Three Class A games to watch in Week 1
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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…
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Continue ReadingOpening 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 Neb Preps).
Game 1: #8 Gretna vs. #9 Omaha South
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. Landon Pokorski Landon Pokorski 6'2" | PG Gretna | 2024 State NE 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 T"Andre Perkins, I believe he’s one of the best players in the Metro. Flanking Perkins will be talented guards Rickey Loftin Rickey Loftin 6'0" | SG Westside | 2024 State NE , Jacob Martin Jacob Martin 6'0" | PG Millard North | 2023 State NE , Jojo Foard, and Isaiah Jackson Isaiah Jackson 6'1" | SG Omaha Bryan | 2023 State NE (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.
Game 2: #6 Creighton Prep @ (RV) Grand Island
The next game that I’ll be highlighting has some massive names in it. The head to head battle between Isaac Traudt Isaac Traudt 6'9" | SF Grand Island | 2022 State #45 Nation NE and Luke Jungers Luke Jungers 6'9" | PF Omaha Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE 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 Barrett Olson Barrett Olson 6'3" | SF York | 2023 State NE . Prep always gets great play from their role players but they have a potentially dangerous trio with Jungers, Martel Evans Martel Evans 5'11" | PG Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE , and Casey O’Malley Casey O’Malley 6'3" | CG Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE . 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.
Game 3: #7 Lincoln Southwest vs. (RV) Papio South
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 Ben Hunzeker Ben Hunzeker 6'3" | SG Lincoln Southwest | 2022 State NE 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 Daniel Brocaille Daniel Brocaille 6'4" | SF Papio South | 2022 State NE . 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. Ian Medeck Ian Medeck 6'3" | SG Papillion La Vista South | 2022 State NE 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.