John J. Mesh/McCook Daily Gazette McCook High School's Zach Wieser was honored as the Nebraska Class B boys Gilson Sixth Man Award by Huskerland Prep Report. From left: McCook boys basketball coach Tim Garcia, Zach Wieser and Zach's parents Diane and Joe Wieser. [Click to enlarge]

McCook High School's Zach Wieser did not start for the Bison boys basketball team during the 2007-08 season.

But he made the most of his playing time for the Bison during their run to the Nebraska Class B state tournament.

John J. Mesh/McCook Daily Gazette McCook High School's Zach Wieser displays the teardrop-shaped trophy he received for being honored as the Nebraska Class B Sixth Man by Huskerland Prep Report. [Click to enlarge]

Wieser hit a game-winning shot against Holdrege in the district final, propelling the Bison to the state tournament.

Huskerland Prep Report selected Wieser, a 6-foot forward/guard, with the Nebraska Class B boys Gilson Sixth Man Award in its March 20 issue.

Winners of the Gilson Sixth Man Award were presented teardrop-shaped trophies during ceremonies April 27 at Central City Middle School.

The Bison lost to Gretna 44-43 in the first round of the state tournament and finished the season with a 16-11 record.

Wieser was a starter as a sophomore, but the Huskerland Prep Report article said he accepted a bench role because it gave the Bison better team chemistry and a better chance to win.

"It was like I was a starter," said Wieser, who averaged 7 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists a game. He made 60 percent of his 2-point field goals and 34 percent of his 3-point attempts. "It was better for the team that I came off the bench. We made a nice run. We won six games in a row. We had a shot (in postseason)."

McCook boys coach Tim Garcia said he appreciated Wieser's sacrifice for the team.

"Zach is extremely deserving of this award," Garcia said. "Zach had a chance to be a starter. We thought we'd have a better chance for success if Zach came off the bench."

Huskerland Prep Report honored boys and girls in Classes A, B, C1, C2, D1 and D2. This is the fifth annual Gilson Sixth Man Award.

The award is named for the late Doug Gilson, who died in an automobile accident in September 2001. Gilson was an educator, coach and administrator. The award was funded by the Gilson family.

"This award is designed to honor those student athletes who not only exhibit solid play on the court, but also exemplify teamwork and a willingness to accept one of the most difficult jobs in all of basketball, serving as a team's first player off the bench," said Huskerland Prep Report.

Other boys honored with the Sixth Man Award were Josh Webber, Bellevue East, Class A; Jesse Heibel, Lincoln Lutheran, Class C1; Cory Gabehart, Heartland, Class C2; Taylor Power, Shelton, Class D1; and Drew Huppert, Falls City Sacred Heart, Class D2.

Girls honored as Sixth Man Award winners were Jenna Epley, Kearney, Class A; Molly Fuchser, South Sioux City, Class B; Meredith Bremer, Boone Central, Class C1; MacKenzie Johnson, Oakland-Craig, Class C2; Taylr Dinslage, Pope John Class D1; and Kassidi Burson, Giltner, Class D2.

Wieser said he is looking forward to next year and his senior season, although McCook is losing its two leading scorers (Cory Gaston and Eric Rippen) and two other seniors (Chance Unger and Max Kugler) to graduation.

"I have a good feeling we'll be even better," Wieser said.

Garcia agreed with Wieser.

"Next year we expect big things out of Zach," Garcia said. "He's going to have to step up to be a leader night in and night out.

"We bring back a lot of talent. If we work hard in the offseason, we'll win some games (at state) in Lincoln next year."

Wieser, the son of Joe and Diane Wieser, plans to participate in football and basketball camps this summer.

In addition to playing basketball, Wieser is the starting tailback on the Bison football team, which posted a 12-1 record last year and placed second at state.

Wieser rushed for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

He also caught two passes for 23 yards.