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LINCOLN — One of the most intriguing opening-round matchups in the Class D2 boys state basketball tournament will pit the Wynot Blue Devils against the O’Neill St. Mary’s Cardinals.
This marks the second year in a row the two teams have met at the State Tournament.
Last year’s meeting came in the state championship game where the Cardinals edged out Wynot.
The two teams met in the postseason last football season, too. This time the Blue Devils were able to walk away with the championship hardware.
Both teams arrive in Lincoln this week with dynamic scoring leaders and experienced lineups, setting the stage for what could be one of the most entertaining games of the first round.
Wynot is led by senior Devin Brummer, who averaged 16.2 points per game during the season. Brummer has been the Blue Devils’ most consistent oensive threat and has the ability to score both inside and from the perimeter.
Wynot’s balanced attack has been a key reason for its success this season. The Blue Devils have relied on strong defense and timely scoring throughout the year and have shown the ability to make adjustments during games.
O’Neill St. Mary’s counters with one of the most explosive scorers in the tournament.
Senior Ben Barlow enters the state tournament averaging 18.9 points per game, the secondhighest average among players in the D2 field. Barlow has been the centerpiece of the Cardinals’ oense and is capable of putting up points in a hurry.
The Cardinals also feature another dangerous scorer in Gage Hedstrom, who averaged 15.3 points per game.
That one-two combination gives St. Mary’s one of the most potent oensive duos in the tournament.
For Wynot, slowing Barlow and Hedstrom will likely be the key to the game.
For St. Mary’s, limiting Brummer and controlling Wynot’s oensive rhythm will be equally important.
With multiple high-level scorers on the floor, the game could turn into one of the most entertaining matchups of the opening round.
