Sports 

Brandon Lowe hits 2-run homer as Rays beat Rockies 6-4
Brandon Lowe hits 2-run homer as Rays beat Rockies 6-4

Brandon Lowe hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first and the Tampa Bay Rays never trailed Sunday in their 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies.

Colorado sports notes: Doyle and Farmer help the Rockies beat the Rays 2-1

Colorado sports notes: Doyle and Farmer help the Rockies beat the Rays 2-1

Brenton Doyle and Kyle Farmer each hit an RBI single to help the Colorado Rockies beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1.

Wacky finish helps Beatrice pull off 4-3 win over Hastings in nine innings

Wacky finish helps Beatrice pull off 4-3 win over Hastings in nine innings

A strange finish to the game including two controversial missed tags at third base helped Beatrice pull off a wacky 4-3 win over Hastings in the bottom of the ninth.

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls win John Ganser Invite Friday

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls win John Ganser Invite Friday

The 2025 Nebraska High School Track and Field season fired off the line Friday at the annual John Ganser Invite at Weymouth Field in Sidney, Neb.

Key long balls lead Chadron State to doubleheader sweep

Key long balls lead Chadron State to doubleheader sweep

Chadron State used the long ball in key spots to earn a doubleheader sweep of the Regis Rangers, earning a 16-3 run-rule victory followed by a 6-2 comeback win on Friday in Denver. 

Colorado sports notes: Kameron Misner's 9th-inning homer lifts Rays over Rockies 3-2 in Steinbrenner Field opener

Colorado sports notes: Kameron Misner's 9th-inning homer lifts Rays over Rockies 3-2 in Steinbrenner Field opener

Rookie Kameron Misner led off the ninth inning with his first major league home run, giving Tampa Bay a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies as the Rays began their season of home games at Steinbrenner Field.

Chris Crutchfield receives 3-year extension after leading Omaha to Summit titles and 1st NCAA bid

Chris Crutchfield receives 3-year extension after leading Omaha to Summit titles and 1st NCAA bid

Omaha coach Chris Crutchfield has received a three-year contract extension through the 2029-30 season after he led the Mavericks to their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Grand Island Baseball mounts improbable late inning comeback to stun Omaha Central

Grand Island Baseball mounts improbable late inning comeback to stun Omaha Central

The Grand Island Islanders trailed by eight runs heading into the final inning, but tagged Omaha Central for 10 runs in the final two innings to steal a win in their home opener. 

A pioneering baseball league in Nebraska launched dozens of MLB careers. Then it collapsed.

A pioneering baseball league in Nebraska launched dozens of MLB careers. Then it collapsed.

Seventy years ago, Nebraska was the location of a pioneering minor league baseball league. Eight MLB clubs had teams, all in central and western Nebraska.

Cougar notes: WNCC softball team drops two conference games to Otero

Cougar notes: WNCC softball team drops two conference games to Otero

The Western Nebraska Community College and Otero College softball teams soaked up the warm weather Thursday at Volunteer Field and it was the Otero bats that were hot as the Rattlers claimed the conference doubleheader.

Late goal propels Norfolk over Lincoln North Star

Late goal propels Norfolk over Lincoln North Star

The Norfolk Panthers earn their fourth straight win after a late goal put them ahead of the Lincoln North Star Navigators for the 2-1 victory.

Rockies give outfielder Mickey Moniak $1.25M, 1-year deal after his release from Angels

Rockies give outfielder Mickey Moniak $1.25M, 1-year deal after his release from Angels

The Colorado Rockies have added outfield depth by agreeing to a $1.25 million, one-year deal with Mickey Moniak.

Late game trouble dooms Beatrice, Orangemen fall to Ralston 14-12

Late game trouble dooms Beatrice, Orangemen fall to Ralston 14-12

Orangemen baseball found themselves on the wrong end of a roller coaster contest for the second straight night. 

BPS names Ava Lovitt Head Volleyball Coach

BPS names Ava Lovitt Head Volleyball Coach

Beatrice has found the new leader of their volleyball program. 

Huskers host 2025 Pro Day

Huskers host 2025 Pro Day

A number of Huskers, and small college football players, showed off their talents at Nebraska's 2025 Pro Day. 

Sidney’s Ashlynn Weinbender signs to rodeo at Eastern Wyoming College

Sidney’s Ashlynn Weinbender signs to rodeo at Eastern Wyoming College

Sidney High School senior Ashlynn Weinbender is taking her rodeo talents to the college level.

