‘Tis The Season

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to take a step back for a quick thank you to all of you who have been with us so far on our journey. We are excited for 2024 and we hope there are more big things (and some possible changes) ahead for our readers. We are grateful.

What a great week. Lot’s of basketball (we promise there will be a hint of wreslting here, too) at every level. Big Husker win in Manhattan. Big Creighton win at home against Alabama. All sorts of good stuff to get us fired up for the holidays.

We will be taking a slight “newsletter” break, but we hope to bring you two more stories before the year is over. The first on long-time Lexington girls basketball coach Randy Carpenter and the evolution of the game and a second on Osceola coach Jason Zelasney on coaching and playing for “O-Town.”

Have a friend who might like those stories? Have them subscribe and — like you — they will get them before they hit our social media channels.

As always, thanks for being with us. Let’s dive in.

The Girls Hoops Power 20

The Power 20 rolls on in week three of the season for a little pre-Christmas set up. The great thing about these rankings? They will change before we cut the nets down. Lots of games left! All records through games played last night, December 19. We make these rankings based on conversations with coaches throughout the state, by watching games, and with our gut if we are being honest.

1 - Elkhorn North (5-0): A 67-25 win over Hastings since our last update and now off until the EMC Tournament which is over the holiday and should be a good one. Last week: 1.

 2 - Millard West (6-0): The ‘Cats have done what they are supposed to but haven’t been tested like some others. We’ll get a good grade at the Metro Holiday Tournament. Last week: 2.

 3 - Omaha Skutt Catholic (5-0): Still just one Nebraska game for the Skyhawks, who are 2-0 currently in the Derrill Kipp division of the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix. Semifinals today and finals on Thursday. Last week: 4. 

4 - Millard North (4-1): A 68-55 win over a scrappy Benson team, who you will see below. A rare Wednesday game with Norfolk before the Metro. Last week: 5.

5 - Omaha Central (8-0): The most wins in Class A but will be ultimately graded on how the Metro Tournament plays out over the next two weeks. Last week: 6.

6 - Lincoln Southwest (6-0): Kennadi Williams scored 10 fourth quarter points and the Silverhawks rallied from a 28-22 third quarter deficit to knock off Lincoln Pius X 40-32 last night. Last week: 8.

7 - Lincoln Pius X (3-2): A brutal early schedule, but the Bolts stay here on their win over Bellevue West for now. Last week: 7.

8 - Bellevue West (3-3): Coach Dane Bacon has challenged his team with consecutive road trips to Elkhorn North, Minneapolis and Kansas City. It may hurt now but pay off in early March. Last week: 2. 

9 - Lincoln North Star (4-1): Need a really nice win under their belt. Don’t have one quite yet, but the HAC Tournament will provide the opportunity. Last week: 7.

10 - Lincoln Northeast (5-1): Have been dominant since their loss to Lincoln Southwest. Last week: 10.

11 - Omaha Marian (5-1): Have defeated Papillion-LaVista twice and Papillion-LaVista South as well. And their Gretna East win might be better than we think. Last week: 12.

12 - Papillion-LaVista (4-2): A better chance to grade the Monarchs in the Metro Holiday Tournament. Last week: 13.

13 - Bellevue East (4-2): Must stay here for now based on Friday’s 54-38 loss to Papio, but the Metro is another chance. Last week: 11.

14 - Lincoln Christian (5-0): They seem to be the class of C-1 right now and if they stay unbeaten, chances to move up. Norris and Beatrice on the future schedule. Last week: 14.

15 - Bennington (5-1): How do the Badgers stay here? Advance to the final of the EMC Tournament over the Christmas break. Last week: 15.

16 - Lincoln Southeast (4-1): To move up, the Knights will need to be a semifinalist in the HAC Tournament. Last week: 16.

17 - Beatrice (6-0): Strong consideration given to moving the Lady Orange up. But, we are going to let the Minden game on Thursday and the holiday’s play out. Last week, 17.

18 - Papillion-LaVista South (3-3): Asked them to win. They won, inlcuding a 75-40 win over Westview last night. Probably need to be in the Metro quarters to stay put. Last week: 18.

