Basketball Recap: Livia Phillips' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Bertrand over Wauneta-Palisade

Bertrand had lost six straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Friday they dropped down to 3-7 to make it seven. 2026 welcomed they with a 71-45 loss courtesy of the Wauneta-Palisade Broncos. The Vikings were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Broncos apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January of 2025.

Several Vikings players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Livia Phillips, who posted 11 points in addition to seven boards and six steals. Phillips is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last four games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Adrian Sand, who scored 16 points.

As for Wauneta-Palisade, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 5-4. Their offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Wauneta-Palisade's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Cheyenne Parrish, who dropped a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Those 18 points gave Parrish a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Emma Acton, who went 7-for-13 en route to 23 points and five boards.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Bertrand will challenge Wilcox-Hildreth at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Wauneta-Palisade, they will square off against Cheylin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Cougars' defense has only allowed 29.7 points per game this season, so the Broncos' offense will have their work cut out for them.