Postseason Preview: 5 Players to Watch in Class A District A4

<p><em>The postseason is underway across the state of Nebraska and with the month of March approaching, the state’s hankering for hoops soon will peak with the state tournament in Lincoln. But first, district play matchups which kicked off Friday night with the play-in games in Class A districts 1-3, and culminating with all of the Class A District final matchups taking place on Monday night March 1st. I will preview players to watch across all seven Class A districts. Let’s continue with District A4</em></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958180" first="Sam" last="Hoiberg"] - 6’0 Senior Guard - Lincoln Pius X</strong></p> <p>The son of Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg, Sam is a savvy point guard who makes things go for the Pius X Thunderbolts. The 6 foot senior plays smart both on and off the ball. His ability to finish around the rim has greatly improved this season. He’s a very crafty finisher as well with quite a few good finishing moves in his bag. Hoiberg also has a good-looking, quick release from three-point range as well. A vocal, smart point guard, Hoiberg will be the straw that stirs the drink if the Bolts will accomplish their goal of doing some damage this postseason. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="981708" first="Sam" last="Hastreiter"] - 6’6 Junior Forward - Lincoln Pius X</strong></p> <p>Hastrieter may not take a lot of shots for Pius, but when he does he’s efficient in scoring the basketball from multiple levels. He’s a physical rebounder and has shown improvement in finishing inside around the rim. He’s a solid shooter from 3 point range as well where he shoots 40%. Hastrieter is also not afraid to go up and dunk on somebody as well. He’s also a very skilled passer. There is plenty of potential for Sam and that’s why he’s one of three 2022 prospects in Nebraska to hold a Division 1 offer. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="981702" first="Jake" last="Appleget"] - 6’4 Junior Guard - Lincoln Southeast</strong></p> <p>Appleget is a three-sport athlete at Southeast and on the basketball court usually defends the opposing team’s best player for the Knights. His length and anticipation can help him intercept passes as well as block some shots inside. Offensively he uses his athleticism to get to the rim, as well as showcasing a very nice touch from 3 point range. Appleget shoots 40% from 3 point range and just under 50% from the field as a whole. A smart player all around, Appleget playing well usually means good things happen for Southeast. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="890474" first="Carter" last="Glenn"] - 5’11 Senior Guard - Lincoln East</strong></p> <p>Quite possibly the toughest player in the state, Glenn has been playing his senior season of basketball with a dislocated shoulder. Even when playing through the pain, he is one of the top scorers in Class A averaging 19.7 points a game to go along with 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Glenn possesses the ability to score from all three levels, but his bread and butter remains driving to the basket and to finish through contact. Glenn plays his butt off every single game and will be the key to Lincoln East’s success this postseason. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1131119" first="Rickey" last="Loftin"] II - 6’0 Freshman Guard- Omaha South</strong></p> <p>Loftin has been one of more impressive freshman in the state this season. He’s very athletic and a junkyard dog defensively just like many Omaha South guards of the past. He averages 11 points per game as well as 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists a game as the point man for a very young Packers squad. Loftin is certainly one of the top freshman names to watch in the state. </p>