Get Back to State: 2021-22 X-Factors

<p style="text-align: center;">I Last year was a historically talented field of players in Nebraska with a lot of Division 1 ability. With some of those players moving on to the next level, we are taking a look at the teams that made the state playoffs last year and will highlight the 1 player, outside of the top 1 or 2 on them team, that could be the X-Factor in getting the back to the playoffs. Typically on a map, an X will mark a possible buried treasure, this article will explore those possible treasures with you!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Millard North | [player_tooltip player_id="890581" first="Jakson" last="Page"] | PG/SG | 5’10"  160lbs | Class of 2022</p> <p>The loss of two of the top state players, Hunter Sallis and Saint Thomas, took away some perimeter buckets and defense. Jakson transfers in from Omaha Central and immediately helps in both of those aspects. [player_tooltip player_id="787647" first="Jasen" last="Green"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1018812" first="David" last="Harmon"] will undoubtedly be the top options for the Mustangs but they will need a strong Point Guard to facilitate, knock down some shots to help take away some double teams and create fast-break opportunities. Jakson has the skillset and should play a major role in how deep this Mustangs team can go into the postseason. Jakson has offers from Briar Cliff and Nebraska Wesleyan.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11466960/Jakson-Page">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11466960/Jakson-Page</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Bellevue West | [player_tooltip player_id="1031436" first="Evan" last="Inselman"] | SG/SF/PF | 6’6"  190lbs | Class of 2022</p> <p>Bellevue West also lost two amazing talents in Chucky Hepburn and Frankie Fidler coming into this year. The Thunderbirds are still a deep team and will be led by [player_tooltip player_id="1013209" first="Josiah" last="Dotzler"], who has multiple D-1 offers with more to come and Will Kyle III who recently committed to South Dakota St. Evan played a pivotal role on the team last year as their 6th man and will be inserted into the starting lineup this year. He is a strong defender who can play any position between the 2 through the 5. He is a sniper from the outside who can pull up off movement and knock-down shots. During the Adidas Gauntlet tournament, he showed some dribble drive capabilities which could really open up his offensive package. Evan might just be worth his weight in gold as the season progresses! Evan has offers from Morningside and Concordia.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14004168/Evan-Inselman">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14004168/Evan-Inselman</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Creighton Prep | [player_tooltip player_id="1199906" first="Casey" last="O’Malley"] | SG | 6’3"  170 lbs | Class of 2022</p> <p>Prep lost quite a bit around their perimeter with Justin Sitti, the Buckly brothers, and Wiley all graduating. [player_tooltip player_id="981701" first="Luke" last="Jungers"] is still the focal point with [player_tooltip player_id="1235576" first="Martel" last="Evans"] taking the reigns as the main ball handler. I do believe Evans will have a solid year but I believe O’Malley could be their ticket back to state. The top two teams last year all had a couple of elite players that were relied upon heavily. This year there are some strong players but team depth is important. Prep will find themselves needing buckets and O’Malley is an aggressive perimeter player who can make shots from anywhere on the floor but also has no fear driving to the basket. Casey has a swag about him that is contagious for his team as much as it gets under the skin of his opponents. Look for Casey to have some big games this year! Casey currently is uncommitted.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15432628/Casey-OMalley">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15432628/Casey-OMalley</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Millard West | [player_tooltip player_id="1236312" first="Zac" last="Grandgenett"] | SG |  6’1" 170lbs | Class of 2023</p> <p>Millard West had a great team run last year led by Evan Meyersick. With Evan gone and [player_tooltip player_id="1235583" first="Chase" last="Hultman"] injured, Millard West will need multiple players to step up. Zac is a good perimeter defender who has a solid shooting stroke. He is a real threat from 3 but can put the ball on the floor and go to the hoop. I don’t doubt this Wildcats team will be good defensively as they are a well-coached team but they will need someone to get buckets and Zac can fill that role! Zac currently is uncommitted.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15439043/Zac-Grandgenett">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15439043/Zac-Grandgenett</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Pius X | Jackson Kessler | SG/SF | 6’0"  170lbs | Class of 2023</p> <p>Pius is led by the Hastreiter brothers, Jack is committed to  South Dakota St. and Sam is committed to North Dakota St. These two will require constant attention on the defensive end which will allow some open shots. Jackson is deadly from the outside with his shot and should see plenty of opportunities this year to knock them down. Jackson had a good summer and has gotten stronger with more leaping ability. Jackson is currently uncommitted.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9489829/Jackson-Kessler">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9489829/Jackson-Kessler</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Papillion-LaVista South | Tyler Mackling | PG | 5’10"  150lbs | Class of 2022</p> <p>The Titans will be led by returning starters, [player_tooltip player_id="890580" first="Daniel" last="Brocaille"] who has committed to Morningside, and [player_tooltip player_id="1235584" first="Ian" last="Medeck"], who has committed to Concordia. Each of these players gives them a good perimeter and mid-range game. Tyler is a quick and intelligent point guard who can penetrate when he needs to. Tyler will be relied on as a primary ball-handler and find ways to get out quickly on breaks with Brocaille and Medeck. Tyler is currently uncommitted.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15407695/Tyler-Mackling">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15407695/Tyler-Mackling</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lincoln East | [player_tooltip player_id="1235581" first="Joe" last="Marfisi"] | PG/SG/SF | 5’10" 165lbs | Class of 2022</p> <p>Carter Glenn is the catalyst of the Spartan program and will have a big senior season. Joe had a good showing in the state playoffs last year. He is a pesky defender who is not afraid to go to the basket and absorb contact. He has a solid shooting stroke and can get hot from the outside. Joe is a high-energy player who leaves it all on the court each time he is out there. Joe is currently uncommitted.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15484729/Joe-Marfisi">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15484729/Joe-Marfisi</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Millard South | [player_tooltip player_id="1013230" first="Will" last="Cooper"] | SG/SF | 6’4"  180lbs | Class of 2024</p> <p>Millard South was a pretty balanced team last year but did lose a couple of their top scorers in Michael Harding and Jack Cooper. They return [player_tooltip player_id="890602" first="Gage" last="Stenger"] to run point and [player_tooltip player_id="1017540" first="Lance" last="Rucker"] to put in work on the blocks but Will could be the most versatile player on the team. He has length and can hit outside shots or play in the post. Millard South needs a playmaker outside of Gage’s natural athletic ability. Will has all the tools to become a solid player in the state over his high school career.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15413826/Will-Cooper">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15413826/Will-Cooper</a></p>