The Nebraska High School Basketball All-State Project - Saluting 1983

*Here are the class by class State Tournaments at a glance in 1983:

Class D 1st Round matchups looked like this:

Spalding Academy (18-1) vs. Fairmont (15-4)

Leyton (19-2) vs. Pleasanton (19-3)

Coleridge (20-2) vs. Loomis (17-4)

Lawrence (20-1) vs. Filley (15-4)

**Pleasanton, as aforementioned, took out #1 and previously unbeaten Maxwell in regionals, putting the Class D crown up for grabs. Some sports scribes picked the Leyton/Pleasanton winner to take the Class D title. I liked Coleridge because they had All-State football QB Mike Hoffart, who was 6-4. The only loss Coleridge had suffered during the season was a 6 point setback to Class B qualifier, Hartington CC. Spalding Academy also looked good for the simple fact they had Class D's leading scorer in Paul Reilly, who averaged over 29 PPG.

In the opening round, Spalding Academy took care of Fairmont 59-50, Leyton did beat Pleasanton 48-40 setting up a meeting with top seeded Lawrence. The Panthers sent tradition-rich Filley into the Track season with a 61-45 loss, and Coleridge blasted Loomis as expected, 75-52.

Coleridge then eliminated Spalding Academy 47-37 in the semifinals and Lawrence edged the invaders from the west, Leyton 51-47.

In the finals, Lawrence looked like they were going to run away with it, doubling up Coleridge 14-7 after the 1st stanza. The Bulldogs simply couldn't stop Ed Menke, who would end up scoring 24 points in the game. Coleridge would fight back though, forging ahead of Lawrence 37-35 after three quarters.

It looked like the Bulldogs might be in good shape when Doug Hahne scored a bucket to put his team up 48-47 with 1:11 left in the Championship game. Lawrence then worked for the last shot with everyone in the house knowing Menke would be the guy to pull the trigger. With 13 seconds left, Menke fired up a 10 footer that hit the front of the rim, then bounced right back to him. The senior wasn't going to miss two in a row and retrieved the carom, sinking the return shot, putting Lawrence up 49-48. Coleridge had one more opportunity, but Menke stole the ball, was fouled and sank one of the two free throws, making the final count 50-48 Coleridge.

Mike Hoffert led the way for Coleridge in a losing effort, with 18 points. The win would lift Lawrence the only state basketball title ever for the Panthers.

Class C: The 1st Round matchups looked like this.....

Republican Valley (18-1) vs. Omaha Cathedral (18-4)

Howells (20-2) vs. Stromsburg (20-3)

Stanton (20-2) vs. Grant (20-3)

Henderson (22-0) vs. Plainview (15-5)

**The Henderson Huskies went wire to wire as the #1 team all year. John Kroeker and Brad Buller combined to score an average of 44 points a game for the all junior lineup. Republican Valley was going for a third state title of the 1982/83 sports season, having already won football AND wrestling.

Jim Morrison's Howells squad set out to win its 5th state hoops title since 1970 and the Bobcats entered the Big Show rated #4. And Grant, coached by the late, great Doyle Denny, entered the 1983 State Tournament with back to back Class C titles plus a sizzling, hot shooting sophomore named Ryan Young. Young came into the '83 tournament as the leading scorer at 25 ppg. Then there was Tim Cannon's Omaha Cathedral team, who had an undefeated state tournament record, albeit a 3-0 record with only one appearance which netted a state title (1972).

Needless to say, Henderson was the favorite to win it all, but what transpired?

Dale Buller's Huskies had little trouble dispatching Plainview, 76-60 in the first round, while Grant survived a huge scare before sending Stanton to the sidelines, 52-51. The margin of victory was not a big surprise considering the fact Stanton beat Howells during the regular season and was one of the top rebounding teams in the state.

Howells, who had not lost an opening round state tournament game since 1930, was not about to do it here, as they defeated Stromsburg 73-56. Omaha Cathedral's brutal schedule carried the Cardinals to a high scoring 85-69 win over Republican Valley to close out the first round.

In the semis, Jim Morrison's Howells Bobcats had what it took to hand Hendersin its first loss in 23 games, edging the Huskies 51-49. Cathedral's balanced scoring beat Grant 65-53 to set up the meeting with Howells in the finals.

