Andrew Pace
Nebraska high school girls' basketball is a highly anticipated event in the state's athletic calendar. The 2023-24 season saw the introduction of new rules, such as the 35-second clock, and the elimination of the one-and-one bonus after seven fouls. The season also showcased talented players like Zaili Benish, Lelani Carter, and Halle Dolliver, who were expected to make a significant impact on the court. With the 2024-25 season nearing its end, Nebraska high school girls' basketball continues to be a platform for exciting competition and the development of young athletes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of the first Nebraska Girls Basketball State Tournament | 1926 |
| Venue of the first tournament | Nebraska Coliseum |
| Number of teams in the first tournament | 339 |
| Number of classes in the first tournament | 22 |
| Year of the last tournament played at the Nebraska Coliseum | 1976 |
| Number of spectators at the 1976 final | 3,421 |
| Year of the biggest finals crowd | 1996 |
| Name of the player with the most career points in girls basketball | Darcy Stracke |
| Year when Darcy Stracke set the record | 1996 |
| Number of career points scored by Darcy Stracke | 2752 |
| Year of the longest basket made in the history of the girls state tournament | 1982 |
| Name of the player who made the longest basket | Karen Moore |
| Distance of the shot | 73 feet |
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What You'll Learn
The 2024-25 season
The 2024-25 Nebraska high school girls' basketball season will begin in autumn 2024 and conclude in spring 2025. The season will feature select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rating the teams in their class, with Tony Chapman compiling the rankings. The Nebraska Girls Basketball State Tournament will take place at the Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Devaney Center, bringing the state's top players to Lincoln to compete for championships in the six classes. The NSAA Girls Basketball State Championship will feature six title games, with quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds. The NEBPreps Basketball Awards Show will recognize the top high school hoops talent in Nebraska, with awards for Player and Coach of the Year.
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Nebraska Girls Basketball State Tournament
The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Girls Basketball Championships is an annual tournament featuring the best high school girls basketball teams in Nebraska. The 2025 tournament, which took place on March 10, 2025, marked the 49th edition of the competition.
The tournament is a showcase of the top talent in Nebraska's high school girls' basketball, with teams vying for the state championship title in their respective classes. The competition is organised by the Nebraska School Activities Association, which also oversees boys' basketball and a range of other high school sports in the state.
The 2025 tournament saw three teams earn repeat titles. In Class A, Millard West secured their second consecutive championship with a dominant 70-44 victory over Omaha Westside. Lincoln Christian completed a perfect 28-0 season, defeating Milford 49-42 in the Class C-1 game to claim their second straight title. Meanwhile, Pender demonstrated their superiority in Class D-1, outscoring their opponents by wide margins throughout the tournament and defeating Elm Creek 74-40 in the final to claim their third consecutive state title.
Other teams also made history during the 2025 tournament. Omaha Skutt Catholic and Oakland-Craig both earned their first-ever state championships, while Falls City Sacred Heart won the Class D-2 title for their ninth state championship in school history, and sixth in Class D-2.
The NSAA Girls Basketball Championships provide a platform for Nebraska's top high school players to showcase their talent and pursue their passion for basketball. The tournament is a highly anticipated event in the state's sports calendar, celebrating the achievements of these young female athletes and fostering a competitive and inclusive environment.
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NEBPreps Basketball Awards Show
The NEBPreps Basketball Awards Show is an inaugural event presented by Hurrdat Sports to celebrate Nebraska high school athletes across the state. The 2024-25 high school basketball season in Nebraska is coming to an end, and the awards show is a way to recognize the state's top athletes and coaches. The event will be hosted by Mike Sautter of Hurrdat Sports/NEBPreps, and it will be held at the Hurrdat Sports Bar in Papillion on 24 March 2025.
The NEBPreps Basketball Awards Show will celebrate standout performances on the court and exceptional leadership on the sidelines. The winners of the following categories will be announced at the event:
- Player of the Year for each class in both boys' and girls' basketball.
- Borsheim's Big Game Chain Player of the Year, recognizing the most electrifying performances of the season witnessed by the Hurrdat Sports team.
- Coach of the Year, as voted by the public, honouring the boys' and girls' basketball coaches who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding their teams both on and off the court.
The NEBPreps Basketball Awards Show aims to highlight the achievements and talents of Nebraska's high school basketball players and coaches, and it promises to be a memorable event celebrating the state's basketball community.
