RON POWELL
Lincoln Journal Star
Flexibility is a key word these days in almost every aspect of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nebraska School Activities Association is glad and somewhat relieved that officials at Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lincoln Public Schools bent over backward to keep the girls and boys state high school basketball tournaments in Lincoln after learning late last week that one of the main facilities, the Devaney Sports Center, would not be available for either week in March because of Nebraska volleyball .
The NSAA board of directors voted 8-0 at its meeting Thursday to make the 2021 tournaments five-day events with the girls tournament March 2-6 and the boys March 9-13. PBA will be used all 10 days during that span, while LPS gyms will have first-round games on the first two days of each tournament and the third-place contests on Friday and Saturday.
“We’re very pleased that they could handle what we needed them to handle, and they’ve always been great partners to work with,†NSAA executive director Jay Bellar said. “They definitely came through for us.â€
To ensure all semifinals are played at PBA, “it’s going to take a little longer, but it’s best for the kids and the coaches, and I think they’ll appreciate that,†Bellar added.
Class A first-round games will be on Tuesday of each week at PBA with two Class B first-round games on Tuesday and two more Wednesday at PBA.
Due to the current Lancaster County health directive that caps capacity at 50%, all games will be single-session, and the facility will be cleared after each contest.
All of the C-1 first-round games will be at PBA on Wednesday with the C-2, D-1 and D-2 first-round contests spread around the LPS high schools.
All semifinals will be at PBA with C-2, D-1 and D-2 going on Thursday and A, B and C-1 on Friday. The third-place games for C-2, D-1, D-2 will be Friday and the C-1 third-place contest Saturday.
All six championship games will be at PBA as originally scheduled on Saturday.
It’s the outcome that board member Jon Cerny, superintendent at Bancroft-Rosalie, was hoping for. His school is part of BRLD, which is the two-time defending Class C-2 boys state basketball champion.
“People from my district are going to be really happy with what happened today in this meeting,†Cerny said. “They like the Pinnacle Bank facility.â€
It was a decision that Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Jeff Maul also supported.
“We thank all of our partners for their ongoing collaboration, conversations and commitment to keeping the tournaments entirely in Lincoln,†Maul said in a news release. “We are confident the adjustment to a five-day schedule for each tournament is the best course of action and we applaud this decision by the NSAA.â€
The NSAA did look at other options, such as moving the tournament to Omaha or combining facilities in both Lincoln and Omaha on a one-year basis. NSAA assistant director Jon Dolliver said CHI Health Center Omaha, the Creighton men’s basketball home facility, was only available for Monday and Tuesday of the boys tournament. They were willing to host boys state tournament games a week later.
College volleyball put both Omaha’s Baxter Arena and Creighton women’s facility, Sokol Arena, off limits the weekend of the girls tournament. Omaha Lancers hockey is scheduled at Ralston Arena both weekends of state basketball.
“They (CHI Health Center) were accommodating to the fact that they would let us in there, but we would’ve had to change dates and that just didn’t work for us,†Bellar said.
The state high school swim meet will remain at the Devaney Sports Center on Feb. 25-27. Spectators will be allowed into the diving portion of the meet on Feb. 25, but fans will be prohibited from the swimming on Friday and Saturday because of the large number of swimmers in the meet and social distancing guidelines.
Saturday’s competition will be divided into two sessions.
