High School Basketball Section Championships Produce Exciting Winners in Nebraska and Indiana

HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — The final qualifying rounds of the high school boys basketball season concluded Wednesday, March 5, 2025, as postponed district championships took place statewide. Among the results, No. 13 West Holt edged out No. 4 Grand Island Central Catholic 41-38, while No. 10 Lincoln Pius X defeated No. 7 Crete 51-37.

In South Bend, Indiana, four high school teams claimed sectional championships this week, each representing different classes. South Bend Riley took home the 4A title, while South Bend Saint Joseph won in 3A, Jimtown in 2A, and Triton in 1A.

For the 2A championship, Jimtown, utilizing their home court advantage, defeated a determined Culver Academies team 47-45. “Elijah was a monster for us,” said Saint Joseph coach Eric Gaff after his team’s win. Sophomore Elijah King scored a game-high 20 points, including crucial free throws in the final minute that sealed the victory.

The other sectional results were equally gripping. South Bend Riley won decisively against South Bend Adams with a score of 70-54, concluding their season with a 21-4 record heading into the regional championships against Warsaw next weekend.

In the 3A realm, the No. 2-ranked Saint Joseph team will now face Columbia City after overcoming Culver Academies. The Eagles’ resilience shone through as they made the necessary plays to secure the win.

Meanwhile, Jimtown’s championship against Bremen also showcased their strong performance, with standout Branden King scoring 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a 54-40 victory. “We had a phenomenal third quarter,” a proud King remarked post-game.

Triton, another South Bend area winner, achieved a 51-32 victory over SB Trinity Greenlawn, led by Gage Riffle’s 15 points. This was particularly notable as it marked the Titans’ first sectional victory in their program’s history.

The excitement of these sectional clashes reflects the intense dedication and sportsmanship that characterizes high school basketball in both Nebraska and Indiana. Fans and players alike eagerly anticipate the upcoming regional matchups, where additional showdowns will ensure an electrifying conclusion to the season.