The Nebraska High School Basketball All-State Project - Saluting 1996

All I can say about 1996 is this. It was a very good year. You will want to read on.

*Class D-2:

Quarterfinals:

(23-1) Filley 61, Exeter 50 (13-8)

(19-3)) Potter-Dix 67, Stuart 44 (17-4)

(20-2) Shickley 69, Hayes Center 49

(16-5) Petersburg 63, Coleridge 61

Semifinals:

(24-1) Filley 66, Potter-Dix 58 (20-3)

(21-2) Shickley 61, Petersburg 57 (17-5)

Finals:

(25-1) Filley 59, Shickley 51 (22-2)

D-2 Champion: Filley (25-1), Head Coach: Rick Titus (1st Year)

*The D-2 All-Tournament team consisted of four seniors and a sophomore sensation. The seniors were Shickley classmates Ryan Bedlan (5-11) and Doug Gross (6-5). The remaining two seniors were B.J. Bode, the 6-3 Petersburg whiz, and Filly's Chad Ideus (6-2). The sophomore was the second Filley player on the dream team, 5-10 Anthony Harms, a star on the rise.

*Class D-2 Tournament scoring honors ended up in the hands of runner-up Shickley's Ryan Bedlan, who accumulated a three day total of 69 points (24, 25, 20). Anthony Harms wasn't far in Bedlan's rear view with 64 points (21, 20 23). Very well balanced scoring by teams in this 1996 D-2 tourney with Lance Roelier of Potter-Dix and his 26 points against Shickley being the highest single game output.

*In the D-2 final, Filley unleashed the talents sophomore Anthony Harms and sophomore Shane Ideus to lead the top ranked Wildcats to a 59-51 win over Shickley. Harms scored 23 points and grabbed 6 boards for the winners, who trailed at every quarter break heading into the final stanza. Trailing 44-42 entering the final frame, Filley slapped a diamond and on defense on Shickley, enabling the Wildcats to outscore the Longhorns 15-9 and post the win.

Shickley's Ryan Bedlan drilled a three pointer 26 seconds into the final quarter, giving his team a 45-44 lead, but Filley's "D" held the Longhorns scoreless the next 4 minutes, spelling doom for Longhorns.

*Class D-1:

Quarterfinals:

(21-3) Sterling 83, Orchard 66

(21-2) Paxton 53, Dodge 52 (16-6)

(21-2) Pleasanton 55, Mead 51 (13-8)

(18-2) Bertrand 89, Hyannis 62 (17-2)

Semifinals:

(22-3) Sterling 66, Paxton 47 (22-2)

(22-2) Pleasanton 62, Bertrand 61 (19-2)

Finals:

(23-3) Sterling 71, Pleasanton 53 (23-2)

D-1 Champion: Sterling (25-4). Head Coach: Brad Buller

*The D-1 All-Tournament team was made up of 4 seniors and a junior. State champion Sterling filled three slots on the team, including 6-5 senior Matt Boden, his 6-6 classmates Ryan Shea and 6-5 Justin Haynes. Sensational senior Lindley Thompson (6-5) of Paxton and 6-8 junior Justin Brown of Pleasanton rounded put the tall squad.

*The D-1 Tournament scoring was once again a runaway like in 1995 when Chad Ideus of Adams hit 84 points in three days. Justin Haynes of Sterling scored 76 in a 3 day span (24, 28, 25) to take the crown. Lindley Thompson came the closest to Haynes with is 2 day total of 51. High game of the D-1 tournament was posted by Thompson when he laid 31 on Mead in Paxton's first round 55-51 victory.

*The Class D-1 championship game featured a Sterling team looking for it's third state basketball championship in 4 years. The Jets swept Class C-2 in 1993 and 1994 before dropping last year's D-1 final to Paxton. It looked like the Jets were on their way an easy victory when they raced to a 22-12 opening quarter lead on Pleasanton, but the Bulldogs completely turned the tables in the second frame by outscoring Brad Buller's forces 22-8.

Pleasanton's 34-30 halftime lead was erased when Sterling outscored them 36-19 in the second half. The Jets played an incredibly clean game, having only 7 fouls called on them the entire contest.

Justin Haynes led the way for the Jets with 24 points plus 11 boards. Not many can say they played in Four state title games, but Justin Haynes can make that claim.

*Class C-2:

Quarterfinals:

(18-4) Sutherland 70, Plainview 64 (15-6)

(20-3) Lincoln Christian 68, Malcolm 57 (16-5)

(21-3) Stanton 75, West Point Central Catholic 48 (13-11)

(19-5)) Tecumseh 74, Kearney Catholic 71 (18-5)

Semifinals:

(22-3) Stanton 92, Tecumseh 59 (20-5)

(21-3) Lincoln Christian 75, Sutherland 52 (19-5)

Finals:

(23-3) Stanton 67, Lincoln Christian 66 (22-3)

C-2 Champion: Stanton (24-3) Head Coach:

*60% of the C-2 All-Tournament Team was made up of Stanton Mustangs. Senior star Jon Dolliver (6-5), junior Zak Kennedy (6-4), and 6-1 sophomore Jason Doliver, younger brother of Jon, formed the Stanton connection. The other two slots went to Lincoln Christian players Matt Drevo, a 6-9 senior and Jason Metcalf, a 6-0 junior.

