SIDNEY, Neb. — Senior Night took an unexpected detour Friday when a technical malfunction at the Sidney High School gym forced the Raiders' basketball games against Gering to be moved to Sidney Middle School. The change in venue didn’t faze the home teams, as both the Sidney girls and boys came away with victories.

The Sidney girls overcame an early double-digit deficit, storming back to defeat Gering, 70-50, for the second time in six days. Sidney beat Gering for the Western Conference Tournament title on Saturday, 60-38. Friday's win was the 24th consecutive win over the Bulldogs for the Lady Raiders.

Sidney (16-4) found themselves trailing 22-11 in the first half before flipping the script behind a stifling defense and an offensive surge from their top scorers. Senior Carli Black led the charge with 18 points, while senior Kayla Westby added 16 and junior Kierra Schrader chipped in 15. Sidney capitalized on Gering’s 25 turnovers.

The night started with a touching moment as Sidney honored all of its seniors in the starting lineup, including Jordan Denovillis, who tore her ACL before the season. Gering allowed the tip-off to go to Denovillis, who immediately passed the ball out of bounds to fellow senior Ryan Dillehay—who had given up her starting spot for the moment. 

Gering (10-8) was paced by Keira Baard with 14 points, while Jacey Cochran and Makenzie Todd each scored 12.

Sidney won the rebounding battle 36-28.

The Sidney boys set the tone early, building a 53-40 halftime lead before cruising to a 67-50 win over Gering.

Keian Kaiser powered the Raiders (14-5) with a game-high 24 points, while Alek Doty poured in 21 and Reid Fiscus added 13. Sidney controlled the glass with a 31-26 rebounding edge and committed just nine turnovers compared to Gering’s 11.

Fiscus and Landon Riddle were honored during senior night festivities between the two games. 

Gering (7-10) was led by Max Judy’s 17 points, with Gage Ruzicka adding 12.

Both Sidney teams are in Scottsbluff Saturday afternoon to face the Bearcats. Coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. on Cheyenne County Country (1340 AM, 95.7 FM), newschannelnebraska.com and the free NCN app. 

Gering hosts Chase County Saturday in a girl-boy doubleheader.