The Winnebago Indians celebrate after winning the Class C-1 state title. Photo by Andy Kendeigh / KETV / Twitter

The boys basketball team from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska won the Class C-1 state title over the weekend, their first championship victory in 75 years.

The Winnebago Indians defeated the number two-ranked Columbus Scotus by a score of 66-51 on Saturday to secure the title. A large contingent from the reservation, about a two-hour drive from the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, cheered on the team.

“It’s great to go out like this. This is how I wanted to go out," senior Mathew Wingett, who scored 22 points in the final game, told NE Prep Zone.

The team defeated the Wahoo Warriors 66-50 in the opening game on Thursday. The win was briefly marred by a broadcaster who made a racial comment on air that led to an apology from WahooSportsOnline.

On Friday, the Winnebago Indians continued their streak by defeating Grand Island Central Catholic by a score of 69-63.

Get the Story:
Boys C-1 state basketball: Winnebago caps amazing run with title (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/15)
Class C-1: Winnebago wins first title in 75 years by beating Scotus (NE Prep Zone 3/15)
Notes: Perfect fourth for Winnebago was no slam dunk (NE Prep Zone 3/14)
Class C-1: Winnebago headed to final after getting by GICC (NE Prep Zone 3/13)

Some Opinions:
Emmy Scott: Winnebago Indians Basketball Team Are Living Legends (Last Real Indians 3/15)
Dirk Chatelain: Fueled by love and hate, Winnebago wins respect (The Omaha World-Herald 3/13)
Dirk Chatelain: Winnebago’s ‘heart’ playing for his father (The Omaha World-Herald 3/13)

Related Stories:
Kevin Abourezk: Racist remark mars Winnebago Tribe team win (3/13)
Basketball team from Winnebago Tribe aims for tournament win (3/12)