Chris Basnett
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Assistant sports editor at the Lincoln Journal Star. Occasional bad joke teller, chronic misspeller.
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Articles by Chris Basnett
2026 NSAA Boys Tennis Championships Preview
New for debuts as Lincoln East tries to extend historic run; Class B boys team race will yield drama A new format and new location await the fields at the NSAA State Boys Tennis Championships, which begin Wednesday at the Sid & Hazel Dillon Tennis Center and Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln. Instead of a split championship with Classes A and B playing in separate two-day blocks at Woods, this year’s event will be a combined championship played over three days.
Bishop Neumann Verifies Unbeaten Credentials
Discipline, drive, and dedication. Competitive spirit. A commitment to constant improvement. These qualities make great athletes and coaches. They also make great financial advisors. Northwestern Mutual advisors educate clients to make important decisions to live differently and achieve their goals of financial security. Learn more about joining our team. Karges Financial Group and the Great Plains District are proud supporters of Nebraska high school athletics.
2026 NSAA boys golf championships recap
It’s twice as nice for Lincoln East and Creighton; a first for Bennington and Bergan’s title takes extra work By Tony Chapman, Chris Basnett and Terry Douglass – For the Nebraska School Activities Association There was a little bit of everything at the Nebraska School Activities Association state golf tournaments that brought the 2025-26 school year championships to a close on May 28.
2026 NSAA girls tennis championships recap
Class A: Lincoln East wins again as dynasty adds another trophy By Chris Basnett — For the Nebraska School Activities Association Another year, another championship for one of Nebraska’s great high school dynasties. Lincoln East claimed its third consecutive, and fourth Class A state championship in the last five seasons to kick off the NSAA girls state tennis championships, scoring 56.5 out of a possible 60 points for another double-digit win at Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln.
2026 NSAA track and field championships recap
A historic title for the Lincoln North Star boys; 12 state or state meet records go down in Class B during early state track action By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association Cool and cloudy temperatures led to record-setting performances on Wednesday and Thursday at the Class A and Class B state track meet at Omaha Burke Stadium.
2026 NSAA track and field championships preview
Some of the best track and field athletes in state history will be at Burke Stadium for the 2026 state meet By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association In any given year, spectators at the NSAA state track meet might be lucky enough to see a class record holder or two perform on the state’s grandest stage at Omaha Burke Stadium.
2026 NSAA Girls Tennis Championships Preview
The NSAA state tennis championships get underway on Thursday at Lincoln’s Woods Tennis Center with the Class A tournament on Thursday and Friday, May 21 and 22. With the Memorial Day weekend off, the Class B meet will also be at Woods on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26 and 27. Matches begin at 9:00 AM each day, with championship matches at 1:00 on Friday and Wednesday. All first round matches are played in an 8-game pro set.
2026 NSAA Girls Tennis Championships Preview
May 20, 2026 / By Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association The NSAA state tennis championships get underway on Thursday at Lincoln’s Woods Tennis Center with the Class A tournament on Thursday and Friday, May 21 and 22. With the Memorial Day weekend off, the Class B meet will also be at Woods on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26 and 27. Matches begin at 9:00 AM each day, with championship matches at 1:00 on Friday and Wednesday.
2026 NSAA girls tennis state championships preview
By Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association The NSAA state tennis championships get underway on Thursday at Lincoln’s Woods Tennis Center with the Class A tournament on Thursday and Friday, May 21 and 22. With the Memorial Day weekend off, the Class B meet will also be at Woods on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26 and 27. Matches begin at 9:00 AM each day, with championship matches at 1:00 on Friday and Wednesday. All first-round matches are played in an 8-game pro set.
Some of the best track and field athletes in state history will compete in State Meet
Some of the best track and field athletes in state history will compete in State Meet By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association
Archangels claim Neb. D2 State title
LINCOLN — The state tournament t-shirts said “30th state tournament appearance” but the Nebraska Public Television graphic said a first state title for Archangels Catholic. Both were right, but it didn’t seem to matter much. It was the former Humphrey St. Francis’ new nickname that stuck out the most during the Class D-2 state basketball tournament. The Defenders.
