The Superior Express -

The Superior High School girls basketball team hosted Class C-1 powerhouse Auburn at the high school gymnasium Friday. Though the Wildcats stayed close throughout the game they were unable to overtake the Bulldogs in the 36-32 loss.

Superior opened Southern Nebraska Conference Tournament play at Hebron, Tuesday, when they played Thayer Central. Game results were unavailable at press time.

It was a nail biter all the way with Auburn hanging on until time expired.

Shayla Meyer led the Wildcats scoring with 21 points. Sierra Blackburn contributed seven points. Ella Gardner donated three points. Atlee Kobza added one point.

Meyer climbed the boards for 10 rebounds. Gardner pulled away six rebounds. Blackburn secured four rebounds. Emma Henderson, Laci Kirchhoff and Kobza accounted for two rebounds each.

Jake Nannen, head coach of the Wildcats, said, “Our defensive effort was beyond fantastic for all four quarters. I am extremely proud of the way that we handled Auburn’s ball screens and communicated for all four quarters. Auburn’s 1-3-1 zone defense really got to us and I put that on me as the coach. I have to be better and put these girls in situations where they can succeed offensively and where we can pull away with wins in these close situations.”

The Wildcats opponent in the next round of the Southern Nebraska Conference Tournament is dependent on the outcome of Tuesday’s game. Please check the Superior High School Facebook page for updates. Superior crosses the state line with Kansas to play Smith Center Monday