Chris’s Metro Holiday Basketball Tournament Microupdate (1)

The 60th Annual Metro Basketball Tournament started at the end of week 4 at numerous high schools across Nebraska. This week (week 5) students get the privilege to showcase their skills at the Baxter Arena, which cost 88.1 million to construct in 2015. There were amazing matchups all day Tuesday and I will share with you what I observed in this article from day one at Baxter Arena.   

Bellevue West Thunderbirds vs Gretna Dragons

The Thunderbirds delivered a balanced attack to defeat the Dragons by 25.  Evan Inselman Evan Inselman 6'6" | SF Bellevue West | 2022 State NE led Bellevue West with 14 points. TK Barnett TK Barnett 5'9" | PG Bellevue West | 2023 AL (Bellevue West) hit three shots from behind the arc ending the game with a 75% three-point percentage. William Kyle William Kyle 6'8" | C Bellevue West | 2022 State NE (Bellevue West) would lead in rebounding with 7. Eldon Turner Eldon Turner 5'10" | PG Bellevue West | 2024 State NE (Bellevue West) provided three steals and Josiah Dotzler Josiah Dotzler 6'3" | CG Bellevue West | 2023 State #225 Nation NE (Bellevue West) played like a true point guard dishing 12 assists. The Thunderbirds will face Omaha Central next.  

Omaha Central Eagles vs Creighton Prep Junior Jays 

Omaha Central defeated the Junior Jays 58 to 53 in an exciting Class A holiday tournament match-up. Division 1 recruit Jayden Dawson Jayden Dawson 6'4" | CG Omaha Central | 2022 State NE would led the Eagles with 22 points ( 8-14 FG / 57% ), 3 blocks, 3 steals, and 4 rebounds. Dawson was dunking, finger rolling, etc. DeOmbre Brody had 6 points but a crucial six points because if you subtract him going 2 for 2 from three, they lose by 1. PJ Davis PJ Davis 6'2" | SG Omaha Central | 2022 State NE scored 11 points using his midrange game and getting to the free-throw line. Davis also had 5 steals. Jdyn Bullion had seven rebounds and 9 points going 3 for 3 from the field. Martell Evans (Creighton Prep) had an impressive two-hand slam receiving a pass from Luke Jungers Luke Jungers 6'9" | PF Omaha Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE . The Junior Jays played very well and still remain a threat to opposing teams. The Eagles will play Bellevue West next.

Omaha Westside Warriors vs Elkhorn South Storm

Westside beat Elkhorn South by 20 points. CJ Mitchell CJ Mitchell 5'10" | CG Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE and Paul Gillespie scored double digits for the Warriors. Tate Odvody Tate Odvody 6'4" | SF Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE led all scorers with 16 points. Reggie(Omaha Westside) Thomas played solid going 50% from the field and grabbing 8 rebounds. Chandler Meeks Chandler Meeks 6'2" | CG Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE scored 8 points for Westside using strength and craftiness.  Caden Peterson Caden Peterson 6'5" | SF Elkhorn South | 2022 State NE had a monster two-hand fastbreak dunk for Elkhorn South. Petersen scored 10 points on 4 for 8 from the field.  Also for the Storm, Henry Burt Henry Burt 6'5" | C Elkhorn South | 2022 State NE had 9 points, shooting 67% from the field. Westside will match against Milard North in their next game.    

Millard North Mustangs vs Papillion-Lavista Monarchs

Millard North rolled past the Monarchs 74-35! David Harmon David Harmon 6'3" | CG Millard North | 2022 State NE would lead the Mustangs with 17 points 7 rebounds and going 3 for 4 from the free-throw line. He had 3 dunks in all including a fastbreak windmill that impressed! Jasen Green Jasen Green 6'7" | PF Millard North | 2022 State #153 Nation NE looked very good as well. Green had a sweet 12 points, 11 rebounds, and two big blocks. Every member on the Millard North roster contributed. They are a fun group to watch play basketball. Isaiah McMorris Isaiah McMorris 6'0" | CG Bellevue West | 2024 State NE played true. Jackson Page was slick. Elijah Gaeth Elijah Gaeth 6'1" | CG Millard North | 2024 State NE had his moments. Nick Dolezal Nick Dolezal 6'4" | SF Millard North | 2022 State NE set the tone for the Mustangs coming out after opening tip with a powerful finish at the basket. Devin Wilson Devin Wilson 6'2" | SG Millard North | 2022 State NE had 6 points. Neal Mosser Neal Mosser 6'2" | SF Millard North | 2024 State NE stroked a three-pointer and had the crowd hype. Camden Monie Camden Monie 6'1" | SF Millard North | 2024 State NE had six and Sam Lootens went 1 for 1. The Mustangs will face-off against the Westside Warriors next.