Niko Medved leaves Colorado State for his native Minnesota after an NCAA tournament run by the Rams

Niko Medved leaves Colorado State for his native Minnesota after an NCAA tournament run by the Rams

Minnesota has hired Colorado State’s Niko Medved as its next coach.

WNCC softball goes 1-3 against Trinidad over the weekend

WNCC softball goes 1-3 against Trinidad over the weekend

The Western Nebraska Community College softball team opened conference play at Trinidad State College over the weekend and played some competitive games, including two extra-inning contests.

Colorado sports notes: Derik Queen's buzzer-beating fadeaway gives Maryland a 72-71 March Madness win over Colorado State

Colorado sports notes: Derik Queen's buzzer-beating fadeaway gives Maryland a 72-71 March Madness win over Colorado State

Derik Queen banked in a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer, and Maryland advanced to the Sweet 16 in a thriller, beating Colorado State 72-71 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

WNCC falls twice in offensive showcases

WNCC falls twice in offensive showcases

With winds gusting to around 40 mph on Saturday, the Western Nebraska Community College and Southeast Community College had an offensive show in an Empire Conference showdown.

Eagles Notes: Chadron State Wraps Up Series Against CCU

Eagles Notes: Chadron State Wraps Up Series Against CCU

Chadron State hung right with RMAC power Colorado Christian during the first two games between the two programs, but didn't have the same fortune on Saturday as the Eagles fell by 9-1 and 13-0 margins to close out the series. 

Colorado sports notes: Rockies trade OF Nolan Jones to the Guardians for INF/OF Tyler Freeman

Colorado sports notes: Rockies trade OF Nolan Jones to the Guardians for INF/OF Tyler Freeman

The Colorado Rockies have traded outfielder Nolan Jones to the Cleveland Guardians for Tyler Freeman.

Jays notes: Top overall seed Auburn reaches first Sweet 16 since 2019, turning away Creighton 82-70

Jays notes: Top overall seed Auburn reaches first Sweet 16 since 2019, turning away Creighton 82-70

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said a trip to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament was no sure thing.

Lincoln Southeast nets two goals to take down Columbus in season opener

Lincoln Southeast nets two goals to take down Columbus in season opener

It didn't take the Lincoln Southeast Knights very long to make headlines in the 2025 spring soccer season after traveling to Columbus and beating the Discoverers 2-0.

WNCC baseball drops doubleheader to Southeast

WNCC baseball drops doubleheader to Southeast

The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team dropped a pair of Empire Conference contests to Southeast Community College on Friday at Cleveland Field.

Eagles Fall In Pitcher's Duels With CCU

Eagles Fall In Pitcher's Duels With CCU

Chadron State's pitching went toe-to-toe with Colorado Christian's elite staff during the first two games of an RMAC doubleheader on Friday, but the offense couldn't break through as CSC suffered 5-1 and 1-0 losses to the Cougars. 

Rockies' Thairo Estrada breaks wrist when hit by Kumar Rocker pitch and will miss 4 to 8 weeks

Rockies' Thairo Estrada breaks wrist when hit by Kumar Rocker pitch and will miss 4 to 8 weeks

Colorado’s Thairo Estrada broke his right wrist when he was hit by a pitch from Texas’ Kumar Rocker and will be out four to eight weeks, according to manager Bud Black.

Kyan Evans and favored No. 12 seed Colorado State beat short-handed Memphis 78-70 in March Madness

Kyan Evans and favored No. 12 seed Colorado State beat short-handed Memphis 78-70 in March Madness

Kyan Evans made a career-high six 3-pointers and scored 23 points to lead No. 12 seed Colorado State past fifth-seeded Memphis 78-70 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

Auburn's Johni Broome, Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner centers of attention in March Madness matchup

Auburn's Johni Broome, Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner centers of attention in March Madness matchup

Johni Broome and Ryan Kalkbrenner are big men with big-time experience on the March Madness stage.

Ogallala Boys Basketball Coach Andy Gillen steps down, son Carter Brown named successor

Ogallala Boys Basketball Coach Andy Gillen steps down, son Carter Brown named successor

Ogallala Public Schools announced a coaching change this week as longtime boys basketball head coach Andy Gillen steps down after seven seasons.

No. 9 Creighton tops No. 8 Louisville 89-75 for 5th straight March Madness-opening win

No. 9 Creighton tops No. 8 Louisville 89-75 for 5th straight March Madness-opening win

Jamiya Neal scored a career-high 29 points and had 12 rebounds, Steven Ashworth connected from well beyond the arc on the way to 22 points, and ninth-seeded Creighton beat No. 8 seed Louisville 89-75 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kimball’s Rachel Berger signs with University of Sioux Falls for wrestling, choir

Kimball’s Rachel Berger signs with University of Sioux Falls for wrestling, choir

Kimball High School senior Rachel Berger is set to continue both her academic and athletic career at the University of Sioux Falls, signing her letter of intent to join the USF women’s wrestling team while also participating in the university’s choir.

