The Lincoln East boys varsity basketball team looks to avenge a post season loss to Norfolk in the district final.  One win away from advancing to the State Tournament, the Spartans lost a chippy game to the eventual state champions, 63-51.  The Spartans finished the season 18-7, winning their second HAC title in the past two years.  While East loses six seniors, they return valuable talent from last season, including seniors Sam Griesel and Jordan Janssen.

“Last year we had quite a few seniors. The team was pretty senior dominant,” said Griesel.  “But this year, we’re bringing back three starters from last year, and it’ll be another pretty senior heavy team.”

Janssen led last year’s team in scoring with 14, followed by Griesel who averaged 13.1 points per game.  The Spartans will lose Hunter Mcphail at the point guard position, but return an experienced guard in junior Connor Riekenberg.  Riekenberg served as last year’s backup point guard.  Size shouldn’t be a problem for the Spartans, as Janssen stands at 6’7, Griesel at 6’5, and senior center Gage Pohlmeier at 6’7.  The Spartans will again have a strong frontcourt with plenty of depth.  Senior forward Hayden Barrett will return as a strong defensive presence.

The Spartans have high expectations for the season considering how close they were last year.  “Definitely win city and win our conference, and then also go to state,” said Griesel.

East’s head varsity coach Jeff Campbell is entering his seventh season.  The Spartans enter the preseason rankings at #3, and play key matchups at Lincoln Pius X and Kearney High School.