Friday Notebook from the Star City Classic
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The talent in attendance at the Kinetic Sports Complex in Lincoln this weekend is pretty remarkable. Brad Beal Elite, KC Run GMC, SSA Elite. This article will focus strictly on the programs from Nebraska, though, as they had plenty of…
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Continue ReadingThe talent in attendance at the Kinetic Sports Complex in Lincoln this weekend is pretty remarkable. Brad Beal Elite, KC Run GMC, SSA Elite. This article will focus strictly on the programs from Nebraska, though, as they had plenty of excellent performances.
15U Notes
The first game of the evening was an intriguing matchup at the 15U level, Nebraska Supreme UAA vs. OSA Crusaders 3SSB. OSA controlled this one for most of the game. We know how well this OSA group can shoot it, but I was impressed with their defensive intensity in all their games Friday night. Particularly in this matchup, they were sending hard-doubles and recovering well. Caleb Benning Caleb Benning 5'10" | CG Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE played excellent defense, proving he is the state’s best on that end in the 2024 class. He pressed full court and came up with several steals in the backcourt by bodying up his man and using his length to poke the ball out. In the last 10 minutes, OSA went cold from the field, and Landon Pokorski Landon Pokorski 6'2" | PG Gretna | 2024 State NE heated up for Nebraska Supreme, putting Supreme right back into the game. A few tough buckets from Marcus Glock Marcus Glock 6'4" | SF Wahoo | 2024 State NE and Rickey Loftin Rickey Loftin 6'0" | SG Westside | 2024 State NE down the stretch ultimately got it done for the Crusaders, and OSA held on to win 46–45.
OSA 15U played a talented, and large KC Run GMC squad in their second game of the evening. OSA was outmatched in size and physicality from start to finish. They had difficulty keeping Run GMC out of the paint due to the size disadvantage, and they found themselves down double digits early. After struggling in the first game, Neal Mosser Neal Mosser 6'2" | SG Millard North | 2024 State NE bounced back by having a great rebounding performance and hitting a few huge three-pointers in the second half. Maverick Binder Maverick Binder 5'11" | SG Auburn | 2024 State NE of Auburn took over for stretches on both ends. He played excellent defense at the point of attack, and he bailed out his team with tough jumpers when the OSA offense was struggling. Will Cooper Will Cooper 6'6" | SF Millard South | 2024 State NE also deserves a shout out. He is a sharpshooter off the catch, which he showed from his very first appearance for Millard South. Since then, he has grown more comfortable on the court and more willing to freelance and take risks. He came up with at least half a dozen blocks/steals/deflections as the weakside help in his two games. Cooper has solid size, and when he noticed some of his smaller teammates stuck in a bad matchup, he sent help at precisely the right time.
16U Notes
I got a chance to check out OSA’s 16U 3SSB for the first time this summer. It felt like Pryce Sandfort (Waukee) didn’t miss a shot all evening. He is an elite shooter with size, who can also drive and finish through traffic. After missing most of the high school season to injury, Tate Odvody Tate Odvody 6'4" | SF Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE is beginning to recapture his mojo on the court. It appears he has put some time in the weight room, and it paid off Friday. He is a physical, bouncy rebounder, and willing to do the dirty work. He was especially impactful in their blowout win over Brad Beal Elite. He had four And-1’s in the second half, by my count. Play of the night goes to Connor Millikan Connor Millikan 6'1" | CG Platteview | 2023 State NE , who got his first poster right before the first half buzzer.
https://twitter.com/ConnorMillikan/status/1388335316566749188?s=20
I watched a half of Sal Elite’s 16U squad, and I continue to be impressed with Omaha North wing Ta’ndre Perkins. He is a two-way slasher with some impressive athleticism. His defensive versatility might be his best asset, and it’s clear he loves to compete on the court. If someone scores on him he takes it personally, learns from the rep, and comes ready on the next possession.
17U Notes
Jason Greene made his Nebraska Supreme debut Friday night against SSA Elite Black, and had a nice showing off the bench. William Kyle William Kyle 6'8" | C Bellevue West | 2022 State NE was a monster on the glass, grabbing everything in range. He also stepped out and hit a three-pointer, after not attempting one from distance all year for Bellevue West. It was also nice to see Sam Hastreiter Sam Hastreiter 6'6" | PF Lincoln Pius | 2022 State NE back in uniform after missing the first few weekends to injury. He also provided great rebounding, and his skill set allows him to grab the board and lead the break with either the dribble or the hit ahead pass.