Three Class A games to watch in Week 1

<p>Opening day has come and there are some great games on the slate tonight to start off the season. Here I highlight three games, in particular, you should that you should keep an eye on or attend if you’re in the area! (Note: Ratings are from the recent Coaches Poll from <a href="https://nebpreps.com/boys-basketball-coaches-poll-11-28-21/">Neb Preps).</a></p> <p><strong>Game 1: #8 Gretna vs. #9 Omaha South </strong></p> <p>A massive showdown between two top ten teams starts off this games of the week list. Gretna returns most of their young lineup from a year ago that just missed state. [player_tooltip player_id="1131116" first="Landon" last="Pokorski"] is the headliner for Gretna and will lead what should be a balanced attack for the Dragons. Omaha South will be much improved from a year ago and have a number of difference-makers on their squad. The headliner for the Packers might be [player_tooltip player_id="1300952" first="T’Andre" last="Perkins"], I believe he’s one of the best players in the Metro. Flanking Perkins will be talented guards [player_tooltip player_id="1131119" first="Rickey" last="Loftin"], [player_tooltip player_id="1152113" first="Jacob" last="Martin"], Jojo Foard, and [player_tooltip player_id="1154474" first="Isaiah" last="Jackson"] (amongst even more solid guards). Both teams play a unique style of basketball and will be looking to make a statement win to start the season! According to Gretna’s basketball site, this game will tip-off at Omaha North at 5:30. </p> <p><strong>Game 2: #6 Creighton Prep @ (RV) Grand Island </strong></p> <p>The next game that I’ll be highlighting has some massive names in it. The head to head battle between [player_tooltip player_id="890574" first="Isaac" last="Traudt"] and [player_tooltip player_id="981701" first="Luke" last="Jungers"] will be intriguing to watch. The story for Grand Island will be to see who can step up after Traudt and make some big plays for this squad. They’ll have good options with guys like Dylan Sextro and transfer [player_tooltip player_id="1162980" first="Barrett" last="Olson"]. Prep always gets great play from their role players but they have a potentially dangerous trio with Jungers, [player_tooltip player_id="1235576" first="Martel" last="Evans"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1199906" first="Casey" last="O’Malley"]. The Junior Jays are always well-coached and those three players will be key if they want to secure a win in hostile territory. The Islanders will be at home and I know from experience how loud that gym can get when fans show out. They’ll look to pull off the early upset and climb up the food chain. You won’t want to miss this one, this game will start at 7:30. </p> <p><strong>Game 3: #7 Lincoln Southwest vs. (RV) Papio South </strong></p> <p>The final game that I’ll be highlighting is the massive matchup between the Silverhawks and Titans. The Silverhawks are hungry to prove themselves this year after battling injuries most of last season. The headliner for them for will be [player_tooltip player_id="981706" first="Ben" last="Hunzeker"] and his diverse play. He’ll set the tone on both sides of the ball and will be most likely be tasked with guarding Papio South’s [player_tooltip player_id="890580" first="Daniel" last="Brocaille"]. They were AAU teammates this past summer so it should be a fun matchup for both. Brocaille is one of the best shooters in the state and will be a force all season in Class A. [player_tooltip player_id="1235584" first="Ian" last="Medeck"] should build on a nice summer this season as well. The Silverhawks will be at home and no doubt that gym will be rocking. The Titans will look to prove that they already belonged in the top ten. If you want to see some high-energy basketball then this game will be one to checkout! The game kicks off at 7:30 in Lincoln. </p>