Games of the Week: Week 3

<p><strong>Lincoln- </strong>The third week of high school basketball competition across Nebraska brings about some intriguing matchups as well as the season debuts of the Class A schools in Lincoln. Here are the games this week that I am looking forward to the most and would certainly be worth finding a stream for. </p> <p>Tuesday, December 15th</p> <p><strong>Elkhorn vs. York</strong></p> <p>The Antlers are a must-watch in Class B this season regardless of opponent and the York Dukes are always a beyond solid team year in and year out. Elkhorn has athletes and shooters all over the floor, most notably top baseball recruit Drew Christo who isn’t too shabby on the basketball court either. Guys like. Caden Reynolds and Trevor Bills can also score in bunches for the Antlers. </p> <p><strong>Beatrice vs. Platteview </strong></p> <p>Platteview sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="1018738" first="Connor" last="Millikan"] is a must-watch if you’re looking for someone who gets buckets game in and game out. He is averaging 25 points and 7 rebounds a game so far for the Trojans and is certainly a name to watch in the 2023 class. Junior [player_tooltip player_id="890549" first="Tyler" last="Riley"] plays Robin to Millikan’s Batman and together they are one of the better duos in Class B. Beatrice is 3-0 on the year and has solid guard play as well from names like [player_tooltip player_id="982463" first="Elliot" last="Jurgens"] and Bennett Crandall. This matchup should be high scoring and back and forth. </p> <p>Friday, December 18th</p> <p><strong>Omaha Central vs. Papillion La-Vista South </strong></p> <p>A meeting of two of the more intriguing teams in Class A, this game could also put some big numbers on the scoreboards. Central is undersized, but they will stick to their full-court press and play fast. They’ve been led by [player_tooltip player_id="890463" first="Denim" last="Johnson"], who can jump out of any gym he walks into. Johnson is a freak athlete who can get to the rim either to finish with a layup or look to posterize dunk somebody. Papio South’s leading scorer is 6’8 senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="945976" first="Danair" last="Dempsey"] who is very long and moves incredibly well with the ball. Dempsey will be the tallest guy on the court and will have multiple inches on any defender Central could throw at him. Senior forward Graham Cassout is another Titan scoring threat who will be much bigger than any opposing defender. Cassout could have a big game on the perimeter. This game will be a fun watch for all four quarters. </p> <p><strong>Lincoln Pius X vs. Lincoln North Star </strong></p> <p>As a result of schools in Lancaster County not being able to begin practices until just 8 days ago, the Class A schools in Lincoln pushed back the start of their regular seasons. We’ll get to see arguably the top two teams in Lincoln take on each other on their opening night Friday at Pius. The host Thunderbolts will be led by two Sams, senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="958180" first="Sam" last="Hoiberg"] and junior forward Sam Hastrieter. Hoiberg, the son of Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg is a knockdown shooter and look to be more of a playmaker at the point guard spot this year. Hastrieter had a fantastic summer playing for Lincoln Supreme. Now, 6’7, Hastrieter is very athletic and an excellent passer for his position. North Star will finally get to see intriguing sophomore Brennon Clemmons Jr in a Gators jersey after he missed last season with an injury. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="890470" first="Kwat" last="Abdelkarim"] will be the straw that stirs the drink for North Star and [player_tooltip player_id="890487" first="Josh" last="Brown"] should not be overlooked either. </p> <p>Saturday, December 19th </p> <p><strong>Lincoln Southeast vs. Omaha Westside</strong></p> <p>Southeast opens the season Friday night with a rivalry game against Lincoln Southwest, however, their trip up I-80 to face Omaha Westside is a more intriguing matchup. The Knights will be led by [player_tooltip player_id="890462" first="Ajantae" last="Hogan"] is one of the best pure bucket getters in the state, with forwards [player_tooltip player_id="1032508" first="Taveon" last="Thompson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="981702" first="Jake" last="Appleget"] leading a strong supporting cast. Westside is undersized and very guard-heavy but with guys like juniors. [player_tooltip player_id="890572" first="Reggie" last="Thomas"] and [player_tooltip player_id="890571" first="Chandler" last="Meeks"] as well as sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="1013207" first="Tate" last="Odvody"] the Warriors have plenty of options to score the basketball. </p> <p><strong>Omaha Skutt vs. Grand Island Central Catholic</strong></p> <p>The headliner of the first annual Heartland Hoops Holiday Classic, the top team in Class C-2 welcomes perennial Class B power Skutt to western Nebraska. The Crusaders have a very strong roster with guards Russ Martinez and [player_tooltip player_id="1044800" first="Koby" last="Bales"] as well as big man [player_tooltip player_id="1007525" first="Dei" last="Jengmer"]. Skutt forward [player_tooltip player_id="1015812" first="Luke" last="Skar"] had a solid summer campaign for Hoffman Hoops Academy and is tough as nails. This should be a very interesting cross class matchup. </p>