Bulldogs Claim District Title on Dramatic Buzzer-Beater

In a game that will be remembered for years in Kearney High School history, senior guard Brooke Paalhar drained a three-pointer at the final buzzer to lift the top-seeded Bulldogs to a 44–41 victory over the Lincoln College Prep Blue Tigers in the Class 5 District 8 Championship on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The Bulldogs' path to the trophy was anything but easy. Early in the contest, Lincoln College Prep’s defensive pressure frustrated Kearney, leading to a 10-point deficit for the home team. However, the Bulldogs chipped away throughout the second half. Senior Maggie Lakin provided a crucial spark in the paint, while senior Morgan Pennington drained an unexpected and dramatic 3-point shot right before halftime. Senior Kennedi Casey helped anchor a defense that held the Blue Tigers to just 13 points in the final two quarters.

With the game tied at 41-41 in the closing seconds, Kearney executed a final play from Casey to Lakin who found Paalhar at the arc. The senior, who had surpassed the 1,000-career-point milestone just weeks earlier, launched a deep three that found nothing but net as the buzzer sounded.

This victory secures Kearney’s first district championship in six years and brings their season record to 19–10.

The Bulldogs are set to face the Grandview Bulldogs (21–5) in the MSHSAA Class 5 State Quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026.  The game is scheduled for a 6 pm tip-off at Belton High School, 801 W. North Ave. in Belton. This high-stakes "Battle of the Bulldogs" will determine who advances to the State Semifinals at the MSHSAA Championships in Columbia.

Kearney and Grandview are very familiar with each other, having already played twice during the 2025–26 regular season. The series is currently split 1–1. Kearney won a close defensive battle, 49–45, at home on January 30, and Grandview evened the score with a decisive 56–38 victory on their home court on February 24.

KPGZ is set to broadcast the game live, beginning with pregame at 5:30 pm on 102.7FM, KearneyCountry.com and the KPGZ mobile app.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Choirs Achieve Top Honors at District Festival

Kearney High School choir members have once again demonstrated their exceptional musical abilities, earning the highest accolades at the recent MSHSAA District 17 Large Group Vocal Festival. On Tuesday, March 3, the talented Bulldog choirs traveled to Liberty High School, where every Kearney ensemble walked away with an Exemplary rating—the top distinction available.

Congratulations are in order for the Chamber Choir, Frequency, Bel Canto, Chorale, and Tenor-Bass Choir, each of which showcased remarkable preparation and artistry. The festival is known for its rigorous format, challenging groups to perform two rehearsed pieces and then immediately tackle a brand-new piece in a sight-reading session.

Not only did Kearney choirs impress the judges with their prepared selections, but they also achieved Exemplary ratings in sight-reading, a testament to their musicianship and adaptability.

Choir Director Dustin McKinney expressed his pride in the students’ achievements: “All of the choirs from Kearney performed beautifully, receiving top ratings on the day. To make the day even sweeter, the students also received Exemplary ratings in the sight-reading room. It was a great day to be a Bulldog!”

This outstanding accomplishment reflects not only the talent and dedication of Kearney choir members, but also the ongoing support from families and the Kearney community. The district’s commitment to fine arts continues to empower students to excel.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Enrichment Council to Host Black & White Gala

The Kearney Enrichment Council is set to host its highly anticipated 2026 Annual Gala, inviting guests to an elegant Black & White Gala that promises an evening of refined celebration and meaningful impact. Attendees are encouraged to don classic black and white attire as they gather for a sophisticated night of community and purpose at one of Kearney’s signature events.

The festivities will take place on March 21st from 5 to 9 pm, at the Annunciation Community Center, 701 N. Jefferson St., Kearney. The evening begins with a red carpet experience, followed by cocktails, networking, and hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 pm. A seated dinner with live music and entertainment will commence at 6 pm, with both silent and live auctions continuing throughout the night.

Beyond the glamour, the Gala serves as a vital fundraiser for the Kearney Enrichment Council’s Emergency Assistance Program, which supports local residents struggling with rent and utility bills during times of crisis. The program has been a lifeline for families, such as one that persevered through the aftermath of a husband’s heart attack and subsequent job loss, with his wife returning to work to help make ends meet.

