The Nebraska High School All-State Basketball Project - Saluting 2003

Up first is a review of the 2003 Boys State Basketball Tournament. Boys basketball had six classes in 2002-03. Each class qualified eight teams for the Boys State Basketball Tournament held on March 13, 14, and 15, 2003.

Classes A and B were divided into six districts with the district champions and two wild card teams, selected on the basis of a point system, qualifying for the state tournament. Lincoln High and Kearney were the wild card teams for Class A. Beatrice and Blair were the Class B wild card teams. For the second time in NSAA history Classes C1, C2, D1 and D2 also had two wild card qualifiers. Classes C1, C2, D1 and D2 were divided into twelve sub-districts and six districts. The winners of the district finals in each class advanced to the state tournament. The two non-district champions with the highest wild card average received invitations to the State Tournament. The Class C1 wild cards qualifiers were Syracuse and Pierce. West Point Central Catholic and Malcolm were the C2 wild cards. In D1, Falls City Sacred Heart and Greeley/Wolbach received the wild cards. Shickley and Wheatland were the D2 wild card winners. Paid attendance from all sites: 93,639

*Class D-2:*

*Tournament Qualifiers/(head coach): Lynch (Kris Freeland); Wausa (Stan Hageman); Wheatland (Mitch Moorehead); Shickley (Dave Bahe); Cedar Rapids (Alan Duerksen); Loomis (Steve Johnson); Cody-Kilgore (Dennis Johnson); Prague (Mark Watton).

Quarterfinals:

(20-4) Lynch 65, Loomis 45 (22-1)

(17-5) Wausa 46, Wheatland 41 (18-3)

(18-3) Shickley 51, Cedar Rapids 43 (11-10)

(19-2) Prague 58, Cody-Kilgore 50 (18-3) {Overtime}

Semifinals:

(21-4) Lynch 57, Wausa 42 (18-5)

(19-3) Shickley 50, Prague 41 (20-2) {Overtime}

Finals:

(22-4) Lynch 63, Shickley 38 (20-3) {Overtime}

D-2 Champion: Lynch (23-4) - Head Coach: Kris Freeland. Asst: Richard Kendrick

*The D-2 All-Tournament team: Nate Eilers-Lynch (6-5, Sr.), Seth Hadenfeldt-Lynch (6-2, Jr.), Matt Hadenfeldt-Lynch (6-0, Soph.), Jeff Seagren-Wausa (6-1, Sr.), Bob Kempf-Shickley (6-10, Sr.)

*The Class D-2 tournament scoring battle between Shickley’s 6-10 post Bob Kempf and Lynch sharpshooter Nate Eilers went down to the Championship game before things were decided. It was Kempf who emerged the leader with 62 points (19, 28, 15 pts), outscoring the 6-5 Eilers, who scored 62 (24, 20, 17 pts) during the 3 day festivities. It was Eilers and friends, however, who walked away with the hardware via the resounding 63-38 win over Shickley.

*The Class D-2 final saw Shickley’s 6-10 Bobby Kempf score 8 of his team high 15 points in the first quarter, yet still trail Lynch 14-10. So, the strategy of Lynch coach Kris Freeland to let Kempf “get his points” must have worked like a charm, because Shickley began to look away from Kempf and to their other four starters for points in the second stanza. Didn’t work.

Lynch stretched the lead to a 29-20 halftime advantage and never looked back. Lynch scoring leader Seth Hadenfeldt canned 17 of his game high 25 points in that opening half, then turned over those chores to brother Matt and high scoring Nate Eilers in the second half and the route was on.

After being sent home from the state tournament the year before with an opening round 57-49 loss to Greeley/Wolbach, the Eagles were bound and determined to make amends, headbands and all.

*Class D-1:*

*Tournament Qualifiers/(head coach) Pleasanton (Randy Bauer); Howells (Jim Morrison); Pawnee City (Mark Leonard); Spencer-Naper (Jim Carlson); Wauneta-Palisade (David Kuhlen); Greeley-Wolbach (Dennis Hurlbut); Falls City Sacred Heart (Doug Goltz); Freeman (Frank Jesse)

Quarterfinals:

(18-5) Howells 65, Pleasanton 56 (19-3)

(22-2) Pawnee City 74, Wauneta-Palisade 56 (18-5)

(24-0) Spencer-Naper 73, Freeman 55 (12-11)

(19-4) Falls City Sacred Heart 61, Greeley-Wolbach 60 (21-1)

Semifinals:

(19-5) Howells 57, Pawnee City 52 (18-10)

(25-0) Spencer-Naper 74, Falls City Sacred Heart 68 (21-3)

Finals:

(26-0) Spencer-Naper 32, Howells 31 (20-5)

D-1: (27-0) Spencer-Naper; Head Coach: Ron Carlson Asst: Ron Kopecky.

*The D-1 All-Tournament team; John Connot**-Spencer-Naper (6-3, Sr), Jason Connot-Spencer-Naper (6-2, Sr.), Mat Eikmeier-Howells (6-3, Jr.), Matt Sells-Falls City Sacred Heart (6-1, Sr.) and Jack Rother-Greeley/Wolbach (6-5, Jr.)