G.I. Police investigate suspicious device in mailbox
GRAND ISLAND – The Grand Island Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious device located in a mailbox in the 4300 block of Sherwood Road at 1:40 p.m. March 10. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:40 p.m. March 10 after a resident reported observing an unusual item inside their mailbox and provided a photo of the device to responding officers. After reviewing the image, officers determined the item appeared suspicious and initiated additional safety precautions.
Grass fire breaks out north of Kearney, west of Glenwood roundabout
KEARNEY — A grass fire broke out north of Kearney and west of Glenwood Corners during the afternoon hours of Tuesday, March 10. Around 2:45 p.m., the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched near the intersection of Highway 40 and 5th Ave., just west of the Glenwood roundabout, for the report of a grass fire that was spreading. On scene, a grass fire was spreading on the south side of Highway 40 and was approaching several structures, one which appeared to be abandoned.
Grand Island VA Medical Center welcomes nurses to job fair
Grand Island VA Medical Center (Courtesy photo) GRAND ISLAND – The Grand Island VA Medical Center is hosting a job fair for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses interested in joining the VA nursing team from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 at the Medical Center at 2201 N. Broadwell Ave. Attendees will be able to learn about open positions and benefits, tour the Grand Island VA Medical Center, and participate in on-the-spot interviews.
Fire Weather Watch issued for central Nebraska on Thursday
A Kearney Volunteer Fire Department grass rig on scene, near the scene of a structure fire and large wildfire north of Riverdale in March 2025, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today) HASTINGS — A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for all of south-central Nebraska during the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday, March 12.
UNK Volleyball Spring match vs Wayne State to be part of Omaha Supernovas “Volleyball After Dark Showcase”
The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce they will host the Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) and Wayne State volleyball programs for a spring match April 10 on Kiewit Court at the CHI Health Center as part of the Supernovas’ Second Annual “Volleyball After Dark Showcase.” First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. CDT, leading into the Supernovas’match against the Grand Rapids Rise at 8 p.m. CDT.
6 home games for Loper football in ’26, April scrimmage against Minnesota-Mankato
The Nebraska Kearney football team will play six home games this fall and kickoffs 2026 with a spring scrimmage in Iowa. The Lopers face Minnesota State on April 11 (Saturday) at Sergeant-Bluff Luton High, located just outside of Sioux City. Things begin at 2 p.m. with no admission being charged; the format will be determined closer to April. UNK previously scrimmaged Concordia-St. Paul (2024) and Sioux Falls (2025) in the spring.
Attorneys will now be automatically appointed for juvenile misdemeanor, infraction cases
(From left) Local Bar Association President Ben Shanahan, Hall County Attorney Marty Klein, Hall County Public Defenders' Office juvenile division head Sidnea Brown, and Hall County Public Defender Vicky Kenney talk to Hall County Commissioners March 10 about an addition of having an attorney appointed for juveniles charged with misdemeanors or infractions.
Train, Play & Compete Volleyball program to be held at Kearney SportsPlex
City of Kearney SportsPlex, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today) KEARNEY — The Nebraska Volleyball Academy and the Kearney Park and Recreation Department have team-up to offer an innovative youth volleyball program called Train, Play & Compete Volleyball. This program is built on a proven methodology created by former University of Iowa coach, Ruth Nelson. Fun, skill development and game readiness will be the focus of the program, led by certified, experienced and trained coaches.
2026 NSAA Boys Basketball Championships Preview
Rick Tucker, Central Nebraska Today LINCOLN — The 2026 Nebraska School Activities Association’s state boys basketball championships begin play on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Opening round games at both sites will tip off at 9 a.m. each day of the tournament. Five of six defending champions have returned: Papillon-LaVista South (A), Omaha Skutt Catholic (B), Ashland-Greenwood (C-1), Archbishop Bergan (C-2), and St. Mary’s (D-2).
Fred Love wins Democratic nomination for governor in Arkansas primary election
Ashley Bell wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in North Carolina's 10th Congressional District
Randy Weber wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Texas' 14th Congressional District
Randy Weber wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Texas' 14th Congressional District Randy Weber wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Texas' 14th Congressional District
2026 NSAA Girls Basketball Championships Preview
LINCOLN - The Nebraska School Activities Association’s state basketball championships this week will be a historic one on the girls side, marking the 50th state tournament which began with a four-class field in 1977 and state championships for Lincoln East (Class A), York (Class B), Hastings St. Cecilia (Class C) and Shickley (Class D). Classes A, C-2 and D-2 will kick off the championships on Wednesday with Classes B, C-1 and D-1 playing opening round contests on Thursday.
