OSA Prep League Standouts: Players to Watch in 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had the chance to check out the action at the OSA Prep League recently, keeping an eye out for some standout basketball talents. In this write-up, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the players who really caught my attention and are gearing up to make a splash in the 2023 Nebraska high school boys basketball season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2221296,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","className":"is-style-rounded"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/MarquisToliver-crop-3993x2622-1696132727.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/MarquisToliver-crop-3993x2622-1696132727.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2221296" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Creighton Prep point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1253974' first='Marquis' last='Toliver'] setting up the offense.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1253974' first='Marquis' last='Toliver'], is a 6-foot point guard who attends Creighton Prep. He possesses a unique skillset that includes being a reliable ball-handler. He is known for his ability to drive into the paint and set up teammates effectively. His quickness and agility bring speed to the game, motivating his team to get out and run the fastbreak. On defense, he applies heavy pressure on opponents to create turnovers. Off the court, he maintains a respectable 3.6 GPA. Currently, he is ranked as the sixth-best point guard in the state. Toliver has improved his mid and long-range jump shots in preparation for winning districts this year and for playing at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2221290,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","className":"is-style-rounded"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/BrysonBahl.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/BrysonBahl.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2221290" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1300947' first='Bryson' last='Bahl'] pulls up over a defender for a jumper.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had the opportunity to watch [player_tooltip player_id='1300947' first='Bryson' last='Bahl'] play this weekend, and I was impressed with his skills on the court. Standing tall at 6'4", he displayed excellent long-distance shooting and the ability to score from various positions. What impressed me the most was his active involvement in defense, and it's evident that he leads by example, working hard every play. Based on what I saw this weekend, [player_tooltip player_id='1300947' first='Bryson' last='Bahl'] is continuing to improve and will be ready to play this season. He has been a contributor on the varsity team since a freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2221421,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","className":"is-style-rounded"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Rickey-Loftin.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Rickey-Loftin.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2221421" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Omaha Westside Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1131119' first='Rickey' last='Loftin']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1131119' first='Rickey' last='Loftin'] is a skilled basketball player who excels in both offense and defense. He possesses the ability to bring the ball up the court or play on the wing. Loftin is particularly adept at driving towards the basket and creating easy layups for himself, as well as opportunities for his teammates. He plays in a controlled manner and meshes well with his teammates. Additionally, he has a nice mid-range game. Rickey has been playing at the varsity level since his freshman year, so he has a high level of maturity in his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2221464,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","className":"is-style-rounded"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Reece-KircherOSA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Reece-KircherOSA.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2221464" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1580106' first='Reece' last='Kircher'] with the nice fade away jump shot</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1580106' first='Reece' last='Kircher'] had an impressive performance at the OSA Prep League, making him a player who is cool to watch. He has a wide range of skills, such as scoring from the field, driving effectively to the basket, and creating opportunities for both wings and big players. His abilities make him an exciting and well-rounded asset on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2221481,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","className":"is-style-rounded"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/amari-Rahaman.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/amari-Rahaman.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2221481" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Millard North guard [player_tooltip player_id='1926211' first='Amari' last='Rahaman']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had the pleasure of watching [player_tooltip player_id='1926211' first='Amari' last='Rahaman'] play twice this summer. He is a guard who can breeze past defenders with ease. Makes his presence known on both offense and defense. He is a physical player that has a slick crossover dribble that allows him to finish at the rim or set up teammates with smooth passes. Rahaman has been on point each time I've seen him play. It's clear that he is ready to take on a more significant role this upcoming season. Amari's skills and determination make him a player to watch out for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->