*The D-1 Tournament scoring title was decided before the Finals when Howells super-junior Mat Eikmeier posted back-to-back scoring games of 24 points. It was a slowdown final clash with the Pirates coming out on top 32-31, but all Eikmeier would need was 7 points that day to secure a D-1 scoring title with a three day total of 55 tallies. Spencer-Naper’s three-time all-state John Connot was second with 42 points (14, 21, 7 pts.)

*The D-1 championship game: Never forget this one as long as I live. Amongst the mumbling, grumbling and belly-aching by much of the crowd and many on press row, I found a silver lining in Spencer-Naper’s 32-31 Championship win over Howells. It was a pure display of defensive athleticism by both teams, as Spencer-Naper slowed the offensive play down to a trickle….except for their crisp, blinding semi-circle passing. The idea was to work the ball back and forth so quickly that Jim Morrison’s Howells crew would finally not be able to shift with the Pirates, creating an open shot. Rarely happened in the game.

Spencer-Naper ended up shooting 31.7% from the field. Howells fared worse, hitting only 26%. It finally came down to Pirates super coach Jim Carlson calling a time out with 5.7 seconds left in the game. Carlson decided to go inside to 6-3 junior Kurt Dummer, whose 52% free throw shooting percentage made him an unlikely candidate to win the game should he be fouled. But Coach Carlson made a great call.

Dummer, whose school teacher mother had died the year before, was fouled going to the hoop with the score all square at 31. The junior missed his first free throw attempt, took a deep breath, and was perfect on the second shot. Howells still had a chance to win it, but Spencer-Naper got back quickly and forced Howells Mat Eikmeier to take a 25 foot shot that bounced harmlessly off the front of the rim.

The win gave 27-0 Spencer-Naper their 2nd consecutive state championship and also saw the Pirates compile an mind-boggling 82-1 record over the previous three seasons. Their only setback during that magical span was a loss to Falls City Sacred Heart in the 2001 Class D-2 title game.

In defense of the press row grumbling, the 32-31 state final score was the lowest scoring state championship game in 51 years. Turned the clock back a little bit, eh boys (and girls)?

*Class C-2:*

*Tournament Qualifiers/(head coach): Overton (Brian Regelin); Sutton (Steve Spongberg); West Point Central Catholic (Duane Mendlik); Emerson-Hubbard (Don Bormann); Lutheran High Northeast (Greg Rathke); Alma (Kevin Walker); Elmwood-Murdock (Kevin Burbach); Malcolm (Troy Pritchett)

Quarterfinals:

(18-6) West Point Central Catholic 84, Alma 75 (20-3)

(19-3) Malcolm 63, Lutheran High NE 59 (18-6)

(21-0) Sutton 42, Emerson-Hubbard 33 (17-9)

(18-4) Overton 70, Elwood-Murdock 67 (18-5) {Overtime}

Semifinals:

(19-6) West Point Central Catholic 72, Malcolm 56 (20-3)

(22-0) Sutton 53, Overton 39 (19-4)

Finals:

(23-0) Sutton 47, West Point Central Catholic 42 (20-6)

C-2 Champion: Sutton (24-0); Head Coach: Steve Sponberg. Asst: John Ladehoff, B.J Smith, John Kliewer.

*The C-2 All-Tournament Team was: Alex Wagner-West Point Central Catholic (5-10, Jr.), Brian Mendlik-West Point Central Catholic (5-6, Soph.), Nate McHugh-Elmwood-Murdock (6-2, Jr.), Casey Nuss-Sutton (6-s, Sr.), Mark Lostroh-Malcolm (6-2, Sr.).

*Class C-2 Tournament scoring title race: Despite coming up short in the C-2 title game, West Point CC went 1-2 in the three day individual scoring race. Win the battle, lose the race. The Bluejays Alex Wagner emerged as top dog with his three game output of 67 points (24, 25, 18 pts). Teammate Brian Mendlik, all 5 foot, 6 inches of him, was 9 points back at 58 (23, 29, 6 pts), despite being held to 6 points in the 47-42 finals loss to Sutton.

*The Class C-2 Championship game featured an “in your face” Sutton coach Steve Spongberg defense that saw the Mustang’s Casey Nuss smother West Point CC’ high scoring sophomore guard, Bryan Medlik to the tune of 1 for 6 shooting from the field. The result was a 47-42 win for Sutton over a Bluejay team that flat out could shoot the basketball.

Mendlik, who was only 5-6, had already nailed 13 treys and scored 52 points in the first two state tournament games for WPCC, simply couldn’t get it going with Nuss three inches from his nose the entire game. That is simply Steve Spongberg defensive basketball my friends. Nuss was equally effective on offense, especially during the third quarter.

The Sutton senior scored all 10 of his points in that crucial period, helping the Mustangs recover from a 6 point deficit. Ironically, Nuss was 0 of 3 shooting in the first half with 4 turnovers, but his third quarter offensive heroics and game long defense made him the hero in the Sutton win.

Casey Nuss, the Sutton quarterback during football season, was always the man Spongberg turned to when the Mustangs needed a basket. All of know those football dudes come through on the hardwood when you need it, right?

