Creighton Prep Looks to Continue Historic Success in 2018 State Tournament
Last Monday, Omaha Creighton Prep locked in their 57th NSAA state basketball tournament appearance with an 81-56 district A-2 final win over Millard West. After this week, the 2nd-seed Junior Jays could be one step closer in becoming the all-class leader in boys basketball state championships (Lincoln High has 15, Prep has 12). Head coach Josh Luedtke has believed that the Junior Jays would be back in Lincoln since the end of the last season.
“I really felt this team had a chance to be special after we lost to Norfolk in the first round last year,” Luedtke said. “We had the pieces to be special, and we returned four starters and two key reserves.”
Along with last year’s returners, the Junior Jays brought in two transfers in Thomas Faber (West Des Moines Dowling) and Jaylin Hunter (Lincoln High), who began to play after the Metro Conference holiday basketball tournament. According to Luedtke, Faber has been ruled out of the state tournament due to an undisclosed injury. Nevertheless, both transfers gave the team a boost after taking their only loss of the season before their eligibility.
“Jaylin has brought us a defensive stopper and another guy who can get to the rim,” Luedtke said. “Thomas brought us depth at the guard spot and a bigger, stronger, athletic guard who can make plays.”
The story for Prep this season has been their depth. Seven players have recorded at least one double-digit scoring performance in the 2017-18 season. They’re led by the all-around junior forward Akol Arop, averaging 16.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Coach Luedtke said that anyone can step up when needed, a huge factor in the squad's success.
“I think our depth gives us many options and causes the defense matchup concerns,” Luedtke said. “If we play and share the ball, we are tough to defend.”
The Creighton Prep Junior Jays will open their campaign for a 13th boys basketball state championship on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 7 p.m. against 7th-seed Lincoln Pius X.
All stats are per MaxPreps.