East-West tangle in districts
It’s been rare for Bellevue East and Bellevue West to play each other twice during a boys’ basketball season.
It’s been even more rare for a third meeting to take place.
That’s about to change this weekend as the two rivals travel to the Capitol City to face each other in the first round of A-2 District Tournament at Lincoln North Star Saturday at 7 p.m.
Top-seeded Lincoln Southeast opens the night by facing North. The finals will be played Tuesday at 8.
As a result, it brings about an unprecedented third meeting between the two schools this season.
Round one went to West as it prevailed 57-51 in the opening round of the Metro Holiday Tournament in December.
The Chieftains gained a measure of revenge in January by posting a 57-53 homecourt victory.
So what did we learn from those two previous contests as we enter the rubber match?
“I think it’s safe to say it’s going to be a close game,” West coach Doug Woodard said.
This game will likely have a different feel as there won’t be a raucous homecrowd atmosphere for either squad and with a 50-mile trip awaiting the fan base, it will certainly take on a neutral court feel.
“It’s not like you’re playing in front of 3,000 in your own gym,” Woodard said. “It’s a district game and that’s all we’re worried about and I’m sure that’s all (East coach) Jason (Ryan) is thinking.”
Ryan says his only concern is having his team ready to play, regardless of who the opponent is.
“It might be a little different, but it’s still a district game,” Ryan said. “If we play well, we’re playing again in the finals. If not, we’re checking it in.”
Bryan will begin district play that night as well as the top seed in the A-6 tourney at Papillion-La Vista South Saturday.
The Bears play Millard West at 5:30 with Millard North and North Platte facing off in the nightcap. The finals are set for Monday at 7.
Gross won’t be in action until Monday night at the B-2 event at Northwest High School. The top-seeded Cougars will face the winner of Saturday’s Platteview-Plattsmouth game at 5:30 Monday. Gretna and Ralston will meet in the nightcap with the winners squaring off in Tuesday’s 7 p.m. finale.
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