*Class C-1*:

*Tournament Qualifiers/(head coach): Syracuse (Mark Hrabik); Pierce (Todd Emory); Wahoo Neumann (Mike Weiss); Wayne (Rocky Ruhl); Chase County (Rick Titus); West Point (Jake Shadley); Grand Island Central Catholic (Bill Gavers); David City Aquinas (Tony Smith)

Quarterfinals:

(23-1) Wayne 55, Pierce 51 (16-5)

(23-0) Wahoo Neumann 59, Grand Island Central Catholic 50 (19-6)

(21-2) Syracuse 47, West Point 41 (22-2)

(22-0) Chase County 65, David City Aquinas 51 (11-10)

Semifinals:

(24-0) Wahoo Neumann 67, Wayne 57 (24-1) {2 Overtimes}

(23-0) Chase County 50, Syracuse 37 (22-2)

Finals:

(25-0) Wahoo Neumann 68, Chase County 52 (24-0)

C-1 Champion: Wahoo Neumann (26-0). Head Coach: Mike Weiss, Asst: Doug Lanik, Mike Furstenau.

*The C-1 All-Tournament Team: Kyle Prochaska-Wahoo Neumann (6-4, Sr.), Kyle Loos-Wahoo Neumann, Ed Kaiser-Chase County (6-3, Sr.), Eric Fuehrer-Chase County (5-8, Soph,), Thomas Pargett-Syracuse (6-3, Jr.).

*The C-1 tournament scoring crown went to C-1 champion Wahoo Neumann’s Kyle Loos, who scored 51 points (20, 15, 16 pts). That was five better than Eric Fuehrer of Chase County (29, 10, 7 pts). Loos buddy Kyle Prohaska had 44 for the three day championship run.

*The C-1 championship game: Wahoo Neumann added a Class C-1 State basketball title to go with it’s 2002/2003 State Football Championship by defeating undefeated Chase County 68-52 in the C-1 game for all the marbles. Both teams entered the game with unblemished records, with Bishop Neumann stretching it’s season mark to 26-0, the school’s first unbeaten season in history. The Cavaliers also extended their winning streak to 36 games, dating back to 2002 when they won a C-1 title with a victory over Columbus Lakeview.

Head Coach Mike Weiss, still the head man at Neumann as we speak, won a State Championship in his first year after succeeding Paul Johnson. Big, athletic Kyle Prohaska buried 22 points in the game to take scoring honors, as well as pulling down 13 rebounds.

Chase County actually led 36-35 at the halftime break, but the suffocating Neumann defense held the invaders from the West to a meager 16 second half points and a paltry 6 for 22 shooting beyond the arc. Not one Chase player could hit double figures, with All-State Ed Kaiser and Jason Burke coming with 9 apiece, to be the closest.

*Class B:*

*Tournament Qualifiers/(head coach): Norris (Curt Carlson); McCook (Joel Hueser); Ralston (Bill Heard); Blair (Brian Mlnarik); Chadron (Craig Nobling); Schuyler (Jeff Droge); Beatrice (Jim Weeks); Omaha Skutt Catholic (Dean Brunson).

Quarterfinals:

(17-7) Omaha Skutt Catholic 73, McCook 70 (21-5)

(19-3) Norris 34, Schuyler 28 (13-8)

(11-12) Ralston 68, Blair 55 (18-5)

(17-3) Beatrice 99, Chadron 49 (16-6)

Semifinals:

(20-3) Norris 62, Omaha Skutt Catholic 55 (18-7)

(12-12) Ralston 41, Beatrice 38, (18-3)

Finals:

(21-3) Norris 49, Ralston 42 (13-12)

Class B Champion: Norris (22-3). Head Coach: Curt Carlson, Asst: Paul Bade, Matt Rice, Chad Otto, Jason Dolliver.

*The Class B All-Tournament Team: Michael Stoynev*-Norris (6-4, Sr.), Xavier Oman-Beatrice (6-0, Sr.), Krae DuToit-McCook (5-10, Sr.), Jacob Chandler-Ralston (6-3, Jr.), Josh Bjorkman-Omaha Skutt Catholic (6-4, Sr.).

*The Class B State Tournament scoring leader by a mile, again was Michael Stoynev of Norris, who poured in 77 points (18, 35, 24 pts), 18 better than 2002. The Norris star was 17 points better than Jacob Chandler of Ralston, who scored 60 points (22, 20, 18) in the Class B Dance.

*The Class B final: Norris repeated as Class B State Champion with their 49-42 win over Ralston, but it wasn’t easy. The lead changed 9 times during the first half and it wasn’t until the one and only Michael Stoynev scored 10 of his game high 24 points in the final frame, that Norris felt like they could put away Bill Heard’s 13-12 Rams.

Jacob Chandler led Ralston, who wasn’t even expected to make the Class B state tournament field, with 18 points and 10 rebounds. After opening the season with 7 straight wins, the Rams would lose 12 of their next 14 games, heading into to District play riding an 8 game losing skid. But the Rams caught fire at the right time, a tribute to Bill Heard’s coaching ability, and not only made it to the finals, but gave Michael Stoynev, Zach Yelkin and the Norris Titans a run for their money in the Class B finals.

*Class A:*

Tournament Qualifiers/(head coach): Grand Island (Dave Oman); Lincoln High (Russ Uhing); Kearney (Kyle Hoehner); Millard South (Larry Ribble); Omaha Central (Eric Behrens); Millard West (Rick Hook); Omaha Westside (Dan Schinzel); Omaha Benson (Terry Shelsta).

