Five southeast Nebraska programs are one win away from punching their ticket to the state basketball tournament, with district finals set across Classes C1, C2, and D2.

A strong postseason surge has positioned five local teams, three boys’ squads and two girls’ programs, on the doorstep of state. One win from any of these teams will mean a trip to the state tournament. For some, it’ll be a return trip, while for others, it would mean doing nearly the impossible.

Girls Class C2: Johnson County Central Heads to Pender

Johnson County Central will travel north to face Pender, the three-time defending state champions across two different classes. The Thunderbirds look to break through against one of Nebraska’s most consistent postseason forces. Johnson County Central earned a wildcard berth. It’ll take a herculean effort for the T-Birds, but it’s a challenge they’re willing to accept.

Game: Friday, 7:00 PM

Radio: Sunny 101.3

Girls Class D2: Sacred Heart Hosts St. Mary’s (O’Neill)

Falls City Sacred Heart continues its title defense at home, hosting St. Mary’s. The Irish enter as the defending Class D2 state champions and aim to return to Lincoln with another deep run. St. Mary’s will be making the 5+ hour road trip south to take on an Irish team that has shot the ball really well this postseason.

Game: Friday, 5:00 PM

Radio: KTNC

Boys Class D2: Sacred Heart Welcomes Leyton

The Sacred Heart boys will also host a district final, drawing Leyton whose trip to Falls City spans nearly seven hours. Leyton is about 4-5 hours closer to Denver, CO than they are to Falls City. The Irish earned their spot by winning the subdistrict over Diller-Odell and now look to capitalize on home-court advantage and return to the state tournament for the first time since 2023 when they lost to Parkview Christian in the first round.

Game: Day and time TBD

Boys Class C2: Johnson-Brock Travels to Freeman

Johnson-Brock secured a wildcard berth after their OT thriller vs Yutan in the subdistrict final. While that game ended in a loss, it was an amazing effort from the Eagles. They now head to Freeman for a rematch of a regular-season meeting the Eagles won. It’ll take another big effort from the Eagles, but we know that the defending state champions in Class C2 are up for the task. With both teams familiar with each other’s style, the matchup sets up as one of the more intriguing district finals in the class.

Game: Day and time TBD

Boys Class C1: Auburn to Host Omaha Concordia

Auburn, fresh off a subdistrict championship win over Lincoln Lutheran, will host Omaha Concordia with a state berth on the line. The Bulldogs continue to build momentum at the right time and will enjoy a home environment for their district final. Auburn looks to return to the state tournament and avenge a district final loss at home just last year.

Game: Day and time TBD

These five programs now stand just one victory from the state tournament, setting up an exciting few days of postseason basketball across the region. Keep up to date with latest game times and schedules on the Sunny 101.3 Facebook page.