The Reno County Sabres Homeschool basketball teams completed their seasons at the National Division II Christian Homeschool Association (NDII) tournament Thursday through Saturday at the Salina Fieldhouse.
The tournament is referred to as “NDII,” “ND2” or “NDIICHA.” The tournament is managed by the NDIICHA, which sets eligibility standards to ensure a level playing field.
Junior high school teams played Thursday and Friday. High school teams played Friday and Saturday.
Reno County Sabres basketball coaches are Mark Nisly, high school boys; Brannan Williams, high school girls; Nathanael Hawkinson, junior high school boys; and Craig Smith, junior high school girls.
“Our JV girls ultimately fell in their three NDII matchups but competed hard and gave their best,” said the Reno County Sabres on their Facebook page. “This season showed tons of growth and an exciting and competitive group that will continue to improve.
“Our JV boys had an exceptional showing forcing their way to the championship game where they outmatched NEK for the B bracket championship. This team defeated multiple varsity teams throughout the year and had the poise of an experienced team as they took the title.
“Our varsity girls fought hard against (No.) 2 seed Des Moines in the first round but came up short. After a tough loss to Newton, they responded with a strong win in the final game vs. SVHE (Smoky Valley Home Educators) to finish seventh. Our girls overcame much transition, inexperience and injury this season and competed at the highest level to the end! The future is bright for these girls.”
“Lastly, our varsity boys, one of the greatest Sabres boys teams to ever step on the court, had two strong wins to reach the championship game for the first time in 15 years. They ran into perennial title contender CHIEF Thunder (Christian Homes in Educational Fellowship) and it was an intense, competitive game. Ultimately, these guys didn’t quit, but came up just 5 points short (61-56) in the end.
“This group paved the way for future championship contention and while this game didn’t end the way we hoped, what this team accomplished was phenomenal.”
Three Sabres athletes placed in shooting contests: Tristen Price, high school girls 3-point shooting; Aubriana Keller, high school girls free throw shooting; and Shaylen Smith, junior high school girls free throw shooting.
“Also congrats to our winning triathlon team of Lukas Whiteman, Leila Goble and coach Brannan Williams,” said the Sabres on their Facebook page.
“We are so proud of our athletes who have spent the past few months dedicating themselves to basketball, to each other, to their teams and most importantly to deepening their faith,” the Sabres said. “Thank you to our eight seniors who led the way this season. Thank you to our parents, players, coaches and all of our wonderful supporters. We are already looking forward to what’s next.
“Wow, what a weekend. We are so proud of all of our teams as they competed exceptionally hard with tremendous effort and attitudes that honored the Lord.”