*Class C-2 tournament individual scoring crown was quite a race between Stanton star Jon Dolliver and his teammate Zak Kennedy. Dolliver's 26 big ones in the championship game elevated him to a three day total of 69, four better than Kennedy. Dolliver increased his scoring output each day at the state tournament with games of 19, 24, then the 26 point game against Lincoln Christian.

*The Class C-2 finals was an absolute thriller from beginning to end. Stanton built a 15-6 opening quarter lead before Lincoln Christian held the Mustangs scoreless for the next 6:21, going on a 19-0 run to take a 25-15 advantage midway through the second quarter. Stanton embarked on a 9-0 run later in that second stanza to forge a 29-29 halftime tie.

The teams were all square at 59 at the end of regulation, forcing the extra period. Stanton's Zak Kennedy, who ended the game with 20 points and 14 rebounds, may have made the game's biggest play with 2:35 left in OT when he drew a charge on Matt Drevo's driving layup. The Drevo shot went in but was waived off as the 6-9 Crusader star then fouled out.

The winning margin was provided by that Stanton connection, known as Dolliver and Dolliver....not a law firm. Jon fired a rifle-shot, 75 foot pass to younger brother Jason, who drew a foul with .05 seconds showing on the clock. The younger Dolliver converted a free throw, giving the Mustangs a 67-66 win and the C-2 title.

Stanton was the highest scoring tournament team coming in with a lofty 79.9 per game average, by the way. A huge part of that was Jon Dolliver, who currently ranks number 13 on the Career Scoring List with 2,147 points. That's a ton of twine ticklers friends.

Jon Dolliver still ranks as one of the most prolific basketball players I have ever seen at the prep level.

Class C-1:

Quarterfinals:

(19-4) Fairbury 68, Grand Island Central Catholic 64 (21-2)

(21-2) St. Paul 71, Battle Creek 55 (17-5)

(13-8) O'Neill 75, Kimball 59 (22-0)

(20-3) Wahoo 56, Columbus Scotus 55 (20-2)

Semifinals:

(22-2) St. Paul 50, Fairbury 38 (20-4)

(21-3) Wahoo 73, O'Neill 43 (14-8)

Finals:

(22-3) Wahoo 63, St. Paul 52 (23-2)

C-1 Champion: Wahoo (23-3). Head Coach: Mark Watton

*The C-1 All-Tournament Team had 4 seniors and a junior. Wahoo seniors Eric Eddie (6-2) and Mike Simons (6-3) were selected along with GICC's 5-11 C.J. Cowgill and Brandon Wardyn, a 6-4 senior from St. Paul. The lone junior was Fairbury's 6-3 Andy Buchmeier.

The C-1 tournament scoring crown was not a contest as Wahoo's Mike Simon scorched the nets for 78 points (20, 24, 34), 19 to the good of St. Paul's Brandon Wardyn. High game of the tournament was compiled by GICC's Cowgill, who scored 41 of the Crusaders 64 points in the 68-64 loss to Fairbury in the first round.

*Wahoo was back in the Finals for the seventh time in the last 9 years. Some schools measure tradition by appearances at the state tournament. Wahoo had come to measure its tradition by championships and 1996 was one of those.

The Class C-1 defending champion St. Paul was back in '96 and Wahoo was once again in a familiar position to spoil that Wildcat dream.

The teams played on even terms in the first half but the Warriors rode the 34 point explosion by Mike Simon to pull away after the break. The Wahoo defense stuffed St. Paul's potent offense to the tune of 31% shooting from the field, including a miniscule 26% from long distance (7-27).

The only Wildcat player to ignore that Warrior 1-3-1 was Brandon Wardyn, who hit 6 of 12 from the field and 4-4 from the strip (17 points).

Seven State Titles in 9 years certainly stamped Wahoo as one the of finest basketball programs of this era.

Class B:

Quarterfinals:

(14-7) Seward 51, Gering 41 (15-5)

(6-14) Hastings 81, Ogallala 56 (19-1)

(19-2) Beatrice 75, Plattsmouth 40 (11-9)

(15-9) Omaha Roncalli 72, Ralston 67 (18-3)

Semifinals:

(7-14) Hastings 53, Seward 51 15-7)

(16-9) Omaha Roncalli 57, Beatrice 51 (20-2)

Finals:

(17-9) Omaha Roncalli 79, Hastings 66 (8-14)

Class B Champion: Omaha Roncalli (18-9). Head Coach: Doug Woodard

*Class B king Omaha Roncalli landed 3 players on the Class B All-Tournament Team. 5-11 seniors Gunnar Brown and T.J. Orr were named, along with 6-6 sophomore Josh Meyer. 5-10 Steve Jones of Hastings, along with 6-2 Steve Lamberty of Seward were the other two seniors to make the squad.

*The Class B tournament scoring king was Roncalli's Gunnar Brown, who outscored teammate Josh Meyer by a 48-46 count. Meyer's had games of 17, 13 and 18 in the Crimson Pride's 3 day championship march.

