LCC boys claim D1 State title

LINCOLN — The LCC Bears earned the Nebraska D1 State Basketball title in record-setting fashion Saturday.

The Bears demolished Southern Valley 76-31 in Saturday morning’s title game at the Pinnacle Bank Arena to claim the title.

The 45-point win was the most lopsided D1 title game in the history of the tournament.

Coach Todd Erwin’s Bears showed right out of the gate that they meant business, winning the tip and then driving the court to easily earn a quick 3-0 lead on Ty Erwin’s 3-point jumper.

The Eagles were just never able to get into a groove because of the Bears fast-paced offense and in-your-face defense.

“It started right off of the tip,” said Southern Valley coach Tylor Fincher, a Wausa native. “They got the tip and we didn’t find one of their shooters and they made it. That put us back on our heels right from the get-go. We just kind of got shell-shocked.”

Coach Erwin was not surprised to see his team get off to such a good start.

“We shot the ball real well,” he said. “We kind of did everything real well. We’ve got great shooters and every one of them were in great rhythm.”

The Bears continued the onslought, outscoring the Eagles 26-8 in the first frame and 22-3 in the second frame.

The Bears had the long ball working, as well as the inside game as Noah Schutte, was able to drive the lane for several lay ins. Schutte ended the day with a game-high 25 points.

An offense that is clicking so well, really helps the defense, Coach Erwin said. “That helps our press even more when we

“That helps our press even more when we get a gap and speed it up,” he said. “The faster we can play, the better we are and the more fun we’re having.”

Southern Valley righted the ship to start the second half as the Eagles earned a 16-15 scoring advantage, but the Bears poured it on again in the final frame, earning a 13-4 advantage, despite clearing the bench.

The lopsided contest forced officials to utilize the running clock in the fourth quarter. This marks the first time the mercy rule has ever been used in a state title game. “I’ll take these kids against anyone,” LCC

“I’ll take these kids against anyone,” LCC coach Todd Erwin said. “It (winning state) is a great thing. It brings everyone together even closer.”

Southern Vlly 8 3 16 4 — 31

LCC 26 22 15 13 — 76

SV LCC

FG 11-33 18-35

3PT 1-14 3-10

FT 6-12 18-26

Reb 21 30

TOs 9 9

SCORING

LCC - Noah Schutte, 25; Evan Haisch, 18; Ty Erwin, 15; Austin Hall, 7; Cael Hartung, 6; Wilton Roberts, 3; Landen Boysen, 2. Southern Valley - Carter Bose, 13; Clayton Berry, 9; Brody Yant, 5; Jaden Quinn, 3; Beau Baily, 1.

REBOUNDS

LCC - Noah Schutte, 10; Ty Erwin, 8; Austin Hall, 6; Cael Hartung, 5; Evan Schmitt, 3; Evan Haisch, 3; Jake Rath, 1; Dillon Olson, 1; Lucas Rasmussen, 1; Landen Boysen, 1. SV - Clayton Berry, 4; Carter Bose, 3; Beau Bailey, 3; Brody Yant, 3; Draden Best, 2; Colten Bergusen, 2;

ASSISTS

LCC - Evan Schmitt, 4; Ty Erwin, 3; Noah Schutte, 2; Evan Haisch, 2; Cael Hartung, 2; Austin Hall, 1. SV - Brody Yant, 1; Jaden Quinn, 1.

STEALS

LCC - Ty Erwin, 3; Evan Schmitt, 1; Dillon Olson, 1. SV - Clayton Berry, 2; Brody Yant, 1; Jaden Quinn, 1; Isaak McPhillamy, 1.