Week 9 Friday Night Preview: 3 Games to Watch

<p><em>Friday night of Week 9 features an excellent array of games across the state of Nebraska. There are plenty of intriguing matchups across multiple classes as well. Here are three matchups to watch tonight that I will most certainly have my eye on.</em></p> <p><strong>Game of the Night: Millard North vs. Bellevue West </strong></p> <p>Millard North took the first go-around 94-91 in a Double Overtime instant classic earlier this month in the Metro Conference Holiday Tournament Final and immediately people were looking forward to the rematch. The Mustangs’ leader in points, rebounds, and assists per night is uncommitted 6’7 senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="890479" first="Saint" last="Thomas"] who is averaging 23.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists a night. In the first matchup against Bellevue West, Thomas had an efficient 48 points and 12 rebounds. The Thunderbirds are still the defending state champions in Class A and are led in scoring by Omaha commit [player_tooltip player_id="890468" first="Frankie" last="Fidler"] who is averaging 21 points a game. Wisconsin commit [player_tooltip player_id="773431" first="Chucky" last="Hepburn"] is the straw that stirs the drink at Bellevue West and he is averaging 9.2 assists a night. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="1018806" first="William" last="Kyle III"] has been very solid inside for the T-Birds and is their leading rebounder as well, how he defends the rim will be a key for Bellevue West against a strong Mustang inside attack. This game features plenty of talent on both teams, and I think in the end that Bellevue West will tie the season series at one apiece. </p> <p><strong>Papillion La-Vista South vs. Omaha Westside</strong></p> <p>Two teams looking to regain some momentum for the season, the Titans and Warriors have both had their ups and downs so far this season, but that is also thanks in part to both having faced tough schedules. Westside is led by sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="1013207" first="Tate" last="Odvody"] who is averaging 14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds a game. The Warriors are very guard-heavy and have some intriguing younger prospects in juniors [player_tooltip player_id="890571" first="Chandler" last="Meeks"] and [player_tooltip player_id="890572" first="Reggie" last="Thomas"], as well as freshman duo [player_tooltip player_id="1013234" first="Caleb" last="Benning"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1013235" first="CJ" last="Mitchell"]. Papio South is led by junior [player_tooltip player_id="890580" first="Daniel" last="Brocaille"] who has been on a tear these past few weeks. The Titans will have a size advantage in this matchup so it could be a big night for the likes of [player_tooltip player_id="890486" first="Graham" last="Cassoutt"] and [player_tooltip player_id="945976" first="Danair" last="Dempsey"]. </p> <p><strong>Lincoln Northeast vs. Grand Island</strong></p> <p>This Heartland Athletic Conference matchup features two of the top scorers in the state. Grand Island forward [player_tooltip player_id="890574" first="Isaac" last="Traudt"] is a 4-star recruit for a reason. The 6’9 forward is averaging 21.7 points and 8.7 rebounds a night for the Islanders. Traudt makes everything go for the Islanders, and every time I watch him play I see more reasons why the likes of Virginia and Kansas have offered him this month. Northeast is led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="890550" first="Pierce" last="Bazil"] 20.8 points as well as 5.4 assists a game. Bazil is certainly one of the best scoring guards in the state, Northeast’s supporting cast includes 6’7 senior Connor Rennard who has had some big games this year as well for the Rockets. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>