BRIDGEPORT, Neb. — The stage is set for the MAC Championship games this Saturday at Bridgeport High School, with the top-ranked teams on both the girls' and boys' sides ready to battle for the MAC title.

On the girls’ side of the bracket, No. 1 Leyton will take on No. 2 South Platte in the championship game at 2 p.m. Leyton (13-0) advanced after a dominant 64-33 victory over Garden County in the semifinals on Thursday. Senior Zaili Benish led the charge for the Warriors with an impressive 23-point performance. Seniors Sydney Fortune, Shawnee Gamble, and Ella Haley also made significant contributions, scoring 15, 14, and 14 points. Leyton’s defense came up with 22 rebounds, 10 steals, and forcing the Eagles 15 turnovers.

Garden County was led by senior Payton Fornander with 10 points, while juniors Ridglyn Stanczyk and Chanley Loomis added 8 points each. Their season will continue in the consolation game against Bayard (9-6) at 11:30 a.m.

South Platte (12-4) secured their spot in the championship with a 47-24 victory over Bayard. Sophomore Jayla Paulsen was the standout for the Lady Blue Knights, finishing with 17 points. Seniors Johanns Frerichs and Isabelle Reichman chipped in 7 points each. South Platte dominated the boards with 24 rebounds and added 5 steals to their defensive efforts. Bayard was led by sophomore Emilee Houchin with 10 points and junior Elexi Nesbitt with 9 points.

On the boys’ side, No. 1 Garden County will face No. 2 South Platte in the championship game at 3:15 p.m. Garden County (7-4) earned their place with a late rally in the fourth quarter to defeat Leyton 53-45. Junior Wilsie Lobner led the way with a game-high 17 points, supported by senior Kade Collins with 11 points and sophomore Javis Underwood with 8 points. Leyton’s top scorers included junior Kaleb Miller with 14 points, junior Alec Watchorn with 10 points, and sophomore Calvin Borgmann with 9 points.

South Platte (9-6) advanced after a thrilling double-overtime victory, defeating Creek Valley 55-44. Senior Quinten Koenen led the Blue Knights with 16 points, followed by senior Nathan Jacobs with 12 points and senior Joshua Estrada with 10 points. The Blue Knights’ defense was formidable, grabbing 31 rebounds and 10 steals while shooting 43% from inside the arc.

Creek Valley was led by junior Lane Brenneman with 19 points and junior Mason Timm with 14 points. The Storm showcased their defensive prowess with 29 rebounds, 9 steals, and an impressive 10 blocked shots. Creek Valley (7-6) will face Leyton (4-8) in the boys' consolation game at 12:45 p.m.

Leyton and South Platte square off on the girls’ side, while Garden County and South Platte battle for the boys’ crown. All games will take place at Bridgeport High School.