State Tournament: A Proving Ground

        The Knights are heading to state this year with a lot to prove. Sports pundits had bemoaned the possibility that some of the “best” teams like Beatrice, Lincoln Pius X, and Firth Norris which shared the same district, could miss out on the state tournament. The fear was that preceived "lesser" teams like Mount Michael and Gering threatened to loose their districts and sneak in the back door as wildcard teams. Well that didn’t happen. Those “Worthies” made it to state.

      In first round action the Knights will meet up with the long time rival Gretna Dragons. The history between the two teams goes way back, not quite to the age of chivalry but just about. The competition has always been a good one. Neither team has dominated although the Mount might hold a slight edge in wins. If last December's two point victory by the Knights over the Dragons is an indicator, sports fans can look forward to a great game in Lincoln.

      The Knights are top seed at the state tournament but the Mount’s side of the bracket is not an easy one. Beyond Gretna being a very tough eighth seed, two highly ranked teams; Pius and Aurora will be battling for a semi-finals spot against the Mount Michael–Gretna winner.

      One thing the Knights have going for them is toughness and determination. Several times this season they fell behind in games by considerable margins but recovered in time to win except for their loss to Syracuse, which they had a chance to win near the end. The loss didn’t hurt the team really it helped them focus.

      There is only one thing the Knights need to do to prove the pundits wrong. Win. The road isn’t easy and if the Knights are going to make it to the finals they will have to do it the old fashion way. Earn it! Something they have quietly been doing all season long.
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