Metro Holiday Tournament – Championship Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Tuesday evening the Metro Holiday Tournament capped off their championship game with a matchup between two undefeated teams when the Omaha Central Eagles (11-0) faced off against the Powerhouse that has been the Millard West Ladycats (9-0). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From tip-off this game was won in the first quarter. The Ladycats started off the game on fire from the field and that never ended up slowing down. That, paired along with a tough start from the Eagles led to a double-digit lead early on. After the first quarter, it was a battle the rest of the way. Both teams gave it their best and played even for the last three quarters but in the end the Ladycats came away with a 15 points win, 60-45. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The outlook for both of these programs should be positive. This was a competitive regular season game that isn't going to hurt anyone too much moving forward. No matter who won or lost, playing this game at this point in each team's season, is a win as long as everyone learns something from it. These are two teams that should both see the State Tournament floor at the end of this season as long as they take care of their own business. They each have the personal and coaching staff to get them there, after that, anything can happen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the article below we are going to recap some of the top players from each program that played well throughout this championship game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747368"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='747368' first='Kylee' last='Paben'] has been a constant all season long this winter and that was on full display during this Metro Holiday Tournament. Paben, a 6'1 Forward and top ranking player out of the 2026 Class, is coordinated, has natural strength, and is physically dominant in several different aspects on the floor. She has fantastic size for her age while displaying all the intangibles of being a great player. In this championship, Paben recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. She didn't lead her team in scoring but she was definitely a main contributor and reason for their success through and through. ","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["502328"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Omaha Central had a hard time finding the bottom of the basket to start off this game due to no fault of their own. They were playing good basketball, getting open looks at the hoop, and being selfless teammates but the ball just would not go in. Someone for this team that did step up throughout the last three quarters of the game was [player_tooltip player_id='502328' first='Amiyja' last='Hughes']. Hughes is someone that has been able to step in and show out this season for the Eagles. She is another playmaker and solid competitor that this team and coaching staff can trust when things break down. In a game where the Eagles just couldn't get shots to fall, which does happen, Hughes was their leading scorer. She displayed poise and composure when things didn't work out and that showed through until the very end. Omaha Central is going to play several more important games this season and Hughes is going to be a big reason for their success moving forward. ","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["315778"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Someone that I have recently mentioned in an article about this tournament a day or so ago is [player_tooltip player_id='315778' first='Neleigh' last='Gessert']. I don't want to over-hype Gessert in anyway but she went from having a good performance in the semi's, to a great game in the championship. In a contest that was going to need a standout, Neleigh was all that and more. She ended the night with 30 of her teams 60 points and she balled out throughout the whole thing. It started right from tip and there was not anyone on the other side who could slow her down. She was making tough shots, finishing at the basket when the opportunity presented itself, and making plays on both sides of the ball. The Gessert sisters are special talents. Norah sets them up and Neleigh knocks them down. I'm glad to see this group clicking at this part of the season and I'm excited to see what comes next. ","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["299918"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='299918' first='Taylor' last='Hansen'] will be coming over the border to Iowa following this season to continue her basketball career with Simpson College. Hansen is a long Combo Forward in my opinion. She has lengthy arms and big strides but moves quickly and efficiently. She isn't someone that has to sit in the middle of the lane and take up space, she has the ability to step out and around the perimeter at any given moment. In this contest, Hansen finished with 6 points but helped out in a plethora of other ways. She was diving on floor for loose balls, communicating through screens with all of her teammates, and making a constant effort on both offense and defense. As a coach, you can't ask for much more of an effort. In the end, West got the win and Hansen was a productive contributor. Simple as that.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["777553"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"There were a few players that had to step up in this contest to make it competitive after the first quarter, one of those players for the Eagles side is PG, [player_tooltip player_id='777553' first='Aalaiya' last='Davis']. Davis is a 5'8 guard with a shifty handle and above average skill-set. She can create for herself or others at a high rate, while having steady body control while attack the paint. Davis ended this final with recording 7 points, a couple rebounds, and handful of assists. I would venture to say that Davis was a top three player for her team, not only in this game but throughout this entire Metro tournament. Her presence has been known, even if she isn't scoring and that says it all. When things fall apart in big games later this season, the Eagles will need role players to step up and contribute at a higher rate. Davis is going to be one of those players. ","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65970b8b5abfb"} /-->