*The Class B title game marked the end of an unbelievable season for Omaha Roncalli. It also was the first time in the 86 year history of the state tournament a team reached the finals with a losing record. Ironically, Hastings reaching the finals with a 9-14 record did not come as a surprise to many, considering the fact the Tigers faced a predominantly Class A schedule that included 6 of the Class A state tourney field.

But it was unranked Roncalli, who marched to the Class B finals with a 17-9 record, who baffled most fans and scribes alike.

The weapons that helped Hastings advance to this Class B final were shut off as Roncalli's Ryan Meyer controlled both boards and the Tigers potent 3-point shooting that paced them all season, seemed to disappear in the second half when Hastings trailed only 34-33.

It was a wild affair that witnessed several lead changes, but after Hastings Steve Jones drilled a three pointer, giving the Tigers a 61-60 lead with 4 minutes left in the game, Joe Sajevic's offense went blank.

Hastings did not score again from the field until the Crimson Pride has built an 11 point lead and by then it was too late for the Tigers.

T.J. Orr's 12 fourth quarter tallies along with a 6 point burst by reserve Sean Conway, lifted Roncalli to the 79-66 victory. Orr finished with 21 for Roncalli while Steve Jones led a balanced Hastings attack with 11.

Omaha Roncalli coach Doug Woodard mentioned one of the reasons for his teams success could have developed after student manager Jim Buckley collapsed in mid-season due to a heart condition. Woodard stated the team had visited Buckley's house every day since districts and seemed to rally around the homebound, personable student manager.

Class A:

Quarterfinals:

(17-3) Columbus 50, Fremont 46 (10-10)

(15-7) Lincoln Southeast 76, North Platte 73 (15-6)

(18-4) Lincoln Northeast 57, Grand Island 48 (12-8)

(17-4) Lincoln High 76, Bellevue West 67 (12-8)

Semifinals:

(18-3) Columbus 67, Lincoln Southeast 53 (16-7)

(16-5) Lincoln Northeast 69, Lincoln High 59 (18-4)

Finals:

(17-5) Lincoln Northeast 67, Omaha Burke 55 (19-3)

Class A Champion: Lincoln Northeast (18-5). Head Coach: Rick Collura

*The All Class, All-Tournament Team: Alton Mason-Lincoln Northeast (6-2, Sr.), Nathan Blessen-Columbus (6-1, Sr.), Roman Evans-Lincoln High (5-9, Sr.), Kerry Berglund-Columbus (6-5, Jr.), Mike Hahn-Lincoln Northeast (6-6, Sophomore).

*Class A Tournament scoring honors was a virtual deadlock between Northeast teammates Alton Mason and Mike Hahn. Both scored 56 points during the 3 day Rocket run to the Class title. Mason had games of 19, 21 and 16 while Hahn had games of 11, 22 and 23 points. High game in the Class A tournament was enjoyed by North Platte's Dan Albertson, who burned the nets with 36 in the 'Dogs 76-73 opening round loss to Lincoln Southeast

*The Class A championship game saw Rick Collura's Northeast Rockets sew up their second consecutive Class A title when they downed No. 1 Columbus to take it all.

Northeast needed B.J. Nannen to find his shooting his shooting touch when the Discoverers started packing in their strong zone defense in the opening half.

Nannen knocked down 4 of 5 three point shots to score 14 points, keeping Northeast even with the Discoverers in that first half. When Columbus switched their attention to Nannen in the third quarter, it was a 15 year old 6-6 sophomore named Mike Hahn that emerged. Hahn scored 18 of the Rockets first 20 second half points to keep his team even entering the money quarter

With the Rockets clinging to a 45-44 lead after three quarters, Collura ordered his forces to penetrate to draw fouls. It worked like a charm but Northeast still had to convert the free throws. They did, out scoring Columbus 22-11 in the final stanza to come away with the 67-55 win.

Lincoln Northeast simply had too many weapons for Columbus that day. Nannen, the 4 year starter ended with 15 points, versatile Alton Mason was really big with his 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, but it was the sophomore that paced the Rockets with his 23 points.

A total of 109,399 fans attended this 1996 State Tournament, eclipsing the old record of 106, 475 set in '95.

* * * * * * * * * *

*1996 Class D-2 All-State Team*

Craig Ideus-Filley - 6-2, Senior (19.5 ppg/12.0 rpg)

Anthony Harms-Filley - 5-10, Sophomore (17.5 ppg/4.0 rpg)

Ryan Bedlan-Shickley - 5-11, Senior (22.7 ppg/4.9 rpg)

Trevor Hoegh-Hampton - 6-0, Senior (21.9 ppg/8.0 rpg)

Doug Gross-Shickley - 6-5, Senior (17.4 ppg/.10.2 rpg)

2nd Team:

Scott Hanson-Coleridge - 6-7, Junior (18.0 ppg/8.8 rpg)

Casey Tobiasson-Hildreth - 6-0, Senior (18.4 ppg/6.2 rpg)

