<p>Nebraska is usually known for it’s football history, but over recent years it has become a state full of high-level basketball talent. Here are the top ten 2020-2021 preseason leading scorers in Nebraska's Class A Division.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="890577" first="Cale" last="Jacobsen"] <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">6’3" | CG | </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Ashland-Greenwood | 2022 | </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Grassroots Team: Lincoln Supreme 16u National</span></p>
[caption id="attachment_1082813" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/395DB2E3-CD7A-491E-B71D-D4C0B6405853.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1082813" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/395DB2E3-CD7A-491E-B71D-D4C0B6405853-300x250.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="250" /></a> Photo: <a href="https://prephoops.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prephoops.com</a>[/caption]
<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">[player_tooltip player_id="890577" first="Cale" last="Jacobsen"] leads Nebraska Class A district in scoring averaging 23.8 points per game. Cale is an amazing athlete that possesses the ability to compete against anyone. He has excellent ball-handling skills, a sweet left-hand stroke from anywhere on the court, and plays tuff hard-nosed defense. Jacobsen is extremely athletic and very muscular for a high school junior. His current strength training regiments will make the transition from high school to college seamless. Cale also excels in playing football too. <br />
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<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">[player_tooltip player_id="773443" first="Hunter" last="Sallis"] </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">6’4" | CG | Millard North | 2021| </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Grassroots Team: OSA Crusaders 17u Adidas 3SSB</span></p>
[caption id="attachment_1082815" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/AD979B88-E567-4ACB-BA81-1FBD60504D0E.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1082815" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/AD979B88-E567-4ACB-BA81-1FBD60504D0E-300x215.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="215" /></a> Photo: <a href="https://prephoops.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prephoops.com</a>[/caption]
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Rated the #1 player in Nebraska for the class of 2021, [player_tooltip player_id="773443" first="Hunter" last="Sallis"] is by far the most skilled athlete all around. Hunter is very explosive yet under control with the ability to play both guard positions due to his height. He has an automatic jump shot on or off the dribble, makes high iq passes, and a solid defender. Sallis is second in scoring in Nebraska’s Class A division with 22.2 points per game. Hunter has multiple scholarship offers from major division one programs. This young man is recognized as one of the best guards in the country. </span></p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="890550" first="Pierce" last="Bazil"] 6’2" | CG | Lincoln Northeast | 2021| Grassroots Team: Lincoln Supreme 17u National 1</p>
[caption id="attachment_1082818" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/5F357A7B-02BA-4503-A21E-BF96BCB201F7.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1082818" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/5F357A7B-02BA-4503-A21E-BF96BCB201F7-300x199.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a> Photo: <a href="https://prephoops,com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prephoops.com</a>[/caption]
<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Pierce is currently 3rd in scoring in Nebraska’s Class A district averaging 18.6 points per game. Rooted in fundamentals, Bazil excels in every aspect of the game. He can shoot, defend, and display excellent distributor skills. Pierce defines the meaning of a true point guard. Already receiving division 2 offers, if Bazil has another solid season, he could reach the next level.</span></p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="890462" first="Ajantae" last="Hogan"] <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">6’4" | CG | </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Lincoln Southeast | 2021 | </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Grassroots Team: Team Factory UA Rise</span></p>
[caption id="attachment_1082783" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/10D6B15A-A564-4B60-A10F-2FD4649CD566.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1082783" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/10D6B15A-A564-4B60-A10F-2FD4649CD566-300x206.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="206" /></a> Photo: <a href="https://prephoops.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prephoops.com</a>[/caption]
<p>Averaging 18.1 points per game, [player_tooltip player_id="890462" first="Ajantae" last="Hogan"] is a nightmare matchup on the wing for any defender. Hogan is a palpable combo guard with a polished offensive skill set. He can pull up for a jump shot or score above the rim if you don’t play tenacious defense. Ajantae is currently the 4th leading scorer in Nebraska’s Class A district.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="773431" first="Chucky" last="Hepburn"] <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">6’1" | PG | Bellevue West | 2021 | </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Grassroots Team: Team Factory UA Rise</span></p>
[caption id="attachment_1082798" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/4893EFBD-302C-4CDB-977A-FEF19F1BA6FD.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1082798" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/4893EFBD-302C-4CDB-977A-FEF19F1BA6FD-300x218.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="218" /></a> Photo: <a href="https://prephoops.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prephoops.com</a>[/caption]
