City Preview: Lincoln’s Top Players Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025-2026 season continues to draw closer, let's continue to take a look at some of the top players in the city of Lincoln. This section will look at some players who are looking to build on strong campaigns last year and keep some momentum going into this year. We also look at a few younger guys to keep an eye on in the city. Keep an eye out for these guys as games begin in just a few weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1649847"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691d5bbbaf3cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cruse is a dynamic guard who can really fill up the stat sheet when he gets going. He is very quick with a nice handle and uses that to get to his spots. He also has good size for a guard, which he uses to rise up over defenders. He is especially good at stopping on a dime and pulling up from mid-range. He demonstrates patience in the pick-and-roll and has a nice shooting stroke to go with that. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism should make him an enticing recruit for coaches to take a look at.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 15 games last season, he averaged 12.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and 2.4 apg. I expect him to be near the top of the scoring list this season in Class A as one of the focal points of the Lincoln High attack this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Easton Switzer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lincoln North Star","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='2076063' first='Lincoln' last='Supreme']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691d5bbbaf52c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Easton Switzer is a guy who has been receiving a lot of attention from college coaches over the past few months, and it is easy to see why. The first thing that jumps out at you is the shooting ability, as he was over 40% from downtown last season and displays deep range with that as well. He is the kind of shooter that you have to game-plan around if you are an opposing coach. When you combine that with his athleticism and craftiness around the rim, you get a really effective player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Switzer put up 10.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.4 apg last season at Lincoln North Star as they went to the state tournament. He figures to be a key part of their team again this season on a team that is full of talent and has high expectations. If they get to where they think they can this year, then Easton Switzer will be a key reason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Myles Parker","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lincoln Northwest","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Mokan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692130ab77117"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Myles Parker is a very intriguing prospect that you should keep an eye on this season. He is a difficult matchup for defenses because of his combination of size and skill, which also helps him to be a factor on the defensive end. At 6'6, he is a legitimate threat to score from all three levels, and he has a solid handle that allows him to create as well. Another thing that stands out is his ability to move, both with the ball and without the ball. He is always a threat because of his movement, size, and shooting ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parker averaged 9.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, and 2.8 apg during the 2025-2026 campaign. He was playing some of his best basketball at the end of the season last year and is a prospect with a very high ceiling, so it will be fun to follow him this season and see if he can take that next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Carter McCullough","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lincoln Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691d5bbbaf5c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It can be difficult for freshmen to make an impact on the varsity level, but Carter was able to do that last season. His biggest strength is his feel for the game, as you can tell that the game is not too fast for him, even as a younger guy, as he makes great reads and passes all over the court. His footwork is excellent, as he displays great patience and has no problem with shot-faking and waiting for his shot. He is a matchup nightmare because of his strength and inside finishing ability, combined with an unusually solid handle. He is also a solid three-point shooter, as he was 39% last year. He has good mobility for a guy his size, which allows him to play on the perimeter as a facilitator on offense and to be versatile on defense when he needs to be. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During his freshman season, he averaged 8.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and 1.0 apg. Look for him to take a leap this season as he continues to mature and get more comfortable at the varsity level on a Lincoln Christian team that is full of veterans around him. He is a guy who should get a lot of attention from college coaches over the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nolan O'Neill","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lincoln East","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='2076063' first='Lincoln' last='Supreme']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6920d435618b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nolan is an intriguing prospect due to his combination of size, mobility, and outside shooting ability. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions on the floor. He also does a nice job getting inside and finishing or drawing contact, especially against smaller defenders. His biggest draw is his shooting ability, as he shot 35% from downtown last season on over 100 attempts. His size allows him to get his shot off well, making him someone that you can't give a lot of space to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He averaged 7.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, and 1.2 apg last year as a junior. Look for him to take a big step forward this season with an increased role for Lincoln East in Class A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dakari Wilson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lincoln Southwest","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='2135066' first='Nebraska' last='Supreme']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6920d43561940"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilson is another member of a loaded Lincoln Southwest squad, especially in the backcourt. He is a dynamic athlete who can be effective in many areas of the game. He does a good job of getting downhill and finishing or making plays for teammates. His three-point shot is also solid, as he shot 37% from downtown last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson averaged 6.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, and 1.2 spg as a sophomore. It will be interesting to see if he can make a leap in his junior season, even in a crowded lineup as Lincoln Southwest has high expectations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Paul Hart","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lincoln Standing Bear","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6920cc342c559"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hart was a breakout player as a freshman last season for Lincoln Standing Bear. A football standout, Hart is an effective player on the hardwood as well. He plays tight end and linebacker on the gridiron, and you can see that translate to the court. He is 6'4 and looks to be about 220 lbs, which makes it no surprise that he was able to hold his own at the varsity level as a freshman last season. He is able to hold his own in the post and is an effective rebounder as well. He is also capable of shooting the three, and that will be one of the things to watch this season to see if he can make a jump as a prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During his freshman season, he averaged 11.0 ppg, 5.8 ppg, and 1.5 apg. Look for him to be a key piece on a Standing Bear team that is looking to make that next step in Class B this season. It will be interesting to see if Hart can take that next step, especially with football being a priority. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->