19 – Omaha Benson (3-2): Like Papio South, may need a quarterfinal spot in the Metro Tournament to stay in this spot, but the early work has been enough for us to give the Bunnies a shot here. Last week: NR.

20 - Crofton (8-0): Coach Maggie Moon’s Warriors may have the biggest “small school” win in the state over Guardian Angels Central Catholic. Started off a big week with a thumping of Cedar Catholic on Tuesday night. Last week: 20.

Fell out: Seward.

Up Next (listed alphabetically by class): Omaha Westside (5-2), Gretna East (5-2), Norris (4-1), Seward (4-2), South Sioux City (5-2), Waverly (3-1), Adams Central (6-1), Bridgeport (7-0), Minden (5-1), Bishop Neumann (6-0), Cross County (7-0), Pender (8-0).

Christmas Reading

RANK ‘EM: Each week our Tony Chapman will compile the girls basketball coaches poll and Mike Sautter the boys poll for nebpreps with help from coaches around the state. All season long, you can also catch game reports from Jacob Padilla for some of the best basketball content in the state.

Last night, the fellas took in the Ashland-Greenwood, Wahoo game that the Jays won in overtime. GAME THREAD

UP TO DATE: ALL HOOPS THE SCORES: BOYS // GIRLS. Plus, point standings: BOYS // GIRLS

FOR FEEK: If you missed Dirk Chatelain’s stirring story on Gretna boys basketball coach Brad Feeken, we offer it up for you again. One of the most amazing pieces of journalism you’ll find. Anywhere. As for the Dragons? They got past Omaha South last night. As for coach? More news coming on some hopeful procedures on Tuesday.

A Final Thought: We See You

Editor’s Note: The following piece was written by Dr. Karissa Niehoff, Chief Executive Officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and Jennifer Schwartz, Interim Executive Director of the Nebraska School Activities Association

5 Tips for Creating a Culture of Caring in Our High Schools

Participants in high school sports and performing arts are under tremendous pressure these days – from parents, teachers, coaches and peers. Their days are consumed with school, sports and activities. They are trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be – all while having to compare themselves to everyone else on social media. It’s easy to see why high school students have a lot on their plates … and their minds.

It is time for all of us to turn our attention to these students, including the activity participants at schools in Nebraska. Empathy is so important. No matter who you are—a parent, teacher, coach, athletic administrator, performing arts director or anyone else who interacts with teens—we can all play a part in looking out for them.

That’s why the NSAA and the NFHS are launching the #WeSeeYou Campaign. Together, we want to create a culture of caring in our school communities – one where everyone feels seen and supported, especially our students.

Our message: No matter what challenges you’re facing, we see you. We support you. And we’re here for you.

It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about empathizing with our students and offering the support they need. So where do you start?

Here are a few tips for supporting the mental well-being of the teens in your life:

1. Focus on the meaning of mental health.

The World Health Organization suggests that “mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”

2. Acknowledge and connect with all students.

Every teenager—not just the honor roll student or star athlete—wants to feel seen by someone who matters to them, like a parent, teacher, coach or director.

3. Keep in mind that teens are seeing life through a highlight reel.

Teenagers are “seen” a lot on social media, but are they seen for who they truly are? Be the person who wants to know and support the real them.

4. Create a culture where everyone is looking out for each other.

It is not one person’s responsibility to check in on every student’s mental well-being. We can all play a part in noticing, acknowledging and offering support to one another.

5. Remember your influence is greater than you often realize.

Far beyond students’ academic or athletic potential, you can make a difference in their lives by paying attention to their behavior and who they are as people.

Creating a culture of caring isn’t just good for teenagers. It’s good for all of us.

When we demonstrate empathy through listening, connecting and caring, we let young people know that they are not alone.

Ready to join us? Visit our website, WeSeeYou.Community, to learn more and get free resources like social media posts, graphics, printables and more to promote the #WeSeeYou culture in your school community. Together, we can offer support, empathy and encouragement to every teenager in Nebraska and across the country!