Sidney schools to close March 5-6 as Lady Raiders head to state tournament

Photo Courtesy: Donna Wiedeburg / Sidney Public Schools

SIDNEY, Neb. — Sidney Public Schools will close March 5 and 6 to allow students, families and community members to travel to Lincoln as the Lady Raiders compete in the Nebraska State Girls Basketball Tournament.

Superintendent Andrew Farber announced the decision in a letter to families following Sidney’s district championship victory over Gretna.

“Congratulations to the Sidney Girls Varsity Basketball Team on their District Championship victory over Gretna!” Farber wrote. “Their hard work, determination, and commitment have paid off, and we are incredibly proud of their achievement.”

Sidney (19-5) earned its 20th state tournament appearance — and ninth in the past 10 years — with a 75-71 overtime win over Gretna in the B-5 District Final at the Cabela’s Athletic Facility. The Lady Raiders will enter the state tournament as the No. 5 seed and face No. 4 seed Gretna East (20-5) at 3:15 p.m. CST (2:15 p.m. MST) Thursday, March 5, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Those unable to attend can listen to the game on 987 The Big Boy.

To support the team and provide travel flexibility, Sidney Public Schools will not be in session Thursday or Friday.

For families needing student meals during the closure, breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to noon at Sidney High School. Families are asked to contact their respective school building if their child plans to attend.

“We are proud of our Lady Raiders and the way they represent Sidney Public Schools and our community,” Farber wrote. “Good luck in Lincoln, Lady Raiders!”