Photos: Our best shots from the winter high school sports season
Falls City Sacred Heart’s Jacob Froeschl (12) and his teammates celebrate their win over Parkview Christian in the Class D-2 boys state basketball final Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Beatrice’s Kaden Glynn (20) shoots a three-pointer over Elkhorn’s Dane Petersen (41) at the buzzer to send the Class B boys state basketball final into overtime Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Elkhorn’s Dane Petersen (41) feels the weight of Beatrice’s Jace Pethoud (11) as he, Elliot Jurgens (5) and Kaden Glynn defend against him in the Class B boys state basketball final Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Bellevue West’s Chucky Hepburn (24) sits on the bench after the Thunderbirds' defeat to Millard North in overtime in the Class A boys state basketball final March 13 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Millard North’s Hunter Sallis (5) celebrates after a second-half dunk against Bellevue West in the Class A boys state basketball final March 13 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Katelynn Oxley (right) makes contact with the face of Gothenburg's Clara Evert as Oxley grabs a rebound in the first half Friday during the C1-3 district championship in Aurora.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Addi Ernstmeyer, the only senior on the team, celebrates after a win over Gothenburg in the C1-3 district final Friday in Aurora.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Katelynn Oxley (40), Abby Wachal (front center) and Addi Ernstmeyer celebrate as the buzzer sounds on their win over Gothenburg in the C1-3 district final Friday in Aurora.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Gothenburg's Clara Evert (left) and Lincoln Lutheran's Addi Ernstmeyer battle over a rebound in the first half Friday during the C1-3 district final in Aurora.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest's Tommy Palmer reacts after winning the boys 200 freestyle preliminary heat at the state meet but not finishing under 1:40 in the race Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Pius X's Alexis Markowski works in traffic against Bellevue West's Kenzie Melcher (left), Grace Schaefer (2) and Danielle Peterson in the first half Thursday during the A-1 district championship at Pius X.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Bellevue West's Taryn Wharton (center) loses the ball under pressure from Lincoln Pius X's Adison Markowski (left) and Miriam Miller in the first half Thursday during the A-1 district championship at Pius X.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
North Platte’s Vincent Genatone (right) defeated Omaha Westside’s Cole Haberman in the Class A 195-pound state championship match last year at CHI Health Center Omaha.
Journal Star file photo
David City’s Dylan Vodicka (right) collapses into the arms of wrestling coach Tahner Thiem after defeating Ord’s Kelen Meyer in the Class C 182 pound state championship match on February 20, 2021, at CHI Health Center. It was an emotional day for Vodicka, who won his state title without his father, Jim, who passed away in December. "I know he's watching," Vodicka said. "He'd be so proud." Vodicka capped off an undefeated 54-0 campaign that included breaking the school career wins record with 184. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kenneth Ferriera
Beatrice’s Trevor Reinke (left) wrestles Omaha Skutt’s Adam Kruse in the Class B 138 pound state championship match on February 20, 2021, at CHI Health Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kenneth Ferriera
Scottsbluff’s Paul Garcia celebrates after defeating Gering’s Paul Ruff in the Class B 126 pound state championship match on February 20, 2021, at CHI Health Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kenneth Ferriera
Wrestlers partake in the parade of champions before the Class B and C state championship matches on February 20, 2021, at CHI Health Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kenneth Ferriera
Syracuse’s Burton Brandt (top) pins Cross County/Osceola’s Kyle Sterup in the Class C 195 pound state championship match on February 20, 2021, at CHI Health Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kenneth Ferriera
CRETE, NEB. - 02/20/2021 - Crete celebrates after defeating Waverly 40-31, to win the B-3 district final on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Crete High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Crete's Hannah Newton (center) loses control of a rebound while guarded by Waverly's Leah Rasmussen (center left) and Abbie Carter (center right) in the first quarter during the B-3 district final on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Crete High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Lincoln Southwest's Skylar Pieper shoots in traffic against Lincoln High in the fourth quarter on Friday, February 19, 2021, at Lincoln High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Lincoln Lutheran's Molli Martin (left) and Sophie Wohlgemuth run to the bench top celebrate with their team after winning the the C1-2 subdistict championship game against Lincoln Christian on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Malcolm High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Lincoln Christian's Ashlynn Ailes (left) and Autumn Brester hug before they exit the floor after losing the C1-2 subdistict championship game to Lincoln Lutheran on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Malcolm High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Lincoln Lutheran's Jordan Ernstmeyer stretches for a rebound caught by Lincoln Christian's Faith McCullough in the third quarter during the C1-2 subdistict championship game on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Malcolm High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Ashland-Greenwood's Kiara Libal looks to pass araound the defense of Plattsmouth's Lyndsey Caba in the first half Tuesday during a Class B-3 subdistrict semifinal in Ashland.