By Bob Hamar
bob.hamar@theindependent.com

But Gavers understands if fans are already thinking about that possibility before the Class C-2, Subdistrict 9 tournament at Kearney High even gets started.

"The most important game is the next game," Gavers said. "For fans, it's OK to look ahead because that's what fans are supposed to do. But players have to stay zeroed in on what's happening next."

Next for the Class C-2 No 4 Crusaders (15-6) will be a Tuesday night game against the winner of Monday's game between Gibbon (12-7) and Franklin (8-9).

Loup City (7-11) and Blue Hill (11-10) also play on Monday with the winner meeting Ravenna (20-1) on Tuesday. The semifinal winners will play on Thursday for the subdistrict title.

"It's an interesting district," Gavers said. "I think all the teams have had some good results. That makes fro what should be a very interesting tournament."

Gibbon defeated Franklin 61-48 on Feb. 5. Gavers said the Buffaloes, who are led by brothers Jordan and Josh Reinertson, are a dangerous team.

"They have good guard play," Gavers said. "The Reinertson brothers have been good for them. They're very well coached and fundamentally sound and disciplined. Anytime you do those things well offensively and defensively, you have an opportunity to win."

The Crusaders have gone 5-1 down the stretch with the lone loss coming to Class C-1 No. 7 Hastings St. Cecilia. They wrapped up the regular season last week by beating St. Paul and Wood River.

"I think we're playing pretty well right now," Gavers said. "This is the time of year you want to play your best basketball and I think we're doing that.

"I think the thing you are always looking at is are you executing things. Defensively we've been very good the last three times out. We've been pretty consistent on defense all year. Offensively we've seen a lot of different defenses so we're ready for anything."

If Central Catholic and Ravenna do make it to the subdistrict final, it will be a rematch of a Nov. 30 game that Ravenna won 49-45.

"They have a strong will to win," Gavers said of the Bluejays. "They have a strong desire to win. They've won a lot of close games. A lot of that has to do with just toughness and the way you prepare every day. You have to give them credit for their preparation and the way they've played in tight games."

Class D-1, Subdistrict 5

Heartland Lutheran (9-9) will be going after a subdistrict victory when the Red Hornets play Nebraska Christian (0-17) at 6 p.m. tonight in Class D-1, Subdistrict 5 play at Central City.

A win there would put Heartland Lutheran into a second-round game against No. 6 Palmer on Tuesday. Shelby (9-1) plays No. 5 Osceola (13-6) in the other semifinal with the winners play for the district title on Thursday.

The Red Hornets are coming off a disappointing 54-45 loss to Nebraska Lutheran in the final regular season game on Friday. Coach Lloyd Wagnitz said the team had no practices scheduled for the weekend.

"They have to show up Monday and play and we have to execute," Wagnitz said.

If the Red Hornets do get past Nebraska Christian, they will face a Palmer team that handed them an 85-59 loss Feb. 2 at the Heartland Events Center.

"It will be a challenge for us," Wagnitz said. "If we can get all the players thinking positively, we might surprise them a little bit."

Class C-1, Subdistrict 8

There should be some interesting games this week at the Class C-1, Subdistrict 8 tournament at Grand Island Senior High.

Doniphan-Trumbull (8-10), fresh off its 46-40 upset over Class C-2 No. 2 Heartland High, will open play at 6 p.m. tonight against Lou-Platte Conference rival Centura (8-10).

St. Paul (15-4) plays Wood River (3-15) in the second game of the night. The Doniphan-Trumbull/Centura winner will face Minden (16-3) on Tuesday while the St. Paul/Wood River winner will go against No. 7 Hastings St. Cecilia (17-2).