KLIN

The Killer Kane

	Nebraska prep coaching legend Jim Kane, the namesake of "The Killer Kane"

UPDATE (3-9-08): After a wild year in which the Killer Kane changed hands nine times, it ends up where it started - with the three-time Class A Champion Omaha Central Eagles. Their 59-58 win over Bellevue East ensures that the Kane will remain in the Metro for another off season.

South Sioux City, the first team to get the Girls Kane, has become the first team to reclaim it with their win over Alliance in the Class B Championship game. It's Alliance's first loss in 48 games.

Welcome to the Official Website of the Killer Kane!

The idea behind the Killer Kane was born....okay, stolen from an idea long celebrated in the annals of Indiana High School Basketball.

Once upon a time a newspaper in Evansville, Indiana sponsored a trophy known as the "Dope Bag" (funny name for a trophy). This 'travelling trophy' was handled much like a championship in boxing (or pro wrestling if you prefer). A team held the "Dope Bag" until somebody beat them, then that team would hold the "Dope Bag" until they were beaten and so on.

Well, the "Dope Bag" died with the newspaper and it wasn't until 1998 when a website called HickoryHusker.com reinvented the "Dope Bag" but gave it a much cooler name, "The Barn Burner." The organizers decided to award "The Barn Burner" to the winner of the first regular season game of that season and ever since, nearly 200 different schools have held the King-of-the-Hill type trophy.

Now fast forward to the winter of 2005. While hosting a sports program on KLIN, John Bishop discovered (more like tripped over) HickoryHusker.com and saw "The Barn Burner." He thought, 'why not in Nebraska?'

But what about the name "The Killer Kane?"

After much consulting with a wise old Nebraska high school basketball sage (okay, it was Omaha World Herald high school sportswriter Stu Pospisil), it was decided that the trophy be name for long time Elkhorn Mount Michael coach Jim "Killer" Kane who passed away in 2003. Kane was a seven time state championship coach in basketball, football and track who was known for his "Killer" personality on the practice court and loved by generations of Mount Michael players. Besides, you can't go wrong with a cool name like "The Killer Kane."

It was also decided that the best team from the 2005 State Basketball Tournament should be awarded the "Killer Kane." After observing the state championship teams from all six classes in both boys and girls, it was deemed that the Bellevue West boys and South Sioux City girls shall possess "The Killer Kane" and defend it the following season.

The rules for "The Killer Kane" are simple. All regular and postseason games apply, no exhibitions. "The Killer Kane" cannot be won by a team from outside Nebraska, only games within the state will count. Also, "The Killer Kane" applies to ALL Nebraska classes, meaning it is not exclusive to the state's largest schools.

I wish we had an actual "Killer Kane" to give to the schools, but we're too cheap at the moment to possess one ourselves. Perhaps someday, some generous trophy shop will design and donate a "Killer Kane." Until then, just consider this web page the "keeper of the Killer Kane!"

• Boys Killer Kane Update
• Girls Killer Kane Update

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