Get Back to State: 2021-22 X-Factors
In this article:
I Last year was a historically talented field of players in Nebraska with a lot of Division 1 ability. With some of those players moving on to the next level, we are taking a look at the teams that made…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI Last year was a historically talented field of players in Nebraska with a lot of Division 1 ability. With some of those players moving on to the next level, we are taking a look at the teams that made the state playoffs last year and will highlight the 1 player, outside of the top 1 or 2 on them team, that could be the X-Factor in getting the back to the playoffs. Typically on a map, an X will mark a possible buried treasure, this article will explore those possible treasures with you!
Millard North | Jakson Page Jakson Page 5'10" | PG Millard North | 2022 State NE | PG/SG | 5’10″ 160lbs | Class of 2022
The loss of two of the top state players, Hunter Sallis and Saint Thomas, took away some perimeter buckets and defense. Jakson transfers in from Omaha Central and immediately helps in both of those aspects. Jasen Green Jasen Green 6'7" | PF Millard North | 2022 State #153 Nation NE and David Harmon David Harmon 6'3" | CG Millard North | 2022 State NE will undoubtedly be the top options for the Mustangs but they will need a strong Point Guard to facilitate, knock down some shots to help take away some double teams and create fast-break opportunities. Jakson has the skillset and should play a major role in how deep this Mustangs team can go into the postseason. Jakson has offers from Briar Cliff and Nebraska Wesleyan.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11466960/Jakson-Page
Bellevue West | Evan Inselman Evan Inselman 6'6" | SF Bellevue West | 2022 State NE | SG/SF/PF | 6’6″ 190lbs | Class of 2022
Bellevue West also lost two amazing talents in Chucky Hepburn and Frankie Fidler coming into this year. The Thunderbirds are still a deep team and will be led by Josiah Dotzler Josiah Dotzler 6'3" | CG Bellevue West | 2023 State #225 Nation NE , who has multiple D-1 offers with more to come and Will Kyle III who recently committed to South Dakota St. Evan played a pivotal role on the team last year as their 6th man and will be inserted into the starting lineup this year. He is a strong defender who can play any position between the 2 through the 5. He is a sniper from the outside who can pull up off movement and knock-down shots. During the Adidas Gauntlet tournament, he showed some dribble drive capabilities which could really open up his offensive package. Evan might just be worth his weight in gold as the season progresses! Evan has offers from Morningside and Concordia.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/14004168/Evan-Inselman
Creighton Prep | Casey O’Malley Casey O’Malley 6'3" | CG Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE | SG | 6’3″ 170 lbs | Class of 2022
Prep lost quite a bit around their perimeter with Justin Sitti, the Buckly brothers, and Wiley all graduating. Luke Jungers Luke Jungers 6'9" | PF Omaha Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE is still the focal point with Martel Evans Martel Evans 5'11" | PG Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE taking the reigns as the main ball handler. I do believe Evans will have a solid year but I believe O’Malley could be their ticket back to state. The top two teams last year all had a couple of elite players that were relied upon heavily. This year there are some strong players but team depth is important. Prep will find themselves needing buckets and O’Malley is an aggressive perimeter player who can make shots from anywhere on the floor but also has no fear driving to the basket. Casey has a swag about him that is contagious for his team as much as it gets under the skin of his opponents. Look for Casey to have some big games this year! Casey currently is uncommitted.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15432628/Casey-OMalley
Millard West | Zac Grandgenett Zac Grandgenett 6'2" | SG Millard West | 2023 State NE | SG | 6’1″ 170lbs | Class of 2023
Millard West had a great team run last year led by Evan Meyersick. With Evan gone and Chase Hultman Chase Hultman 6'0" | SG Millard West | 2022 State NE injured, Millard West will need multiple players to step up. Zac is a good perimeter defender who has a solid shooting stroke. He is a real threat from 3 but can put the ball on the floor and go to the hoop. I don’t doubt this Wildcats team will be good defensively as they are a well-coached team but they will need someone to get buckets and Zac can fill that role! Zac currently is uncommitted.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15439043/Zac-Grandgenett
Pius X | Jackson Kessler | SG/SF | 6’0″ 170lbs | Class of 2023
Pius is led by the Hastreiter brothers, Jack is committed to South Dakota St. and Sam is committed to North Dakota St. These two will require constant attention on the defensive end which will allow some open shots. Jackson is deadly from the outside with his shot and should see plenty of opportunities this year to knock them down. Jackson had a good summer and has gotten stronger with more leaping ability. Jackson is currently uncommitted.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9489829/Jackson-Kessler
Papillion-LaVista South | Tyler Mackling | PG | 5’10″ 150lbs | Class of 2022
The Titans will be led by returning starters, Daniel Brocaille Daniel Brocaille 6'4" | SF Papio South | 2022 State NE who has committed to Morningside, and Ian Medeck Ian Medeck 6'3" | SG Papillion La Vista South | 2022 State NE , who has committed to Concordia. Each of these players gives them a good perimeter and mid-range game. Tyler is a quick and intelligent point guard who can penetrate when he needs to. Tyler will be relied on as a primary ball-handler and find ways to get out quickly on breaks with Brocaille and Medeck. Tyler is currently uncommitted.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15407695/Tyler-Mackling
Lincoln East | Joe Marfisi Joe Marfisi PG Lincoln East | 2022 State NE | PG/SG/SF | 5’10″ 165lbs | Class of 2022
Carter Glenn is the catalyst of the Spartan program and will have a big senior season. Joe had a good showing in the state playoffs last year. He is a pesky defender who is not afraid to go to the basket and absorb contact. He has a solid shooting stroke and can get hot from the outside. Joe is a high-energy player who leaves it all on the court each time he is out there. Joe is currently uncommitted.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15484729/Joe-Marfisi
Millard South | Will Cooper Will Cooper 6'6" | SF Millard South | 2024 State NE | SG/SF | 6’4″ 180lbs | Class of 2024
Millard South was a pretty balanced team last year but did lose a couple of their top scorers in Michael Harding and Jack Cooper. They return Gage Stenger Gage Stenger 6'2" | PG Millard South | 2022 State NE to run point and Lance Rucker Lance Rucker 6'1" | PF Millard South | 2023 State NE to put in work on the blocks but Will could be the most versatile player on the team. He has length and can hit outside shots or play in the post. Millard South needs a playmaker outside of Gage’s natural athletic ability. Will has all the tools to become a solid player in the state over his high school career.