Class A Power Rankings: Week 4
The Metro went at it on the hardwood for the fourth week of the season, and most teams played just one game. But we’ve taken the liberty to discuss our weekly top ten. Here’s what we came up with:
10. Omaha South Packers (NR)
The 4-4 Packers aren’t what they were when they were centered around star forward Aguek Arop, but South is making due with what they have. The Packers have three players averaging in double digits in the points category. Chubick’s crew also has three players averaging at least 4.9 rebounds, so they’ve got multiple assets that will be dangerous with more experience as a team.
9. Lincoln High Links (NR)
After getting off to a rocky 1-2 start, the Links have won four straight games. That stretch is highlighted by a four point win over cross town opponent Lincoln Southwest. They’re led by Sammy Richardson, who averages 13.2 points per game to coincide with his 5.5 rebounds. They spread the floor well, and it’ll be interesting to see how they fare in the HAC tournament.
8. Grand Island Islanders (NR)
Jeremiah Slough’s squad has been in and out of our rankings all year. Every time we drop them low or out, they come out with a convincing win in which they controlled the pace and played their own way. Lincoln Southeast isn’t the best team the Grand Island will see all year, but I’m convinced based on the experience this club brings to the table. They average 11 assists to their 19 baskets per game, so they also know how to spread it around and work as a team.
7. Lincoln North Star Navigators (10)
The ‘Gators from northwest Lincoln will ride into the Heartland tournament with a 5-2 record, and they hold wins over Omaha South and Lincoln High. North Star’s offense is propelled by Donovan Williams’ 18 points per game in the six-game sample listed on MaxPreps. The size of this team has helped them thus far, and it’s not looking like they’re going to slow down.
6. Omaha Bryan Bears (6)
When I spoke with Bears coach Terrence O’Donnell at the beginning of the season, he said that their approach had to start with Javen Udofia and Tre Crawford. But he needed to see defense out of them. They’ve excelled on both ends of the floor, and their combined 40.3 points per game has lifted the Bears to a 6-2 record.
5. Bellevue West Thunderbirds (5)
Chucky Hepburn. Need I say much more? He scored 40 points in Friday night’s win over Omaha Westside (which can be seen via pictures on our website). The Thunderbirds, who’ve won four of their last five, are on a roll and are not slowing down for anyone. I’m genuinely curious to see how they hold up against top competition at Ralston Arena this weekend.
4. Omaha Burke Bulldogs (4)
Shereef Mitchell and Co., who now own four straight wins and a 6-1 overall record, rolled through week four with a ten point when over Elkhorn South. Mitchell averages 24.9 points per game, but he’s not their only scoring threat. The high-octane offense averages 74.8 points per game which is something defenses continue to struggle to stop. The Bulldogs are hungry and legit.
3. Millard South Patriots (3)
The Patriots week two consisted of two road tests, but that didn’t faze them. They won their games by a combined 53 points and scored more than 80 in both. They’ve got a true floor general in Tyrell Carroll who can get to the basket but also makes very smart passes. They’ve got the typical Klay Thompson like wing in Kyle Perry that just keeps pouring in points with an average of 24.3 and a season high of 36. But, most importantly, they have a team that trusts each other and will give up a contested shot for an open one which creates so many chances.
2. Lincoln East Spartans (2)
Week three was a breeze for Jeff Campbell’s crew, who could easily be 5-2 if they weren’t so poised in late game situations. The Spartans have stood true through tests and breezy wins which is something not all kids can do. Two of their players average 14.8 points or more, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play a team game. These Spartans are fun to watch.
1. Creighton Prep Jr. Jays (1)
Creighton Prep takes the crown for the third week in a row after celebrating Christmas in the Cage with a 35-point win over Omaha Benson on Friday. They have Akol Arop, who is good. The 6’5” sophomore averages 18.6 points along with 11. 6 rebounds per game in the five game sample listed on MaxPreps. The Jr. Jays also have multiple scoring options on the outside which makes them so dangerous. It’s your typical Josh Leudtke offense as they’re shooting 36% from outside.
Others considered: Papillion La-Vista South, Omaha Central