Sterling Stuns Pawnee City in GBB Playoffs

Jets advance in tight game with Indians

February 17, 2026Updated: February 17, 2026
By Ben Root

WEEPING WATER, NE - Sterling stunned Pawnee City in the first round of the Subdistrict D1-1 Girls Basketball Tournament from Weeping Water on Monday, 45-42, as heard on Otoe County Country.

In a game that saw big swings, the Jets held an 11-4 lead after the first quarter and kept that lead at the break, 23-13. Sterling was held in check in the third frame, as the Indians took a 30-26 lead going into the final frame. The Jets fought back in the fourth, getting their lone win over Pawnee City in three attempts this season, 45-42.

Sterling's Justice Currie had eleven points before halftime and finished with 13. Braylee Houghton added ten points with seven in the fourth quarter, and Bryleigh Crouse ended up with eight, but six of that was in the fourth. Eight different players scored for Pawnee City, led by the 17 of Emalyse Gottula.

Sterling is now 7-16 as they go up against Weeping Water at 6pm tonight, while Pawnee City ends up at 9-15 this season. The other semifinal game tonight will see Lourdes Central Catholic clash with Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer around 7:30pm. Both games can be heard on Otoe County Country.

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