By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington High School basketball teams put on a commanding display on Saturday afternoon, sweeping a home doubleheader against North Platte with decisive victories on both the girls’ and boys’ sides.
The boys’ team kicked off the afternoon with an impressive 78-28 victory, dominating from start to finish. Bennington built a 20-7 lead after the first quarter and extended it with strong second and third quarters, outscoring North Platte 49-16 in the middle two periods. The team finished with 18 three-pointers, 9 blocks, and only 2 turnovers, showcasing sharp ball movement and defensive intensity.
Jonas Neuverth paced the Badgers with a double-double of 17 points and 8 rebounds, complemented by 3 assists and a steal. Jax Gifford added 14 points and 5 boards, while a balanced supporting cast chipped in: Brady Nichols (10 points), Blaize Jung and Landon McCarville (8 points each), and Kale Lamberty (7 points). The team’s 34 total rebounds and 9 steals proved their relentless energy, despite a grueling schedule of five games in nine days.
Coach Luke Olson was pleased with how his players shared the ball after a demanding week. “They shared it well… They did a good job of moving the ball and getting good shots. They played hard,” he said, noting it was their fifth game in nine days. “They came up with a good mindset. In the second half, we jumped them early.” Olson refused to single out individuals, crediting the team’s selfless play. “I don’t know if I could pick an individual… The five starters and the guys off the bench all came with a good mindset, really selfless.” He pointed to areas for growth heading into a tough upcoming stretch: “Some things defensively, rebounding. We have to keep finishing possessions and just keep getting better on offense.”
The girls’ team followed with an overwhelming 63-16 win, improving their perfect season record to 16-0. Bennington jumped out to a 20-2 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, leading 47-9 at halftime and cruising through the second half. The Badgers’ defense was stifling, holding North Platte to just 16 points while showcasing the focus and improvement they’ve been building all season.
Head Coach John O’Connor praised his team’s mindset coming into the game. “Our girls came with a good focus… wanting to improve in some areas that we’ve been working on,” he said. “I was proud of them for doing that.” When asked about standout performers, O’Connor highlighted the team’s collective effort. “It’s hard to pick just one or two… Everybody did a really good job spreading it out. Sometimes you, sometimes me, always we.” Despite the lopsided score, he emphasized there’s still work ahead. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We have a lot to still work on… You want to keep building and getting better.”
The doubleheader sweep shows Bennington’s depth and team-oriented approach on both sides of the court. With the girls remaining undefeated and the boys delivering a balanced, high-energy performance, the Badgers appear poised for a strong second half of the season. Fans left the gym energized, knowing their teams are not just winning, they’re continuing to grow.
