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NORFOLK - The 42nd Annual Northeast Nebraska All-Star Basketball Game was played May 30 at the Cox Activities Center on the campus of Northeast Community College.
Forty outstanding athletes from across northeast and north-central Nebraska played in the girls’ and boys’ contests.
Four athletes and one coach from this corner of the state participated.
Cedar Catholic seniors, Jaymison Cattau and Nolan Becker represented the Trojans and classmate, Katelyn Arens represented the Lady Trojans.
Wynot’s Andrew Haberman represented the Blue Devils In addition, Wynot head boys’ basketball coach, Lee Heimes made his fourth trip to Norfolk as a coach as he coached after last season and back in 2013 and 2014.
“Its really fun to be around that kind of talent,” said Heimes. “It’s amazing how many great players there are in the area.”
Heimes led the Blue Devils to a Class D2 runner-up showing at last year’s state tournament after placing third in 2024 and second in 2023.
His teams have made it to Lincoln 13 times over his 25-year career, all at Wynot, and have made the trip south for the past five years in a row while accumulating a career record of 402-209.
“It’s nice to get invited to do these things but really it’s all about the kids,” said Heimes. “If we didn’t have good kids doing all the work, I doubt if I would be invited to do these things.
“It’s really a fun environment in these types of games,” the coach said. “The kids are kind of relaxed and are eager to show off their skills in a way they aren’t really apt to do during the season.”
The Dark Team out shot the Light Team and won the boys’ game 110-83 after opening up a 6446 advantage at the half.
Battle Creek’s Jaxon Kilmurry won Dark Team MVP honors, collecting 18 points on the night.
Wayne’s Colson Nelsen was the Light Team MVP after posting a 16-point evening.
Cattau indicated it wasn’t so much about winning or losing, but more about playing with and against people you have known your entire career.
“It’s just fun to get together with guys you’ve competed against and battled all through the years,” said Cattau. “You get to know them and find out they’re pretty good guys and a lot of fun.”
No official stats were available for the boys’ game except for the two MVP’s but Cattau recalled making somewhere around 12 points.
“I know I had three 3’s and a couple of layups I think,” he said. “It really doesn’t matter, it was fun. I did find out I’m a little out of shape.” He also felt a little nostalgic in his ____________________________________ heads to Wayne State next fall to play football.
________________________________ the Cedar Catholic jersey for one last time,” said Cattau. I had a lot of good times in that jersey and thinking back on my teammates and everything, it makes me kind of sad. But I’m starting something new. It should be fun.”
In the girls’ game, neither team shot the ball particularly well but the Dark Team made enough baskets to come away with a 64-41 win.
Cedar Catholic’s Katelyn Arens _________________________________ she always does, do the dirty work inside and she came away with eight points on the evening.
JJ Black of Elkhorn Valley was named the Dark Team MVP after putting in 14 points, her teammate, Karlee Broberg, led the Dark Team with 17 points.
Lydia Robertson of Summerland was the Light Team MVP after scoring eight points and hauling down seven rebounds.
Boys Game
Dark Team 29 35 28 18 - 110 Light Team 25 21 21 16 - 84
Girls Game
Dark Team 13 18 17 16 - 64 Light Team 9 6 5 21 - 41
