For Nebraska Christian, the challenge is clear: defy the odds, silence the doubters, and punch their ticket to Lincoln for just the second time in program history.

The Eagles have spent the season proving they belong in this moment. Tonight, they get their chance to make it count.

The matchup
Nebraska Christian (19-6) at Cedar Catholic (14-11) | District D1-6 Final | 6:30 p.m. | Hartington, NE

There’s no mistaking what’s at stake for Nebraska Christian.

Their first—and only—trip to the NSAA State Tournament came in 2022. That run ended in a 41-56 loss to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

Since then, the Eagles have been waiting for their moment.

Now, here it is.

Standing in their way? A battle-tested Cedar Catholic team with a state championship pedigree. The Trojans have been to state 14 times, including two seasons ago, where they finished third in Class C-2.

What Nebraska Christian must do
To win in Hartington, the Eagles need to do what they’ve done all year: feed the spark, ride the momentum, and let their stars shine.

And that starts with Sheridan Falk.

The junior has already secured her place in Nebraska Christian history, eclipsing the 1,000-point mark in her career. But this moment is bigger than any milestone.

If the Eagles want to win, Falk has to be the best player on the floor.

She won’t be alone.

Taytum Perdew is a relentless presence in the backcourt, providing the kind of defense and ball-handling that can dictate tempo.
Gracie Hackel is a senior with the experience to step up in a game like this.
Kadeya Sanborn stands 6-foot-1 in the post and will need to be a defensive anchor against a Cedar Catholic squad that thrives in the paint.

The battle ahead
Cedar Catholic isn’t a team that will back down. They are physical, disciplined, and relentless on the boards.

They average 30.2 rebounds per game.
They have multiple scoring threats, led by Addison Walter (11.7 PPG) and Anisten Wortmann (12.1 PPG).
They force nearly 10 steals per game.
Nebraska Christian must handle the pressure. This can’t turn into a half-court slugfest. The Eagles have the speed, the shooters, and the energy to make this game their own.

One night to make history
The moment has arrived.

Nebraska Christian is 32 minutes away from returning to state.

If they win, they’ll have done something only one other Nebraska Christian team has ever done.

If they lose, the journey ends in Hartington.

The Eagles must decide how their story will be written.

Will they make history?

We’ll find out tonight.