Holiday Hoopers: Northeast Nebraska’s Top Performers
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After a five-day Christmas break, teams across the state were ready to hit the hardwood last week with holiday tournaments. Here are some of the top performances and a brief breakdown from players across Northeast Nebraska. Check back for more…
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Continue ReadingAfter a five-day Christmas break, teams across the state were ready to hit the hardwood last week with holiday tournaments. Here are some of the top performances and a brief breakdown from players across Northeast Nebraska. Check back for more in depth breakdowns as the week progresses.
2023s
Hannah Baumgart Hannah Baumgart 5'3" | CG St. Francis | 2023 State NE (2023) | 5-3 CG | St. Francis
22 points in a 49-41 win over Wynot
Energetic and saavy, Baumgart uses her speed and quick hands to force turnovers and start fast breaks for Humphrey St. Francis. A knockdown shooter, Baumgart had a big scoring night in a win over D-2 foe Wynot last week.
Emma Baumgart Emma Baumgart 5'3" | CG St. Francis | 2023 State NE (2023) | 5-3 CG | St. Francis
14 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 steals in a 49-41 win over Wynot
Similar to her twin sister, Emma Baumgart Emma Baumgart 5'3" | CG St. Francis | 2023 State NE doesnt have the size, but makes a big impact nonetheless. Her double-double with 12 rebounds gives you an idea of just how active and big of an impact she makes.
Makenna Noecker (2023) | 5-8 CG | Cedar Catholic
22 points in a 59-32 win over LCC
24 points in a 51-40 win over Plainview
A volume scorer who can really shoot the basketball, Noecker continued her blazing start to the year into the Northeast Nebraska Shootoutout in Wayne. She can score at all three levels and is deadly from deep.
Brooklyn Kruse Brooklyn Kruse 6'3" | C Wayne | 2023 State NE (2023) | 6-3 C | Wayne
18 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks in a 45-43 win over Plainview
21 points, 5 blocks in a 55-40 win over Auburn
One of the highest-ranked post players in the class, Kruse had some dominant performances last week. With her length and athleticism, she really makes her impact felt on both sides of the court. Her averages speak for the kind of season she’s having at 17ppg, 7.6rpg, and 3.4 bpg.
2024s
Madison Abbenhaus Madison Abbenhaus 5'5" | PG Bloomfield | 2024 State NE (2024) | 5-8 CG | Bloomfield
40 points in a 73-64 win over Creighton
The performance of the week goes to Bloomfield junior guard Madison Abbenhaus Madison Abbenhaus 5'5" | PG Bloomfield | 2024 State NE . The 5’7 junior has a knack for getting by defenders and getting to the hoop. With the handles to go either way and make a dribble move to shake defenders, and an ability to finish around and thru defenders with either hand, Abbenhaus is a real offensive threat. However, it’s not just scoring with the 2024 standout; her passing abilities and court vision really stick out.
Josilyn Miller Josilyn Miller 5'9" | CG Verdigre Public School | 2024 State NE (2024) | 5-7 CG | Niobrara-Verdigre
20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals in a 55-36 win over Stuart
27 points, 8 rebounds in a 63-32 win over Osmond-Randolph
Just a week after tallying her 1000th point just seven games into her junior year, Miller dominated the Randolph Holiday Tournament. The 5’9 guard uses athleticism and length to create turnovers for her team leading to layups. A great finisher around the hoop, and a threat to knock down an open jumper, Miller impacts the game in a variety of ways.
Chloe Hanel Chloe Hanel 5'11" | CG Clarkson/Leigh | 2024 State NE (2024) | 5-11 CG | Clarkson-Leigh
22 points in a 72-23 win over Fillmore Central
25 points in a 55-22 win over Fullerton
No shocker that Clarkson-Leigh star Chloe Hanel Chloe Hanel 5'11" | CG Clarkson/Leigh | 2024 State NE put up big numbers in their blowout wins at the Shelby-Rising City Holiday Tournament. One of the top players in her class, Hanel continues to display her dominance for Clarkson-Leigh. A high basketball IQ, Hanel can get other teammates involved or put up volume scoring depending on the matchup. Her skill level parlayed with great athleticism makes her a matchup nightmare.
2025s
JJ Black JJ Black 6'2" | C Elkhorn Valley | 2025 State NE (2025) | 6-2 C | Elkhorn Valley
14 points, 11 rebounds, 10 blocks in a 36-27 win over Battle Creek
With serious length and athleticism, JJ Black JJ Black 6'2" | C Elkhorn Valley | 2025 State NE has developed into one of the best shot blockers in the state, and one of the top recruits in her class. At 6’2, Black has the ability to run the floor and moves well inside. She can step out and knock down a jump shot and finishes well around the hoop. Black’s sophomore averages include 11.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks per game
Skylar Scholting (2025) | 5-7 CG | Pierce
24 points in a 51-41 win over LCC
24 points in a 58-38 win over Auburn
One of the best underclassmen in Northeast Nebraska, Scholting is coming into her own this year for Pierce. The sophomore plays with a lot of confidence and is a threat from anywhere on the court. She has good handles and is a strong finisher. These attributes were on display last week and this season with an average of 14.4 points per game.
Maya Dolliver (2025) | 5-6 PG | Pender
21 points in a 45-30 win over HCC
20 points in a 55-45 win over Pierce
A smart, and savvy guard and leading scorer for the 10-1 Pender Pendragons, Dolliver has developed into one of the best guards of her class. A knockdown shooter and good finisher, Dolliver averages 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
2026s
Aubrey Russell Aubrey Russell 5'7" | PG Winside | 2026 NE (2026) | 5-7 G/F | Winside
28 points, 7 rebounds in a 48-28 win over Stuart
Freshman Aubrey Russell Aubrey Russell 5'7" | PG Winside | 2026 NE has helped an improved WInside team this season. Averaging 18.3 ppg and 5.3 rpg Russell is a big, strong guard with a high basketball IQ. The main threat for WInside, Russell is asked to do it all on the court and is a capable shooter, good finisher, and smart passer.