Broncos want to drive past 45 at state

Woo hoo! It’s nearly time to depart for Lincoln as the Wauneta-Palisade Broncos (above) will play RPAC rival Paxton in Thursday’s Class D-1 state quarterfinal at Lincoln East High School. The Broncos earned their trip after last week’s district finals victory over Dundy County-Stratton. Opening tip is set for 3:45 p.m central time. Watch for more details about the state tourney throughout this week.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

WAUNETA, Neb. — At first glance, Wauneta-Palisade’s best state tournament goal will be to break the 45-point barrier against Paxton Thursday afternoon.

The mighty Tigers (23-1 record) have scored two wins over W-P (20-5) by scores of 58-45 and 63-45.

Perhaps shot three will be the Broncos’ charm at Lincoln East High School. The Class D-1 state quarterfinal is set to tip off at 3:45 p.m. central time.

Paxton’s height has caused problems for a lot of foes, and 6’9” junior Blake Brewster lit up the RPAC semifinals with 27 points against Wauneta-Palisade during semifinal play.

However, Brewster only hit five of 15 shots while scoring 14 points during the first meeting earlier in January.

Coach Dave Kuhlen’s Broncos showed they could contain the power post —though senior teammate Kaden Schow did score 21 points.

The Broncos’ main goal will be better shooting as they hit only 24 percent in that RPAC tourney contest.

Their full-court pressure has led to some impressive point totals including two late-season games where they topped 50 points befoer halftime.

Yet it’s a different beast with Paxton and only two W-P players have reached double figures.