'This one's for Talon': Amherst tops Norfolk Catholic in C2 tourney with teammate on their minds
In a physical game that featured several big runs, it was Amherst that came out on top in a Class C2 quarterfinal matchup Thursday at the Bob Devaney Center.
By News Channel NebraskaLINCOLN, Neb. -- In a physical game that featured several big runs, it was Amherst that came out on top in a Class C2 quarterfinal matchup Thursday at the Bob Devaney Center.
The Broncos avenged a loss to Norfolk Catholic in last year's third place game, topping the Knights 57-49.
Nolan Eloe scored 23 points to pace the Broncos, helping Amherst return to the semifinals for the second straight season. It is the sixth semifinal appearance in school history for the Broncos.
"I told him last night, I said, 'If we're going to win a state championship, I'm going to need you to play like an all-state player," said Amherst head coach Eric Rippen. "He doesn't always believe in himself, but the kid can light it up."
The Amherst seniors, as they have all season, were playing with the memory of Talon Trampe on their minds. Trampe, who died of a rare genetic disorder in 2020 after a promising start to his high school basketball career, would have been a senior on this year's roster.
"He's the driving force every day for us," Rippen said. "We came into the season and we said, 'This one's for Talon.' No matter what, we're doing whatever it takes to get it done for Talon and his family."
#2 Amherst...17 8 11 11 10 57
#7 Norfolk Catholic...8 19 12 8 2 49
Amherst: Eloe 23, Hadwiger 19, Simmons 8, Adelang 4, Riessland 3
Norfolk Catholic: Kerkman 12, Fennessy 10, Pieper 10, Hoesing 9, Hammond 8