CLASS C1 GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL: Neumann Earns State Title Over Lincoln Christian

Wahoo Neumann utilized a 1-3-1 zone defense that stifled Lincoln Christian Saturday morning in the Class C1 NSAA Girls State Basketball championship.

The Cavaliers stymied the Crusaders’ offense and limited 6-4 junior center Olivia Hollenbeck to 10 points and put her in foul trouble to earn a 45-29 victory and Neumann’s third state title at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Hollenbeck only had two points in the first half, before scoring the remaining eight points in the final quarter.

Christian’s outside shooting was virtually non-existent (3-of-21 from three-point range), which prompted Neumann to continue using a zone on defense.

Trailing 9-4 after the first quarter, Christian picked up their first three-pointer from Makylee Ailes midway through the second quarter and only was down two at the half, 15-13.

Neumann took control in the second half, when the Cavaliers went on a 13-3 run.

Alyssa Rezac, who led Neumann with 14 points, hit a three-pointer and converted on a three-point play, while Kelsie Cada sank two free throws and Taylor Stuhr had a three-pointer as part of her 11-point performance that put the Cavaliers ahead for good at 28-18.

Christian finishes the season 19-9 and returns all five starters and their entire bench for next season.