     Although it wasn’t mentioned in their printed or online schedules or any any stories, the Chadron State men’s basketball team opened its season over the weekend with a pair of exhibition victories over NAIA teams at the Bellevue University Grizzly Classic.
Before becoming Chadron State head coach 3 seasons ago, Shane Paben was head man at the small suburban Omaha school for 11 years and took them to the playoffs 10 times.
    The Eagles met Bellevue in the opener on Friday and came away with 107-99. Josh Robinson led the Eagles with a 21 point and 11 rebound double-double. Bryce Lamiter had 19 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds while Jalen Patterson added 17 points and was 3-for-3 from behind the arc.Â
     Saturday night, CSC topped Dickinson State 90-83. The Eagles trailed 39-37 at the half, then took the lead for good with 15:00, but the margin reached double-digits only once. Latimer went off for 39 points in 30 minutes on 15-23 from the field and 2-3 on 3s