Judd Chatelain-Rising City*** - 6-2, Senior (23.2 ppg/9.7 rpg)

Thad Lytle-Table Rock - 5-10, Senior (18.2 ppg/5.0 rpg)

Chris Flesner-Lewiston- 6-1, Senior (12.0 ppg/6.0 rpg)

*Class D-2 Honorable Mention All-State:

Seniors: Chad Gillespie-Amherst; Jeff Miller-Brady; Shawn Baden-Bruning; Lonnie Liewer-Butte; Arwin Mikkelson-Chambers; Tyson Vorderstrasse-CHB; Dan Novotny-Diller; Brandon Ewers-Elba; Sam Vanourney, Jason Vilsvilas-Elgin; Jeff Knievel, Dave Sehl-Elkhorn Pope John; Dustin Murphy, Adam Erdkamp-Exeter; Mike Lefler, Mike Temme-Fairmont; Luke Santo-Falls City Sacred Heart; Eric McMurry, Chris Lenners-Filley; Brandon Kliewer-Hampton; Grant Nielsen-Lynch; Cody Strong-Monroe; Brian Lowe-Nebraska City Lourdes; Matt Duis-Odell; Nick Prothman-Petersburg; Josh Enevoldsen, Andy Adams-Potter-Dix; Jeremy Stanislav-Prague; Justin Hinze-Rising City; Chad Collier, Tedd Teahon-Sandhills; Lanny Lautenschlager-Shickley; Bryce Hickman, Jason Urkowski-Silver Creek; Jason Nepple-Spalding High; Bruce Bedner-SEM; Brandon McDonald-Trenton; Brett Dangler-Trumbull; Jeremy Franklin-Wallace; Corey Potts Wheatland; Frank Pavic-Wilcox; Ha-Ga Cleveland-Winnebago; Kyle Grossart-Wolbach.

Juniors: Shane Godtel-Arcadia; Kody Kirchoff-Chester-Hubbell-Byron; Chris Graham-Coleridge; Jeff Moser-Elgin Pope John; Drew Jensen-Exeter; Monty Witt-Falls City Sacred Heart; Matt Anderson-Filley; Chris Obermeier-Giltner; Nolan May. Travis Lawson-Hayes Center; Clay Livingston-Lewellen; Chris Isaacson-Loomis; Sam Hart-Loup County; Bryce Kassick, Danny Graham-Milligan; Terry Lame-Nebraska Deaf; B.J. Bode, Jesse Temme-Petersburg; Brian Sprenger-Potter-Dix; Jason Downing-Stratton; Morgan Graham-SEM; Joel Jasa-Table Rock; Ade Allen-Wolbach.

Sophomores: Zach Baehr-Adams; Monte Frerichs-Coleridge; Aaron Veleba-Fairmont; Brandon Sells, Aaron O'Grady-Falls City Sacred Heart; Kevin Loontjer, Mark Duitsman-Lincoln Lutheran; Joshua Templeman-Newcastle.

Freshman: Preston Meints-Adams; Justin Misegadis-Lodgepole.

*1996 Class D-1 All-State Team:

Justin Haynes-Sterling** - 6-5, Senior (20.3 ppg/7.0 rpg)

Lindley Thompson-Paxton*** - 6-5, Senior (29.4 ppg/8.7 rpg)

Chris Ford-Bertrand - 6-1, Senior (16.4 ppg/8.6 rpg)

Jon Heider-Pleasanton - 6-2, Senior (11.4 ppg/10.4 rpg)

Wes Haverman-Southeast Consolidated - 5-10, Senior (24.3 ppg/6.2 rpg)

2nd Team:

Jeff Roerig-Friend - 6-4, Junior (15.2 ppg/4.5 rpg)

Aaron Hansen-Deshler - 6-3, Senior (15.5 ppg/11.0 rpg)

Kevin Wood-Greeley- 5-10, Senior (25.0 ppg/7.9 rpg)

Sam Lowe-Palmer - 5-10, Senior (24.3 ppg/6.2 rpg)

Matt Schwager-Orchard- 6-5, Senior (12.7 ppg/6.9 rpg)

*Justin Haynes played college hoops at Creighton.

*Class D-1 All-State Honorable Mention:

Seniors: Mike Schmidt-Anselmo-Merna; Aric Biggens-Ansley; Justin Crawford-Arapahoe; Mitch Stine, Andrew Davis-Bertrand; T.J. Brown-Big Springs-Brule; Heath Paulsen-Callaway; Tim Novacek-Cedar Rapids; Dusty Weeter-Chappell; Brent Novotny-Clarkson; Jason Hajny, Mike Johnson, Ed Harms-Clay Center; Barry Fangmeier-Deshler; Jeff Uher-Dodge; Chris Kirkpatrick-Dorchester; Jason Schommer-East Butler; Doug Burkey-Elm Creek; Travis Hughes, Eric Hilton-Elwood; Jeremy Hellbusch-Friend; Jeremy Fischer-Harvard; Duane Kosch, Ryan Priester-Humphrey St. Francis; Cody Kastman, Tyler Kersenbrock-Hyannis; Shawn Hoppes, Eric Fischer-Leigh; Cody Hildebrandt-Maywood; Doug Woodburn-Medicine Valley; Jeremy Brandt-Meridian; Ryan Francl-Nebraska Christian; Maceo Wright, Paul Snodgrass-North Loup-Scotia; Parker Larson, Andy Ryan-Overton; Charlie Bausch-Pawnee City; Shad Hansmeier-Paxton; Cameron Hudson-Polk-Hordville; Andy Roberts-St. Edward; Jeremy Sorensen, Jerrad Karr-Silver Lake; Jed Jacobitz, Vincent Jorn-SE Consolidated; Dan McKenzie-Spencer-Naper; Ryan Shea, Matt Boden, Nathan Huesman-Sterling; Mike Safford-Waterloo.

