Week 9 Friday Night Stars Pt 2: Sophomores and Juniors
In this article:
Week 9 brought about more games than usual with some midseason conference tournaments as well as some rescheduled games that had been previously postponed. Friday night saw a bevy of standout performances from players across the state of Nebraska. Here…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWeek 9 brought about more games than usual with some midseason conference tournaments as well as some rescheduled games that had been previously postponed. Friday night saw a bevy of standout performances from players across the state of Nebraska. Here are some juniors and sophomores who stood out.
Josiah Dotzler Josiah Dotzler 6'3" | CG Bellevue West | 2023 State #225 Nation NE – Bellevue West
The 6’2 sophomore has never shied away from thriving under the brightest of lights, and he did so again on Friday night, notching 19 points on the road against Millard North. A majority of those points came from beyond the arc, where Dotzler was 5-9 on the evening and is shooting 45% for the season so far. He’s got a good looking, quick release, and has definitely added on some muscle over the last year. Dotzler is certainly one of the top 2023 prospects in the state for good reason.
Rylan Smith Rylan Smith 6'1" | PG Lincoln Southwest | 2023 State NE – Lincoln Southwest
Another 6’2 sophomore guard who can get going in a hurry from the field, Smith decided to take over for Lincoln Southwest in the 3rd quarter of their big road win Friday night against Lincoln North Star. Smith finished the night with 20 points, which included 3 huge makes from 3 point range, and an impressive 5-5 mark from the 3 point line. Rylan is well beyond his years when it comes to his basketball IQ at the guard spot as well, he always plays smart. Smith is the youngest member of a good young core at Southwest and because of the group they have Smith and the Silverhawks will be well worth watching these next couple of years.
Payson Gillespie Payson Gillespie 6'3" | SG Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE – Omaha Westside
Gillespie is one of the best shooters in the state, and he reminded everybody why on Friday night against Papillion La-Vista South with all of his 5 made field goals coming from beyond the arc. The 6’3 junior is shooting 42% from 3 this year, and when he gets going from the field, good things usually follow for the Westside Warriors.
Luke Lindenmeyer Luke Lindenmeyer 6'4" | SF Papillion-LaVista | 2022 State NE – Papillion La-Vista
Luke Lindenmeyer Luke Lindenmeyer 6'4" | SF Papillion-LaVista | 2022 State NE is a very good athlete. The 6’4 225-pound junior plays tight end and defensive end on the Monarch football team and uses his size and strength to his advantage on the basketball court by providing a strong inside presence for the Monarchs. Lindemeyer has had a big last few weeks for Papio and kept his hot streak rolling Friday night with 24 points on 9-11 shooting from the field, as well as 5-5 at the free-throw line. Papio can attack you in a variety of ways, and Lindenmeyer’s presence in the paint appears to be one of the most consistent offensive threats for Papio.
PJ Davis PJ Davis 6'2" | SG Omaha Central | 2022 State NE – Omaha Central
You can see PJ Davis PJ Davis 6'2" | SG Omaha Central | 2022 State NE ’ potential the second he walks into any gym. The 6’3 junior has great length for his size, and a great looking, quick lefty stroke from the floor. Friday night on the road against Gretna, finished with 17 points and 5 rebounds, which included three makes from 3 point range. Davis is one of the taller players in Central’s lineup this season and finds himself defending inside a lot of time, and holds his own when doing so. He’s averaging just under 12 points a game and is shooting right around 45% from the field this season and will certainly be a key cog in the Eagles’ offense as they make another run towards the postsesaon.