Friday Night Preview: Games to Watch

<p><em>An intriguing slate across the state awaits Friday night which includes the season debuts for the Class A schools in Lincoln. Here are some of the matchups you should keep your eye on and previews of each. </em></p> <p><strong>Game of the Night: Omaha Central vs. Papillion La-Vista South</strong></p> <p>Two undefeated teams will meet in Downtown Omaha as the Titans visit traditional power Omaha Central. Papio South is led by the trio of 6’7 senior [player_tooltip player_id="945976" first="Danair" last="Dempsey"], 6’7 senior Graham Cassout, and 6’4 junior [player_tooltip player_id="890580" first="Daniel" last="Brocaille"]. Dempsey is averaging 20 points per game on 77% from the field so far. A lengthy 6’7, Dempsey is incredibly agile and athletic. Cassout has a chance to be one of the biggest breakout candidates of the year. He has started the season averaging 15.5 points game on 59% from the field and 56% from 3 point range. Cassout has great length and a good looking shot. Brocaile is one of the toughest guards in the state, and had a solid summer for Team Factory. He’s a name to watch in the 2022 class. Central is led by one of the top uncommitted 2021 prospects in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="890463" first="Denim" last="Johnson"] who is averaging 15 points a game along with 6 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Johnson is possibly the most athletic guard in the state and can jump out of any gym he walks into. Central also features one of the most intriguing 2022 prospects in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="890589" first="Jayden" last="Dawson"] whose athleticism and consistency from 3 makes him a name to watch for sure. Papio South will have a significant size advantage on Central and I will be very interested to see how the Titans attack Central’s full-court press. </p> <p><strong>Other Top Matchups</strong></p> <p><strong>Lincoln Pius X vs. Lincoln North Star</strong></p> <p>The top two teams in both the Heartland Athletic Conference and the city of Lincoln get to start their seasons facing one another. Pius has the pieces to be dangerous with solid depth across the board and a good amount of size. Sam Hastrieter had a great summer for Lincoln Supreme and will look to carry that momentum into the high school season. Pius will be able to protect the rim with Hastrieter at 6’7, his twin brother Jack, as well as 6’8 senior [player_tooltip player_id="1031431" first="Blake" last="Daberkow"] and 6’6 senior Jake Griesen. 6’5 junior Brady Christiansen should see his role expand this year and it could lead to big scoring nights this winter. The Thunderbolt offense will be run by senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id="958180" first="Sam" last="Hoiberg"] who has shown the ability to score both inside and out. North Star has one of the better backcourts in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="890470" first="Kwat" last="Abdelkarim"] and [player_tooltip player_id="890487" first="Josh" last="Brown"]. 6’6 sophomore Brennon Clemmons Jr will have plenty of big nights for the Gators this year and is near the top of the board for 2023 prospects in the state. </p> <p><strong>Lincoln Southeast vs. Lincoln Southwest </strong></p> <p>Southeast senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="890462" first="Ajantae" last="Hogan"] averaged upwards of 20 points a game last season and will once again be a candidate to be one of the top scorers in the state. Southeast’s supporting cast features some very athletic returning multi-sport athletes in guards McGinnes Scheider, Derek Branch, and [player_tooltip player_id="981702" first="Jake" last="Appleget"]. 6’4 senior [player_tooltip player_id="1032508" first="Taveon" last="Thompson"] had a great summer for OSA Porter and followed it up with a solid football season as well, his athleticism alone will make him an impact player for the Knights. Southwest returns their entire core from last season led by junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="981700" first="Jared" last="Bohrer"] who is one of the better shooters in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="981706" first="Ben" last="Hunzeker"] is the state’s ultimate glue guy, who may not stick out right away, but he is always making the right plays, diving for loose balls, and making the right cuts. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="1013219" first="Rylan" last="Smith"] also can shoot the lights out from distance and is near the top of our board for 2023 prospects in the state. </p> <p><strong>Lincoln Christian vs. Grand Island Central Catholic</strong></p> <p>GICC is one of the more intriguing teams in the state regardless of classification. Doane commit [player_tooltip player_id="1044800" first="Koby" last="Bales"] and Russ Martinez man the backcourt. Brothers [player_tooltip player_id="1007525" first="Dei" last="Jengmer"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1049513" first="Gil" last="Jengmer"] give the Crusaders a post presence that’s very impressive for Nebraska High School teams. Both have received NAIA and GPAC interest. Lincoln Christian will be led by 6’7 Drew Beukelman is a very good athlete and will be coming into this game off a 28 point outing against Lincoln Luthern where his highlight of the night was catching and finishing an emphatic alley-oop dunk. Christian also has a 7’0 junior big man in Easton Marshbanks. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>