Class C1 Girls' 2026 State Basketball Tournament Preview

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By: Evan Troxel

This is hopefully my short preview of the Class C1 Girls' High School Varsity Basketball State Tournament Preview in Nebraska.

I will be posting content that I believe no other media outlet will cover.

My goal I guess is to try to show which teams may be good enough (or not good enough) to win the State Tournament in Class C1 through facts that are totally unbiased against or for any team.

Instead of wasting time talking about a bunch of stats throughout the entire season, let's get to the stuff you want to know about right away!

How have these teams done very recently in playoff games?

Ogallala went 1-2 and scored 137 points (45.67) and allowed 151 points (50.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of -4.66 points.

This year, Ogallala went 3-0 and scored 197 points (65.67) and allowed 111 points (37) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +28.67.

That is the highest average point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Gothenburg went 3-0 and scored 164 points (54.67) and allowed 143 points (47.67) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +7.00 points.

This year, Gothenburg went 2-1 and scored 142 points (47.33) and allowed 147 points (49) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of -1.67.

That is the worst average point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Milford went 3-0 and scored 189 points (63) and allowed 113 points (37.67) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +25.33 points.

This year, Milford went 3-0 and scored 152 points (50.67) and allowed 109 points (36.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +14.36.

That is the fifth best (fourth worst) point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Central City went 1-2 and scored 147 points (49) and allowed 148 points (49.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of -0.33 points.

This year, Central City went 2-1 and scored 134 points (44.67) and allowed 192 points (30.67) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +14.00.

That is the sixth best (third worst) point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Central City went 1-2 and scored 147 points (49) and allowed 148 points (49.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of -0.33 points.

This year, Central City went 2-1 and scored 134 points (44.67) and allowed 192 points (30.67) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +14.00.

That is the sixth best (third worst) point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Lincoln Christian went 3-0 and scored 241 points (80.33) and allowed 121 points (40.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +40.00 points.

This year, Lincoln Christian went 2-1 and scored 187 points (62.33) and allowed 103 points (34.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +28.00.

That is the second best (seventh worst) point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Fort Calhoun went 1-1 and scored 88 points (44.00) and allowed 86 points (43.00) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +1.00 points.

This year, Fort Calhoun went 3-0 and scored 189 points (63.00) and allowed 131 points (43.67) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +19.33.

That is the third best (sixth worst) point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Malcolm went 2-1 and scored 173 points (57.67) and allowed 168 points (56.00) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +1.67 points.

This year, Malcolm went 3-0 and scored 155 points (51.67) and allowed 109 points (36.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +15.34.

That is the fourth best (fifth worst) point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

Holdrege went 1-1 and scored 85 points (42.50) and allowed 90 points (45.00) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of -2.50 points.

This year, Holdrege went 2-1 and scored 133 points (44.33) and allowed 108 points (36.00) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2025-26 season for an average point differential of +8.33.

That is the seventh best (second worst) point differential among the eight teams remaining in Class C1.

So the point differentials for this season (2025-26) for the Subdistrict and District Finals are ranked as follows:

1. Ogallala (+28.67)

2. Lincoln Christian (+28.00)

3. Fort Calhoun (+19.33)

4. Malcolm (+15.34)

5. Milford (+14.36)

6. Central City (+14.00)

7. Holdrege (+8.33)

8. Gothenburg (-1.67)

The team who improved the most in the Subdistrict and District Finals from last season (2024-25) compared to this season (2025-26) are ranked as follows:

1. Ogallala (+33.33)

2. Fort Calhoun (+18.33)

3. Central City (+14.33)

4. Malcolm (+13.67)

5. Milford (+10.97)

6. Holdrege (+10.83)

7. Gothenburg (-8.67)

8. Lincoln Christian (-12.00)

Based on the previous two categories rankings, these are the teams who improved the most:

1. Ogallala 2

2. Fort Calhoun 5

3. Malcolm 8

4. Central City 9

   Tied for 5th: Lincoln Christian 10, Milford 10

   7. Holdrege 13

   8. Gothenburg 15

Gothenburg, Lincoln Christian and Milford made it to the State Tournament last year and again this year.

