Wayne boys looking for state trip - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

The Wayne boys basketball team is having another excellent season, with a 16-3 record. The Blue Devils are ranked sixth in Nebraska's Class C1.

"We hear about the rankings but we try not to pay attention to it because that just brings attention to the rankings and they really don't matter," said Wayne junior Jalen Barry. "It just comes down to whether we win or not."

Wayne beat Crofton on Tuesday in their first round game in the Mid-State Conference tournament. Among Wayne's three losses are two to other ranked C1 teams and to Lincoln High, a Class A school.

Wayne's last trip to state was two years ago, but their last state title was in 1956. It's a drought they want to end.

"That would be awesome because people still talk about that team," said Wayne senior Grant Anderson. "If we could have people talk about us for something and make some history...but we've got to make it there first and keep grinding. It's an end goal. We'll see what happens."

"Stay healthy, stay focused and stay hungry, I think those are the things we have to do," said Wayne head coach Rocky Ruhl. "And never underestimate an opponent. Keep playing hard the whole time and we'll be fine."

Wayne will play Hartington Cedar Catholic on Friday at 6:15 in the semifinals of the Mid-State Conference tournament at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.