Quarterfinals:

(17-4) Omaha Westside 44, Grand Island 36 (16-5)

(16-3) Lincoln High 68, Omaha Central 61 (13-9) {Overtime}

(19-2) Lincoln Southeast 65, Millard West 34 (7-13)

(15-5) Omaha Benson 57, Kearney 55 (13-8)

Semifinals:

(18-3) Lincoln High 43, Omaha Westside 25 (18-4)

(19-3) Lincoln Southeast 52, Omaha Benson 47 (13-9)

Finals:

(19-3) Lincoln High 43, Lincoln Southeast 38 (20-3)

Class A Champion: Lincoln High (20-3). Head Coach: Russ Uhing. Asst: Sam Sharp, Gary Nunnally, Richard Jackson.

*The Class A All-Tournament Team consisted of: Tyron Canby**-Lincoln High (6-0, Sr.), Nick Madsen-Lincoln High (6-4, Sr.), Jake Brestel-Lincoln High (6-6, Sr.), John Torson-Omaha Westside (6-8, Sr.), Nick Bahe-Lincoln SE (6-3, Sr.),

*The Tournament scoring honors went to Jake Brestel of Lincoln High. The 6-6 senor hit 47 (26,12, 9 pts) during the Links three day march to the Class championship. Nick Bahe from Lincoln SE was runner-up with a 2-day total of 42 points. The Knights senior would have been the scoring champ had he played on Saturday……..but then again, if It’s and But’s were Candy and Nuts, it would be Christmas every day…..right?

*The Class A championship game: Appearing in the Class A finals for the first time in 26 years, Lincoln High made the most of their opportunity by turning back Nick Bahe and the Lincoln Southeast Knights, 43-38. But I, for one, certainly did not think that would ever happen after the Links went the opening 10 minutes without scoring a single point…..not one. Nine turnovers, 7 missed shots and a big goose egg on the Bob Devaney scoreboard compared to the Knights 13 points.

That’s right, 13-0 Lincoln Southeast until Links ace Tyron Canby hit a bucket to break the scoring drought two minutes into the 2nd stanza. Canby, a lad of American Indian descent, said the Links were used to overcoming obstacles on their way to the finals. He wasn’t kidding.

After all, Lincoln High had to score the final nine points in the opening round game just to send the thing into overtime before dispatching Omaha Central, 68-61. The next day in the semifinal game against Omaha Westside, the Links watched a 4th quarter lead evaporate and Lincoln High needed a last second putback to gain a 46-44 win and advance to the Class A finals.

So goes the life of the Cardiac Kids of Coach Russ Uhing.

In winning the Class A title and finishing with a 19-3 record, the Links avenged all three losses suffered during the year. The Lincoln East setback during a Holiday Tournament, a loss to Southeast and that District final loss to Omaha Westside. Yes, Lincoln High got into the 2003 Class A state tournament with a wild card.

Lincoln High won the game with only one player in double figures and that being Nick Madsen, who took scoring honors in the game with 11 points. But I thought it was the Links staunch defense that made the difference. Southeast as held to 5 of 21 accuracy from three point land and 30% field goal shooting for the entire game.

*The 2003 All-Class, All-Tournament Team consisted of: Tyron Canby**-Lincoln High (6-0, Sr.), Nick Madsen-Lincoln High (6-4, Sr.), Jake Brestel-Lincoln High (6-6, Sr.), John Torson-Omaha Westside (6-8, Sr.), Michael Stoynev-Norris (6-4, Sr.)

* * * * * * * * * *

*2003 Class D-2 All-State Team*

Nate Eilers-Lynch* - 6-5, Senior (18.2 ppg/9.2 rpg)

Bob Kempf-Shickley - 6-10, Senior (21.0 ppg/11.4 rpg)

Drew Billetter-Loomis - 6-1 Sophomore (19.0 ppg/4.1 rpg)

Eric Johnson-Cody-Kilgore - 6-0, Senior (16.0 ppg/5.3 rpg)

Kolby Hamilton-Thedford - 6-5, Junior (18.8 ppg/11.0 rpg)

2nd Team:

Danny Kerkman-Clearwater - 6-2, Senior (15.7 ppg/6.0 rpg)

Corey Uldrich-Allen - 6-7 Junior (18.2 ppg/9.2 rpg)

Jeff Seagren-Wausa - 6-1, Senior (16.7 ppg/2.0 rpg)

Seth Hadenfeldt-Lynch - 6-2, Junior (15.0 ppg/7.6 rpg)

Travis Vanek-Prague - 5-11, Junior (17.2 ppg/3.0 rpg)

*Class D-2 Honorable Mention All-State:

*Seniors: Mike Dodds-Cedar Rapids; Tyler Kester-Clearwater; Lane Ford-Cody-Kilgore; Todd Hahne, Ryan Schuman-Coleridge; Ben Eisenhart, Brian Korell-Culbertson; Adam Lippold, Ryan Bennett-Dawson-Verdon; Russell Meyer-Dodge; Drew Denker-Dorchester; Lance Bachman-Giltner; Jared Cole, Matt Broz-Hayes Center; Matt Preister-Humphrey; Lynn Meyer-Johnson-Brock; Chris Siegel, Matt Ritchie-Litchfield; Shad Griebel, Stewart Switzer-Loup County; Shane Classen, Noah Nelson-Lynch; Derek Tuxhorn-McCool Junction; Case Eichenberger, Lon Hunter-Nemaha Valley; Cody Hermsmeyer-North Loup/Scotia; Mike Simons, Mike Haggerty, Ryan Hickey-O’Neill St. Marys; Bill Green-Potter-Dix; Adam Paseka-Prague; Jon Yoder, Chris Anderson, T.J. Bond-Shickley; Trent Stephens-St. Edward; Deric Robbins-SEM; Nate Plugge-Thedford; Gordy West-Wallace; Tyler Fincher-Wausa; Jacob Harms-Wheatland; Drew Kasselder-Wheeler-Central.

