High School Kickoff: Week 1 – Three More Games To Note

As the high school season starts to get under way over the next two weeks, there is a lot to keep an eye on. Depending on what Class you are paying attention to and what rosters you are looking at, there seems to be a good amount of change. A lot of teams across the state will need to find some new producers, try new offensive and defensive schemes, and think outside of the box if they want to put together a winter to remember. 

It’s always important to get a confident and fast start to your season. At the high school and some collegial levels, the first few games of the year are always “feel out” games. These contests are put in place to help everyone understand what it’s like to play at which-ever level and where they individually stand compared to the rest of their roster. In the article below I am going to highlight a handful of the best games of Week 1 throughout the state. 

Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!

Fremont (9-13) VS Papillion-LaVista (11-12)

When & Where: November 30th – 5:30PM – Papillion LaVista

Fremont & Papillion-LaVista may have had records right around .500 last season but that all changes this winter. These two programs will return a good amount of personal on both sides and that is going to make their teams more experienced. Not to mention, better in the long run throughout the winter. These two programs never met last season but this year they will start things off against each other. These are two groups that play fast basketball and rely on some heavy guard play. To be successful in this contest, each party will need to adapt on the fly. If they can do that and limit turnovers in their first game this of the winter, this could be a barn-burner.

Marian (10-13) VS Papillion-LaVista South (9-12)

When & Where: December 8th – 5:30PM – Papillion LaVista South

Another matchup of two teams that had a similar record last season is Marian @ Papillion LaVista to kickoff this winter. These groups come into this contest hungry and ready to roll for the season. Marian will look to use their mix of guard and dominate post play to separate themselves from PLVS early on. Will that work? I’m not sure. Whenever you have a situation of Game 1 during the season, anything can happen. If PLVS can get out and run, while having a good strategic plan, they could sneak out a home win to start this season. I think either way, this game is going to be intense. When you look at each teams roster, you can imagine that this contest could be a narrow one all the way through but we will have to wait and see.

Gretna (11-12) VS Omaha-Westside (7-16)

When & Where: December 8th – TBD – Omaha Westside

Omaha Westside is going to put together their best season in a few years if they prepare correctly going into this winter. They have every piece to be a team that makes the correct plays when it matters and they also have the personal to beat up on opponents in 1V1 situations. As for Gretna, they ended last season with about a .500 record and are sure to take that personally. A group that will return most of their roster, will try to build on what they put together during their 2022-2023 campaign. They will only lose one starter due to graduation and because of that, they should have a chance to make some waves this season. As I always say and will once again for both of these groups, if they prepare correctly, they could have seasons to remember. Most people have heard the term, “Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.” I think that holds true in the high school basketball space across the country and will be crucial for these two teams moving forward.