BRIDGEPORT, Neb. — The Minuteman Activities Conference (MAC) Tournament concluded Saturday with thrilling matchups, as South Platte Girls and Garden County Boys emerged victorious in their respective championship games.

The day began with the Garden County Lady Eagles securing a 39-34 victory over Bayard in the third-place game. Sophomore Kirstyn Beberniss led the Lady Eagles with 9 points, while junior Ridglyn Stanczyk added 8. 

Garden County’s defense and rebounding were key, as the team grabbed 34 rebounds, recorded 10 steals, and knocked down three three-pointers.

Bayard was led by junior Shelbie McKibbin and sophomore Emilee Houchin, who each scored 10 points. 

Junior Alexi Nesbitt contributed 7 points. 

The Lady Tigers showcased their defensive effort with 9 steals and 2 blocks, shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. With the win, Garden County improved to 6-7 on the season, while Bayard fell to 9-7.

On the boys’ side, Leyton outscored Creek Valley 36-18 in the second half to capture a 56-45 victory in the third-place matchup. 

Sophomore Calvin Borgmann led the Warriors with a game-high 15 points, while junior Alec Watchorn and sophomore Austin Beutler each added 12 points.

Both teams recorded 29 rebounds, but Leyton’s aggressive defense made the difference, forcing 21 turnovers and securing 13 steals.

Creek Valley’s standout performance came from junior Lane Brenneman, who scored 20 points. 

Juniors Zander Polk and Mason Timm each contributed 11 points. 

The Storm registered 4 blocks and shot 35% from three-point range and 45% from inside the arc.

In the girls’ championship game, the South Platte Lady Blue Knights claimed the MAC Tournament title with a 56-47 victory over previously unbeaten Leyton. Senior Isabelle Reichman led all scorers with 22 points, while senior Johanns Frerichs added 15 points and sophomore Jayla Paulsen contributed 13.

South Platte dominated the boards with a 29-20 rebounding advantage and capitalized on Leyton’s 18 turnovers. The Lady Blue Knights shot an efficient 50% from the field.

Leyton’s effort was led by senior Zaili Benish with 17 points, followed by seniors Sydney Fortune and Shawnee Gamble with 12 and 11 points. 

The Warriors tallied 10 steals and shot 75% from the free-throw line. 

South Platte improved to 13-4 with the win, while Leyton dropped to 13-1, their first loss of the season.

The Garden County Eagles secured the boys’ championship with a commanding 62-45 win over South Platte. 

Sophomore Kole Fornander led the Eagles with 19 points, while junior Wilsie Lobner added 17. 

Junior Carver Corfield and freshman Blake Dean chipped in 8 points each. The Eagles’ defensive pressure was pivotal, forcing 21 turnovers while collecting 12 steals. They also grabbed 24 rebounds and went 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.

South Platte’s effort was led by senior Quinten Koenen with 17 points and senior Nathan Jacobs with 12.

The loss dropped the Blue Knights to 9-7 on the season, while Garden County advanced to 9-4 with the victory.