Gering’s Herbel joining WNCC women’s soccer next fall

Gering’s Herbel joining WNCC women’s soccer next fall

Gering’s Allison Herbel has been playing soccer since she was five-years-old will her soccer playing at the collegiate level after inking with Western Nebraska Community College on Wednesday afternoon at Gering High School.

PREVIEW: Orangemen baseball locking in on fundamentals heading into 2025 season

PREVIEW: Orangemen baseball locking in on fundamentals heading into 2025 season

The Orangemen are zeroing in on fundamentals for success in the 2025 season.

Omaha Mavericks' trash (can) turns into treasure with program earning its first March Madness bid

Omaha Mavericks' trash (can) turns into treasure with program earning its first March Madness bid

The Omaha Mavericks' vision was making the NCAA Tournament when it announced 14 years ago it would move from Division II to Division I.

Peru State College Announces New Head Volleyball Coach

Peru State College Announces New Head Volleyball Coach

PERU, NE - Peru State Athletics announces the hiring of Caleb Bonaventure to take over the Bobcat Volleyball program.

Colorado sports notes: Deion Sanders wants to save college spring game by adding an opponent and NFL-like joint practices

Colorado sports notes: Deion Sanders wants to save college spring game by adding an opponent and NFL-like joint practices

Deion Sanders has his own suggestion for college spring games that includes bringing in another team.

Ries to coach Norfolk High Boys Basketball

Ries to coach Norfolk High Boys Basketball

Dribbling in to take over for Ben Bohn, Ben Ries will be the boys basketball head coach. 

Wetterberg to become Norfolk High Baseball Head Coach

Wetterberg to become Norfolk High Baseball Head Coach

Sean Wetterberg will be filling in the cleats of Disch starting next season at Norfolk High School. 

WNCC takes two from Lamar to open conference play on Sunday

WNCC takes two from Lamar to open conference play on Sunday

The Western Nebraska Community College softball team opened Region IX conference action with a complete team effort Sunday afternoon at Volunteer Field in taking a doubleheader from Lamar Community College.

UNK wrestling returns home in style after winning program’s 5th national title

UNK wrestling returns home in style after winning program’s 5th national title

A historic achievement warrants a historic celebration venue and an entrance fit for champions.

Eagles drop final two games to MSUD

Eagles drop final two games to MSUD

MSU Denver used a back-breaking rally in the first game to seize momentum and run away with the second game, defeating Chadron State softball 5-3 and 10-1 in RMAC doubleheader action from Chadron on Sunday.

Auburn is the No. 1 seed in the South Region; Tigers seek redress after first-round ouster last year

Auburn is the No. 1 seed in the South Region; Tigers seek redress after first-round ouster last year

Auburn is the No. 1 seed overall seed and is headed to the South Region of the NCAA Tournament.

Casper wins Region IX title, several Cougars get post-tourney honors

Casper wins Region IX title, several Cougars get post-tourney honors

The Casper College women’s basketball team captured their fourth straight Region IX title after defeating Western Wyoming Community College 67-55 in the championship game Saturday evening at Cougar Palace.

Poole's 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left gives Wizards a 126-123 win over the Nuggets

Poole's 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left gives Wizards a 126-123 win over the Nuggets

Jordan Poole hit a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left to give the Washington Wizards a 126-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Eagles notes: Bynes Is All-American Triple Jumper

Eagles notes: Bynes Is All-American Triple Jumper

Chadron State College sophomore Chayton Bynes earned All-American honors by placing fifth in the triple jump at the NCAA Division II National Indoor Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis Saturday afternoon. 

St. Mary's tops Wynot in Class D2 state final

St. Mary's tops Wynot in Class D2 state final

St. Mary's knocked off Wynot in the Class D-2 finals to win their first boys basketball state title since 2012. 

Skutt rolls past Scottsbluff, completes first ever Class B three-peat

Skutt rolls past Scottsbluff, completes first ever Class B three-peat

With the win, the Skyhawks become the first team in Class B to win three straight state titles since 1989, finishing the year at 23-5.