*Juniors: Bart Sachau-Allen; Jon Lechtenberg-Butte; Tommy Krings-Cedar Rapids; Christopher Filsinger-Clearwater; Justin Morrow-Elba; Evan Harmon-Giltner; Mike Meyer-Johnson-Brock; Denton Soucie-Lodgepole; Joe Spencer-Lynch; Zach Renninger-Mullen; Matt Elder-Paxton; Coe Schultz-Shickley; John Brammeier-Sterling; Luke Johnson-Wheatland.

Sophomores: Brigham Scott, Tyler Vose-Ansley; Sam Holcomb-Arcadia; Jeremy Ruzek-Dodge; Jarad Gruntorad-Ewing; Matt Hadenfelt-Lynch; Coby Konopasek-Verdigre; Mark Christensen-Wallace.

Freshmen: Ryan Thramer-Ewing; Ryan Rhodes-Paxton.

*2003 Class D-1 All-State Team:

John Connot-Spencer-Naper - 6-3, Senior (15.5 ppg/4.1 rpg)

Matt Sells-Falls City Sacred Heart - 6-3, Senior (22.9 ppg/7.0 rpg)

Jack Rother-Wolbach* - 6-5, Junior (19.6 ppg/6.1 rpg)

Mat Eikmeier-Howells - 6-3, Junior, (14.5 ppg/5.4 rpg)

Bobby Musil-Pawnee City - 6-7, Senior (17.1 ppg/9.1rpg)

2nd Team:

Jason Connot-Spencer-Naper - 6-2, Senior (11.9 ppg/9.9 rpg)

Tyler Ideus-Freeman - 6-3, Senior (16.4 ppg/8.4 rpg)

Levi Griffiths-Pleasanton - 6-1, Senior (14.1 ppg/4.9 rpg)

Chris McWilliams-Greeley/Wolbach - 6-3, Senior (15.2 ppg/6.7 rpg)

Michael Ortmeier-Osmond - 6-5, Junior (17.8 ppg/8.5 rpg)

*Class D-1 All-State Honorable Mention:

*Seniors: Nate Sickler-Amherst; Travis Porter, Kyle Blakeman-Anselmo-Merna; Tyler Haussler-Arapahoe; T.J. Hilsinger-Bancroft-Rosalie; Jeff True, Eric Klein-Bloomfield; Brian Fehr-Bruning-Davenport; Michael Houghtelling-Cambridge; Derek Stinnette, Jake Prchal-Cedar Bluffs; Sean Krueger-Chappell; Brent Beal-Clarkson; Kelly Cooksley-Elwood; Zach Janus, Kole Kugler-Eustis-Farnam; Rick Rech-Greeley-Wolbach; Quinten Penner-Hampton; Preston Crumley-Hartington; Mike Almond-Harvard; Brady Hanquist-High Plains; Brandon Blum, Eric Wieman-Howells; Tehl Kessler-Hyannis; Bret Schumacher-Lindsay Holy Family; Nick Moyer-Lourdes Central Catholic; Pat Christensen-Maxwell; Shaw Nelson, Chris Miller-Mead; Michael Kroupa-Omaha Brownell-Talbot; Jason Zelansey-Osceola; Mitch Happ-Palmer; Jed Droge, Zac Hanna-Pawnee City; Tyler Lewis-Pleasanton; Zach Randolph-Republican Valley; Pat Brooks-Rock County; Troy Pribnow-Scribner-Snyder; Scott Crook-Shelby; Bo Erickson-Silver Lake; Joel Foster-South Platte; Zach Brightweiser-Waterloo; Matt Wilson-Wauneta-Palisade; Michael Hawkins-Winside.

Juniors: Richard Cristen-Anselmo-Merna; Trenton Albers-Bruning-Davenport; Charlie Kucera-Clarkson; Chance Gailey-Crawford; Keith Borer, Chris Vaha, Brad Schmitt-Pope John; Brian Huppert, Justin Vonderschmidt-Falls City Sacred Heart; Kurt Little-Freeman; Brian Dutcher-Greeley-Wolbach; Michael Fagan-Hampton; Josh Wortman, Alex Rohde-Hartington; John Fischer-Kenesaw; Justin Hippen, Nick Wischmeier-Lewiston; Andrew Schumacher-Leyton; Jeff Bender-Lindsay Holy Family; Brandon Kontor-Mead; Brandon Rohr, Bret Marschman, Joel Endorf-Meridian; Burke Barr-Nebraska Lutheran; Tim Larson-Rock County; Greg Smith-Scribner-Snyder; Joe Hoppwood-Shelby; Kurt Dummer-Spencer-Naper.

Sophomores: Josh Warren-Eustis-Farnam; Jeremy Kearney-Falls City Sacred Heart; Colton Koehler-Harvard; Levi Lindburg-High Plains; Casey Bender-Lindsay Holy Family; Jamie Jordening-Meridian; Aaron Kassulke-Nebraska Lutheran; Heath Anderson-Scribner-Snyder; Derek Meyer-Silver Lake.

