After pouring through oodles of statistics, all-state, all-conference and all-area teams, last year's state tournament bracket and plenty of postseason rankings, we have uncovered our Republican Plains Activities Conference projections for 2025-26.
Southwest and Alma both lost to Hartington Cedar Catholic at the Class D1 Nebraska Girls State Basketball Tournament last March. Southwest took its lumps 54-27 in the quarterfinals while Alma fell 48-33 in the D1 Consolation Championship contest. The Roughriders, however, did knock off Alma 45-36 and 48-47 a year ago.
Southwest gets a slight nod here on the strength of the head-to-head wins and a 9-1 dominance of the conference's Top 6 clubs a year ago. Alma went 3-2 against those same programs. Back to run the show for Southwest head coach Shannon Lovin is sophomore Aspen Billeter and senior Kyra Nelms.
Billeter tormented Southwest foes with 15.9 points and 7.2 rebounds a contest to go with 29 assists, 73 steals and four blocked shots as a freshman a year ago. The 5-foot-7 guard, earned First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference honors.
Nelms produced a fantastic stat line of her own after averaging 12.2 points and 8.7 boards a contest last winter and posting 60 assists, 49 steals and 39 blocked shots on the year. The 6-foot forward was also named to the Republican Plains Activities Conference's First Team.
Alma does return a little more game experience than Southwest with the return of senior Tierston Moore, juniors Kamryn Scott and Kamri Neal and sophomore Vayden Epp. Moore and Scott both earned First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference honors.
Scott averaged 13.9 points and 2.7 rebounds a year ago to go with 74 assists, 104 steals and two blocked shots to earn Second Team Class D1 All-State honors by both the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star.
Moore ripped the cords for 11.2 points and 7.2 rebounds on average and produced 71 assists, 106 steals and nine blocked shots while Epp and Neal combined for 11.2 points and 7.6 boards a game.
Enough of my rambling. Enoy!
Girls Republican Plains Activities Conference
Southwest (23-2)
Alma (21-8)
Maywood-Hayes Center (21-6)
Dundy County Stratton (16-7)
Southern Valley (20-6)
Arapahoe (16-10)
Cambridge (12-11)
Maxwell (12-11)
Paxton (14-9)
Wauneta-Palisade (10-12)
Hitchcock County (10-13)
Bertrand (9-15)
Hi-Line (4-17)
Wallace (5-16)
Medicine Valley (2-20)
Southwest
2024-25 Record: 23-2
Record Over Past Decade: 96-120
2024-25 Postseason: 0-1 | Lost in Class D1 Quarterfinals
Head Coach: Shannon Lovin
Top Returning Players:
Sophomore Aspen Billeter | 5-foot-7 | Guard
15.9 Points | 7.2 Rebounds | 29 Assists | 73 Steals | 4 Blocked Shots
HM Class D1 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D1 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Kyra Nelms | 6-foot | Forward
12.2 Points | 8.7 Rebounds | 60 Assists | 49 Steals | 39 Blocked Shots
HM Class D1 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D1 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Alma
2024-25 Record: 21-8
Record Over Past Decade: 144-92
2024-25 Postseason: 1-2 | Class D1 Fourth Place
Head Coach: Amanda Siebels
Top Returning Players:
Junior Kamryn Scott | 5-foot-8 | Guard
13.9 Points | 2.7 Rebounds | 74 Assists | 104 Steals | 2 Blocked Shots
Second Team Class D1 Omaha World Herald | Second Team Class D1 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Tierston Moore | 5-foot-9 | Forward
11.2 Points | 7.2 Rebounds | 71 Assists | 106 Steals | 9 Blocked Shots
HM Class D1 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D1 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Sophomore Vayden Epp | 5-foot-8 | Guard | Forward
5.5 Points | 2.8 Rebounds | 31 Assists | 55 Steals | 3 Blocked Shots
HM Class D1 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D1 Lincoln Journal Star
Junior Kamri Neal | 5-foot-5 | Guard | Forward
5.7 Points | 4.8 Rebounds | 65 Assists | 55 Steals | 1 Blocked Shot
