Metro Holiday Tournament First Round: Top Performances

The opening round of the Metro Holiday Tournament occurred last week, and I've finally worked my way through all the opening matchups on YouTube. There was only one "close" contest, Omaha Central defeating Elkhorn South 68–59. The rest of the games were decided by double-figures, but there were some impressive individual performances that kept your attention throughout the blowouts. Here are the seven best performances I watched in the first round: Saint ThomasSaintThomas6'6" | SFMillard North | 2021StateNE  The best performance of the first round goes to Millard North standout, Saint ThomasSaintThomas6'6" | SFMillard North | 2021StateNE. The senior leader finished with 27 points on 64% shooting and 5 assists in only 18 minutes played. He is one of the more fluid players you’ll see in Nebraska. He played under control and at his own speed against Burke in their opening Holiday Tournament matchup. He provided rebounding, play creation, and shot-making every moment he was on the floor. Take a look at my favorite play of the night for Thomas: https://youtu.be/5YvwXKFNcp4 Saint (#1) skies for the rebound, advances the ball up-court himself, and patiently engages his man and the big nearby until a window emerges and he shovels in the pass to Jason Greene.  Another similar play displays his ability to improvise and manipulate the defense until an option emerges.  https://youtu.be/5r2_2bmJIDo The senior had his way with the Bulldogs, successfully doing nearly everything he attempted on the court. Frankie FidlerFrankieFidler6'6" | PFBellevue West | 2021StateNE The #2 seeded Bellevue West Thunderbirds proved their superiority over Omaha Benson when they defeated the Bunnies 97–47. Frankie FidlerFrankieFidler6'6" | PFBellevue West | 2021StateNE was excellent, scoring 31 points. He was aggressive on offense from the opening tip. He lit it up from three-point range, finishing 6 of 9 from behind the arc. He didn’t just settle for jump-shots, though. He used his length and athleticism to get to the rim. He did a great job of drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line.  Graham CassouttGrahamCassoutt6'5" | PFPapillion-La Vista South | 2021StateNE  Papillion-La Vista South improved to 6-1 after defeating Omaha South in the opening round. Uncommitted Graham CassouttGrahamCassoutt6'5" | PFPapillion-La Vista South | 2021StateNE was the player of this game with 16 points and 7 rebounds. His stat line isn’t as hefty as the first two players on this list, but he controlled the game for the duration. He remained calm when heavy pressure came his way, finding the outlet and relocating with purpose. He was terrific on the glass, rarely losing a box-out matchup he participated in.  PJ DavisPJDavis6'2" | SGOmaha Central | 2022StateNE The Central Eagles beat Elkhorn South by nine points, and PJ DavisPJDavis6'2" | SGOmaha Central | 2022StateNE led the way with 17 points on 75% shooting. He let his offense come naturally, and reliably hit down shots all night. It was his highest scoring output of the year thus far, and Central needed all of them against a feisty Elkhorn South squad. Justin SittiJustinSitti6'0" | PGOmaha Creighton Prep | 2021StateNE The Creighton Prep standout powered the Jays to an opening round victory over Omaha North, 86–55. This game was never in doubt, as Prep jumped on the Vikings early. Sitti is very reliable on catch and shoot opportunities, and punished North for shading off him behind the arc. He attacked closeouts well and the Vikings had trouble keeping him out of the paint all night.  Tate OdvodyTateOdvody6'3" | SFOmaha Westside | 2023StateNE Odvody was the player of the game for Westside in their win over Omaha Bryan. He was the best rebounder on the floor, and one of the best in the first round. He scored 26 points, while only missing one shot from two-point range. He has the ability of a big to stretch the floor and launch from distance. He attempted six 3-pointers, tied for the team-lead, and he got four of them to fall. His versatility was too much for Omaha North on this day. Kyle IngwersonKyleIngwerson6'5" | SFPapillion-LaVista | 2022StateNE Papillion La-Vista made easy work of the Gretna Dragons in the first round. They earned a 66-25 victory thanks to their excellent shooting (63% from the field, 60% from three). Kyle scored a game-high 25 points on 8/11 shooting from the field. A majority of his damage came from behind the arc. He played zone-buster all afternoon, stretching Gretna’s defense farther than they could handle. His excellent footwork and quick, consistent release allowed him to hit 6 of his 8 attempts of the night.  https://youtu.be/AQuGGZ5CaW8