The Cougars are led by freshman Diante Mitchell and freshman 7′ Brandon Morley. Mitchell averages 17.0 points per game while Morley averages 16.6 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game. Western Nebraska enters the game on a four game winning streak after defeating the YMCA All-Stars on Tuesday 115-68.

Sophomore Jonathan Doss leads the Lancers in scoring and rebounding at 18.5 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. Kalil Potts is the Lancers second leading scorer at 17.4 points while Jason McClellan is the third Lancer in double-digits at 12.6 points per game. The Lancers face off against the McCook Community College Indians Friday in their first game of 2014 before taking on the Knights.

North Platte starts the year with seven straight road games as next week the Knights travel to Cheyenne, Wyo. to take on Laramie County Community College (12-5, 3-1 South Sub-Region), Beatrice to take on Southeast Community College (14-5) and Columbus to take on Central Community College (14-2). The Knights are next at home on Wednesday January 29 to face McCook Community College (11-4, 3-1 South Sub-Region) at 7:30 p.m.

NPCC Lady Knights Open 2014 at Home Friday against Doane College JV

Posted on January 8, 2014

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team (6-6) opens up the Spring 2014 semester on Friday January 10 at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium as the Doane College JV comes to town for a 7:30 tip. The Lady Knights then take to the road Saturday January 11 as they travel to Torrington, Wyo. to face off with the Eastern Wyoming College Lady Lancers (6-7) at 3 p.m. CST.

The Lady Knights return to action after a month long break. The Lady Knights last played December 11 against the Northeastern Junior College Plainswomen (5-7). The Plainswomen knocked off the Lady Knights 51-67 to snap a three game winning streak for the Lady Knights.

DaVontaye Merritt leads the Knights in both scoring and rebounding at 17.3 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game. April Stull is second in both categories at 12.3 points and 7.8 rebounds. Jordan Dickerson leads the team in assists at 4.6 per game

The game Friday will be broadcast live in the first event at North Platte Community College that Coaches Aid and ASBN will live stream.

The Lady Knights stay on the road for the majority of January as they have four more road games before returning to the friendly confines of McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on January 28 to face the York College JV.

Rodman Sings Happy Birthday to North Korean Leader

Posted on January 8, 2014

YONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — Dennis Rodman has sung “Happy Birthday” to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before leading a squad of former NBA stars onto the court at a Pyongyang stadium for a game Rodman said is part of his “basketball diplomacy” with the North that has been heavily criticized in the United States.

Rodman dedicated the game Wednesday to his “best friend” Kim, who along with his wife and other senior officials and their wives watched from a special seating area.

The capacity crowd of about 14,000 clapped loudly as Rodman sang a verse from the birthday song.

Along with Rodman, the former NBA players included ex-All Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker. Also on the roster were Craig Hodges, Doug Christie, Charles D. Smith and four streetballers.

No. 16 Huskers Open Big Ten Road Swing with Spartans

Posted on January 7, 2014

The No. 16 Nebraska women’s basketball team hits the road for the first time in more than a month to face Michigan State in the Big Red’s Big Ten road opener on Thursday night.

Tip-off between the Huskers (11-2, 1-0 Big Ten) and the Spartans (9-5, 1-0 Big Ten) is set for 6 p.m. (CT) with live national television coverage by the Big Ten Network with Eric Collins and Mary Murphy on the call.

The game can be heard live on the Husker Sports Network, including flagships B107.3 FM in Lincoln and the Wolf 93.3 FM in Omaha. Free live audio is available on Huskers.com.

Nebraska, which was the preseason pick of media and coaches to win the 2014 Big Ten title, opened conference play with a 66-65 come-from-behind win over Northwestern in the first-ever Big Ten game at Pinnacle Bank Arena. It was Nebraska’s fifth straight win.

Michigan State also notched a Big Ten-opening victory, crushing Minnesota 81-56 on the Gophers’ homecourt on Saturdayat the Barn. It was the third straight win overall for the Spartans, who carry a 6-1 home mark at the Breslin Center this season.

All-American Jordan Hooper leads a talented and experienced starting five for the Big Red. The two-time first-team All-Big Ten forward from Alliance, Neb., ranks among the top three players in the Big Ten by averaging 20.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. She notched her seventh double-double with 14 points and 10 boards in last Thursday’s win over Northwestern. Hooper is 53 points and 49 rebounds away from becoming just third Husker and fifth Big Ten player in history to reach career milestones of 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

Hooper, who is expected to make her 112th consecutive start, has been joined in Nebraska’s starting five by junior forwards Emily Cady (13.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.2 apg) and Hailie Sample (6.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.7 apg) for each of the past 80 games.

Governor Encourages Wellness – LiveWell Challenge Begins Jan. 13!

