Top Sophomore on The Season
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Landon Pokorski Landon Pokorski 6'2" | PG Gretna | 2024 State NE | 6’2 G | Gretna/Nebraska Supreme 16U UAA One half of Gretna’s outstanding sophomore duo. Landon Pokorski Landon Pokorski 6'2" | PG Gretna | 2024 State NE turned…
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Continue ReadingLandon Pokorski Landon Pokorski 6'2" | PG Gretna | 2024 State NE | 6’2 G | Gretna/Nebraska Supreme 16U UAA
One half of Gretna’s outstanding sophomore duo. Landon Pokorski Landon Pokorski 6'2" | PG Gretna | 2024 State NE turned in an exciting second-year campaign, not only leading the Dragons in scoring with 17.2 ppg but also all of Class A sophomores. A scoring guard that can put it on the deck and get to the hoop but also knock it down from outside. Shooting 37 percent from downtown, the sharpshooter knocked down six triples against Millard South. The 6-foot-2 guard scored 20+ in ten games this season. Even eclipsing the 30-point mark in a 65-61 win over Elkhorn South. Also, a capable passer leads the team with 3.6 assists a game, dropping 10 assists again against Millard West. The sophomore is already good in a lot of categories, but everyone has room for improvement. Averaging an assist for each turnover expect Landon to be a better ball handler and take care of the ball more the next couple of years. Already playing well on the big stage dropping 25 points in the state tournament against Omaha Central. Along with his sophomore duo, high expectations for the Dragons sophomores the next couple seasons.
Alex Wilcoxson Alex Wilcoxson 5'11" | SG Gretna | 2024 State NE | 5’11 G | Gretna
Second head of Gretna’s sophomore scoring duo. Averaging 13.2 points per game this season, Alex is second in class and on the team only behind his fellow teammate in both. The better shooter of the pair, averaging over two triples a game. The knock down shooter leads all sophomores in Class A hitting 44 percent from distant. Dropping a season 27 points against Creighton Prep, Alex hit six shots from deep going 6/11 for the game. The sophomore is more than just a shooter from distant going 20+ three games this season. The 5-foot-11 guard does battle inside with the big kids averaging 3.4 rebounds a game and snagging 10 rebounds also in the Blue Jays game. Even though his role was mainly a shooter this season, expect his role to increase more next season after the experience following the state tournament run. Would like to see him drive more to the basket and involved more in playmaking.
Jaden Jackson Jaden Jackson 6'1" | SG Bellevue West | 2024 State #312 Nation NE | 5’10 G | Bellevue West
The sophomore guard is definition of 3-D player. A great shooter, Jaden is knocking down 40 percent of his shots from outside. The sharpshooter connected on 57 threes this season second in Class A for sophomores. Averaging 9.4 points this season, the second-year player is third on his squad in scoring on a deep Thunderbird team. The 5-foot-10 guard played his best game of the season came against Lincoln High earlier this season, pouring in 21 points shooting 5 of 6 from distance. Jackson who usually guards the other team’s best perimeter player averaged 1.7 steals this season turning in four games of 3+ steals. The sophomore also takes care of the ball very well averaging two assists to every turnover. Jaden will have a lot more room to flourish next season. Playing a significant role in the state title game, only gives the sophomore more experience going into the season.
Will Cooper Will Cooper 6'6" | SF Millard South | 2024 State NE | 6’4 F | Millard South/Nebraska Supreme 16U UAA
A tall kid that can knock down the outside shot. The 6-foot-4 sharpshooter is more than capable of hitting the three, connecting on 53 triples from downtown this season. The sophomore shot 37 percent from distance this season making more than two threes a game. His job this season was strictly shooting but expect more from him next season. Have the size to get to the basket and be a better rebounder now that he is not limited to just shooting. Would love to see him take a leap on ballhandling and playmaking. Couple games I watched he was a little timid when opponent took away the three. Still a shooter that can’t be left open, hitting seven triples in one game against Creighton Prep. Averaged 10 points a game this season, the Patriot sophomore dropped 24 points twice this past season. More experience this year on varsity will translate to a more confident player next season, Cooper will have an opportunity to make a jump his junior season.
Rickey Loftin Rickey Loftin 6'0" | SG Westside | 2024 State NE | 6’0 G | Omaha South
A versatile guard for the Packers this season rather than starting or coming off the bench. Averaging 8.6 points this season, the sophomore’s best scoring game was against Lincoln Southwest, pouring in 25 points. Rickey makes his impact on all phases of the game, averaging 3.5 assists a game, the sophomore is second in Class A for sophomores. Best game dishing out assists came against Lincoln Pius, recording eight dimes. A big guard for his size, he’s able to battle inside for boards, leading all second-year guards at 4.0 rebounds a game. A guard with elite lockdown capabilities, Loftin averaged almost two steals a game, racking up four steals in a couple of games. The 6-foot guard takes care of the ball well averaging an assist for every turnover, expect this number to go up next season with more playing time and experience. Next season Rickey will be more of a focal point for the Packers, having more opportunities to take on more of a leadership role.
CJ Mitchell CJ Mitchell 5'10" | PG Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE | 5’10 G | Omaha Westside
Although came off the bench for the Warriors this season behind a lot of seniors, the sophomore guard played a huge role for the Warriors matching their most wins in a season in decades. Scoring 7.4 points per game for the season, Mitchell did it very efficiently shooting 52 percent from the field, leading all Class A sophomore guards. CJ is a guard that take cares of the ball with less than 20 turnovers on the season, second fewest behind teammate Caleb Bennings for all sophomores in Class A. Fourth in his class for assists averaging 2.9 a game, the 6-foot guard led Class A in Ast/ TO, registering 4 assists to every turnover he committed. Dropping 15 points in a couple games off the bench and dishing out five assists in five games this season, Mitchell is more than ready to take the next step next season. Behind three other senior guards that are graduating, CJ and fellow sophomore cast with now have more opportunity to showcase their skills in their third year. More of an initiator for the offense while in the game, the sophomore guard now will have more room to attack at the basket, something he did very well this season.