Merino tops Sedgwick County to repeat as state champions

Merino tops Sedgwick County to repeat as state champions

In a game where emotions already run high, Merino’s strength was tested further when junior standout Kya Piel left with an injury during the first half of Saturday’s Class 2A girls basketball state championship game against Sedgwick County. 

Clifford scores 24, Colorado State hits record 12 3s to beat Boise State 69-56 in MWC Championship

Clifford scores 24, Colorado State hits record 12 3s to beat Boise State 69-56 in MWC Championship

Nique Clifford scored 24 points and No. 2 seed Colorado State made a Mountain West Championship Tournament-record 12 3s and beat fifth-seeded Boise State 69-56 for its first title since 2003.

Saturday's local scoreboard, March 15

Saturday's local scoreboard, March 15

Saturday's local scoreboard, March 15

No. 6 St. John's beats Creighton 82-66 for 1st Big East Tournament crown in 25 years

No. 6 St. John's beats Creighton 82-66 for 1st Big East Tournament crown in 25 years

RJ Luis Jr. scored all but two of his 29 points after halftime and No. 6 St. John’s made 14 straight shots from the field in the second half to beat Creighton 82-66 for its first Big East Tournament title in 25 years.

Archbishop Bergan bests Cross County, captures C2 state title as an #8-seed

Archbishop Bergan bests Cross County, captures C2 state title as an #8-seed

Archbishop Bergan completed a perfect run through the bracket by beating Cross County in the title game to become the first #8-seed to win a boys basketball state title since 2009.

UNK wrestling secures program's 5th national title

UNK wrestling secures program's 5th national title

The top-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team has secured its fifth National Championship and has three individuals in Saturday night's finals in Indiana.

Papillion-La Vista South survives second half sprint to win first state title in school history

Papillion-La Vista South survives second half sprint to win first state title in school history

The Papillion-La Vista South Titans staved off a furious Omaha Westside comeback attempt in the second half to claim their first ever state basketball championship by a score of 61-58.

Defense lifts Ashland-Greenwood to third boys basketball state title in four years

Defense lifts Ashland-Greenwood to third boys basketball state title in four years

Ashland-Greenwood had to get through some growing pains in January to be able to get better in March - and here in March, the Bluejays stand on top as C1 boys basketball champions once again.

Johnson-Brock powers past Howells-Dodge for third consecutive state championship title

Johnson-Brock powers past Howells-Dodge for third consecutive state championship title

The Johnson-Brock Eagles stayed consistent throughout the title game to three-peat as Class D1 champions over Howells-Dodge 61-46.

Cougar notes: WNCC women fall in semis after a fierce comeback 66-65

Cougar notes: WNCC women fall in semis after a fierce comeback 66-65

The Western Nebraska Community College women’s basketball team’s bid for a Region IX title came to an end Friday night.

Colorado sports notes: Jamal Murray's clutch 3-pointer helps Nuggets hold off short-handed Lakers 131-126

Colorado sports notes: Jamal Murray's clutch 3-pointer helps Nuggets hold off short-handed Lakers 131-126

Jamal Murray sank a 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds left and Russell Westbrook stole the inbounds pass for a exclamation-point dunk as the Denver Nuggets rebuffed the scrappy, short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 131-126 Friday night.

Neal's 19 lead Creighton over UConn 71-62 in Big East Conference Tournament

Neal's 19 lead Creighton over UConn 71-62 in Big East Conference Tournament

Led by Jamiya Neal's 19 points, the Creighton Bluejays defeated the UConn Huskies 71-62 in the Big East Conference semifinals.

Friday's local scoreboard, March 14

Friday's local scoreboard, March 14

Friday's local scoreboard, March 14

Scottsbluff holds off Elkhorn North 58-55, advances to Class B final

Scottsbluff holds off Elkhorn North 58-55, advances to Class B final

The Scottsbluff Bearcats got stops on the final possessions to seal a 58-55 win over Elkhorn North in the state semifinals on Friday night.

Buzzer-beater heartbreak comes to Norris, Omaha Skutt returns to state finals

Buzzer-beater heartbreak comes to Norris, Omaha Skutt returns to state finals

An Omaha Skutt Catholic putback with .5 seconds lifted the SkyHawks to a 51-49 win.

Omaha Westside holds off upset to advance to Class A title game

Omaha Westside holds off upset to advance to Class A title game

The Warriors beat Lincoln Southeast 56-52

Papillion-La Vista South marches to State Championship after narrow win over Millard North

Papillion-La Vista South marches to State Championship after narrow win over Millard North

LINCOLN - Bryson Bahl's 33 points helps Papillion-La Vista South power past Millard North for a chance at a State Title