This is what they did in Subdistrict, the District Final and the State Tournament last year:

Gothenburg went 4-2 and scored 334 points (55.67) and allowed 314 points (52.33) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +3.34 points.

That is the worst average point differential among the three teams remaining in Class C1 who also made it to the State Tournament last year.

Lincoln Christian went 6-0 and scored 414 points (69.00) and allowed 259 points (43.17) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +25.83 points.

Lincoln Christian won the State Tournament last year.

That is the best average point differential among the three teams remaining in Class C1 who also made it to the State Tournament last year.

Milford went 5-1 and scored 359 points (59.83) and allowed 263 points (43.83) in Subdistrict and District Final play in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +16.00 points.

That is the second best average point differential among the three teams remaining in Class C1 who also made it to the State Tournament last year.

This is what those teams did last year in the State Tournament:

Gothenburg went 1-2 and scored 170 points (56.67) and allowed 171 points (57.00) in the State Tournament in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of -0.33 points.

That is the worst average point differential among the three teams remaining in Class C1 who also made it to the State Tournament last year.

Lincoln Christian went 3-0 and scored 173 points (57.67) and allowed 138 points (46.00) in the State Tournament in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +11.67 points.

That is the best average point differential among the three teams remaining in Class C1 who also made it to the State Tournament last year.

Milford went 2-1 and scored 170 points (56.67) and allowed 150 points (50.00) in the State Tournament in the 2024-25 season for an average point differential of +6.67 points.

That is the second best average point differential among the three teams remaining in Class C1 who also made it to the State Tournament last year.

This is the points for, points against, point differential and the average for all of those things for each team for the actual year of 2025 (the 2nd Half of last season) so far up to this point (during the 2024-25 season) BEFORE the State Tournament (so anything from the actual year of 2024 is not listed here):

1 Milford Eagles (17-0): 1066 points for (62.71) and 604 points against (35.53) and +462 point differential (+27.18)

8 Central City Bison (15-3): 943 points for (52.39) and 544 points against (30.22) and +399 point differential (+22.17)

4 Ogallala Indians (10-7): 916 points for (53.88) and 783 points against (46.06) and +133 point differential (+7.82)

5 Gothenburg Swedes (13-3): 971 points for (60.69) and 669 points against (41.81) and +302 point differential (+18.88)

2 Lincoln Christian Crusaders (16-0): 1150 points for (71.88) and 519 points against (32.44) and +631 point differential (+39.44)

7 Fort Calhoun Pioneers (9-9): 768 points for (42.67) and 797 points against (44.28) and -29 point differential (-1.61)

3 Malcolm Clippers (10-8): 986 points for (54.78) and 802 points against (44.56) and +184 point differential (+10.22)

6 Holdrege Dusters (9-6): 730 points for (48.67) and 630 points against (42.00) and +100 point differential (+6.67)

In order by seeding/rank, it is listed this way:

1 Milford Eagles (17-0): 1066 points for (62.71) and 604 points against (35.53) and +462 point differential (+27.18)

2 Lincoln Christian Crusaders (16-0): 1150 points for (71.88) and 519 points against (32.44) and +631 point differential (+39.44)

3 Malcolm Clippers (10-8): 986 points for (54.78) and 802 points against (44.56) and +184 point differential (+10.22)

4 Ogallala Indians (10-7): 916 points for (53.88) and 783 points against (46.06) and +133 point differential (+7.82)

5 Gothenburg Swedes (13-3): 971 points for (60.69) and 669 points against (41.81) and +302 point differential (+18.88)

6 Holdrege Dusters (9-6): 730 points for (48.67) and 630 points against (42.00) and +100 point differential (+6.67)

7 Fort Calhoun Pioneers (9-9): 768 points for (42.67) and 797 points against (44.28) and -29 point differential (-1.61)

8 Central City Bison (15-3): 943 points for (52.39) and 544 points against (30.22) and +399 point differential (+22.17)

This is the points for, points against, point differential and the average for all of those things for each team for the actual year of 2026 so far up to this point (during the 2025-26 season) BEFORE the State Tournament (so anything from the actual year of 2025 is not listed here):

