LINCOLN, Neb. - The Amherst Broncos rallied but fell short to Freeman 53-35 in the state championship game on Saturday.

The Broncos (26-2) scored just eight points in the first half and trailed by 14 at the break. They outscored the Falcons (29-1) 16-7 in the third quarter to make it a five-point game going to the fourth. Freeman started the final period with some quick scores and made free throws to seal the game.

The 2022-23 Broncos are one of just three Amherst teams to ever make it to the title game. This is the program's best finish since 1987.

The team played the season in honor of fallen teammate Talon Trampe, who would have been a senior this year.

Freeman (29-1) 13 9 7 24 - 53

Amherst (26-2) 5 3 16 11 - 35

SCORING

Freeman: Carter Niles-13, Carter Ruse-12, Taylan Vetrovsky-12, Hayden Jennings-12, Elijah Delhay-2, Kellen Anderson-2

Amherst: Tayje Hadwiger-12, Nolan Eloe-8, Scout Simmons-8, Austin Adelung-5, Carter Riessland-2