Sports

The girls’ match between Maura May of Imperial and Kinsley Vapenik of Wauneta had to be halted for an equipment malfunction in Friday night’s tournament. Maura’s hair became caught in Kinsley’s headgear, so with the help of newly-crowned State Wrestling Champ Eli Hinojosa, right, and Maura’s dad, Taylor, the hair was untangled and the match commenced. Grandpa Tim May has a chuckle in the background. (Johnson Publications photo)

Brextin Moreno literally upended his opponent during a competitive match. (Johnson Publications photo)

Kids’ wrestling tourney couldn’t happen without local volunteers

When a youth wresting tournament draws 180 youngsters, volunteer help is vital.

Read more about Kids’ wrestling tourney couldn’t happen without local volunteers

In action in the Shorthorn gym, Landree McNair dribbles around the perimeter, as she looks for a fifth grade teammate to pass off to in a game against Perkins County. (Johnson Publications photo)

Carson Terryberry comes up against some Perkins County defensive pressure in one of the Chase County fifth grade games Saturday morning. (Johnson Publications photo)

Volunteers like Coach Kelsey Owens and referee Braden Space are important to the success of Imperial’s tournament each year. (Johnson Publications photo)

Three gyms a big plus for youth basketball tourney

The addition of the new auxiliary gym at Chase County Schools was a big plus for Saturday’s annual youth basketball tournament.

Read more about Three gyms a big plus for youth basketball tourney

As the referee holds up his hand as the 220 lb. state champion, Eli Hinojosa points to the TV camera for all those who watched him wrestle in the championship match. (Johnson Publications photo)

State title a dream come true for Hinojosa

Call it a dream come true.

Read more about State title a dream come true for Hinojosa

After a tough match in the semi-finals at the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament, Eli Hinojosa points to the supporters from Chase County in the crowd which included his brother Abel who can be seen cheering between the ref and Hinojosa. (Johnson Publications photo)

Eli Hinojosa finished with this pin over Treyvon Brooks of Broken Bow to become the newest State Wrestling Champion for Chase County. (Johnson Publications photo)

After the final match was the first time Eli Hinojosa actually let out a huge smile as he celebrated with Head Coach Matt Vlasin and Jeff Rusher, knowing he had accomplished his goal of an undefeated season and a state championship. (Johnson Publications photo)

Eli Hinojosa brings home state championship

Eli Hinojosa was the only Chase County wrestler to qualify for the state wrestling tournament last weekend in Omaha.

Read more about Eli Hinojosa brings home state championship

Ragan Nickless not only led all players offensively in last week’s Gothenburg game with 14 points, she also pulled down 14 rebounds for Chase County. (Photo courtesy of Renae Bottom)

Mallie McNair gives it her all to make this shot despite the defensive pressure from Gothenburg’s Alexis Bliven in the Feb. 13 subdistrict semi-finals. McNair finished with nine points. (Photo courtesy of Renae Bottom)