Hoops in the Heartland: Security First Bank Holiday Basketball Classic Set to Tip Off in Chadron

Chadron, Nebraska – December 17, 2025 – As the chill of winter settles over the Nebraska Panhandle, the hardwood is heating up for the inaugural expanded edition of the Security First Bank Holiday Basketball Classic. Hosted by the Chadron Rotary Club at the Chicoine Center on the Chadron State College campus, this three-day extravaganza from December 29-31 promises high-stakes matchups, regional rivalries, and a showcase of emerging talent from Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming high schools. With boys' and girls' divisions featuring eight competitive squads each, the tournament – now boasting 16 – is poised to deliver holiday cheer laced with buzzer-beaters and defensive stands.

Re-introduced this year as the Security First Bank Holiday Classic, underscores the Rotary Club's commitment to youth athletics and community vitality. "This classic isn't just about basketball; it's about uniting families, boosting local businesses, and celebrating the grit of our young athletes during the holiday break," said Chadron Rotary Club President Cali Frankovic.

The participating schools – Valentine High School (Neb.), Gering High School (Neb.), Bridgeport High School (Neb.), Chadron High School (Neb.), Gothenburg High School (Neb.), Chase County High School (Neb.), Custer High School (S.D.), and Niobrara County High School (Wyo.) – enter with early-season momentum from the 2025-26 campaign, which tipped off in early December. Drawing exclusively from MaxPreps data, here's a team-by-team outlook, highlighting records through mid-December games and leading scorers. Note: Many squads are still shaking off opening rust, with limited games played, but patterns are emerging.

Tournament Outlook: Boys Basketball

Bridgeport High School (6-1) The Bulldogs are off to a blistering start, dropping only one game to Doniphan-Trumbull. They are led by standout Hayes Watts, who is averaging 16.7 points per game. Supporting Watts is Landon Dean, who has been a force on the glass with nearly 9.2 rebounds per contest.

Valentine High School (4-0) The Badgers have matched Bridgeport’s hot start with a perfect 4-0 record. Senior Isaac Cronin has been the catalyst for Valentine, putting up an impressive 20.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Juniors Dominic and Trystan Beebout collectively are adding 21.5 point per game.

Chadron High School (4-2) The host Cardinals will look to defend their home town court. Chadron has found its rhythm early behind Derek Bissonette, who is averaging 20.2 points per game. Their defensive intensity has been the hallmark of their 4-2 start.

Gering High School (4-2) Gering has faced a tough early schedule but remains a dangerous contender. Ryland Ray has been one of the most prolific scorers in the region, averaging 18.7 in various outings this December.

Niobrara County High School (WY) (6-1) The Tigers from Lusk, Wyoming, bring a 6-1 record into the classic. They dominated their opening tournament with wins over Meeteetse and Hulett. Expect veteran leadership from solid group of five seniors.

Gothenburg High School (5-1) The Swedes split their first two games and then have won 4 in a row. Kash Koehn (11.3 PPG) and Bryson Neels (10.3 PPG), both sophomores lead the team in scoring.

Chase County High School (2-4) Despite a losing record, the Longhorns have remained competitive in every contest. Sophmore Zak Anderson leads the way with 11.8 points per game, providing a steady scoring presence.

Custer High School (SD) (2-2) With the South Dakota season starting slightly later, the Wildcats enter the tournament with fresh legs. Coming off a 16-6 season last year, they are expected to rely on their experienced roster to make a deep run.

Tournament Outlook: Girls Basketball

Bridgeport High School (8-0) The Lady Bulldogs are perfect on the season. Olivia Brown is the offensive engine, averaging 16.2 points per game while Elizabeth Velazquez and Ella Schluterbusch both averaging 14ppg. Their stifling defense has limited opponents to just 35 points per contest.

Valentine High School (5-1) The Lady Badgers are riding high after a series of decisive victories. Paige Sprenger is the player to watch, carrying a 20.3 PPG average while shooting 47%. Their only loss came in a tightly contested match against O'Neill.

Chadron High School (4-2) The Lady Cardinals are off to a strong start, recently securing a dramatic one-point win over Gering before falling to Scottsbluff. Sophomore Jezy Alcorn leads the team in both scoring (12.4 PPG) and rebounding (7.4 RPG).

Gothenburg High School (5-1) The Swedes are 5-1 and powered by Zoe Beveridge and Halsey Thomalla, who both have exploded for 18.0 points per game in December. They have outscored their opponents by an average of 25 points so far.

Chase County High School (2-4) The Longhorns started the season with back-to-back wins before falling to Sidney, Wray, Broken Bow and Bridgeport. Alexandria Reeves is currently the leading scorer at 7.0 PPG with Karlie Anderson and Avery Beemer averaging 6 and 5.7 respectively. Senior Miranda Spady is averaging 7 rebounds per game as the team relies on a balanced attack and heavy rotation to wear down opponents.

Niobrara County High School (WY) (5-1) The Lady Tigers have already shown they can compete with anyone, posting a 5-1 record. Five wins in a row by considerable margins after a tough loss to Upton.

Gering High School (3-4) Gering’s record is deceiving, as they have played strong early season competition. Jacey Cochran leads the Bulldogs with 13.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, and they will be a battle-tested opponent come late December.

Custer High School (SD) (2-2) The Wildcats are just beginning their season under coach Gage Winkler. They look to carry the momentum from last year's winning record into the holiday classic.