1 Milford Eagles (25-1 overall, 16-0 in 2026): 894 points for (55.88) and 561 points against (35.06) and +333 point differential (+20.82)

8 Central City Bison (24-3 overall, 16-2 in 2026): 910 points for (50.56) and 437 points against (24.28) and +473 point differential (+26.28)

4 Ogallala Indians (21-4 overall, 13-4 in 2026): 1,023 points for (60.18) and 651 points against (38.29) and +372 point differential (+21.89)

5 Gothenburg Swedes (21-4 overall, 13-3 in 2026): 969 points for (60.56) and 704 points against (44.00) and +265 point differential (+16.56)

2 Lincoln Christian Crusaders (24-2 overall, 14-2 in 2026): 960 points for (60.00) and 586 points against (36.63) and +374 point differential (+23.37)

7 Fort Calhoun Pioneers (24-2 overall, 17-1 in 2026): 1,012 points for (56.22) and 715 points against (39.72) and +297 point differential (+16.5)

3 Malcolm Clippers (25-1 overall, 16-1 in 2026): 994 points for (58.47) and 636 points against (37.41) and +358 point differential (+21.06)

6 Holdrege Dusters (22-4 overall, 15-1 in 2026): 822 points for (51.38) and 554 points against (34.63) and +268 point differential (+16.75)

In order by seeding/rank, it is listed this way:

1 Milford Eagles (25-1 overall, 16-0 in 2026): 894 points for (55.88) and 561 points against (35.06) and +333 point differential (+20.82)

2 Lincoln Christian Crusaders (24-2 overall, 14-2 in 2026): 960 points for (60.00) and 586 points against (36.63) and +374 point differential (+23.37)

3 Malcolm Clippers (25-1 overall, 16-1 in 2026): 994 points for (58.47) and 636 points against (37.41) and +358 point differential (+21.06)

4 Ogallala Indians (21-4 overall, 13-4 in 2026): 1,023 points for (60.18) and 651 points against (38.29) and +372 point differential (+21.89)

5 Gothenburg Swedes (21-4 overall, 13-3 in 2026): 969 points for (60.56) and 704 points against (44.00) and +265 point differential (+16.56)

6 Holdrege Dusters (22-4 overall, 15-1 in 2026): 822 points for (51.38) and 554 points against (34.63) and +268 point differential (+16.75)

7 Fort Calhoun Pioneers (24-2 overall, 17-1 in 2026): 1,012 points for (56.22) and 715 points against (39.72) and +297 point differential (+16.5)

8 Central City Bison (24-3 overall, 16-2 in 2026): 910 points for (50.56) and 437 points against (24.28) and +473 point differential (+26.28)

So the point differentials for this season (2025-26) in the ACTUAL YEAR of 2026 BEFORE the State Tournament are ranked as follows:

1. Central City (+26.28)

2. Lincoln Christian (+23.37)

3. Ogallala (+21.89)

4. Malcolm (+21.06)

5. Milford (+20.82)

6. Holdrege (+16.75)

7. Gothenburg (+16.56)

8. Fort Calhoun (+16.5)

   
   

The team who improved the most all season long (2025-26 season) in the ACTUAL YEAR of 2026 (the second half of the season) compared to last season (2024-25) in the ACTUAL YEAR of 2025 (the second half of the season) are ranked as follows:

1. Fort Calhoun (+18.11)

2. Ogallala (+14.07)

3. Malcolm (+10.84)

4. Holdrege (+10.08)

5. Central City (+4.11)

6. Gothenburg (-2.32)

7. Milford (-6.36)

8. Lincoln Christian (-16.07)

   
   

Based on the previous two categories rankings, these are the teams who improved the most:

1. Ogallala 5

2. Central City 6

3. Malcolm 7

4. Fort Calhoun 9

   Tied for 5th Holdrege 10, Lincoln Christian 10

   7. Milford 12

   8. Gothenburg 13

Here's what you've all been waiting for...I saved it for the very very end!