Freshmen: Tony Braithwait, Tony Maaske-Arapahoe.

*2003 Class C-2 All-State Team*

Kevin McGill-Fremont Bergan* - 6-4, Senior (17.3 ppg/7.5 rpg)

Alex Wagner-West Point Central Catholic - 5-10, Junior (16.7 ppg/2.4 rpg)

Kevin Prochaska-Sandy Creek - 6-1, Junior (17.4 ppg/4.6 rpg)

Nate McHugh-Elmwood-Murdock - 6-6, Junior (18.2 ppg/8.0 rpg)

Casey Nuss-Sutton - 6-2, Senior (8.6 ppg/5.6 rpg)

2nd Team:

Austin Weaver-Malcolm - 6-1 Senior (17.6 ppg/3.7 rpg)

Devin Weyer-Southern- 6-2, Junior (12.0 ppg/7.8 rpg)

Joseph Jackson - 6-3, Junior (19.0 ppg/7.8 rpg)

Eric Brooks-Overton - 6-5, Senior (17.5 ppg/12.1 rpg)

Elliot Gautreaux-Friend - 6-3, Senior (11.6/7.4 rpg)

*Class C-2 All-State Honorable Mention:

Seniors: Kody Schrader, Steffan Savino-Alma; Derek Melgoza, Tyler Swanson-Archbishop Bergan; Jay Johnson-Bertrand; Andy Wademan-Blue Hill; Tyler Swett-Burwell, Matt Zimmerman-Crofton; Toby Ball-Cross County; Derek Barnes-Elm Creek; Josh Fuchser, Andy Beacom, Marc Anderson-Emerson-Hubbard; Travis Kotas, Brett Ruhl-Exeter-Milligan; Jared Stutzman, Thad Weber, Andrew Davis-Friend; Derek Roeder-Fullerton; Matt Buller, Taylor Siebert-Henderson-Heartland; Ray Raynor, Tyler Kirkholm-Homer; Dan Torczon, Chance Boesch-Humphrey St. Francis; Marc Manganaro-Laurel-Concord; Sam Brockman, Andrew Pohlmeier-Lawrence-Nelson; Dan Machmueller-Leigh; Nathan Rogers, Tony Kuszak-Loup City; Joel Bacon-Lyons-Decatur NE; Ryan Coolidge-Lutheran High NE; Mark Lostroh, Aaron Schmidt-Malcolm; Mark Voelker-Newman Grove; Michael Haman-North Platte St. Pats; Curtis Refior-Josh Callahan-Overton: Lee Kubik, Dusty Welsh-Pender; Airen Mangrum-Ponca; Jake Borst-Randolph; Darren Shaw, Chris Mustn-Sandy Creek; Aaron Whitwer-Southern; Lance Beethe-Tecumseh: Jeff Banholzer-Wakefield; Adam Franzluebbers-West Point Central Catholic; Robby Heiser-Wisner-Pilger; Mark Davis-Wood River; John Thomas-Yutan.

Juniors: Luke Merkel-Crofton; Turner Scholl, Hayden Meyer-Deshler; Andrew Baxa-Diller-Odell; Nate Stroup-Dundy County; Zach Siel-Franklin; Chris Riley-Humboldt-TRS; Eric Nelson-Laurel-Concord; Tommy Robbins-Louisville; Josh Theissen-Nebraska Christian; Aaron Hallgren-Newman Grove; Andrew Mohr-North Platte St. Pats; Jared McCarter-Overton; Bryan Alderson, Nick Haselhorst-Randolph; Ryan Hinrichs-Sandy Creek; Nick Cohorst-Southern; Josh Nuss-Sutton; John Rauner, Nick Elting-Thayer Central; Luke Hoffman-Wakefield; Ben Moats-Weeping Water; Jesse Ridder-West Point Central Catholic; Lance Smith-Yutan.

Sophomores: Aaron Snyder-Burwell; Joel Zitek, Tyler Dolezal-East Butler; Joe McCulloch-Garden County; Travis Gunderson-Neligh-Oakdale; Bryan Mendlik-West Point Central Catholic; Brett Paben-Wilcox-Hildreth; Kelly Gilson-Wisner-Pilger.

*2003 Class C-1 All-State Team*

Kyle Prochaska-Wahoo Neumann* - 6-4, Senior (20.7. ppg/12.5 rpg)

Ed Kaiser-Chase County - 6-3, Senior (17.7 ppg/9.0 rpg)

Thomas Pargett-Syracuse - 6-3 Junior (22.3. ppg/8.7 rpg)

Todd Peterson-Grand Island Central Catholic - 6-5, Junior (20.3 ppg/7.1 rpg)

Chance Klasek-Tri-County - 6-2, Senior (15.0 ppg/7.0 rpg)

2nd Team:

Brent Cole-Auburn - 6-3, Senior (23.7 ppg/10.8 rpg)

Sean Blocher-West Point - 6-3, Junior (18.2 ppg/6.7 rpg)

Brent Jarzynka-Centura - 6-3, Senior (19.8 ppg/6.9 rpg)

Wade Janssen-Syracuse - 5-10, Senior (9.2 ppg/5.9 rpg)

