Jets vs. Hayes Center
1st round State D2-1 - March 11, 2010

Jets come up short, end season at 19-6

  Sterling’s attempt to repeat as state champions in Class D-2 came up short, as Hayes Center made two critical plays down the stretch to end the Jets season with a 53-48 win in the first round of the Class D-2 state basketball tournament last Thursday night at Lincoln Northeast’s Ed Johnson Gym.
 The Cardinals led 49-48 late in the ball, as Sterling had two chances to take the lead late.  Klay Heusman missed a three point attempt, but Hayes Center knocked the ball out of bounds.  
 With 12 seconds left in the game, Zach Lempka had a shot to win it, but his 18 footer from the corner missed short and Hayes Center came up with the rebound.  
 After two made free throws by the Cardinals, Sterling’s inbounds pass was stolen by Keifer Messersmith.  Messersmith closed the game with 1.8 second by connecting on two free throws to seal the win.
 “We had some great opportunities late in the game, but we had 3 or 4 shots that just missed.  That happens” said head coach Jimmy Motz.  “They made some critical plays and free throws in crunch time.”
One crucial segment in the game was Sterling’s seven minute plus scoring drought.  The Jets led 20-16 late in the first half, but Hayes Center scored the next 15 points and led as much as 31-20 midway through the third quarter.
“We just couldn’t score and we turned the ball over too many times” said Motz.  “19 turnovers and giving up 18 offensive rebounds, that will get you beat.  But we had several chances throughout the game to separate ourselves and extend some leads; we just couldn’t get the stops we needed defensively.”
Sterling mounted a 9-2 late in the third quarter to trail 33-30 at the end of three quarters.
Jake Wirthele scored 11 of his team high 16 points in the fourth quarter, but it was enough.  Wirthele also added three rebounds and two steals.
Zach Lempka ended his remarkable high school career with 10 points and 9 rebounds.  Lempka is the all-time leading rebounder in Sterling High School history.
“He had one heck of a career here and he’s a pretty special player” Motz says.  “I think I am more proud of the fact he represented our program, school, family and community in a positive manner.  I’m definitely going to miss him.”
Connor Malone had a solid game with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocked shots.
“Connor had his best game of the season” said Motz.  “He showed what he is capable of doing to everyone in the state.  I hope he can build from this because he really played hard.”
The Jets shot 35 percent from the field, going 17 of 48.  
This marked the end of four seniors’ careers in Lempka, Jese Salberg, Mark Lucas and Jake Wenzl.  Lempka and Salberg are both four year starters.
“Zach and Jese were the cornerstone of this program” said Motz.  “I’m very fortunate I was able to coach those kids.  Jese battled through a serious injury and played through a ton of pain.  I really admire his courage and toughness to fight back and get on the court.  I think a lot of people can learn from his story in overcoming adversity.”
“The senior class overall did a great job.  They all worked hard and gave us a shot to win another championship.  Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out the way we wanted it too.”
Sterling ends the 2009-2010 season with a 19-6 record and a final ranking of # 5 in both the Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald.
“We had a solid year.  Getting to the state tournament is always tough and our kids were able to get the job done.  There’s some unfinished business, so I hope our underclassmen returning take it upon themselves to work hard and get back to state.”

                        1   2    3    4    F
Sterling           11  9  10  18  48
Hayes Center 12  12  9   20  53
S- Salberg 2, Wirthele 16, Magill 1, Heusman 7, VanGroningen 4, Malone 8, Lempka 10