Proceeds from the event will also benefit other important KEC initiatives, including Shop with a Cop and the Kearney Family Foundation, both of which provide essential holiday and community support for those in need. Additionally, KEC’s commitment to the community is reflected in its youth and senior programming as well as its efforts to revitalize Downtown Kearney with diverse events.

As attendees enjoy an evening of dining, entertainment, and auctions, their generosity will directly fuel the Kearney Enrichment Council’s mission to uplift and support the Kearney community. Organizers invite everyone to join in making a memorable difference together.

Find tickets at kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org/kec-gala.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Achieve Historic Fourth Consecutive State Championship

Kearney High School has once again solidified its reputation as Title Town. On Thursday, February 26, inside Mizzou Arena in Columbia, the KHS Girls Wrestling team secured their fourth consecutive Class 1 state championship at the 2026 MSHSAA Wrestling Championships.

The Bulldogs dominated the competition, amassing 130.5 team points—nearly 20 points ahead of second-place Ste. Genevieve—demonstrating their status as one of Missouri’s premier wrestling programs.

This remarkable run marks four straight Class 1 state titles from 2023 to 2026. Contributing to this achievement, six Bulldogs reached the podium—a program record: Zolah Williams (105) and Carli Vargas (190) both took home individual state championships, Myla Woolridge (110) finished as the runner-up, Bella Wenzel (145) placed fourth, and Riley Walker (115) and Aida Appenfeller (140) each claimed fifth place.

Head Coach Nick Ward praised his athletes, noting, “The Bulldogs came out hot and never cooled off. In the biggest rounds, they delivered the bonus points and clutch moments that separate champions from everyone else.”

All eight state qualifiers represented Kearney with exceptional class, toughness, and a team-first mentality, making the community proud. The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Ward and supported by Varsity Assistant Coaches Cami Aebersold, Lexie Cole, Caleb Grant Dixon, Eric Marshall, Brett Williams, and Junior Varsity Assistant Caleb Grant Dixon, played an integral role in the team’s continued success.

The Bulldogs’ legacy continues to grow as they celebrate their fourth straight state championship.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

GOooal North KC Launches Summer Soccer Watch Party Series

GoNorthKC has announced the GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series, a summer lineup of seven free, public watch parties taking place at various Northland locations. Designed as lively, family-friendly gatherings, the series aims to bring soccer enthusiasts together to celebrate international tournament matches right in their own neighborhoods.

Each event will feature live match streams on big screens, local food trucks, family activities, soccer challenges, interactive games, and more. Parks, entertainment districts, and community spaces will be transformed into energetic hubs as fans of all ages join in the excitement.

“The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is about bringing our community together,” said a Go North KC spokesperson. “We’re creating welcoming, high-energy environments across the Northland where families and fans can connect, support the sport, and experience the excitement of tournament play right here at home.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, wear their team colors, and arrive early to enjoy pre-game activities and local vendors. All events are free and open to the public.

GOooal North KC Watch Party Schedule

• June 12 – Liberty High School, Liberty, MO: USA vs. Paraguay | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

• June 27 – Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO: Algeria vs. Austria | Kickoff at 9:00 PM

• June 16 – Central Bank Sporting Complex, Kansas City, MO: Argentina vs. Algeria | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

• June 19 – Jesse James Park, Kearney, MO: USA vs. Australia | Kickoff at 2:00 PM

• June 20 – Happy Rock Park, Gladstone, MO: Ecuador vs. Curaçao | Kickoff at 7:00 PM

• July 3 – Morton Amphitheater, Riverside, MO: Round of 32 Match | Kickoff at 8:30 PM

• July 11 – Armour & Swift, North Kansas City, MO: Quarterfinal Match | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is part of Go North KC’s ongoing mission to spotlight the Northland as a vibrant destination for sports, entertainment, and community connection.

For the latest updates and event details, visit GoNorthKC.com/soccer-central or follow @gonorthkc on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.