By Bob Hamar
bob.hamar@theindependent.com

The Islanders (16-4) have the momentum with seven straight wins heading into today's 7:45 p.m. first-round match up against North Platte (14-7), but they won't be at 100 percent.

Senior starter Pete Kropp broke his foot in the regular-season finale against Columbus. That means the Islanders will be without one of their top defensive players when they play the Bulldogs tonight.

Grand Island coach Dave Oman hopes the Islanders can keep playing like they have played most of this season.

"We've found ways to win," Oman said. "I think for the most part, our kids have played pretty good defense. They play together. It seems like this year they've been able to finish games. Last year we really struggled with that.

"I think they've gained some maturity and the other thing is these guys did a great job in the weight room. I think John Swanson has a great program and those kids have really bought into it and done a great job."

Kearney (16-6) plays Columbus (4-17) in the first semifinal tonight. The winners will play at 7 p.m. Tuesday for the district title.

Oman said the district is one of the most balanced in the state.

"We have three teams with 14 to 16 wins, so it's going to be a tough district," he said. "And on a given night, Columbus will beat somebody too."

Grand Island and North Platte have played twice with the Islanders winning both meetings. Grand Island won 71-51 on Dec. 8 in North Platte, then 59-44 in Grand Island on Jan. 25.

Oman said the Bulldogs are definitely a dangerous team with Braka Matlock leading the way.

"Matlock is one of the better post players in the state," Oman said. "They like to high-low and go inside to him. (Kyle) Obermeier probably shoots it as well as anybody. He's one of the best 3-point shooters in the state and is a great free-throw shooter.

"And then (Kevin) Tighe is a third kid who is very capable. He can shoot threes and penetrate to the basket and rebounds. The other guard (Logan) Collins scores quite a bit at times."

The Islanders have featured a balanced scoring attack with junior Sam Carstens and senior Jory Crouch leading the way. Seniors Kash Kalkowski and Slade Bolles have also started all season while seniors Mike Lorenz, Kyle Ludwig and Jordan Pearson have provided help off the bench.

"We have several kids who are multi-sport athletes," Oman said. "I think those kinds of kids are just tougher players, so we have a great combination of kids."

Class B, District

Grand Island Northwest (5-14) looks to keep its season going when the Vikings face Lexington (5-14) at 8 p.m. tonight at the Health and Sports Arena in Kearney in the first round of the Class B, District 5 tournament.

Northwest and Lexington played on Dec. 18 in Lexington with the Vikings taking a 76-58 victory.

Both teams will be looking to put things together after a rough ending to the regular season. The Vikings and the Minutemen have both lost six of their last seven games heading into district play.

The winner of Saturday's game will face Adams Central (13-6) at 6 p.m. Monday. McCook (14-10) plays Holdrege (13-8) at 8 p.m. in the other semifinals with the winners squaring off in the district final at 7 p.m. Tuesday.