Three area teams will be playing in next week's boys state basketball tournament, as Aurora, Giltner and High Plains all made the final cut. Hampton's boys also had a shot in district finals, but lost 59-39 to Falls City Sacred Heart to end their season.

Aurora edged Hastings by three points, 45-42, in a cliffhanger that went down to the buzzer. The 16-6 Huskies are the No. 6 seed and will play Scottsbluff (22-3) in opening round play March 8 at Pershing. That game begins at 8:45 p.m.

 

Giltner remains undefeated after winning the district title with a 47-36 win over Loomis. The defending state champions will open the D2 tournament against Hayes Center (16-7) in a 9 a.m. game at Lincoln Northeast.

High Plains lost 82-60 to Humphrey St. Francis in the district final, but earned a wildcard ticket to state. The No. 7-seed Storm will face 22-1 Paxton in first-round action, scheduled for a 2 p.m. start at Lincoln East.