Juniors: Joe Haussler-Arapahoe: Joey Larsen-Bancroft-Rosalie; Joe Cooper-Big Springs-Brule; Joe Jarosz-Cedar Rapids; Jay Theis-Friend; Josh Garris-Humboldt; Keenen McRoberts-Leyton; Aaron Reichmuth-Lindsay Holy Family; Darrel Blackbird-Macy; Travis Howell-Mead; Chad Eichelberger, Aaron Cropp-Nemaha Valley; Casey Nelson, Matt Rudloff-Newman Grove; Matt Ickes-Orchard; Bryan Lambert, Ben Peterson-Osceola; Nick Krab-Paxton; Jason Brown-Pleasanton; Ben Hoffart-Red Cloud; Mark Horstman-Sterling.

Sophomores: Chad Duryea-Anselmo-Merna; Andrew Phillips, Nate Frerichs-Axtell; Nels Nelson-Bancroft-Rosalie; Shane Koehler, Josh Lipker-Harvard; Jim Dyer-Hyannis.

*1996 Class C-2 All-State Team*

Matt Drevo-Lincoln Christian** - 6-9, Senior (24.6 ppg/12.3 rpg)

Jon Dolliver-Stanton** - 6-5, Senior (25.4 ppg/7.1 rpg)

Matt Davison-Tecumseh- 6-2, Junior (25.5 ppg/4.9 rpg)

Tom Beveridge-Sutherland - 6-1, Senior (20.0 ppg/5.4 rpg)

Tyler Erwin-Laurel - 6-0, Senior (14.0 ppg/4.9 rpg)

2nd Team:

Zak Kennedy-Stanton- 6-4, Junior (20.7 ppg/7.7 rpg)

Coleton Shifflet-Cambridge- 6-4, Senior (18.3 ppg/9.8 rpg)

Jason Houghtelling-Cambridge - 6-1, Senior (20.2 ppg/3.6 rpg)

John Kroger-Lyons-Decatur - 6-3, Senior (21.0 ppg/10.9 rpg)

Chris Jewell-Doniphan- 6-5, Junior (21.5 ppg/8.9 rpg)

*Jon Dolliver is currently an Assistant Director for the Nebraska School Activities Association. He is married the former Pam Shaw, an outstanding athlete from Sandy Creek high school. Consider those bloodlines.

*Matt Drevo played college basketball at Morningside and is now an RD Supervisor for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in Lincoln.

*Class C-2 All-State Honorable Mention:

Seniors: Ryan Jackson-Bloomfield; Russ Kirchman-Cedar Bluffs; Aaron Frisch-Creighton; Josh Fires-Dundy County; Jason Pilakowski-Genoa; Ryan Richmond-Grant; Russ Hochstein-Hartington Cedar Catholic; Travis Soucie-Hastings St, Cecilia; Brandon Priefert-Hebron; Kyle Nelsen-Homer; Travis Knipplemeier-Johnson-Brock; Elliott Hepburn, Kevin White-Kearney Catholic; Rich Rasmussen-Laurel; Dan Cooley-Lincoln Christian; Jeremy Phillips-Lyons-Decatur; Aaron Weaver, Nathan Broders-Malcolm; Joe Anderson-Oakland-Craig; Chad Christensen-Omaha Central Christian; Chad Sharp-Pender; Matt Jones-Ponca; Matt Dowling-Randolph; Evan Lewandowski-Ravenna; Scott Kuester-Rushville; Dallas Bilslend, Kevin Bombeck-Shelton; Willy Roenfeldt-Stanton, Zach Peterson-Stromsburg; Brandon Lavaley-Sutherland; Nick Thompson-Sutton; Wes Blecke, Justin Dutcher, Tory Nixon-Wakefield; Steven Todd-Wauneta-Palisade; Dusty Adams-Wymore Southern; Chad Timm-Yutan.

Juniors: Grant Hogeland-Alma; Adam Boettcher-Blue Hill; Brian Wilson-Culbertson; Keith Miner-Dundy County; Joe Walsh-Emerson-Hubbard; Matt Green-Genoa; Eric Wynia-Hartington; Craig Wortman, Kary Jones-Hartington Cedar Catholic; Joe Korth-Hastings St. Cecilia; Brain Hill-Hebron; Patrick Friesen-Henderson; J.C. Ames, Travis Krause-Homer; Brad Sindelar-Howells; Travis Stingley-Laurel; Nate Vollertson, Jason Metcalf-Lincoln Christian; Jeff Josoff-Louisville; Pat Schroeder-Malcolm; Mike Vrbicky-Norfolk Catholic; Nick Johnson-Osmond; Kevin Lingenfelter, Brendon Beller-Plainview; Simon Van Boening, Jason O'Connor, Josh Van Boening-Sandy Creek; Kyle Lee-Shelton; Zak Kennedy-Stanton; Danny Theis-Tecumseh.

