The Post Podcast

Indian Replay: Ogallala Boys 77-43 over Syracuse at 2026 State Tournament

LINCOLN, Neb. — The top-ranked team in Class C1 looked every bit the part Thursday afternoon.

The #1 seed Ogallala Indians rolled into the Nebraska C1 State Tournament semifinals with authority, overpowering #8 Syracuse 77–43 in the quarterfinal round at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln.

From the opening tip, Ogallala played like a team on a mission.

The Indians stormed out to a 23–10 lead after the first quarter and tightened the screws defensively in the second, taking a commanding 39–15 advantage into halftime. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Ogallala had improved to a perfect 26–0 on the season and continued its pursuit of the program’s first-ever boys state basketball championship.

At the center of the storm was Sawyer Smith, who delivered a stat line that looked like something out of a video game.

Smith finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 10 steals, and 9 assists, flirting with a quadruple-double while dominating every corner of the court.

He had plenty of help.

Rylan Gilmore added 15 points

Tanner DeCastro poured in 14 points, including two thunderous dunks that ignited the Ogallala crowd

Lincoln Gillen chipped in 11 points

Ogallala’s pressure defense set the tone all afternoon. The Indians forced 24 Syracuse turnovers and converted them into 31 points, fueling a relentless transition attack.

By the numbers, Ogallala controlled nearly every category:

44 points in the paint

21 fast-break points

31 points off turnovers

The Indians’ speed and defensive pressure turned the game into a full-court avalanche that Syracuse could never slow down.

With the win, Ogallala advances to the Class C1 semifinals where they will meet the #4 seed Douglas County West Falcons.

The teams met earlier this season at the Douglas County West Holiday Tournament, where Ogallala cruised to a 57–28 victory.

Friday’s semifinal matchup is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. CT at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

On the other side of the bracket, #2 Ashland-Greenwood defeated #7 Lincoln Christian 65–53, while Auburn edged #6 Gothenburg 41–40 in overtime to advance to the other semifinal.

The winners of Friday’s games will meet for the Nebraska Class C1 State Championship on Saturday at 11 a.m.

For now, the unbeaten Indians march on — one win closer to history.

Ogallala Fireworks Fundraising Underway for 2026 Fourth of July Celebration

Keith County Chamber Membership Director Dawn Haney joins Allison Peck to discuss fundraising efforts for the 2026 Fourth of July fireworks show in Ogallala. With rising costs pushing the show’s expected budget to about $35,000, the Chamber is asking for community support to help keep the annual tradition going. Haney explains how individuals and businesses can donate, an upcoming public Rotary meeting about the effort, and a new fundraising progress meter displayed on the Chamber window.

Ogallala YMCA Announces Summer Programs, Easter Egg Hunt, Triathlon and Youth Activities

Ogallala YMCA Branch Executive Director Mellissa Ewert joins Allison Peck to discuss upcoming community events and youth programs. The YMCA is helping families prepare for summer with youth activity sign-ups, swimming lessons, an Easter egg hunt, a new triathlon and 5K, and upcoming family dances. Ewert shares details about registration dates, new programs, and what families can expect this spring and summer.

Ogallala City Council Update: Hospital Report, Housing Development Progress and Airport Runway Plans

Ogallala City Manager Kevin Wilkins joins Allison Peck to recap the latest Ogallala City Council meeting. Discussion includes a report from Banner Health highlighting the hospital’s regional impact, an update on the 77-unit housing development under construction near Bumgarner Industrial Park, corrections to the city’s ambulance fee schedule, and progress toward rehabilitating the airport’s longest runway. Wilkins also explains the city’s purchasing policies and efforts to find a fixed-base operator for the Ogallala Municipal Airport.

Ogallala Boys win District Final 90-32 over Columbus Lakeview, Headed To State

Indian Basketball game from Saturday, February 28 in Ogallala. OHS won 90-32 over Columbus Lakeview. Play at State on March 12 vs. Syracuse. Play By Play with Derek Beck and Coy Gager, heard on Flatrock 100.7 FM. (Interview with senior boys at the end of broadcast)

Scholarships, Internships and Opportunities for NPHS Students

North Platte Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Terry Burchell joins Allison Peck to discuss how scholarships, internships and classroom grants are helping North Platte High School students prepare for their futures. The conversation covers the 28 scholarships currently offered through the foundation, the role of community donors, hands-on learning opportunities like the Bulldog Banter podcast, and the lasting impact alumni and educators have on supporting local students.

Prairie Arts Center Talks Event Rentals, Classes and Upcoming Events

Prairie Arts Center Executive Director Holly Carlini and new Events Coordinator Janee Elfeldt joined Allison Peck in the studio to talk about rental spaces at the Prairie Arts Center, upcoming events like a princess tea party and downtown tours, and a variety of creative classes for adults and kids.

 

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #13 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, to discuss a strong end to the season and how they are looking to bring that into postseason play with their first game on the road.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #17 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's end-of-regular-season games and how a strong ending could bring positives to the postseason.

Lincoln County Month-in-Review with Kent Weems

Lincoln County Commissioners Chair Kent Weems joins Allison Peck to recap the last 30 days: legislative items the county weighed in on, the completed vacation of Vieyra Avenue, the required one-and-six road plan, early budget pressure, insurance changes that could save money, equipment updates for the noxious weed department, support for the county dive team, and renewal of the county workplace wellness plan.