Gillespie is a 6’3 wing and one of the best shooters in the state. He is uniquely skilled at hitting tough and off balance shots. He range extends well beyond the college three point line and he needs very little room to get his shot off because of his length and quick release. Gillespie spent last season adjusting to a new school that was loaded with senior talent like Jadin Booth Jadin Booth 6'2" | SG Omaha Westside | 2020 State #453 Nation NE and PJ Ngambi PJ Ngambi 6'1" | CG Omaha Westside | 2020 State NE . In his first season at Westside, he averaged 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game coming off the bench. However, as a freshman at DC West, he averaged 16.5 points, 1.7 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game. Gillespie will move back into a starting role as a junior and have more opportunity to show off some of the things he did this summer with the OSA Crusaders.
Class of 2022 Stock Risers
Although the summer basketball season did not start as soon as originally planned, players were able to showcase their skills once July and August came. Many prospects took full advantage of the shortened summer season and moved up the Nebraska…
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Continue ReadingAlthough the summer basketball season did not start as soon as originally planned, players were able to showcase their skills once July and August came. Many prospects took full advantage of the shortened summer season and moved up the Nebraska 2022 Rankings. These are seven players ranked in the top 25 that moved up at least three spots in the Class of 2022 rankings update.
Reggie Thomas Reggie Thomas 6'0" | SG Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE
From #9 to #5
Thomas is a great athlete, defender, and shooter from deep. I did a write up on all the top 5 prospect, including Thomas, which you can see HERE! Thomas was a leader and often looked like the best player on the floor against high level competition while playing for a talented OSA Crusaders team this summer.
Luke Jungers Luke Jungers 6'9" | PF Omaha Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE
From #20 to #8
Jungers is a power forward listed at 6’9 with some guard skills and soft touch on his jump shot. As a sophomore, he was often the 6th man for Creighton Prep that came off the bench early to average 6.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 51% from three. Jungers shooting ability and efficient scoring is what stood out most during the high school season, but he often left you wanting more as a shot blocker and rebounder. This summer for the OSA Crusaders, he was the only post player. He looked solid as a post defender, rebounder, and was just as efficient scoring. He was also a player that could create mismatches and shots for himself against slower footed bigs. Jungers has started to receive some division one interest including offers from Tennessee Tech and Coastal Carolina. He should have a much bigger role with Creighton prep this season and see his statistical production improve.
Sam Hastreiter Sam Hastreiter 6'6" | PF Lincoln Pius | 2022 State NE
From #37 to #9
Hastreiter quickly became one of the most interesting players to watch and increased his stock more than anyone this summer. He is a 6’6 forward with finishing ability around the basket and a pure jump shot from the perimeter. He likes to drive the baseline and is a good athlete that can finish strong with two handed dunks. Pius X’s offense in the 19-20 season focused heavily around Kolbe Rada Kolbe Rada 6'1" | CG Lincoln Pius X | 2020 State NE and the Hoiberg twins, which didn’t leave many opportunities for Hastreiter to stand out on the stat sheet as a sophomore. He averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. This summer with Lincoln Supreme, his teammates kept him involved and he was able to make a consistent impact on both ends of the floor. He holds one division one offer from the University of Idaho.
Jayden Dawson Jayden Dawson 6'4" | CG Omaha Central | 2022 State NE
From #17 to #10
Dawson is a skilled shooting guard that can score from all three levels and has deep range on his jump shot. On an Omaha Central team led by seniors like Latrell Wrightsell Jr Latrell Wrightsell Jr 6'1" | CG Omaha Central | 2020 State NE , Dawson was forced to play the role of a spot up shooter and defender last season. While Dawson is a good perimeter defender with versatility, he can contribute much more than that. In this role, he averaged 6.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 40% from three. This summer for The Factory, he created shots for himself and others. He also looks like he has grown and gets up near the rim more effortlessly when finishing. With Jaren Marshall Jaren Marshall 6'1" | CG Omaha Central | 2021 State NE and Denim Johnson Denim Johnson 6'1" | CG Omaha Central | 2021 State NE transferring into Central for their senior seasons, Dawson may not see a major increase in statistical production, but he should have a larger role and more freedom to be creative with the ball.
Blake Miller Blake Miller 6'2" | CG Lourdes Central Catholic | 2022 State NE
From #15 to #12
Miller is an excellent athlete and combo guard that plays with great effort and energy. He has a quick first step and change of speed moves that make him difficult to stay in front of when he has the ball. His strength and quickness also translates to the defensive end where he competes, can defend multiple positions, and keeps his matchup away from the rim. As a sophomore at Lourdes Central Catholic, Miller stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Miller is aggressive on both ends of the floor. This summer for The Factory in games where others looked tired or disinterest, Miller never took his foot off the gas and kept a constant attack on the basket.
Payson Gillespie Payson Gillespie 6'3" | SG Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE
From #19 to #14
Jake Appleget Jake Appleget 6'4" | SF Lincoln Southeast | 2022 State NE
From #31 to #17
Appleget didn’t compete in many events this summer with Nebraska Select, but he stood out when he was on the court. He is a 6’4 wing with size and athleticism that is hard to match on the perimeter. He attacks the rim with aggression and can finish powerful dunks in transition or in traffic. He can also score by overpowering defenders in the post or shooting from deep. He averaged 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 39% from three for Lincoln Southeast as a sophomore. Appleget is also a beast on the turf and he may choose to play football at the next level, but the opportunities to play basketball should be there too.
Ben Hunzeker Ben Hunzeker 6'3" | SG Lincoln Southwest | 2022 State NE
From #32 to #22
Hunzeker is a smart wing player that brings great effort on both ends of the floor. He fit perfectly along side players like Isaac Traudt Isaac Traudt 6'9" | SF Grand Island | 2022 State #45 Nation NE and Cale Jacobsen Cale Jacobsen 6'3" | CG Ashland Greenwood | 2022 State NE this summer with Lincoln Supreme because he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact on the game. He defends at a high level, helps as a rebounder, and consistently beats his matchup down the floor in transition for easy baskets. He has the kind of motor that is fun to watch and that coaches love. He Is unselfish, sees the floor well, and can finish through contact around the basket. Hunzeker did a little bit of everything for Lincoln Southwest as a sophomore. He averaged 6.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. This summer with Lincoln Supreme he looked ready to take another step in his Junior year. I expect him to improve statistically, including averaging double digit points this season.