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Ashland-Greenwood's Carly vonRentzell (left) gets tightly defended by Plattsmouth's Rylee Hellbusch in the first half Tuesday during a Class B-3 subdistrict semifinal in Ashland.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Ashland-Greenwood's Carly vonRentzell (left) and Plattsmouth's Josie Knust chase after a loose ball in the first half Tuesday during a Class B-3 subdistrict game in Ashland.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Raymond Central's Rachel Potter (13) scores past Lincoln Christian's Mattie Harms (bottom), Ashlynn Ailes (center) and Makylee Ailes in the first quarter during the C1-1 subdistict first round game on Monday, February 15, 2021 at Malcolm High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Crete head coach John Larsen (right) is presented with a trophy by his team after becoming the girls basketball coach with the most career wins on Friday, February 12, 2021, at Crete High School. Crete head coach John Larsen became the all-time winningest girls basketball coach in state history on Friday. After securing the win over Auroa, Larsen has 627 total career wins. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Pius X's Dontae Thomas celebrates with teammates after pinning Elkhorn South's Henry Thomsen in the 182lb championship match during the A-4 district wrestling meet on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Omaha Central High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Lincoln Pius X's Charlie Hoiberg (12) blocks Lincoln Southeast's Sam Haire's layup as teammate Sam Hoiberg (2) and Derek Branch (3) look on in the first half Wednesday at Southeast High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Northeast's Pierce Bazil (23) blocks the shot from Millard South's WIll Cooper (top right) in the second half Saturday at Lincoln Northeast.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Malcolm's Alyssa Fortik (left) steals the ball away from Wahoo's Autumn Iversen in the first half Tuesday in Wahoo.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Weeping Water's Karley Ridge (3) and Grace Cave (23) vie for a rebound over Malcolm's Jordan Denton (20) in the third quarter on Saturday, February 06, 2021, at Southeast Community College - Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Pius X's Jillian Aschof (20) scores from underneath the basket while guarded by Lincoln East's Olivia Kugler (4) in the third quarter on Friday, February 05, 2021, at Lincoln East High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Pius X's Alexis Markowski (50) wrests control of the ball from Lincoln East's Zoie Armstong on rebound in the third quarter on Friday, February 05, 2021, at Lincoln East High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Lincoln Southwest's Tommy Palmer launches himself into the backstroke at the start of the boys 200-yard medley relay during a dual against Lincoln Southeast on Feb. 4 at Southwest High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Freeman's Carter Ruse (center) gets fouled by Malcolm's Maclain Beach (right) as Jacob Schweitzer defends on the first-half play during ECNC Tournament quarterfinals on Feb. 2, 2021, in Adams.
Journal Star file photo
Malcolm's Hayden Frank (2) attempts a three-pointer with Freeman's Wyatt Currie (5) in his face in the second half Feb. 2 during the ECNC Tournament quarterfinals in Adams.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Fremont's Camden McKenzie bowls during the District 3 bowling championships on Feb. 1 at Sun Valley Lanes.
Kenneth Ferriera
Beatrice's Jarrett Koch reacts as he is twisted into an uncomfortable position by Malcom's Gavin Zoucha during the Raymond Central Invitational on Jan. 30.
Kenneth Ferriera
Bellevue West's Grant Moraski opens his mouth to clean off blood from a cut lip while wrestling Beatrice's Trevor Reinke (not pictured) during the Raymond Central Invitational on Jan. 30.Â
Kenneth Ferriera
Lincoln Southeast's McGinness Schneider (4) is fouled by Lincoln Northeast's Zander Beard (14) as he drives to the basket in the first half Jan. 23 at Lincoln Southeast.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Lincoln Northeast's Pierce Bazil (23) celebrates at the final buzzer as the Rockets defeat Lincoln Southeast 59-53 on Jan. 23 at Lincoln Southeast High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Lincoln East's Haley Peterson (left) dives for a loose ball against Lincoln High's J'unti Franklin in the second half Jan. 23 at Lincoln High.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Lincoln High's Kiana Wiley (left) celebrates a key layup late in the game against Lincoln East on Jan. 23 at Lincoln High.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Waverly's Abbie Carter (43) reacts after getting called for a foul against Wahoo's Toni Greenfield (10) with 1.3 seconds left in the game, giving Wahoo a chance to tie the game with two free throws Jan. 21 in Wahoo. Greenfield missed both shots and the Vikings held on with a 48-46 win over the Warriors.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Wahoo 's Owen Hancock (1) has a pass blocked by Waverly's Preston Harms (42) after free-throw attempts in the closing seconds of the game on Jan. 21, in Wahoo. The play was waved off as the Warriors' coach had already called a timeout.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