Scott Wissing-Grand Island Central Catholic - 6-6, Junior (13.5 ppg/8.0 rpg)

*Class C-1 All-State Honorable Mention:

Seniors: Jesse Schakat, Mark Bliefernich-Adams Central; Trent Luane-Ashland-Greenwood; Cassady Kramer-Atkinson West Holt; Jered Gerdes-Auburn; Shawn Erickson, Chad Lade-Battle Creek; Todd Krause-Bayard; Matt Krause-Broken Bow; Matt Borth-Centennial; Bobby Brown-Central City; Garrett Rathke-Centura; Wade Wemhoff, Tony Bogus-Columbus Scotus; Wes Gehring-Columbus Lakeview; Aaron Glassnap-Conestoga; Joe Hilger-David City; Ryan Didier, Todd Woolsey-David City Aquinas; Tyler Stewart-Fairbury; Jack Galusha-Fillmore Central; Mitch Roth-Gordon; Andrew Small, Brandon Vacek-Hastings St. Cecilia; William Lewis, Aaron Manes-Lincoln Christian; Jared Coffman-Lincoln Lutheran; Matt Dornhoff-Minden; Clayton Thor-Norfolk Catholic; Jason Saalfeld-North Bend Central; Chad Bartholomew, Kurt Petska-Ord; Brett Wolslager, Brian Lauck, Aaron Blank-Pierce; Ryan Fuerhoff-Superior; Phil Janssen-Syracuse; Alex Tietjen-Tri County; Jared O’Keefe-Valentine; Brandon Henkel, Michael Shada-Wahoo, Kyle Loos, Zach Miller, Alex Kotera, Russ Plybon-Wahoo Neumann; John Ehrhardt, Travis Luhr, Ryan Schmeits-Wayne; Jesse Neeson-West Point; Aaron Pryor, Ben Francis-Wilber-Clatonia.

Juniors: Trent Muma-Bennington; Joey Imus-Boone Central; Alex Steckler-Broken Bow; Seth Blake, Eric Borth-Centennial; Lee Moser-Creighton; Bryce Simpson-Fairbury, Mike Brower-Fillmore Central; Brian Stephens-Ft, Calhoun; Tyler Bryson-Kearney Catholic; Brian Willet-Lincoln Christian; Dan Wiemer-Lincoln Lutheran; Chaise Vegas-Milford; Mike Lundgren-Elkhorn Mt. Michael; Jake Werch-North Bend Central; Travis Ptacek-O’Neill; Andrew Lingenfelter-Plainview; Heath Hansen-Tekamah-Herman; Jeff Foster-Valley; Eric Hain-Wahoo; Shane Oliva-Wilber-Clatonia.

Sophomores: Aaron Fuehrer-Chase County; Kenny Howard-Grand Island Central Catholic; Blake Cover-Kearney Catholic; Adam Troester-Lincoln Lutheran; Ben Suing, Blake Suing-Elkhorn Mt. Michael.

*2003 Class B All-State Team*

Michael Stoynev-Norris* - 5-10, Senior (20.5 ppg/5.3 rpg)

Xavier Oman-Beatrice* - 6-0, Senior (19.2 ppg/6.8 rpg)

Krae DuToit-McCook - 5-10, Senior (20.3 ppg/9.5 rpg)

Zach Yelkin-Norris - 6-1, Junior (13.8 ppg/4.4 rpg)

James Kohls-Aurora - 6-6, Junior (16.5 ppg/6.8 rpg)

2nd Team:

Michael Etzelmiller-Hastings -6-4, Junior (14.0 ppg/6.7 rpg)

Dallas Flynn-Blair - 6-5, Senior (16.9 ppg/8.0 rpg)

Jacob Chandler-Ralston - 6-3, Junior (15.5 ppg/7.4rpg)

Scott Hannon-York - 6-7, Senior (17.0 ppg/7.5 rpg)

Luke Donohue-Omaha Gross - 6-3, Senior (13.0 ppg/6.6)

*Class B All-State Honorable Mention:

*Seniors: Tyler Brown, Tad Peterson-Alliance; Cy Carlson, Justin Melcher-Aurora; Luke Nichols-Beatrice; Zach Turbiville, Micah Smith-Chadron; Nick Bull, Jordan Brill-Elkhorn; Kody Christensen-Gering; Kurt Gibson-Grand Island Northwest; Dustin Stuehrenberg-Hastings; Kyle Crawford-Holdrege; Bjorn Bergstrom-Lexington; Justin Randolph-McCook; Nick Adler, Scott Thompson-Norris; Tony Krause-Ogallala; Jordan Gaillard, Frank Gomez-Omaha Gross; Matt Lawson-Omaha Roncalli; Josh Bjorkman, Austin Lehman-Omaha Skutt; Aaron Stockton-Platteview; Jesse Cardenas, John Kohles-Ralston; Chris Ladwig, Justin Nelson-Schuyler; Brock Shaw, Cody Luebbe-Seward; Tyler Cruise-Sidney, Jared Patterson-Waverly; Thom Koch-York.