Howells would get that 5th title since 1970 when Morrison's boys bested Omaha Cathedral 46-40 in the Class C finals.

Class B: 1st Round pairings were:

Fairbury (20-3) vs. O'Neill (14-6)

Hartington Cedar Catholic (19-3) vs. Grand Island Northwest (18-4)

Seward (20-3) vs. Mitchell (15-4)

Elkhorn Mt. Michael (19-1) vs. Lexington (8-11)

**Killer Kane's Mt. Michael Knights were out to add a State Basketball title to the football championship they won in November. Yes, Jim Kane coached that football team too. The Knights intimidating 1-3-1 defense had most opponents pulling their hair out all season.

There were some that favored Rod Felix and his Seward Bluejays to steal a title from Mt. Mike in this tournament, but I was not one of them. Here is what came down:

Jim Kane's 1-3-1 defense was too much for 1st year coach Kent Meyer and his Lexington Minutemen, as Mt. Michael breezed to a 61-42 win. Hartington CC, led by junior Tom Vlach, sent Northwest home with a 61-49 victory on the bottom side of the Class B bracket.

Charlie Moore's Fairbury team, paced by Mr. Everything Bruce Zabel, routed O'Neill 89-56, and Seward blasted Mitchell 84-36. Pretty predictable opening round.

Fairbury topped Seward 52-42 in the semis, avenging a state tournament semifinal loss to the Jays 5 years prior. Mt. Michael had their hands full with Bob Uhing's Cedar Catholic squad, but came out on top 43-38 to set up the Finals meeting with Fairbury.

That '83 Class B final matched 2 of the finest coaches in the state against each other in Killer Kane and Charlie Moore. The Jeffs actually really got things together right before Districts, so truthfully had the best shot at knocking off Kane's forces. Didn't happen. Elkhorn Mt. Michael whipped Fairbury 56-45 to nail down their 1st ever State basketball title in 6 tries.

1983 Class B All-Tournament Team: Bruce Zabel-Fairbury, 6-4, Sr, Jim Mayberger-Elkhorn Mt. Michael, 5-10 Jr (recognize that name?), Tom Vlach-Hartington CC, 6-3, Jr, Ward Wolfgram-Seward, 6-4,, Sr., Larry Klaus-Fairbury, 6-3, Sr.

Fairbury's Zabel led the Class B tournament scoring parade with 61 points. His teammate Larry Klaus was 2nd with 49 points and Cedar Catholic's Vlach followed with 42.

Class A: The 1st Round matchups looked like this:

Norfolk (17-2) vs. Creighton Prep (12-9)

Lincoln East (14-4) vs. Omaha Northwest (17-5)

Millard South (17-4) vs. Omaha North (13-8)

Omaha Westside (21-1) vs. North Platte (8-10)

**Westside was the number one seed but were not particularly overpowering. The Warriors reeled off 21 straight wins after a season opening loss to Omaha South. Norfolk, coached by Dave Oman, was in the Big Dance for the 35th time with no cigar. The Panthers also had a dandy player in Clete Blakeman.

Larry Ribble had his Millard South team in the Tournament for a 2nd straight season after winning a couple of State Championships at Pawnee City. It was Ribble's 6th season at Millard South.

Brother Michael Wilmont was Prep's coach, former Islander Tom Millsap was guiding North Platte in 1983, the venerable Dick Koch was at the helm for Omaha Northwest, Bob Murray was in his 20th season at Omaha North, and of course Paul Forch was in his 16th season at Lincoln East.

Creighton Prep broke Dave Oman's heart when the Junior Jays scratched out a 65-64 win in the opening round of Class A. Westside had a breeze with North Platte, winning 85-46. Lincoln East beat Omaha Northwest 68-62 and Ribble's Millard South team survived Omaha North 61-58.

In the Class A semifinals, Omaha Westside eliminated Lincoln East 65-62, winning yet another close one, while Millard South won going away against Prep, 78-63. 78 points for a Larry Ribble team?

Ribble's Millard South team put a halt to Omaha Westside's 23 game winning streak by beating the Warriors, 57-54 in the Class A finals, and in the process gave the Indians their 1st State Basketball Title in 8 tries.