This is the points for, points against, point differential and the average for all of those things for each team for the entire season (2025-26 season) so far up to this point BEFORE the State Tournament:

1 Milford Eagles (25-1): 1460 points for (56.15) and 910 points against (35.00) and +550 point differential (+21.15)

2 Lincoln Christian Crusaders (24-2): 1565 points for (60.19) and 835 points against (32.12) and +730 (+28.07)

3 Malcolm Clippers (25-1): 1571 points for (60.42) and 968 points against (37.23) and +603 point differential (+23.19)

4 Ogallala Indians (21-4): 1569 points for (62.76) and 917 points against (36.68) and +652 point differential (+26.08)

5 Gothenburg Swedes (21-4): 1611 points for (64.44) and 1069 points against (42.76) and +542 point differential (+21.68)

6 Holdrege Dusters (22-4): 1375 points for (52.88) and 985 points against (37.88) and +390 point differential (+15.00)

7 Fort Calhoun Pioneers (24-2): 1466 points for (56.38) and 998 points against (38.38) and +468 point differential (+18.00)

8 Central City Bison (24-3): 1437 points for (53.22) and 718 points against (26.59) and +719 point differential (+26.63)

In order by the first round matchups on Thursday, March 5th, 2026:

9:00 a.m. Central Time

1 Milford Eagles (25-1): 1460 points for (56.15) and 910 points against (35.00) and +550 point differential (+21.15)

8 Central City Bison (24-3): 1437 points for (53.22) and 718 points against (26.59) and +719 point differential (+26.63)

10:45 a.m. Central Time

4 Ogallala Indians (21-4): 1569 points for (62.76) and 917 points against (36.68) and +652 point differential (+26.08)

5 Gothenburg Swedes (21-4): 1611 points for (64.44) and 1069 points against (42.76) and +542 point differential (+21.68)

The winners of the first two games in Class C1 will play at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Friday, March 6th, 2026

1:30 p.m. Central Time

2 Lincoln Christian Crusaders (24-2): 1565 points for (60.19) and 835 points against (32.12) and +730 point differential (+28.07)

7 Fort Calhoun Pioneers (24-2): 1466 points for (56.38) and 998 points against (38.38) and +468 point differential (+18.00)

3:15 p.m. Central Time

3 Malcolm Clippers (25-1): 1571 points for (60.42) and 968 points against (37.23) and +603 point differential (+23.19)

6 Holdrege Dusters (22-4): 1375 points for (52.88) and 985 points against (37.88) and +390 point differential (+15.00)

The winners of Games 3 and 4 will play at 10:45 a.m. Central on Friday, March 6th, 2026

The State Championship Game is at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. The Third Place Game is also at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Saturday, March 7th, 2026.

Gothenburg and Ogallala are the top two offensive teams this season so far up to this point on average.

Central City and Lincoln Christian are the top two defensive teams this season so far up to this point on average.

Lincoln Christian and Central City are the top two teams with the best average point differential this season so far up to this point.

If points for, points against and point differential on average do ultimately tell the story, Central City, Ogallala, Lincoln Christian and Malcolm will make it to the second round.

If points for, points against and point differential on average do ultimately tell the story, Central City and Lincoln Christian will make it to the State Championship Game in Class C1.

If points for, points against and point differential on average do ultimately tell the story, Ogallala will win the third place game in Class C1.

If points for, points against and point differential on average do ultimately tell the story, Lincoln Christian will win the State Championship in Class C1.

Everything I have said in this post is in no way my opinion at all, these are facts that this story has clearly shown.

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If you truly believe in free speech, be sure to follow me on Gab.com at Gab.com/Evan_Troxel immediately. Facebook and X want to take your free speech away immediately (and your freedoms) and totally get away with it! Gab is the best free speech website on the entire Internet and they are truthfully not bought off by individuals who can just immediately shut them down! Be sure to see my Gab post of the top scorers and the final score on Gab.com/Evan_Troxel after every Ogallala High School Girls' and Boys' Varsity basketball game.