Sports

BarebackriderGarrettShadbolt of Merriman had his 2026 campaign to return to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas off to a strong start, but he was sidelined last week for several months because he needed surgery to repair a hip problem that he said had been nagging him the past year.

by Danielle Arganbright The Badger basketball teams were in action last week! Boys basketball went 2-0 on the week with wins against Sandhills Thedford Knights and Chadron Cardinals. The girls basketball teams went 1-1 with a win against Sandhills Thedford Lady Knights and a loss to the Chadron Cardinals. They are in action February 13 and 14 with games against North Central and Perkins Co.

The home team went undefeated on Saturday to win the 7th/8th grade boys division of the Roundball Tournament held February 7, 2026, at the Valentine High School. Four area teams competed in the pool-play tournament.

The youth Badger Basketball teams were in action at the roundball tournament. The 6th grade team walked away as runner-up. Their record was 2-1 on the day. Wins against the Gamers and Gordon-Rushville, and

8U Girls 40-46 - Hattie Wright's place is 3rd and has scored 8.5 team points. Round 1 - Hattie Wright (Valentine Wrestling Club) won by tech fall over Raya Janis (Bennett County Youth Wrestling) (TF 15-0) Round 2 - Penelope Geigle (Governor Wrestling) won by fall over Hattie Wright (Valentine Wrestling Club) (Fall 1:18) Round 3 - Alexis Janssen (Winner Youth Wrestling) won by decision over Hattie Wright (Valentine Wrestling Club) (Dec 10-3) 8U Boys 52-54 - Collins Arnold's place is 1st and has scored 19.5 team points.

Lady Badger Wrestling is taking six to NSAA State in Omaha. Reegan Eggert 100, Bayley Burdick 115, Danika Janssen 120, Samantha Sprenger 130, Haddison Mundorf 135, and Addie Sexson 235. Good Luck to the team and coaches!

Heart City Bull Bash Rhett ~ Grade 8 Heart City Bull Bash is a great community event for everyone, because of the diversity of events. First, there is the 5k Run/Walk with the Bulls for anyone who likes to move. Another event that many people enjoy is the Luck of the Draw, which is a fun thing to do. Lastly, it is a great community get together with an event for everyone. In conclusion, Heart City Bull Bash is a great opportunity to participate in a race, try the Luck of the Draw, or be in anything that fits you.

.

The Valentine Lady Badgers faced off against the Lady Broncos of Stuart and lost with a score of 41-50. Scoring by quarters: Valentine - 16, 8, 4, 13 = 41 Stuart - 11, 8, 13, 18 = 50 Paige Sprenger was lead scorer with 20 points, followed by Tierney Miller with 11.

2026 Ainsworth Girls Invite results for Valentine Girls The girls earned first place at the Ainsworth Invite!! Fun Fact : First ever team title for girls wrestling in Valentine! 100 - Reegan Eggert (24-15) placed 1st and scored 20.0 team points. Quarterfinal - Reegan Eggert of Valentine won by fall over Maya Macias of Ainsworth, 11-21,Fall 0:44.