York's Destiny Shepherd (11) drives to the basket to score a game-tying basket against Norris' Brianna Stai (24) in the closing seconds of the first half Jan. 19 in York.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Norris' Trey Deveaux drives past York's Jake Erwin (5) and Ryan Seevers (23) for a first-half basket Jan. 19 in York.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Crete coach John Larsen coaches his team against Norris during a timeout in the first quarter Jan. 16 at Norris Middle School in Firth.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Norris' Molly Ramsey celebrates after her team took a 10-point lead against Crete in the second quarter Saturday in Firth. Norris won 47-43.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Northeast's Tarin Vocasek in action in the girls 100-yard breaststroke during the Gene Cotter Invitational on Saturday at Northeast High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pool deck is less crowded and swimmers, coaches and race staff members are required to wear masks during the Gene Cotter Invitational on Saturday at Northeast High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Kearney's Russell Dietz (left) and Logan Arnold tape bananas to a window as part of a tradition during the Gene Cotter Invitational on Saturday at Northeast High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
College View's Garrett Fortney scores a layup in the first quarter Jan. 11 against Whiting, Iowa, at College View, surpassing the school record of 937 points set by Brady Bock in 1994.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Northeast's Adonis Jones (bottom) passes the ball away from Lincoln Pius X's Sam Hoiberg, who attempts to steal the ball away from him in the second half Jan. 9 at Pius X.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Pius X's Thomas Linderman drives to the basket for two points against Lincoln Northeast in the first half Jan. 9 at Pius X.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Bellevue West's Adam Johnson takes down Lincoln Southeast's Cooper Johnson during the Gator Invitational on Jan. 9 at North Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln North Star's Ethan Hallett (top) controls Lincoln Southeast's Lima Martinez during the Gator Invitational on Jan. 9 at Lincoln North Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Waverly's Hogan Wingrove vies for a rebound over Norris' Dane Small, Trey Deveaux, and C.J. Hood (from left) in the fourth quarter Jan. 8 in Firth.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Norris' C.J. Hood rises over Waverly's Treyton Cockerill to score in the second quarter Jan. 8 in Firth.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln North Star's Brennon Clemmons (left) reaches out for a defensive rebound against Lincoln Southeast's Jake Appleget in the first half Jan. 5 at Southeast.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Southeast's Wade Voss (left) makes a shot next to Grand Island's Jacob Nesvara during a Heartland Athletic Conference Tournament semifinal game Dec. 31, 2020, at Northeast.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Pius X's Alexis Markowski battles her way to the basket against Lincoln East's Lillie Shaw (left) and Haley Sprackling during a HAC girls basketball semifinal game Dec. 31, 2020, at East.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Pius X fans cheer for Alexis Markowski, who eclipsed 1,000 career points against Lincoln East on Dec. 31, 2020, at East.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Southeast's McGinness Schneider drives for a layup as Lincoln Northeast's Jalen Lang looks on during a Heartland Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinal Dec. 30, 2020, at Southeast.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln East's Matalynn Campbell (left) drives to the basket for two points against Lincoln High's Kiana Wiley in the second half of a Heartland Athletic Conference Tournament game Dec. 30, 2020, at Lincoln East.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Norris' Maddy Collier celebrates after scoring a basket during a Waverly Holiday Tournament opener against Lincoln Christian on Dec. 28, 2020, in Waverly.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln East's Jared Townsley attempts a shot against Norfolk during the second half of a HAC Tournament first-round game Dec. 28, 2020, at Lincoln East.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Pius X's Jillian Aschoff makes a layup against Fremont in the first half Dec. 22, 2020, at Pius X.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Beatrice’s Bennett Crandall (3) defends Crete's Mason Crumbliss in the first half Dec. 10 at Beatrice High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Lincoln Christian’s Drew Beukelman (3) goes to the basket against Seward’s Drew Covalt in the first half on Dec. 8, 2020, at Christian.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Seward coach Beth Bohuslavsky motivates her team from the bench in the first half against Lincoln Christian on Dec. 8, 2020, at Christian.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
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