Sports

Last Wednesday the Central City High School basketball team made history. The team stepped on the court at the Bob Devaney Sports Center with plenty of excitement, being the first Bison basketball team since 1947 to play in the Nebraska state basketball tournament. The excitement was felt inside the facility as the Bison band, cheerleaders, dance team and countless fans created a once in a lifetime moment for the group.

The past met the present on a special day for the Bison basketball team on Monday for a pep rally honoring the 2023 Central City High School basketball team, but also the 1947 team. Left to right from top left: Dale Hedges and Dale Campbell represented the last Bison team to qualify for the state tournament. Both men took time to speak with players such as Derek and Dylan Pfeifer and offered words of advice and a handshake like the one Ashton Gragg receives. Of course this years team was also recognized by the great Doug Van Pelt as guys like Ayden Zikmund, Clark Brown and Kenai Kearney were announced. The day also offered a chance to recognize those who qualified for the state science fair as Molly Blanchard, Jerzie Schindler, Caleb Rowe and Elaina McHargue were recognized. The event wrapped up with some run as the chair game was brought back to provide smiles like the one on Blake Jensen’s face as Truman Ryan sits on his lap.

On multiple occasions over the past 76 years the Central City High School basketball team found themselves just one game away from making history as a trip to the Nebraska State Basketball Tournament was in their reach. With each attempt the result was the same, and each time it meant the end of an otherwise great season.

STATE BOUND BISON.

Bison Snap 76 Year State Tournament Drought.

When the 2022-23 wrestling season started in December of last year many area wrestlers looked to make their mark on the mat this season. Heading into the NSAA State Wrestling Championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha last Thursday there was just 12 area wrestlers still standing as they began their journey to greatness.

The Central City Bison have found plenty of success this season with a 22-3 record, but now they will look to finish strong late in the post season. Seniors Clark Brown (11) and Ashton Gragg (0) will also be looking to finish their careers strong as they hope to be part of the team that not only helps rebuild Bison basketball, but also helps the program reach new heights. Central City will head into battle on Thursday night at 7pm against Aurora as they look to finish their sub district with a win ahead of next week’s district finals. Central City is looking to reach the NSAA State Basketball Tournament for the first time since 1947 and a win on Thursday will help them in their quest to host a district final next week.