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Maywood-Hayes Center
2024-25 Record: 21-6
Record Over Past Decade: 195-58
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Kimberly Stengel
Top Returning Players:
Junior Caylie Softley | 5-foot-8
15.1 Points | 5.1 Rebounds | 70 Assists | 120 Steals | 7 Blocked Shots
HM Class C2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class C2 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Karissa Stengel | 5-foot-8
12.9 Points | 5.7 Rebounds | 118 Assists | 94 Steals | 8 Blocked Shots
HM Class C2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class C2 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Blayklee Farr | 5-foot-8
9.7 Points | 4.7 Rebounds | 56 Assists | 50 Steals | 7 Blocked Shots
HM Class C2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class C2 Lincoln Journal Star
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Dundy County Stratton
2024-25 Record: 16-7
Record Over Past Decade: 158-86
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Matt Schaub
Top Returning Players:
Sophomore Abi Spargo | 5-foot-11 | Power Forward | Wing
13.2 Points | 11.4 Rebounds | 37 Assists | 84 Steals | 33 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Clara Spargo | 5-foot-9 | Forward | Center
11.7 Points | 6.2 Rebounds | 28 Assists | 25 Steals | 25 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Junior Emily Schack | 5-foot-10 | Power Forward
6.2 Points | 5.7 Rebounds | 26 Assists | 26 Steals | 25 Blocked Shots
Junior Kimberly Escobar | 5-foot-2 | Point Guard
9.2 Points | 3.6 Rebounds | 34 Assists | 73 Steals | 0 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln journal Star
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Sophomore Ava Lutz | 5-foot-8 | Guard | Wing | Power Forward
5.4 Points | 4.7 Rebounds | 15 Assists | 24 Steals | 5 Blocked Shots
Southern Valley
2024-25 Record: 20-6
Record Over Past Decade: 151-94
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Richard McDonald
Top Returning Players:
Senior Tori Bose | 5-foot-11 | Center
11.6 Points | 7.2 Rebounds | 46 Assists | 46 Steals | 49 Blocked Shots
HM Class C2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class C2 Lincoln Journal Star
Second Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Arapahoe
2024-25 Record: 16-10
Record Over Past Decade: 82-151
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Preston Blackmore
Top Returning Players:
Sophomore Suttyn Shafer | 5-foot-4 | Point Guard | Guard
9.2 Points | 2.0 Rebounds | 60 Assists | 83 Steals | 4 Blocked Shots
HM Class D1 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D1 Lincoln Journal Star
Second Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Sophomore Sawyer Shafer | 5-foot-4 | Guard
6.3 Points | 2.3 Rebounds | 45 Assists | 70 Steals | 3 Blocked Shots
HM Class D1 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D1 Lincoln journal Star
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Junior Clara Hilker | 5-foot-9 | Forward
7.1 Points | 4.0 Rebounds | 14 Assists | 37 Steals | 1 Blocked Shot
HM Class D1 Lincoln Journal Star | HM All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Cambridge
2024-25 Record: 12-11
Record Over Past Decade: 154-88
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Clay Shepard
Top Returning Players:
Senior Mallory Springer | Small Forward
10.6 Points | 11.9 Rebounds | 61 Assists | 48 Steals | 38 Blocked Shots
HM Class D1 OWH | Second Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Junior Elisabeth Kubik | 5-foot-7 | Small Forward
6.5 Points | 6.5 Rebounds | 17 Assists | 31 Steals | 6 Blocked Shots
Senior Aspen Webb | 5-foot-3 | Point Guard
5.6 Points | 3.4 Rebounds | 27 Assists | 28 Steals | 1 Blocked Shot
Junior Brooklyn Holtze | 5-foot-7 Shooting Guard
7.2 Points | 3.0 Rebounds | 35 Assists | 24 Steals | 5 Blocked Shots
Maxwell
2024-25 Record: 12-11
Record Over Past Decade: 84-144
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Kole Harrach
Top Returning Players:
Senior Kristyn Cheek | 6-foot
