The North Platte Bulldogs and St. Patrick’s Irish were eliminated on day one of the boys basketball state tournament yesterday in Lincoln. In their first appearance since 2004, the Dawgs hung tough against second-ranked Omaha South before the Packers pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 52-36 victory at the Devaney Center in Class A first-round play. Drew Callaghan posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Luke Wright added nine points. The Dawgs end their season with a 16-8 record. The Irish were unable to win their third straight first round game, falling to Hartington Cedar Catholic 56-49 at Lincoln High School in round one of the Class C2 tourney. Joseph Clinch scored 15 points to lead the Irish. Alex Harms contributed 12 points. The Irish end their campaign with a record of 22-4.
