N-O Girls Fall, Boys Advance In NVC Tournament

The Warrior basketball teams split games in the first round of the Niobrara Valley Conference Tournament at home on Saturday.

The West Holt girls cruised to a 74-37 win over the Lady Warriors, while the N-O boys advanced in the tourney with a 47-37 victory over St. Mary's.

In the girls game, #4 West Holt came out firing against the #13 Lady Warriors, putting up 26 points in the first quarter. Neligh-Oakdale couldn't overcome the early deficit and was eventually knocked out of the tourney. The Lady Huskies will take on EPPJ in the second round Monday night. The game is set to tip off in Ewing at 8 p.m.

WH   26   18   24   6    74
N-O    7     9   14    7   37

During boys action, the #8 Warriors grabbed the early lead over #9 St. Mary's and never looked back. The N-O boys led by 8 points at the half, and went on to earn a 10-point victory to advance in the conference tournament.

Cole Belitz and Austin Rice led the Warriors with 14 points apiece, followed by Julien Hearn with 8, Hunter Charf 5, Isiac Kurpgeweit 4, and Nate Buck 2.

N-O will play their second round game against #1 West Holt in Atkinson on Tuesday night at 6:15 p.m.

SM     8   9   8   12   37
N-O  14  11  12  10  47