Sophomores: Lewis Fox-Culbertson; Zach Kassebaum-Hebron; Jason Dolliver-Stanton; Bart Sova-Tecumseh.

*1996 Class C-1 All-State Team*

Mike Simon-Wahoo***- 6-3, Senior (25.5 ppg/10.2 rpg)

Jon Beerbohm-Fairbury** - 6-6, Junior (19.2 ppg/11.0 rpg)

C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic- 5-11, Senior (34.0 ppg/3.3 rpg)

Brandon Wardyn-St. Paul** - 6-4, Senior (19.0 ppg/2.0 rpg)

Matt Johnson-Ashland-Greenwood** - 6-7, Senior (25.6 ppg/17.6 rpg)

2nd Team:

Chad Mustard-Columbus Scotus - 6-7, Senior (21.0 ppg/9.3 rpg)

Jeff Riley-Grand Island Central Catholic - 5-9, Junior (14.5 ppg/5.0 rpg)

Brad Klassen-Kimball - 6-7, Junior (17.0 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Steve Harder-Southern Valley - 6-2, Senior (19.5 ppg/9.3 rpg)

Jamy Penne-Elkhorn Valley - 6-4, Senior (17.0 ppg/11.0 rpg)

*Jon Beerbohm enjoyed a phenomenal basketball career at Boston College. He is currently the Aortic Accounts Manager at Endologix in the Greater Boston Area. Endologix is a medical company focusing on innovative, minimally technologies for aortic disorders. In other words a variety of endovascular stent grafts for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)

*Class C-1 All-State Honorable Mention:

Seniors: Kenny Bauer-Ainsworth; Justin Estill-Atkinson West Holt; Kevin Burgert-Auburn; Adam Oldehoeft-Battle Creek; Jay Landrigan-Bridgeport; Matt Blanchet-Centennial; Graham Jura-Columbus Lakeview; Matt Nutzman, Matt Baird-Conestoga; Aaron Hendricksen, Chad Ronestiel-Cozad; Justis Hirschman, Kevin Potts-Crofton; Brock Hopwood, Aaron Hoeft-David City; Jason Romishek-David City Aquinas; Mitch Ebke-Fairbury; Dan Martin-Falls City; Dan Peterson-Fort Calhoun; Nick Boyes, Brett Wetton-Geneva; Kyle Janssen-Gretna; Kyle Ruse-Gordon; Dave Young-Loup City; Dirk Boe-Madison; Aaron Carrizales-Morrill; Matt Dodge-North Bend; Kyle Schellpeper-Mitch Hess-O'Neill; Tye Kjeldgaard-Tekamah-Herman; Eric Eddie, Josh Anderson-Wahoo; Aaron Pomajzl-Wahoo Neumann; Matthew Eickmann, Scott Kreshel-Wilber-Clatonia; Chad Wiles-Wood River.

Juniors: Andrew Sundberg-Arlington; Dave Volk-Battle Creek; Brandon Stutzman-Centennial; Lance Gerlach-Central City; Nick Mroczek-Columbus Scotus; Jason Campbell-David City Aquinas; Andy Buckmeier-Fairbury; Andy Armbruster-Falls City; Matt Pramberg, Kurt Sevens-Gothenburg; Brian Pauley-Hastings Adams Central; Jim Koontz-Hershey; Mitch Vires, Matt Strand-Imperial; Brandon Roth, Sam Pelley-Milford; Casey Brosz-O'Neill; Jim Sullivan-Raymond Central; Neil Wardyn, Chris Meyer-St. Paul; Brain Feller; Valentine; Set Turman-Wahoo Neumann; Adam Krolikowski, Dave Kavanaugh-Wood River.

Sophomores: Adam Dubas-Conestoga; Timm Seelhoff Jess Kirchoff-Syracuse; Michael Gitt-Valley; Bill Johnson-Wahoo Neumann.

Freshman: Clete Samson-Valley.

.

*1996 Class B All-State Team:

Chris Boesinger-Norris** - 6-0, Senior (16.8 ppg/4.7 rpg)

Matt Zajicek-Beatrice - 6-5, Senior (18.0 ppg/11.0 rpg)

D.J. DeLeon-Thompson-Omaha Gross**- 6-3, Senior (16.4 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Dusty Dubbs-Ralston*** - 6-4, Senior (17.8 ppg/7.5 rpg)

Greg Lamberty-Seward**-- 6-2, Senior (18.0 ppg/5.0 rpg)

2nd Team:

Nate Jasa-Norris - 6-3, Senior (14.4 ppg/9.5 rpg)

Justin Coleman-McCook** - 6-5, Senior (24.7 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Ryan Meyer-Omaha Roncalli - 6-6, Senior (14.2 ppg/7.0 rpg)

Jeremy Smith-Ogallala - 5-11, Senior (19.0 ppg/5.0 rpg)

Patrick Nee-Lincoln Pius X- 6-2, Senior (13.5 ppg/4.0 rpg)

*Matt Zajicek is currently the assistant boys basketball coach at Norris after spending 14 years in the Lincoln Public school system as a physical education/health teacher.