2026 NSAA Girls Basketball Championships Preview
Photo Courtesy: Donna Wiedeburg / Sidney Public Schools LINCOLN - The Nebraska School Activities Association’s state basketball championships this week will be a historic one on the girls side, marking the 50th state tournament which began with a four-class field in 1977 and state championships for Lincoln East (Class A), York (Class B), Hastings St. Cecilia (Class C) and Shickley (Class D).
2026 NSAA State Swimming, Diving Championships preview
LINCOLN — Tight team races and individual stars will highlight the 2026 NSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships this weekend at the Bob Devaney Natatorium in Lincoln. Competition begins at 10 a.m. Thursday with the girls diving championships, followed by boys diving. Swimming preliminaries are Friday, with the state swimming finals set for a noon start on Saturday. The swimming finals will be broadcast by Nebraska Public Media.
2026 NSAA State Bowling Championships Preview
Feb 9, 2026 / By Chris Basnett — For the Nebraska School Activities Association Photo Credit: Nebraska Schools Activities Association The second winter championship of the season gets underway Monday as the 2026 NSAA State Bowling Championship begin in Lincoln. Eight teams and 30 individuals will compete on both the boys and girls side in each class. In individual competitions, the 30 qualifiers will bowl four qualifying games with the top eight advancing to the championship bracket.
2026 NSAA State Bowling Championships Preview
Photo Credit: Nebraska Schools Activities Association The second winter championship of the season gets underway Monday as the 2026 NSAA State Bowling Championship begin in Lincoln. Eight teams and 30 individuals will compete on both the boys and girls side in each class. In individual competitions, the 30 qualifiers will bowl four qualifying games with the top eight advancing to the championship bracket. The competition will be held at Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln.
2025 NSAA State Football Championship Finals - Classes A, B, C1 & C2 Preview
The Nebraska School Activities Association state football championships and the fall sports season will end on Tuesday with the fourth 11-man state championship game at Memorial Stadium. The run of four 11-man games will begin on Monday night when Waverly (12-0) will face conference mate Gretna East (11-1). The state championships will conclude on Tuesday with Class C-1 10:15 a.m. between defending champion Wahoo (12-0) and Sidney (12-0).
C2 State Championship Preview (GICC vs Neumann) | Thunder 97.7/99.7
Photo Credit: Josh Salmon CLASS C-2: GICC, Neumann Ready For Physical Matchup The long paths to the Class C-2 state championship game have been markedly different for the players at Grand Island Central Catholic and Bishop Neumann. But the destination of Memorial Stadium on Tuesday afternoon has been the same. Neumann’s seniors have waited their turn, many behind talented previous classes that all made the state playoffs and the 2024 state championship game where they lost to Norfolk Catholic.
C2 State Championship Preview (GICC vs Neumann) | 97-3 The Wolf
Nov 24, 2025 / NSAA/KRGI Sports Network Photo Credit: Josh Salmon CLASS C-2: GICC, Neumann Ready For Physical Matchup The long paths to the Class C-2 state championship game have been markedly different for the players at Grand Island Central Catholic and Bishop Neumann. But the destination of Memorial Stadium on Tuesday afternoon has been the same.
First timer Sidney gets shot at Wahoo
By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association Sidney coach Ryan Smith kept things pretty simple when asked what he thought defending Class C-1 champion Wahoo had been good at in football this season. “Everything,” the coach quipped. Yes, Wahoo rolls into Lincoln with a single game left to complete one of the most dominant seasons in Class C-1 history.
State’s Top Talent and Four Champions Back at State Volleyball
The 54th Nebraska School Activities Association state volleyball championships will begin their four day run in Lincoln on Wednesday. Classes A, B and C-1 will kick off the championships on Wednesday with Classes C-2, D-1 and D-2 playing opening round contests on Thursday. Quarterfinal and semifinal matches will be played at Pinnacle Bank Arena before Saturday’s state championship matches are played at the Bob Devaney Center.
