Bellevue West was the 43-34 winner over Kearney when they last played one another back in February of 2025, but their luck changed this time around. The Thunderbirds fell 52-43 to the Bearcats on Saturday. While losing is never fun, the Thunderbirds can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 45th, while the Bearcats are ranked fifth).
Bellevue West's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Vanna Reitsma, who went 5-for-11 en route to 13 points and three steals, and Nyla Tatum, who shot 40% from the field on her way to 16 points.
Kearney got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Augusta Ganz out in front who dropped a double-double with 13 points and 13 boards. Ganz continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Libby Province was another key player, putting up 16 points in addition to six rebounds and five assists.
This is the second loss in a row for Bellevue West and nudges their season record down to 10-9. As for Kearney, their win was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 16-2.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Bellevue West will host Lincoln Southwest at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Thunderbirds' defense better be ready for this one: the Silver Hawks have averaged an impressive 54.8 points per game this season. As for Kearney, they will welcome Norfolk on Tuesday. The Bearcats will be up against the Panthers' rather soft defense (which has allowed 51.47 points per contest), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