*Dusty Dubbs enjoyed a very successful basketball career at South Alabama, where he played in 97 games in his 4 year stint for the Jaguars. He currently a Field Sales Rep @ TPC Wire and Cable in Oklahoma City.

*Patrick Nee, the son of former Nebraska men's basketball coach Danny Nee, played college hoops at Ohio University and is now the assistant coach at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas.

*Class B All-State Honorable Mention:

Seniors: Blake Meints, Josh Nichols-Beatrice; David Skuodas, Phil Barry-Crete; Jason Mosier, Jay Runty-Elkhorn; Travis Schwartz-Gering; Steve Jones, Tyler Adam, Chris Klingler-Hastings; Jason Ourada-Holdrege; Josh Kuecker, Ryan Bliven-Lexington; Ryan Hannigan, Brian McGovern-Lincoln Pius X; Darick Albers-Nebraska City; B.J. Helmink, Michael Grosshans-Norris; Matt Sporcic-Omaha Gross; T.J. Orr, Gunnar Brown-Omaha Roncalli; Brian Daniell-Plattsmouth; Matt Drueppel-Schuyler; T.J. Goldsmith-Seward; Joe Nellist-South Sioux City; Kip Jeffries-Waverly; Tony Boyes-York.

Juniors: Curran Vetter-Aurora; Jeremy Folkerts-Beatrice; Brian Jusy-Gering; Ryan Olson-Grand Island Northwest; Bill Kerr-Hastings; Marc Kaminski-McCook; Abe Schoenhorn-Nebraska City; Aarin Zetterman-Norris; Aaron Woodard-Omaha Roncalli; Gordia Smith, Trevor Smith-Scottsbluff; Richard Stark-Sidney.

Sophomores: Ryan Nootz-Beatrice; Paul Dudley-Hastings; Mark Burt-Lincoln Pius X; Dan Masters-Plattsmouth; Aaron Golliday-York.

*1996 Class A All-State Team:

Alton Mason-Lincoln Northeast***- 6-2, Senior (15.1 ppg/5.2 rpg)

J.R. Edwards-Lincoln Southeast - 6-2, Senior (20.3 ppg/3.1 rpg)

Paulo van den Berg-Lincoln High** - 6-1, Senior (20.5 ppg/2.0 rpg)

Nathan Blessen-Columbus - 6-4, Senior (19.8 ppg/6.6 rpg)

Ben Ries-Norfolk***- 6-2, Senior (20.2 ppg/5.5 rpg)

2nd Team:

Mike Hahn-Lincoln Northeast- 6-6, Sophomore (18.3 ppg/7.5rpg)

Nate Mohs-North Platte - 6-4, Senior (20.2 ppg/6.0 rpg)

Tom Folchert-North Platte - 6-7, Senior (23.8 ppg/7.0 rpg)

Victor Ebong-Omaha Burke - 6-7, Senior (17.3 ppg/9.3 rpg)

Doug Johnston-Millard South - 6-4, Senior (20.7 ppg/7.6 rpg)

*Alton Mason went on to be Arizona State's starting point guard for three seasons who ranked ninth in the Pac-10 with a 15.3 points per game mark in conference games in his senior season. Finished his career sixth on the ASU career steals chart with 153 and tenth on career assists chart with 312. A favorite among teammates because of the way he handled adversity during his career. He played one of the most inspirational games among anyone in college basketball and earned the respect of his team when he took the floor vs. seventh-ranked Arizona on Jan. 14, 1999, despite knowing his father had passed away from a battle with cancer that morning in Louisiana. Mason battled Jason Terry and had 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting, five assists and three rebounds in 37 minutes.

Following his collegiate career, Mason played 12 years professionally in Europe including 4 years in Belgium, 2 in the Netherlands, and various one-year stints in Greece, Turkey, Finland, Latvia, Israel and a half-season in Mexico. The pinnacle of his of his professional career came in Belgium where he played on a championship team.

Alton is currently the assistant basketball coach at Kansas City (Kan.) Community College. Coach Mason is married and has two sons and two daughters.

*Nate Blessen was a dominant men's basketball player during his four seasons at South Dakota. He was a second-team All-American in 2000 and was named the North Central Conference MVP in 2000. Blessen was a two-time All-NCC selection and as of 2011, ranked ninth all-time in USD scoring with 1,523 points. Blessen also finished 419 rebounds and 192 career assists and shot 53.7 percent from the field, including 42 percent from three-point range. Blessen was part of back-to-back NCC Championship teams. He graduated from USD with a bachelor's degree in business management in 2000 and was inducted into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Nate is currently Territory Manager for Intersect ENT, a company that creates and advances clinically proven ear, nose and throat therapy solutions to enhance surgical procedures and improve outcomes for patients.