12.3 Points | 7.4 Rebounds | 41 Assists | 73 Steals | 2 Blocked Shots
Second Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Madelyn Flock | 5-foot-6
10.6 Points | 2.3 Rebounds | 66 Assists | 35 Steals | 2 Blocked Shots
Junior Emory Christensen | 5-foot-10 | Shooting Guard
7.8 Points | 7.3 Rebounds | 27 Assists | 59 Steals | 25 Blocked Shots
Paxton
2024-25 Record: 14-9
Record Over Past Decade: 91-133
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Chance Morland
Top Returning Players:
Senior Ella Fote | 5-foot-5
9.8 Points | 4.9 Rebounds | 12 Assists | 36 Steals | 7 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
Second Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Jaleigh Hansen | 5-foot-5
8.1 Points | 2.3 Rebounds | 21 Assists | 56 Steals | 5 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
Wauneta-Palisade
2024-25 Record: 10-12
Record Over Past Decade: 131-106
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Matt Cox
Top Returning Players:
Sophomore Mesa Cox | 5-foot-7 | Point Guard | Shooting Guard
9.5 Points | 4.9 Rebounds | 101 Assists | 62 Steals | 24 Blocked Shots
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Sophomore Kamryn Fanning | 5-foot-7 | Point Guard | Shooting Guard
9.0 Points | 4.3 Rebounds | 20 Assists | 56 Steals | 2 Blocked Shots
Junior Emma Acton | 5-foot-7 | Shooting Guard | Point Guard
5.6 Points | 3.3 Rebounds | 26 Assists | 20 Steals | 1 Blocked Shot
Hitchcock County
2024-25 Record: 10-13
Record Over Past Decade: 104-123
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Mike Tines
Top Returning Players:
Senior Madysen Carlson | 5-foot-10 | Center
13.1 Points | 11.1 Rebounds | 22 Assists | 46 Steals | 62 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
First Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Raegan Hagan | 5-foot-6 | Shooting Guard
11.4 Points | 4.0 Rebounds | 49 Assists | 59 Steals | 9 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
Second Team All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Riley Hagan | 5-foot-6 | Shooting Guard
5.7 Points | 4.0 Rebounds | 87 Assists | 63 Steals | 6 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
Bertrand
2024-25 Record: 9-15
Record Over Past Decade: 78-136
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Trey Stutheit
Top Returning Players:
Senior Shelby Schoene | 5-foot-9
5.2 Points | 5.8 Rebounds | 27 Assists | 71 Steals | 6 Blocked Shots
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Senior Addison Andersen | 5-foot-5 | Point Guard | Shooting Guard
8.0 Points | 5.6 Rebounds | 63 Assists | 87 Steals | 6 Blocked Shots
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Junior Livia Philips | 5-foot-6
5.1 Points | 4.3 Rebounds | 32 Assists | 40 Steals | 2 Blocked Shots
Hi-Line
2024-25 Record: 4-17
Record Over Past Decade: 72-239
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Len Fangmeyer
Top Returning Players:
Junior Ellaray Koch | 5-foot-5 | Guard
12.4 Points | 3.1 Rebounds | 41 Assists | 64 Steals | 2 Blocked Shots
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Junior Olivia Wall | 5-foot-9 | Forward | Guard
6.2 Points | 7.8 Rebounds | 25 Assists | 26 Steals | 5 Blocked Shots
Senior Bentley Stubbs | 5-foot-7 | Forward | Center
7.1 Points | 8.0 Rebounds | 25 Assists | 55 Steals | 5 Blocked Shots
Wallace
2024-25 Record: 5-16
Record Over Past Decade: 86-126
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Heather Strawder
Top Returning Players:
Senior Kaley Sauser | 5-foot-4
Honorable Mention All-Republican Plains Activities Conference
Medicine Valley
2024-25 Record: 2-20
Record Over Past Decade: 67-149
2024-25 Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Head Coach: Derek Bantam
Top Returning Players:
Junior Haylie Gustafson | 5-foot-10
5.2 Points | 5.5 Rebounds | 16 Assists | 32 Steals | 10 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
Sophomore Oakley Stout | 5-foot-10
5.2 Points | 6.4 Rebounds | 30 Assists | 44 Steals | 24 Blocked Shots
HM Class D2 Omaha World Herald | HM Class D2 Lincoln Journal Star
