2026 Class D1 Boys State Basketball Preview

The Nebraska boys take their turn at center court when it comes to putting on the show that decides which basketball programs take home the championship hardware. While many of the same programs are back in the hunt, there are no guarantees when it comes to March Madness.

Howells-Dodge and Fullerton open Class D1 action Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. After playing their way into the D1 Finals a year ago, the Jaguars lost to Johnson-Brock for the title. Chase Luther, Andre Martin and Nathan Tomcak lead a balanced attack for Howells-Dodge as the Jaguars make another push for the title. Kane Wetovick averages 21 points for Fullerton.

Shortly after the opening contest goes final, Elm Creek and North Platte St. Pat's tip off in the usually hard to pick No. 4 vs No. 5 quarterfinal. Once Elm Creek and the Irish take the court, Class D1's top two scorers at the tournament will each attempt to outscore the other. Quin Oberg averages 22.5 points for Elm Creek while Ben Heirigs leads the Irish with 21.2 points.

At 6 pm, Class D1 moves its show to Devaney where Lutheran High Northeast and Mead will battle for the right to move onto the semifinals. Led by D'artagman Taylor's 14.9 points an outing, the Eagles hope to push their win total to 23 with a quarterfinal win. The Raiders, meanwhile, will rely on Derrick Seay to lead the way as Mead makes its push to the semifinals.

East Butler and McCool Junction round out Day 1 action in Class D1 at 7:45 pm. The Tigers are led by Grant Kozisek and Drew Wachal, who combine for nearly 29 points a game. McCool Junction counters with Carson McDonald who averages 18 points a contest and made Class D1's leader list in rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots as well.