*Class “A” All-State Honorable Mention:

Seniors: Buddy Carlyle-Bellevue East; John Cannady, Paul Ransom-Bellevue West; Dan Kolder, Darren Ivy-Columbus; Tim Ebers, Derek Kruse-Fremont; Shaun Gee, Troy Tesmer, Tom Nabity-Grand Island; Adam Foote-Kearney; Roman Evans, Justin Dillwood, Kelly Jurgens-Lincoln High; B.J. Nannen-Lincoln NE; Cory Adams, Chris Cooper-Lincoln SE; Brandt Vlieger-Millard North; Josh Miller, Troy Carley-Millard South; Barry Mazuch-Brian Rundell, Ryan Wobig-Norfolk; Adrian Johnson-Omaha Benson; Steve Sokol-Creighton Prep; Matt West-Omaha Westside.

Juniors: Kelly Berglund-Columbus; Dwight Nelson-Fremont; Derek Legerwood-Grand Island; Ryan Means, Scott Yost-Lincoln East; Derek Englebart-Lincoln NE; Jon Bowling-Lincoln SE; James Perez-North Platte; Galen Morrison-Omaha Central; Joey Maggett-Omaha North; John Farmer-Omaha Northwest; Calvin Strong-Omaha South; Mike Muma-Papillion LV.

Sophomores: Amon Helmstadter-Lincoln NE; Wilson Thomas-Omaha North.

*1996 Super-State 1st Team:

Alston Mason-Lincoln Northeast***- 6-2, Senior (15.1 ppg/5.2 rpg)

J.R. Edwards-Lincoln Southeast - 6-2, Senior (20.3 ppg/3.1 rpg)

Paulo van den Berg-Lincoln High** - 6-1, Senior (20.5 ppg/2.0 rpg)

Nathan Blessen-Columbus - 6-4, Senior (19.8 ppg/6.6 rpg)

Matt Drevo-Lincoln Christian** - 6-9, Senior (24.6 ppg/12.3 rpg)

*1996 Super-State 2nd Team:

Chris Boesinger-Norris- 6-0, Senior (16.6 ppg/4.7 rpg)

Ben Ries-Norfolk***- 6-2, Senior (20.2 ppg/5.5 rpg)

Mike Hahn-Lincoln Northeast- 6-6, Sophomore (18.3 ppg/7.5rpg)

Mike Simon-Wahoo***- 6-3, Senior (25.5 ppg/10.2 rpg)

Jon Beerbohm-Fairbury** - 6-6, Junior (19.2 ppg/11.0 rpg)

*1996 Super-State 3rd Team:

Justin Haynes-Sterling** - 6-5, Senior (20.3 ppg/7.0 rpg)

Lindley Thompson-Paxton*** - 6-5, Senior (29.4 ppg/8.7 rpg)

Matt Zajicek-Beatrice - 6-5, Senior (18.0 ppg/11.0 rpg)

C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic- 5-11, Senior (34.0 ppg/3.3 rpg

Matt Davison-Tecumseh- 6-2, Junior (25.5 ppg/4.9 rpg)

********

Players from 1996 who made the Career lists on the NSAA Records site:

*Most Points-Career:

2,336 – Lindley Thompson-Paxton (#4 All-Time)

C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic ( #10 All-Time)

1,628 – Justin Haynes-Sterling

*Most Points – One Season:

822 – C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic ( #10 All-Time)

754 – Lindley Thompson-Paxton

*Most Points-One Game-Career Best:

51 - C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic (vs. Wood River?)

*Rebounds-Career:

911 – Matt Johnson-Ashland-Greenwood (#13 All-Time)

*Rebounds-Season:

365 – Matt Johnson-Ashland-Greenwood (#16 All-Time)

364 – Matt Johnson-Ashland-Greenwood (#17 All-Time) (1995)

Three-Point Goals-Career:

284 - C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic ( #5 All-Time)

241 – Jon Dolliver-Stanton (#14 All-Time)

178 – Brandon Lavaley-Sutherland

176 – Ben Ries-Norfolk

167 – Chad Christensen-Bellevue Central Christian

165 – Jeremy Phillips-Lyons-Decatur

161 – Mike Simons-Wahoo

158 – Sam Loewe-Palmer

*Three-Point Goals:Season:

133 - C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic (#1 All-Time)

88 – Gunnar Brown-Omaha Roncalli (Tie #12 All-Time)

85 - Chad Christensen-Bellevue Central Christian (Tie #14 All-Time

81 - Jeremy Phillips-Lyons-Decatur

75 – Jon Dolliver-Stanton

72 – Mike Simons-Wahoo

70 – Trevor Hoegh-Hampton

69 – Shawn Hoppes – Leigh

68 - Brandon Lavaley-Sutherland

*Three Point Goals – One Game:

11 – C.J. Cowgill-Grand Island Central Catholic - (Tie #3 All-Time)

9 – Brandon Ewers-Elba

9 – Seth Miller-Ainsworth