Howells-Dodge Lady Jaguars Repeat as State Basketball Champions

Coach Scott Polacek leads small-town Nebraska team to back-to-back Class D1 titles

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:20am

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The Howells-Dodge Lady Jaguars basketball team, led by coach Scott Polacek, captured their second consecutive Class D1 state championship in Nebraska, defeating previously unbeaten Bloomfield 45-42 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. This historic achievement marks the first time in 20 years that a Class D1 school has won both the girls' and boys' state basketball titles in the same year.

Why it matters

Howells-Dodge's back-to-back state titles showcase the power of small-town community values and a strong work ethic, as the Lady Jaguars overcame the challenges of being a Class D1 program playing mostly larger 2A schools during the regular season. Coach Polacek's ability to develop young leaders like senior Kenadie Throener has been key to the team's sustained success.

The details

The Lady Jaguars were led by junior Kylie Brichacek, who recorded a double-double in the championship game. Coach Polacek has challenged his players to embrace leadership roles, with Throener stepping up as a senior after being thrust into a big role as a freshman. The team's work ethic, instilled by Polacek and the tight-knit community, has been crucial to their historic run.

  • The Lady Jaguars won the Class D1 state championship on March 20, 2026.
  • Howells-Dodge last won both the girls' and boys' state basketball titles in 2006, 20 years ago.

The players

Scott Polacek

The head coach of the Howells-Dodge Lady Jaguars, who has led the team to back-to-back state championships.

Kenadie Throener

The lone senior on the Howells-Dodge team, who has grown into a strong leader after being thrust into a big role as a freshman.

Kylie Brichacek

The junior standout for the Lady Jaguars, who recorded a double-double in the state championship game.

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What they’re saying

“They know the grind of it all. We ask a lot of them – too much at times– but they all come from hard working, traditional farm families around here. The work ethic is kinda ingrained in most of them. The others learn from our tradition and by example.”

— Scott Polacek, Head Coach

“Kenadie Throener, our lone senior, was on a team of just nine girls as a freshman. I probably laid too much responsibility on her then, and it was hard for her. However, she learned to 'not sweat the small stuff' and focus on leadership and the bigger picture. She was a great leader for us and now we have a team which will have the goal of going back-to-back.”

— Scott Polacek, Head Coach

What’s next

The Howells-Dodge Lady Jaguars will look to defend their state championship next season, with the goal of becoming the first Class D1 program in 20 years to win three consecutive state titles.

The takeaway

Howells-Dodge's back-to-back state championships demonstrate the power of small-town community values, strong coaching, and player development. The Lady Jaguars' historic run shows that with the right mindset and work ethic, even the smallest schools can achieve greatness on the basketball court.