HARVARD, Neb. — As high schools across the state transition their warm-up music from the driving rock of the 1980s to the rap and hip-hop of today, a holdout stands strong. The familiar jazz strains of “Pink Panther Theme” came across the speakers at Harvard High School just two minutes prior to the tip off of the Cardinals’ game against the Flyers of Franklin.
Harvard, Nebraska is a town of around 1,000 residents, and is 20 miles east of Hastings on Highway 6. The town takes great pride in its high school athletics, for good reason. The Cardinals are fresh off a state championship in six man football, and the basketball team has plenty of potential.
The smaller HHS takes plenty of cues from the University of Nebraska. From their familiar fight song “Hail Varsity” to their usage of “Sirius,” the famed theme of Husker tunnel walks, to introduce their roster, the Cardinals leverage the notoriety of the Huskers to their favor.
As the crowd packed into the wooden bleachers, it became clear that the variance of the pre-game musical selection was in stark contrast to the no-frills, straight-forward offense of the Cardinals. Harvard was able to dominate the glass through the efforts of brothers Noah and Ben Okraska. The Cardinals clearly run their offense through the elder brother, Noah, who is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder.
Harvard had no trouble dismantling an overmatched Franklin team. The Cardinal defense put up a monster first half, holding the Flyers scoreless through the entire first quarter. Harvard was able to coast to a straightforward 54-27 win, and look to continue their success throughout the season.
This story is part of an ongoing series. Throughout the 2019-2020 basketball season, staff writer Carter Wenburg will be traveling to various high schools to compare the experience to Hastings High.
