NTL BOYS' BASKETBALL: NEB CELEBRATES NTL TITLE AFTER BEATING CV (February 2, 2026)

Northern Tier Sports Report
ROME — NEB celebrated their second NTL Small School title in three years by cutting down the nets after beating CV, 61-39, in boys’ hoops action Monday.

‘I’m really proud of the boys,” NEB coach Paul Burgert said. “Winning the league was a goal and they've worked hard to get here. They've really come together as a team this season. They root for each other, celebrate each other's successes, and support each other. It's a beautiful thing, and goes to show that with hard work and great team chemistry, you can accomplish awesome things. It's about putting the team first, and these guys have done that. The boys have other goals, so we'll enjoy tonight and get back to hunting tomorrow.”

The Indians hung around early, down just 14-10 after one, while NEB extended the lead to 31-23 at the half.

A 20-5 third quarter in favor of the Panthers secured the win for them.

Dayton Russell shot 7-for-11 for 17 points to lead NEB while grabbing five boards, as Cooper Brown was 3-for-5 from deep en route to 14 points.

Clay Wilks had eight points, and seven rebounds, as Eli Stanton notched seven points, five assists, and four boards.

Mac Burgert had eight points, five boards, and three assists, with Nate Gross adding five points. Dan Barrett chipped in with two points, and three assists.

Josh Teague had 13 points to lead CV.

Brown and Burgert both hit 3-balls to lead the Panthers in the first quarter, while Teague hit two from deep for CV.

Russell went off for 11 points to lead NEB’s attack in the second frame as they took the eight point lead at the half.

Brown hit two 3-balls in the third, while Russell, and Stanton each had four points as the Panthers pulled away.

NEB’s JV team won 58-34 behind 26 from Gross, and 13 out of Anthony Johnson.

NEB (17-2) travels to Canton on Wednesday.

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PHOTOS BY TINA MAYNARD

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