<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Chucky led his team to a state championship last season and is looking to bring another trophy back to Bellevue West High School. Hepburn is a resilient athletic athlete that remains calm under immense pressure and is an extraordinary team leader. Already committed to Wisconsin, [player_tooltip player_id="773431" first="Chucky" last="Hepburn"]’s name will always be highly respected in the basketball world. True point guard! Hepburn is 5th in scoring in Nebraska’s Class A District averaging 17.3 points per game. </span></p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="890470" first="Kwat" last="Abdelkarim"] <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">6’2" | CG | Lincoln North Star | 2021 | Grassroots Team: Lincoln Supreme 17u National 1</span></p>
[caption id="attachment_1082800" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/13903DE4-45BE-4D03-8463-DF16E43AF66F.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-1082800 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/13903DE4-45BE-4D03-8463-DF16E43AF66F-300x199.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a> Photo: prephoops.com[/caption]
<p>6th in scoring in Nebraska’s Class A division, Kwat is a left-handed combo guard that thrives on the basketball court every game. He’s able to get to the rim in traffic, knockdown long/midrange shots, and handle the basketball with precision. Abdelkarim is known for his craftiness and his ability to crash the glass on both ends of the floor. Kwat has a bright future if he continues to dominate his opponents. He averages 17.2 points per game.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="890574" first="Isaac" last="Traudt"] 6’8" | SF | Grand Island | 2022 | Grassroots Team: Lincoln Supreme 16u National</p>
[caption id="attachment_1082821" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/31A4510E-B34F-464C-997D-3715A81E3415.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1082821" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/31A4510E-B34F-464C-997D-3715A81E3415-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Photo: <a href="https://prephoops.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prephoops.com</a>[/caption]
<p>Arguably the #1 player in the state of Nebraska, Traudt averages 16.7 points per game in the Class A district. Standing 6’8" tall, Isaac can put the ball on the floor like a guard or play with his back to the basket like a post. His length makes it easy for him to shoot over defenders and block the opponent’s shot attempts with ease. He has excellent range on his jump shot. If the defense gives him so much as a millimeter of space, consider it a slam dunk.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="890466" first="Jaren" last="Marshall"] 6’1" | CG | Omaha Central | 2021 | Grassroots Team: Iowa Barnstormers Gold</p>
[caption id="attachment_1082976" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/563BF669-B8C7-4F89-B728-834944C17EAD.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-1082976 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/563BF669-B8C7-4F89-B728-834944C17EAD-300x168.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="168" /></a> Photo: Turr3ntin3 Photography[/caption]
<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Marshall is currently 8th in scoring in the Nebraska Class A District. Averaging 16.0 points per game, Jaren is known state-wide as a floor general that makes an excellent addition to any team. He reminds you of Nebraska standout/NBA star and coach Tyrone Lue when you watch him play. Marshall can shoot, pass, and dribble past defenders for strong finishes at the rim. Look for Jaren to continue to impress college recruits during his senior season.</span></p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id="890479" first="Saint" last="Thomas"] <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">6’6" | SF | </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Millard North | 2021 | </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Grassroots Team: OSA Crusaders 17u Adidas 3SSB</span></p>
[caption id="attachment_1016549" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Saint-Thomas.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1016549" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Saint-Thomas-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: Logan Foote <a href="https://loganfoote.smugmug.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logan Foote Smug Mug</a>[/caption]
<p>Thomas averages 15.8 points per game in the Nebraska Class A district. He can pull up for long-range jumpshots off the dribble or spot up and make wide-open jumpers if left open. Saint averaged less than 2 points per game in his sophomore season. Now he is the 9th leading scorer in his district with his senior season ahead of him. Standing 6’6", Thomas has attracted NCAA division 1 offers from all over the country due to his ability to be a complete athletic all-around basketball player. Saint is exciting to watch. Very smooth basketball player. </p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">[player_tooltip player_id="890463" first="Denim" last="Johnson"] </span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">6’1"| CG | Omaha Central | 2021| Grassroots Team: OSA Crusaders 17u Adidas 3SSB</span></p>
[caption id="attachment_1082779" align="alignright" width="215"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/6EDE9545-0BA7-42B6-BCF4-D5D13502AD9C.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-1082779 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/6EDE9545-0BA7-42B6-BCF4-D5D13502AD9C-215x300.jpeg" alt="" width="215" height="300" /></a> Photo: Provided by [player_tooltip player_id="890463" first="Denim" last="Johnson"][/caption]
<p>Denim is ranked 10th in scoring in Nebraska’s Class A division after an impressive junior year season. Johnson is the most athletic recruit in the state by far. If he isn’t dunking on the biggest player on the opposing team, he is making a great pass. If he isn’t making a great pass, he is blocking a shot or catching a lob. Denim plays within the team concept and makes coaching enjoyable. He has improved his jump shot so that will open up the floor even more for his teammates. Denim is the type of player that makes the crowd go, Wow! Look for Johnson to have one of the best senior seasons in the state!</p>
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