State’s top talent and four champions are back at State Volleyball Tournament
LINCOLN — The 54th Nebraska School Activities Association state volleyball championships will begin their four day run in Lincoln on Wednesday. Classes A, B and C-1 will kick off the championships Wednesday with Classes C-2, D-1 and D-2 playing opening round contests on Thursday. Quarterfinal and semifinal matches will be played at Pinnacle Bank Arena before Saturday’s state championship matches are played at the Bob Devaney Center.
Kearney hosting Nebraska high school state cross country championships on Friday
By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett / For the Nebraska School Activities Association The 66th NSAA boys state cross country championships and 46th girls edition take their place in the championship rotation on Friday, October 24 at the Kearney Country Club. Through district qualifying last Thursday, 862 individuals qualified with most runners a part of the 114 teams that advanced to the state meet.
October: Where Culture and Toughness Wins
You may have not been watching high school games on Friday night and that’s okay. But, scroll down and see what you missed. As October passes the halfway point, it’s easy to see who is climbing to the top of the list as title contenders. And, it’s not just football, you name the sport and you see it. We have hit the busy season. You’ll continued to see our work on the Nebraska School Activities Association website over the coming weeks — preview and recaps of each state championship.
2025 NSAA State Boys Tennis Championships Preview
The NSAA State Boys Tennis Championships begin Thursday morning at Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln, with the Class A championships on Thursday and Friday and Class B taking the courts at Woods Monday and Tuesday, October 20 and 21. Like last season, Lincoln East in Class A and Mount Michael Benedictine in Class B are the favorites in the team race.
2025 NSAA State Boys Tennis Championships Preview
The NSAA State Boys Tennis Championships begin Thursday morning at Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln, with the Class A championships on Thursday and Friday and Class B taking the courts at Woods Monday and Tuesday, October 20 and 21. Like last season, Lincoln East in Class A and Mount Michael Benedictine in Class B are the favorites in the team race.
10 County Plates
The summer rains have increased the mosquito population across Nebraska, such that any Friday night is drenched in bug spray. That was the case in Platte County — and numerous other Nebraska football fields — as the playoffs get closer and closer. And the games get bigger and bigger as October nears it’s back half. That’s playoff season. So here we go into another fresh Saturday letter with all of the Nebraska prep sports news you can bear. Grab a good drink and be patient.
Boys Town shuts out Lincoln Lutheran in second half to hand Warriors their first loss
Boys Town pitched a second-half shutout and made three big plays offensively to knock Lincoln Lutheran from the ranks of the unbeaten with a 22-10 win Thursday night at Aldrich Field. The Cowboys (2-2) held Lutheran to 95 yards in the second half, and capped things off with a sack of Warriors quarterback Henry Prokop for a safety in the final minute. Class C-2 No. 7-ranked Lutheran (3-1) scored all its points on its first two drives.
Two-Minute Drill: The can't-miss games, Lincoln games, and Week 4 predictions
Here's a look at the Week 4 slate. The can't miss games Class A: Fremont (3-0) at Columbus (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m. — A chance for Fremont to make history Friday night, and it comes against the Tigers' biggest rival. Fremont hasn't started a football season 4-0 since 1986, when the program started 8-0, made its only state final appearance, and finished as the Class A runner-up while going 10-2.
Football Rankings | Week 4
Now the fun really starts as most teams across the state get into the meat of their schedules. Here are this week's rankings. CLASS A School (Rec.);Pvs.;Last week 1. Millard South (2-1);1;Kearney, W, 72-0 2. Omaha Westside (3-0);2;Millard West, W, 51-0 3. Elkhorn South (3-0);3;Lincoln North Star, W, 34-6 4. Creighton Prep (3-0);4;Lincoln Southeast, W, 31-10 5. Omaha North (2-1);5;Omaha Central, W, 51-20 6. Omaha Central (2-1);6;Omaha North, L, 51-20 7. Bellevue West (1-2);8;Bellevue East, W, 49-0 8.
Nebraska high school football rankings, 9/15
Now the fun really starts as most teams across the state get into the meat of their schedules. Here are this week's rankings. CLASS A School (Rec.) | Pvs. | Last week 1. Millard South (2-1) | 1 | Kearney, W, 72-0 2. Omaha Westside (3-0) | 2 | Millard West, W, 51-0 3. Elkhorn South (3-0) | 3 | Lincoln North Star, W, 34-6 4. Creighton Prep (3-0) | 4 | Lincoln Southeast, W, 31-10 5. Omaha North (2-1) | 5 | Omaha Central, W, 51-20 6. Omaha Central (2-1) | 6 | Omaha North, L, 51-20 7.