Posted on January 7, 2014January 7, 2014

Lincoln—Governor Dave Heineman and Dr. Joseph Acierno, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer led state workers and wellness advocates in a 30-minute wellness walk through the halls of the State Capitol over the lunch hour Monday to heighten awareness of the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

The event was sponsored by the Nebraska Sports Council whose LiveWell Challenge has aided more than 70,000 Nebraskans in adopting healthier lifestyle habits over the past 12 years. The Governor encouraged Nebraskans to enter the Challenge in opening remarks, and also lauded the state’s employees in making Nebraska a national model for worksite wellness among state governments, using his own progress as an example.

“Last year, I logged over 4 million steps and I try to increase that number every year. If I can find the time to do it, anyone can,” he said.

The Walk demonstrates a simple way to incorporate exercise and good nutrition into one’s daily routine. Benefits of daily physical activity and a healthy diet include reduced risk of disease, improved brain function, increased energy, better weight control and better sleep.

The LiveWell Challenge Series begins Jan. 13 and offers participants a year of access to online activity and nutrition tracking, three wellness challenges, an annual health magazine subscription and the opportunity to earn prizes for consistent progress and tracking. The cost for the year is $15, or around 4ȼ per day.

Most participating teams are made up of co-workers from participating businesses. Total participation is expected to exceed 5,000. Those interested can register, or find details, at LiveWellChallenge.com or by calling 402-471-2544.

The Nebraska Sports Council, which facilitates the LiveWell Challenge Series and the Cornhusker State Games, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which promotes healthy and active lifestyle choices. More than 30,000 Nebraskans participate in NSC programs and events annually. Platinum partners include BlueCross and BlueShield of Nebraska, St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center and Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine. LiveWellNebraska.com is the presenting partner of the LiveWell Challenge Series.

Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.

Commission Meeting to Discuss Elk Permits

Posted on January 7, 2014January 7, 2014

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners will consider a bonus point system for general bull elk permits when they meet Jan. 17 in Lincoln.

If passed, the system would give people who have applied for a bull elk permit and been unsuccessful one or more years a better chance of drawing a permit. Beginning in 2014, a person would receive a bonus point each time he or she applies for but does not receive a permit. In subsequent years, applicants would get an additional entry into the draw for each bonus point accrued. Landowner permits would be excluded from this system.

The meeting is at 8 a.m. in the third-floor conference room of Game and Parks headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.

Also on the agenda are recommendations to:

— name the new education complex at Boosalis Park in Lincoln the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Outdoor Education Center;

— create a Commission order for rules regarding season dates, bag limits, hunting zones and conservation orders for coots, ducks, geese and crow;

— amend regulations to allow Game and Parks to manage foot access on wildlife management areas;

— amend camping and rental fees at state parks, recreation areas and historical parks;

— approve and adopt the Fort Robinson Management Plan; and

— approve four outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program.

Huskers Return Home for Michigan On Thursday

Posted on January 7, 2014

The Nebraska basketball team returns to Pinnacle Bank Arena for the first time in 2014, as the Huskers host Michigan in the Big Ten home opener Thursday evening. Tipoff is set for 8:05 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena and the game will be carried nationally on ESPN2 with Joe Tessitore and Sean Farnham on the call. The game is also available on the WatchESPN app and at WatchESPN.com.

A crowd of close to 15,000 is expected for Thursday’s game while a limited number of tickets are available in both the 100 ($30) and 300 Levels ($10). For ticket availability, call Huskers.com or call 800-8-BIGRED. In addition, UNL students can still reserve their tickets by calling the Nebraska Athletic Ticket Office at 800-8-BIGRED by Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday’s game will also be carried across the state on the 27-station Husker Sports Network with Kent Pavelka and Matt Davison calling all of the action, including flagship stations KLIN (1400 AM/94.5 FM) in Lincoln and KFAB (1110 AM) in Omaha. The game can also be heard on Huskers.com and is available on the Huskers’ app on iOS or android devices, as well as Sirius and XM Radio.

The Huskers (8-6, 0-2 B1G) look to snap a three-game losing streak following an 84-53 loss at third-ranked Ohio State on Saturday. The Huskers trailed 33-30 with 2:28 left in the half, but the Buckeyes closed the half on a 7-0 run and pulled away during the final 20 minutes of action.

Despite the loss to the Buckeyes, the Huskers got a strong performance from junior Leslee Smith, who was moved into the starting lineup as Walter Pitchford was battling the flu Saturday morning. Smith, making his first start of the year, totaled 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting and 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the year. The 6-foot-8 junior is averaging 7.9 points on 61 percent shooting and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game despite averaging just under 20 minutes of playing time. Smith is ninth in the Big Ten in rebounding and would rank fourth in shooting percentage but is just shy of the conference minimum.

If Nebraska is to extend its home win streak to 10 games, the Huskers will have to knock off a talented Michigan team which is 10-4 on the season and 2-0 in conference action. The Wolverines bring a four-game win streak to Lincoln following a 74-51 victory over Northwestern on Sunday afternoon. UM features sophomores Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III. Stauskas leads the Wolverines with 17.8 points and 3.6 assists per game, while Robinson averages 13.4 points per game on 50 percent shooting and 4.6 rebounds per game.