Nebraska's Sophomore Standouts this year

The season is underway and these underclassmen have been stepping up for their team. Here's a list of sophomores to check for as the season goes on.   [player_tooltip player_id="1131121" first="Neal" last="Mosser"] | 6’2 F | Millard North/OSA 3SSB 15U <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/24-Neal-Mosser.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1300212 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/24-Neal-Mosser-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a>The sophomore guard is number 1 in his class and on one night the sharpshooter proves it. Already experienced on the varsity level, Neal has -had an impressive game especially shooting from the arc going 7-11 against South in a win a couple of weeks ago. Neal does more than just shots also defends when on the court and hustles to loose balls. The sharpshooter started off cold but is finding his shot and confidence lately as the season goes on which will only serve best for the Mustangs. Season High - 24 Points vs South 12/17 (W)         [player_tooltip player_id="1150659" first="Ayden" last="Zikmund"] | 6’2 F | Central City/OSA 3SSB 15U Not only does Ayden leads his team in scoring at 19.8 points per game he also leads the whole sophomore class. Having some experience as a freshman has helped him transition into already a key piece for the Bisons. Not only getting it done on the offensive end he also does it on the defensive end averaging 2.8 steals a game which also leads the team and is top 10 among all sophomores. Ayden is definitely someone to keep a look out for as he heads into the middle of the season. Season High - 26 points vs Ord 12/04 (W)   [player_tooltip player_id="1013235" first="CJ" last="Mitchell"] | 5’10 G | Omaha Westside/OSA 3SSB 15U <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/Mitchell-Turner.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1358137 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/Mitchell-Turner-300x229.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="229" /></a>The sophomore guard is a major key for the Warrior’s early-season success. Coming off the bench he is a spark for his teammates whether it’s scoring or defense, Mitchell shows a lot of potential at a young age. Averaging 8.0 points per game he’s been a major contributor for the Warrior’s second unit production, while also getting his teammate involved with 2.3 assists per game for the season. With a lot of upperclassmen on the team, I expect CJ to continue to let the game come to him and play in no rush. Season High - 15 points vs Elkhorn South 12/28 (W)           [player_tooltip player_id="1131119" first="Rickey" last="Loftin"] | 6’ G | Omaha South/OSA 3SSB 15U <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/20-Rickey-Loftin-II.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1071127 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/20-Rickey-Loftin-II-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Loftin has done it all for the Packers this season from big scoring outbursts to dishing out a number of dimes to his teammates. He is relied on by his teammates for a lot of the team’s production which the sophomore has welcomed. Whether it is starting or coming off the bench Rickey is gaining a lot of experience that will only benefit him in the long run. A season average of 10.3 points per game, 4.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds shows that he’s impacting on aspects of the court. Leads all sophomore in assist in the stat, if continue the Packers will look to make strides in improving their record as the season goes on. Season High - 25 points v LSW 12/11 (L)   [player_tooltip player_id="1211381" first="Kevin" last="Stubblefield"] | 6’4 F | Omaha Westside/OSA 3SSB 15U <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/stubblefield-2.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1358160 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/stubblefield-2-283x300.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="300" /></a>Another Warrior on this list who is also been beneficial to the team’s success. Kevin has made the most of his minutes when in the game, especially on the boards. Erupting for a 17 rebound game against Benson earlier this season and in the second game, he pours in 15 points. The sophomore has done whatever is called for him on the court, and with his other sophomore teammate, I see the duo being a young exciting tandem in the tournament. Season High - 17 Rebounds vs Benson 12/16 (W)           [player_tooltip player_id="1253988" first="Taye" last="Moore"] | 5’9 G | Lincoln Southeast/Nebraska United 15U The sophomore guard has been a force on the offensive end, and the knights have benefitted from it. The sophomore guard is averaging 15 points per game which is 7th amongst all sophomores in the state and is also the team’s top scorer. He isn’t afraid to get in the paint and battle with big which shows as he averages 3.7 rebounds per game, which is top 10 for sophomore guards. The guard is going to be called on further in the season and he will be up to the call if these stats prove anything. Season High - 22 points vs Burke 12/9 (W)   [player_tooltip player_id="1150640" first="Jake" last="Hilkemann"] | 6’4 G | Lincoln North Star/Nebraska Supreme UAA 15U Jake is a solid player for the Navigators, the 6’4 guard has a year under his belt of playing varsity already which has led to a good season start to the season so far. Scoring double digits in all but two games this start of the season, Hilkemann will look to make more of an impact more down the line as the navigators look to utilize the young player more. Season High - 14 points vs South Sioux City 12/04 (W)   [player_tooltip player_id="1131120" first="Daleron" last="Thomas"] Another Metro guard to be on the lookout for, in his second year of varsity play. Thomas has increased in his scoring from last year of 4.4 points per game to 9.4 points per game, as the game has become more comfortable for him. Only a sophomore he taking the game as it comes to him with averages of 2.1 assists per game and 3.8 rebounds per game he is on pace to have some nice stats before the end of the year tournament. Season High - 16 points vs Bryan 12/17 (W)