Every year during the NSAA girls and boys state basketball tournaments, participating schools in each tournament not only are battling for state titles in basketball, but they are also vying for a chance to take home the sportsmanship award.
The State Tournament Sportsmanship Award, presented by the Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association (NSIAAA), the Nebraska Coaches Association (NCA), and the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) is awarded to the school participating in the tournament that excels in school spirit and sportsmanship that is monitored and graded by various volunteers.
Some of the "point additions" to the score include:
- positive signs/banners/flags
- band or drumline in attendance and playing at appropriate times
- mascot in attendance
- team and fans follow site instructions and protocol
- fans leave the area in same or better condition than before the game
- cheerleaders are engaged
- engaged and positive team bench
- advancement points (winning games)
- sportsmanlike conduct or actions by players and coaches
Some of the "point deductions" to the score include:
- inadequate number of supervision
- disrespect toward opponent during introductions
- negative reaction to officiating
- no shirts
- inappropriate us of American Flag (i.e. draping oneself in the American Flag or wearing American Flag as a cape)
- Negative chants or profane gestures from student/fan sections
- Unsportsmanlike conduct or actions by a player or coach (i.e. Technical)
This year, Shelton brought home the Class D2 State Boys Basketball Tournament Sportsmanship Award that was presented to them at the conclusion of the C2 Boys Final. There to accept the award on behalf of Shelton was Second Grader Ryker Province, Junior Addison Burr, Senior MaKenna Willis, Senior Trae Bly, Junior Callee Carman, Senior Sidney Gegg, and Activities Director Ryan Province.
This is truly a "team" effort, as it takes the basketball team, the students, and the community to win this award. So congratulations and thank you to everyone that was involved in the boys state basketball tournament!
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