State Tournament Recap: Class D1 and D2 Semi-Finals

<p><em>Semi-Finals for Class C2, Class D1, and Class D2 took place on Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena settling half of the matchups for state championship games on Saturday. Here are some standout performers from the Semi-Final games that took place in both Class D1 and D2 on Thursday. </em></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="890595" first="Blake" last="Sindelar"] - 6’2 Junior (Howells-Dodge)</strong></p> <p>One of the more impressive overall performances from this tournament came from Howells-Dodge guard [player_tooltip player_id="890595" first="Blake" last="Sindelar"] on Thursday. He followed up a 30 point performance in the first round with a stat line of 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists to help the Howells-Dodge Jaguars advance to the Class D1 state championship game. Scoring 61 points in two days isn’t too shabby. Through two games nobody has been able to stop Sindelar while he’s driving and cutting to the basket. He’s a skilled slashing guard, who’s got a good handle as well. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="890576" first="Jacob" last="Sjuts"] - 6’5 Junior (Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family)</strong></p> <p>Twin brothers [player_tooltip player_id="890576" first="Jacob" last="Sjuts"] and [player_tooltip player_id="890573" first="Jason" last="Sjuts"] are both players to watch for HLHF, both measuring 6’5. Thursday in was Jacob who led the Bulldogs to the D1 state championship game by notching 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in the semi-final victory over North Platte St. Patrick’s. Sjuts is a versatile player for 6’5, and even while dealing with some foul trouble throughout the game persevered to lead the Bulldogs. He even stepped out behind the line and knocked down both of his three-point attempts for the game. He’s a strong rebounder as well, not afraid to battle and bang around a bit inside. </p> <p><strong>Jaheim Curry - 6’2 Junior (Lincoln Parkview Christian)</strong></p> <p>Certainly an intriguing 2022 prospect to watch at the guard spot, Curry did a little bit of everything for the Patriots in their semi-final win over O’Neil St. Mary’s. Curry is a very skilled ball handler and a shifty finisher around the basket through contact. Curry also defends really well at the guard spot and notched 3 steals on the day against St. Mary’s to go along with his 20 points and 5 assists. I was thoroughly impressed with Curry’s game. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="890512" first="Mark" last="Lual"] - 6’5 Senior (Lincoln Parkview Christian) </strong></p> <p>Lual is one of the more athletic wing players in the state regardless of class. He’s got great bounce and length for his size and is strong inside where he’s not afraid to battle in the post. He and his point guard Jaheim Curry are definitely not your typical Class D2 duo in Nebraska. Lual definitely is still raw in some aspects of his game, but you can see the potential every time he steps on the floor. He has one JUCO offer and some others should take notice of Lual as his Parkview Patriots play for their first state title in school history on Saturday. </p>