*1983 Class D All-State Team*

Brian Maaske-Loomis* - 6-4, Senior (25.3 ppg/10.3 rpg)

John Pavelka-Verdigre - 6-2, Junior (27.6 ppg/12.8 rpg)

Dann Martin-Maxwell - 6-0, Sophomore (25.0 ppg/12.3 rpg)

Ed Menke-Lawrence - 5-11, Senior (16.5 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Paul Reilly-Spalding Academy - 6-3, Senior (29.1 ppg/12.5 rpg)

2nd Team:

Kraig Axmann-Pleasanton - 5-10, Senior (16.2 ppg/2.0 rpg)

Todd Tyler-Hordville - 6-0, Senior (15.4 ppg/7.7 rpg)

Mark Lamb-Clarks - 6-7, Junior (22.7 ppg/10.6 rpg)

Mike Hoffart-Coleridge - 6-4, Senior (16.7 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Larry Newcomb-Bartley - 6-1, Senior (32.8 ppg/11.8 rpg)

**This was only the beginning for Maxwell's Dann Martin, who would dazzle Class D the next 2 years. Paul Reilly went on to be a standout wide-receiver for UNK after his high school days, and you may just know that Paul has a son named Brandon Reilly who was a wideout himself for the Huskers back in the day.

Unfortunately, the Taylor and Maywood basketball teams were each beginning losing streaks that would stretch to a heartbreaking 49 in a row before it was all over.

*1983 Class C All-State Team*

Brad Buller-Henderson - 5-11, Junior (26.0 ppg/11.0 rpg)

John Kroeker-Henderson - 6-0, Junior (20.0 ppg/9.8 rpg)

Dave Belina-Howells - 6-1, Senior (18.8 ppg/9.7 rpg)

Bob Schweikert-Omaha Cathedral - 6-2, Senior (19.1 ppg/7.4 rpg)

Ryan Young-Grant - 6-0, Sophomore (25.0 ppg/3.6 rpg)

2nd Team:

Darren Soucie-Sandy Creek - 6-5, Senior (19.0 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Steve Rath-Sutton - 6-0, Senior (20.0 ppg/4.0 rpg)

George Blum-Howells - 6-0, Senior (12.0 ppg/9.4 rpg)

Jay Bessmer-Plainview - 6-2, Senior (20.2 ppg/9.6)

Mike Tomjack-Ewing - 6-2, Junior (23.2 ppg/6.1 rpg)

**John Kroeker would end up being one of Henderson's most decorated athletes and go on to be a punter at Nebraska. Kroeker was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and I believe he is still a stock broker in Omaha these days. Brad Buller was Superintendent of schools at Syracuse at one time.

*Darren Soucie went on to play basketball at UNK, then became a successful high school volleyball coach at Osawatomie, Kansas.

*George Blum ended up being a throws coach at Howells and Howells-Dodge. Blum, you may recall, coached the World-Herald Athlete-of-the Year, Nathan Bazata in 2013. Bazata, of course, was a starter on defense for the Iowa Hawkeyes back in his playing days.

*1983 Class B All-State Team

Craig Frahm-Gretna - 6-2, Junior (18.2 ppg/9.8 rpg)

Tom Vlach-Hartington Cedar Catholic - 6-3, Junior (20.6 ppg/10.3 rpg)

Mark Brezinski-Columbus Scotus - 6-4, Senior (25.0 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Ward Wolfram-Seward - 6-4, Senior (14.6 ppg/7.3 rpg)

Bruce Zabel-Fairbury*- 6-4, Senior (21.8 ppg/8.4 rpg)

2nd Team:

Mikah Heibel-Lincoln Pius X - 6-3, Senior (14.8 ppg/7.2 rpg)

Henry Meyers-Ashland - 6-0, Senior (16.5 ppg/2.5 rpg)

Chris Ritterbush-Cozad - 6-5, Senior (20.0 ppg/10.0 rpg)

Jeff Jamrog-Elkhorn Mt. Michael - 6-2, Senior (17.3 ppg/6.2 rpg)

Larry Klaus-Fairbury - 6-3, Senior (15.8 ppg/7.2 rpg)

**The most recognizable name here is Jeff Jamrog. A rugged 1000 yard rusher/All-State footballer for Mt. Jamrog went on to play for the Huskers and up until just very recently, was the Assistant Athletic Director for Football there. After holding the position for 9 years, Mr. Jamrog went on to the Head Football Coaching position at Midland University in Fremont.and has become a Legend there with terrific success.