No. 4 Creighton Prep dominates second half to hand Southeast first loss of the season
Nico Kocmich returned an interception for a touchdown in the first half and a punt for a score in the second, and Class A No. 4-ranked Creighton Prep held No. 9 Lincoln Southeast to 31 total yards after halftime in a 31-10 win Friday night at Seacrest Field. The game's final 24 minutes were reminiscent of last season's shutout win by Prep in a matchup of two of the state's most tradition-rich programs.
In its second year of varsity football, Lincoln Standing Bear is finding a winning formula
The postgame speech from Adam Schiltz to his players told the story of Lincoln Standing Bear's growth as a program. "A win's a win, fellas," Schiltz told his team matter-of-factly. For a varsity program in its second year of existence, any win would usually be considered a good one. For Standing Bear, the standard has risen quickly. Quickly enough that Thursday's 21-16 victory over York was just another step in the journey.
Southwest's Eden Larson rallies to win Lincoln Golf Classic, Naryn Kim out with injury
The first duel between state girls golf contenders didn't materialize Thursday, and an injury to one of Nebraska's top young players could very well change the outlook of the state title race over the next month. Defending state champion Omaha Marian put four golfers in the top 10 to shoot a team score of 315 and roll to the title at the Lincoln Golf Classic hosted by Lincoln Southeast at Holmes Golf Course. "It was a challenging course today," Marian coach Robert Davis said.
Two-Minute Drill: Week 3 predictions for Lincoln games, can't-miss matchups
Week 3 is here, and the "prove-it" games are plentiful on the schedule. Which 2-0 teams can keep it going? Which teams off to slow starts can find a jolt for their season? Here's a look at this week's matchups. The can't-miss games Class A: No. 4 Creighton Prep (2-0) at No. 9 Lincoln Southeast (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m., Seacrest — Southeast will need more than the 108 yards it managed in last year's shutout loss to the Junior Jays.
Week 3 Nebraska high school football rankings sees another top team fall
A No. 1-ranked team falls for the second week in a row to shake things up at the 8-man level. A No. 1 that didn't lose? Millard South, rolled again. Here's a look at this week's rankings. CLASS A School (Rec.) | Pvs. | Last week 1. Millard South (2-0) | 1 | Millard West, W, 65-0 2. Omaha Westside (2-0) | 2 | Columbus, W, 42-0 3. Elkhorn South (2-0) | 3 | Bellevue West, W, 24-17 4. Creighton Prep (2-0) | 4 | Omaha Burke, W, 42-0 5. Omaha North (1-1) | 5 | Papio South, W, 27-21 6.
Southeast offense ignites in fourth quarter to put away Southwest in rivalry game
Lincoln Southeast rolled up 270 yards of offense in the second half to wash away a mistake-filled first half and pull away from Lincoln Southwest 26-9 Friday night at Seacrest Field. The Knights (2-0) had 190 yards and 20 points in the fourth quarter to turn a tight game into a cruise to the finish. Junior Mason Mehta had four catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns for the Knights, catching three passes for 144 yards that included scores of 56 and 43 yards in the second half alone.
Two-Minute Drill: The can't-miss games, Lincoln games, and Week 1 predictions
It would be almost impossible to match the surprising results we saw in Week 1, but there's still plenty of intrigue as teams try to back up a big performance or dig out of an early hole. Here are this week's biggest games. The can't miss games Class A: No. 7 Bellevue West (0-1) at No. 3 Elkhorn South (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m. — Bellevue West seemingly had control of its Week 1 game until Omaha Central scored the final 17 points of the contest to escape with a 29-28 victory.
'What's next': 2 area football coaches enjoy upset wins in debuts
Two coaches in new jobs, and two surprising, if not downright shocking wins on the opening night of the high school football season. The trick now for Trevor Sedlacek at Norris and Joe Pavlik at Bishop Neumann is to keep their teams going in the right direction after foundation-shaking victories in Week 1. Norris, despite being a consistent top-10 team, pulled what might well end up being the stunner of the season, pummeling defending state champion Omaha Skutt 49-3.
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