OmahaHSHoops Mailbag: Second Edition
When we started this website, my reasoning was to connect with the communities of these schools. Thus, I took to Twitter to see what was on our readers' minds, and here's what we came up with.
Q: What can other teams learn from Central and how they beat Prep?
A: Central is a team that can play with anybody. They dropped the two games to Burke, one by 22 points, but it just proves everyone has off nights. It said more about Prep than Central from my perspective. Jay Pal and friends shut down Akol Arop and most of Prep’s guards even though they shot 41% and got a combined 44 of the 59 out of Temme and Leudtke, which says how much they need them. I hope that answered that.
Q: Your opinion on quality of Metro BBall this year? Is more parity a good thing? Teams beat the daylights out of each other...night after night battles. Fun to watch, never know who will win, but seems like a little less “high quality” team play. Thoughts?
A: I left this one in one question because it all kind of meshes together. I definitely think parity is a “good thing”, per se, because it draws people to the gym. As this person said, you never know who’s going to win which adds to the fun part of the game from a fan’s perspective.
I don’t necessarily agree with the mindset that team play has dropped off. I can’t really sit here and name a list of more than two or three kids that are carrying a team on their back right now. Basketball will always be a team game no matter who’s running the show.
Q: Best game you’ve attended this year so far and why?
A: This one’s tough. I’d have to say the best game I’ve been to this year, basketball wise, would be when Bellevue East hosted Papillion-La Vista South. The other game considered here was Central at Burke part one due to the electricity in that room being unparalleled. But the Chieftains’ win took the crown on this one because of the back and forth basketball that was being presented, the chippy play that came from each side knowing what was on the line, and the fact that they raised over $2,000 for Cancer research.
Q: Most underrated player in the state?
Because I don’t have super extensive knowledge outside of the Metro on individual players, I’m going to keep this one in Omaha. I’m going with Isaiah Jones of Omaha Northwest on this one. It’s probably because the Huskies haven’t won a lot of games nor has Jones played in many, but when they scared Prep he looked like a kid who could carry a team if needed. In his four game stretch, Jones is averaging almost 17 points per game to lead them. He’s the type of kid that can find open looks for himself and make plays for others at the same time.
Q: In your opinion, what’s the best rivalry in the state?
Again, I kept considerations within the Metro due to the fact that I don’t have much experience elsewhere. It’s still a super tough decision, but after a lot of consideration I’ve gone with Creighton Prep and Omaha Westside. It’s a rivalry based on proximity, and that tells a tale. Former Warrior coach Brian Nemecek told me it was over the line most of the time, but that’s what made it fun (that story can be found here). There isn’t the most history in it, but good luck finding a seat after 6:30 when Westside hosts that game.
Q: What are your thoughts about Elkhorn South winning state in Class B. Is it a reality or a stretch?
A: Well, it’s hard to tell because they haven’t had a shot at any of the Class B contenders. Sure they’ll be weathered for the postseason, but I don’t quite know yet. They’ve taken most of their shots this year with wins over Omaha North thanks to big quarters. It may be a reality if they can hold up in district play.