*Craig Frahm went on to star for Hastings College basketball teams, graduating in 1988 after earning two all-district awards. Frahm's 1987/88 team was inducted into the Hastings College Hall-of Fame in 1997. Craig *Brezinski held the Scotus all-time scoring record up until a few years back when Grant Lahm finally eclipsed it. Long time for a record to hold up at Scotus.

*Mikah Heibel was the Nebraska high school defensive player of the year for the Bolts in football his senior season and went on to play Fullback for the Huskers and in 1987, where he was Academic All-Big 8 and 2nd Team Academic All-American. Last year, Heibel was also named to the Lincoln Pius X inaugural Hall of Fame Class. Mr. Heibel, who described himself as an "ugly, grumpy, old man, was currently a mathematics teacher at Lincoln High for many, many years..

*Ward Wolfram went on to be a 4 year starter for Concordia in Seward and went on to be an Engineering Technologist Senior. Engineer for Dell in Austin, Texas. Smart guy.

*1983 Class A All-State Team

Cedric Hunter-Omaha South - 6-0, Senior (27.3 ppg/8.5 rpg)

Bill Gavers-Omaha Bryan - 5-9, Senior (19.5 ppg/3.0 rpg)

Ricky Williams-Omaha North - 6-5, Senior (21.6 ppg/12.0 rpg)

Joel Sealer-Millard South - 6-2, Junior (15.0 ppg/5.0 rpg)

Mack Megown-Norfolk - 6-5, Senior (10.9 ppg/9.4 rpg)

2nd Team:

Todd Eubanks-Lincoln East - 6-2, Senior (14.3 ppg/3.0 rpg)

Merle Bergerson-Millard South - 6-2, Senior (15.0 ppg/6.0 rpg)

Jeff Taylor-Omaha Westside - 6-2, Senior (14.6 ppg/5.2 rpg)

Andy Hunzeker-Lincoln East - 6-5, Senior (20.0 ppg/8.0 rpg)

Jeff Richardson-Grand Island - 6-1, Senior (14.0 ppg/6.0 rpg)

**No doubt about the most recognizable name here when it comes to basketball.....Cedric Hunter. The versatile Hunter was a 4 year letter winner at Kansas and 1000 point scorer there. Cedric retired from the Continental Basketball Assn. in 1997, ending up its career assists leader. Just last year, Cedric Hunter was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame..

*Millard South's Joel Sealer earned 3 letters at Nebraska under then basketball coach Moe Iba. Sealer obtained his Law degree from Nebraska and was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City, and has been retired by now..

*Todd Eubanks earned the World-Herald and Journal-Star's Athlete-of-the-Year in 1983.

*Bill Gavers was a renowned high school basketball coach at GICC for years, went on to coach Hastings College and is the current Activities Director at GICC..

*GI's Jeff "Whitey" Richardson played Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox, coached in Minor League Baseball for 3 seasons before he left to be the head baseball coach at his alma mater, SW Louisiana. Whitey now lives in Grand Island and owns BALZ Sports Bar, a well known establishment.

*Jeff Taylor of Westside was better for his football skills, leading the Warriors to two Class A Football titles and along with it, two undefeated seasons. Jeff also was a 3 year letter winner at Nebraska and played QB there.

*1983 Super-State 1st Team

Cedric Hunter-Omaha South - 6-0, Senior (27.3 ppg/8.5 rpg)

Ricky Williams-Omaha North - 6-5, Senior (21.6 ppg/12.0 rpg)

Joel Sealer-Millard South - 6-2, Junior (15.0 ppg/5.0 rpg)

Craig Frahm-Gretna - 6-2, Junior (18.2 ppg/9.8 rpg)

Bruce Zabel-Fairbury*- 6-4, Senior (21.8 ppg/8.4 rpg)

*1983 Super-State 2nd Team

Mack Megown-Norfolk - 6-5, Senior (10.9 ppg/9.4 rpg)

Bill Gavers-Omaha Bryan - 5-9, Senior (19.5 ppg/3.0 rpg)

Todd Eubanks-Lincoln East - 6-2, Senior (14.3 ppg/3.0 rpg)

Merle Bergerson-Millard South - 6-2, Senior (15.0 ppg/6.0 rpg)

Mark Brezinski-Columbus Scotus - 6-4, Senior (25.0 ppg/10.0 rpg)