SIDNEY, Neb. — The Sidney High School basketball teams are anticipating an exciting season as they prepare to face a slate of tough opponents and new challenges.

“I think the boys have high hopes for the season,” Boys Head Coach Austin Lewis said. “We’ve got a lot of players back with a lot of potential."

Sidney is embracing the opportunity to grow and compete, eager to return to the court this Friday at Chase County and at home Saturday vs. Yuma. The Red Raiders defeated Chadron in their season open on Friday, 45-28, and capped a weekend sweep over Gering on Saturday, 65-45.

The boys’ roster includes three seniors: Reid Fiscus, Landon Riddle and Noah Cañas.

The Lady Raiders are also off to a 2-0 start in their return to Class B. Sidney open the season with a 62-11 victory over Chadron on Friday and narrowly defeated Gering, 67-66, on Saturday. 

Head Coach Tyler Shaw expressed confidence in his girls' ability to rise to the occasion.

“We are back in Class B this year, so it will be challenging, but our players are up to the task,” Shaw said. “We're hoping to grow throughout the season and play our best basketball in February and March.”

The Lady Raiders also travel to Imperial Friday and host Yuma on Saturday. 

The girls’ team is anchored by six seniors: Kayla Westby, Ryan Dillehay, Zoey Christensen, Ashlynn Weinbender, Carli Black and Jordan DeNovellis. DeNovellis tore her ACL in an exhibition game against Hershey at the end of November and will miss the season. She's committed to play basketball at Park University in Arizona next year. 

News Channel Nebraska will air every Sidney High School basketball game again this season, with updates from the wrestling team at halftime of those games, on Cheyenne County Country (1340 AM, 95.7 FM), newschannelnebraska.com and the free NCN app.

- Katarina Jallen / Sidney High School Intern for News Channel Nebraska