During the Nebraska high school basketball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class, and Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. The final poll for the 2024-25 season is now available on the NEBPreps website, providing an overview of the teams' performances leading up to the awards show.
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Longest basket made in the history of the girls' state tournament
Girls' basketball in Nebraska high schools has a long and fascinating history. The sport was banned in 1924 by the Nebraska High School Athletic Association, which barred girls' teams from entering any state, district, or county basketball tournaments. This decision was influenced by the beliefs of the time, with association members voicing "protests against girls' competitive athletics in general." However, the girls' state basketball tournament was revived in the 1970s, and the sport has since flourished, offering expanded opportunities for female student-athletes.
One of the most memorable moments in the history of the girls' state tournament in Nebraska was Karen Moore's remarkable field goal in 1982. This basket, scored from 73 feet away at Pershing Auditorium, is etched in the record books as the longest in the tournament's history. Moore's heroics ended Lincoln Northeast's championship game against Kearney, although it was only worth two points due to the absence of a three-point rule at the time.
Another notable instance in Nebraska girls' high school basketball was the undefeated season of Lincoln East in 2022. This achievement earned them the title of Class A State Champions. Additionally, Darcy Stracke of Chambers set a record of her own in 1996, accumulating an impressive 2752 career points in girls' basketball.
While the dates for the start of each season may vary, Nebraska high school girls' basketball has produced countless memorable moments and continues to be a platform for female athletes to showcase their talent and passion for the sport. The tournament structure has evolved over the years, with the Nebraska Coliseum, affectionately known as "The Old Barn," hosting the state tournament from 1926 to 1976.
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Girls Basketball's Biggest Shot
The Nebraska Girls Basketball State Tournament is an exciting event that brings together the state's top players to compete for championships in six classes. The 2024-25 season, which is nearing its end, has seen many memorable moments and achievements. One of the standout moments in Nebraska girls' high school basketball history took place in 1996, during the Class B state tournament finals. This game, dubbed "Girls Basketball's Biggest Shot," witnessed a thrilling contest between Lincoln Pius X and favored South Sioux City, with the former leading the latter into the final seconds. While the specific outcome of this game is not mentioned, the fact that Lincoln Pius X led in the closing stages suggests they may have pulled off a significant upset.
The 1996 Class B state tournament final holds the distinction of having the "greatest finals crowd" in Nebraska girls' high school basketball history. The atmosphere and energy of a packed arena undoubtedly added to the intensity and significance of the contest. This game stands as a testament to the passion and enthusiasm that Nebraskans have for the sport, with fans flocking to show their support and witness the thrilling conclusion firsthand.
While the 1996 Class B state tournament final is remembered as one of the greatest moments in Nebraska girls' high school basketball, there have been other notable occurrences throughout the history of the sport in the state. For example, in 1982, Karen Moore made history by sinking a 73-foot field goal, the longest basket ever made in the girls' state tournament. This incredible shot came during the championship game between Lincoln Northeast and Kearney, with Lincoln Northeast falling just short by a single point. Although the three-point rule was not in effect at the time, making the basket worth only two points, it remains an extraordinary feat of skill and precision.
Another notable moment in Nebraska girls' high school basketball history is the achievement of Darcy Stracke of Chambers, who, in 1998, reached a record-breaking career point total of 2752 points. This remarkable accomplishment earned her the title of "Point Champion." Stracke's consistency and scoring prowess over her high school career have solidified her place in the sport's history in the state.
The Nebraska Girls Basketball State Tournament continues to be a platform for players to showcase their talent and pursue glory. The 2024-25 season, despite weather-related challenges, has seen intense competition and outstanding performances. The NEBPreps Basketball Awards Show, recognizing the achievements of players and coaches, serves as a testament to the dedication and excellence within Nebraska's high school girls' basketball community.
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Frequently asked questions
The Nebraska high school girls basketball season starts in November.
The Nebraska high school girls basketball season spans the academic year, from fall to spring. For example, the 2024-25 season started in November 2024.
Each week, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class, and Tony Chapman compiles the rankings.
In the 2023-24 season, the 35-second clock was introduced. Additionally, the one-and-one bonus after seven common fouls and the double bonus after 10 fouls were eliminated.
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Some notable players in the 2023-24 season include Zaili Benish (Leyton), Lelani Carter (Omaha Benson), Halle Dolliver (Malcolm), and Neleigh Gessert (Millard West).