*Juniors: Marcus Laudner-Blair; John Wade-Elkhorn; Brett Druba-Falls City; Ryan Ruzicka-Gering; Matt Goldenstein, Ben Streck-Gretna; Greg Kautz, Greg Berndt-Hastings; Seth Swanson-Holdrege; Zach Jones-Lexington; Paul Putz-McCook; Jake Mort-Nebraska City, Nick Morrell-Ogallala; Matt Bowers-Omaha Roncalli; Nick Stremlau-Omaha Skutt; Tony Hentzen-Seward; Morgan Smith-Sidney; Derek McKenzie-York

*Sophomore: Ryan Moore-Beatrice; Brandon Dondlinger, Jim Tverdy-Waverly.

*Freshmen: Joe Broekemeier-Aurora; Brad Smith-Holdrege.

*2003 Class A All-State Team:

Nick Bahe-Lincoln Southeast* - 6-3, Senior (14.5 ppg/3.8 rpg)

Tyron Canby-Lincoln High* - 6-0, Senior (12.3 ppg/3.6 rpg)

John Torson-Omaha Westside - 6-8, Senior (14.4 ppg/4.8 rpg)

Euvon Turner-Millard South - 5-10, Senior (14.6 ppg/4.2 rpg)

Alex Aten-Kearney - 5-10, Senior (20.3 ppg/1.6 rpg)

2nd Team:

Jake Brestel-Lincoln High - 6-6, Senior (13.3 ppg/6.0 rpg)

Karl White-Omaha Central - 6-1, Junior (16.7 ppg/3.3 rpg)

Charles Owens-Omaha Benson - 6-0, Senior (12.4 ppg/6.4 rpg)

Danny Woodhead-North Platte* - 5-8, Junior (18.5 ppg/2.1 rpg)

Mose Howard-Omaha Bryan - 5-11, Senior (18.3 ppg/4.6 rpg)

*Class “A” All-State Honorable Mention:

*Seniors: Todd Simons, Andrew Matthews-Bellevue East; Jordan Farmer, Jesse Meyer-Bellevue West; Eric DePue, Greg Rasby-Columbus; Caleb Muhs, Anthony Nabower, Zac Kerr-Grand Island; Rob Lewis-Kearney; Brandon Woodhead-Lincoln East; Nick Madsen, David Crabtree, Collin Hute-Lincoln High; Angelo Stabler-Lincoln NE; Eddie Medlin, John Campbell, Logan Geisler, Bo Ruud, Andy Birkel-Lincoln SE; Ross Pesek, Rocky Guido-Millard South; Mike Snyder, Sean Campbell, Ryan Junge, Mark Joekel-Millard West; Chris Morton, Josh Jorgensen, Kyle Sohl-Norfolk; Craig Carstensen, Cody Collins-North Platte; Coron Bisco, Eric Bush, Shalimar Drake, Jesse Haynes-Omaha Benson; Grant Nieland-Omaha Burke; David Hall, Brandon Jimerson, Jaquan Williamson-Omaha North; Alec Young-Omaha Westside; Klaye Rowe-Papillion LV.

*Juniors: Matt Hoarty-Creighton Prep; Nick Gates-Columbus; Matt Schultz-Fremont; Shane Sweeney, Johnny Dorn-Grand Island; Austin Bacon-Kearney; Ben Buhr-Lincoln East; Seth Sharpe-Lincoln High; Levi Hamilton-Lincoln SE; Ty Steinkuhler-Lincoln SW; Brad Rooker-Millard North; Nick Weaver-Norfolk; Cortney Grixby, Brandon Gunn, Rico Washington-Omaha Central; Dustin Koca-Omaha Westside.

*Sophomores: Josh Dotzler-Bellevue West; Logan Kuhl-Columbus; Meechie Johnson-Lincoln NE; Cole Salamon-Millard North; Matt Culliver, Brandon McGruder-Omaha Bryan; Zach Potter, BJ Valentine-Creighton Prep; Tyler Albers-Papillion-LV.

*2003 Super-State 1st Team:

Nick Bahe-Lincoln Southeast* - 6-3, Senior (14.5 ppg/3.8 rpg)

Tyron Canby-Lincoln High* - 6-0, Senior (12.3 ppg/3.6 rpg)

John Torson-Omaha Westside - 6-8, Senior (14.4 ppg/4.8 rpg)

Euvon Turner-Millard South - 5-10, Senior (14.6 ppg/4.2 rpg)

Michael Stoynev-Norris* - 5-10, Senior (20.5 ppg/5.3 rpg)

*2003 Super-State 2nd Team:

Alex Aten-Kearney - 5-10, Senior (20.3 ppg/1.6 rpg)

Xavier Oman-Beatrice* - 6-0, Senior (19.2 ppg/6.8 rpg)

Krae DuToit-McCook - 5-10, Senior (20.3 ppg/9.5 rpg)

Kyle Prochaska-Wahoo Neumann* - 6-4, Senior (20.7. ppg/12.5 rpg)

Ed Kaiser-Chase County - 6-3, Senior (17.7 ppg/9.0 rpg)

*2003 Super-State 3rd Team:

Karl White-Omaha Central - 6-1, Junior (16.7 ppg/3.3 rpg)

Charles Owens-Omaha Benson - 6-0, Senior (12.4 ppg/6.4 rpg)

Danny Woodhead-North Platte* - 5-8, Junior (18.5 ppg/2.1 rpg)

Mose Howard-Omaha Bryan - 5-11, Senior (18.3 ppg/4.6 rpg)

Thomas Pargett-Syracuse - 6-3 Junior (22.3. ppg/8.7 rpg)