On Saturday afternoon, #8 seeded Bertrand and #9 seeded Elmwood-Murdock met in Aurora and fought for the right to play at the NSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament in Lincoln the following week. In this matchup, Elmwood-Murdock was able to capture the victory by a final of 52-44.
It was an excellent effort from Bertrand who found themselves down early but never gave up. Throughout the game, Bertrand had to mix up their lineups a little bit as Elmwood-Murdock has excellent size. They start athletes that are 6'2, 6'8, 6'3, 6'3, and 6'3. So, some really solid size for the Knights.
Early in the game, Elmwood-Murdock jumped out to a 13-5 lead in the first quarter. The Knights maintained the lead heading to the second quarter, 19-10. In the second quarter, the Vikings sputtered on offense, but played good enough defense to stay within striking distance.
Bertrand was down 33-19 at halftime.
Check out the highlights from the game brought to you by Prairie Girl Candle Company!
But, Bertrand absolutely refused to quit.
In the third, the Vikings hung around and got within single digits a couple of times late in the quarter. Heading to the final stanza, Elmwood-Murdock led 42-31.
In the fourth quarter, Bertrand continued to grind and got within five points a couple of times, but just couldn't quite complete the comeback. Again, incredible effort to fight when their backs were against the wall.
After the game, we chatted with senior Marcus Hernandez of Bertrand about their fight and what it has meant to play for Bertrand and Coach Craig Newcomb. Postgame interviews are brought to you by Acme Printing Company.
Elmwood-Murdock was led by Aidan Schmidt with 17 points and Clayton Fletcher had 13. Dashell Coleman had 10 points as well.
Bertrand was led by Tunder Nelson and Marcus Hernandez with 17 points. Kayden Hatfield had four and Marshall Steinbrink and Hunter Nelson had three.
The Knights will play in the NSAA Boys State Tournament March 12th-15th. Their record is 14-11.
Bertrand ends the season at 20-7.
This was Bertrand Head Coach Craig Newcomb's final game at the helm as he is retiring from coaching. Congrats to Newcomb on an excellent career.
Our Player of the Game, brought to you by Farmers National Company - Lori Harding Real Estate Sales went to Thunder Nelson of Bertrand.
