"We really came out and played with great intensity tonight, it was really fun to watch how we played," Heartland Lutheran coach Lloyd Wagnitz said.

Although Salter scored a career high in the game, it was his team play that drew praise from Wagnitz.

"Jacob handles the ball really well," Wagnitz said. "He's playing with a lot of confidence right now, seeing the floor well and playing the best team ball he's ever played."

Jessie Bartels joined Salter in double figures with 13 points for the Red Hor.

Wagnitz told his players they could now look forward to Saturday's matchup with Palmer at the Heartland Events Center.

"We haven't talked about Palmer all year, but I told the boys as soon as we get off the bus tonight, we'll start thinking about playing Palmer at the Events Center," Wagnitz added.

The Heartland Lutheran-Palmer matchup starts the Heartland Hoops Classic Saturday with atf 10:30 a.m. at the Heartland Events Center.

Heart. Lutheran (9-6) 15 19 18 1567

Neb. Christian (0-14) 4 8 10 628

HEARTLAND LUTHERANSalter 27, Bartels 13, Wagnitz 3, Josh Messersmith 4, Kreutzer 3, AJ Messersmith 8, Rauert 3, Paustian 2, Gibson 2, Hallman 1, Kowalski 1.

NEBRASKA CHRISTIANMurphy 1, Rose 5, Richardson 6, Yang 4, Thiessen 6, Lee 2, Troester 4.

* girls

Nebraska Christian 37, Heartland Lutheran 29

CENTRAL CITY Elizabeth Griess poured in 24 points to lead Nebraska Christian to a 37-29 victory over Heartland Lutheran.

The Eagles (2-14) raced to a 20-12 halftime lead and played the Red Hornets even in the second half.

Casey Bartels, Jordan Norman and Meghann Uden paced Heartland Lutheran (3-13) with six points each.

Heartland Lutheran (3-13) 5 7 7 1029

Nebraska Christian (2-14) 11 9 6 1137

HEARTLAND LUTHERANMackey 1, Bartels 6, Leiss 2, Winsterman 2, Norman 6, Rollen 2, Uden 6, Scholz 4.

NEBRASKA CHRISTIANRitta 6, Griess 24, Unruh 2, Murphy 4, Landrigen 1.