One Vital Player From Each Class A Team – Part 1

Over the next several weeks, prior to the high school season kicking off, we are going to highlight a prospect on each team throughout the state of Nebraska, that is vital to the success of their Varsity program over the next six months. To start things off, we are going to lock in with the biggest Class in the state and that is the A Class. In this specific piece, we highlight the schools of Sioux City South, Papillion LaVista, Omaha Westview, Omaha Westside, Omaha North, Omaha South, Omaha Northwest, and Omaha Marian.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    The future is bright at South Sioux City High School because of some of their talented young prospects. Someone that will return to this lineup, that made a great impression last Winter was [player_tooltip player_id='1045001' first='Bailee' last='Durant'] at the Shooting Guard position. Durant was a reliable source of production on both sides of the ball throughout the entire year and she is ready to step up even more over the next six months. I have a feeling that there is going to be a few standouts on the floor for this team but the one that opponents really have to worry about will be Durant.     [player_tooltip player_id='766581' first='Rease' last='Murtaugh'] is a fast moving, quick acting, agile prospect that is ready to finish out her high school career on a high note. Murtaugh demonstrates some natural instants, a willingness to learn, and solid skill when she is playing at her best. She has been the undoubtable leader for the Papillion-LaVista team for the past couple of years and that isn't going to change moving into her Senior season. This team really goes as far as Murtaugh can take them in a sense, when it all boils down at the end of the day.     Omaha Westside High School has 2 other prospects that were in consideration for this spot but I think that [player_tooltip player_id='757592' first='Sanai' last='Foster'] could really be their "X-Factor", the next two seasons if she continues to grow. There is another level to Foster's game. You can tell just by watching her. When she get things to really click down the line, she is going to be a really productive player with her combination of size and skill. She just has to unlock that aggressive but calculated play-style, all while continuing to show off what type of motor she has. If she does all that, she is going to be one tough individual to contain on both ends.     [player_tooltip player_id='502341' first='Sierra' last='Thomas'] has been the heartbeat of Omaha South the past few seasons, whenever I have watched her play. Thomas is a PF that understands angles, how to let go of the ball at the right moment to get an easy bucket, and her advantage down low defensively. She also has good hands to be able to catch a nifty pass from a creating guard or she can even dish out an assist or two if need be. Coming off of a solid AAU season, Thomas will look to continue with her momentum and carry it into having a great Winter ahead.     I would describe [player_tooltip player_id='929132' first='Abriya' last='Watkins'] and her crafty handling ability as impressive but fundamental. She isn't someone that is ever trying to do too much but she is still always trying to make a play so her team has success, if that makes sense. Her 1v1 game is solid as she understands opponents tendencies but she also competes as a team player, unless she really needs to take over. It'll be interesting to see how Watkins does taking over this season for her last ride at the high school Varsity level. If it's anything like year's past, she should thrive.     One of the best individual players that Nebraska has to offer at the SG position is [player_tooltip player_id='502327' first='A'yanna' last='Hill'] of Omaha North High School. In open space, it's almost impossible to guard Hill, going straight up without fouling and staying in front of her. She is too quick of a mover and she isn't someone that is going to shy away from the spotlight. She is more than ready to step onto the stage once again this season and make it her own. Something I'm sure she is planning on doing, as she looks into the future.     There has been a lot of talk bit [player_tooltip player_id='305777' first='Elsa' last='Vedral'] and her recruitment in the off-season. Vedral has been a hot commodity in the college coaching world around the Midwest. I know personally I had several coaches reach out talking about her and that they loved her overall play-style when she is competing. Marian High School will have a roster returning that can do some damage but it really starts with Vedral and the kind of night she is having. I'm not sure where she is going to end up following this year but I have a feeling she is going to find herself on a very competitive collegiate roster. It's just a matter of time at this point.     I love the playmaking ability that [player_tooltip player_id='757576' first='Stella' last='Williams'] of Omaha Westview brings to the floor. Williams is an athlete that loves to produce in quick ways, mainly off of the ball. Whenever she catches on the outside, she always keeps the ball high and can shoot the three at a steady rate but if the defense tends to overplay her, she can attack with the dribble. When she catches going toward the rim, she has a plethora of countermoves to make her look easier if she gets stopped. Some players just have the "it" factor of making great plays a majority of the time and Williams has always been in that conversation. As long as she stays locked in, she is going to continue to kill it as their main piece at Westview this Winter.

Over the next several weeks, prior to the high school season kicking off, we are going to highlight a prospect on each team throughout the state of Nebraska, that is vital to the success of their Varsity program over the next six months. To start things off, we are going to lock in with the biggest Class in the state and that is the A Class. In this specific piece, we highlight the schools of Sioux City South, Papillion LaVista, Omaha Westview, Omaha Westside, Omaha North, Omaha South, Omaha Northwest, and Omaha Marian.