We head into week two of Metro Basketball League play at the Omaha Sports academy. The first week is always crazy to get used to all the games and action at once and to get the bugs worked out. This week should be a little more solid and a few more players should be in town to participate.
The Creighton incoming freshmen, Darian Harris, Toby Hegner and Zach Hanson, had class last week which kept them from playing, but we are told they should be there this week.
Here is a preview of what to expect on Thursday night.
Game of the Night:
7:00 p.m. (Court 4) Bank of Nebraska (1-0) vs. Thompson Basketball Camp (1-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Justin Carter, Avery Dingman, Zach Hanson, Livan Pyfrom
This game features two teams that earned victories last week with the winner getting a good head start in pool play. Deverell Biggs from Nebraska will not be playing in the league this summer, so taking his spot on the roster is James Parrott. BofN already has a pretty solid team, but adding Parrott will make them even better and a bigger favorite again to win the MBL.
On the other side of the coin, Thompson Basketball Camp eeked out a victory over Zurlo’s last week and hope to build upon that with the debut of Creighton freshman Zach Hanson. It will be interesting to see how he matches up with the likes of Wes Wilkinson.
Bluejay-Heavy Games:
7:00 p.m. (Court 1) Judd Knispel Agency (1-0) vs. EQ School of Hair Design (0-1)
Bluejays to Watch: Steve Ferarrini, Devin Brooks, Jahenns Manigat, Alex Olsen, Austin Chatman.
This game would be even more exciting if James Milliken was in town to showcase the full Creighton backcourt combinations we may see a lot this winter. Look for this one to be very competitive with the teammates going up against each other. If fans aren’t watching the Game of the Night, they will likely be watching this one. What hurt EQ in their game last week were a lot of three’s being launched.
The Judd Knispel team has added Concordia junior Joey Werning to their roster
8:00 p.m. (Court 1) Zurlo’s (0-1) vs. Paragas Law Firm (1-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Isaiah Zierden, Geoffrey Groselle, Nick Bahe, Ross Ferarrini, Matt Dorwart, Will Artino, Toby Hegner, Brice Nengsu
Check out this statline from Isaiah Zierden from last week–37 points (22 in the first half). 13-27 FG (5-13 3FG), 2-3 FT, 5 rebounds (3 offensive), 2 assists, 2 turnovers. His play by far was the best of the rest last week. Not only was he hitting shots from deep, but he was able to drive to the basket as well to score. He is a lot bigger than he was last year and it shows.
The battle in the paint could overshadow the guards this week if everything falls into place. Hopefully the Groselle brothers show up to go up against Will Artino and Toby Hegner. I would love to see some hi-low action between Artino and Hegner. Paragas put up 107 points in their game last Thursday night.
The Rest
6:00 p.m. (Court 1) ABIDE (1-0) vs. Higgins Weatherguard Inc. (0-1)
ABIDE (Bellevue University) walked away with a victory last week over the Stangs (Morningside) and has some momentum going up against Higgins, who lost a close one with WOMG. This one should be competitive with the rosters made up of some small college players.
6:00 p.m. (Court 2) Stangs (1-0) vs. Walentine, O’Toole, McQuillan & Gordon (1-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Grant Gibbs
Probably the biggest news surrounding this game is the dramatic roster additions to Walentine, O’Toole, McQuillan & Gordan. It was announced after last weeks games that Grant Gibbs, Kenny Lawson and Anthony Tolliver have been added to the roster. How much any of those players will be playing in the league this summer is yet to be seen. However, while we still wait to see if Gibbs gets a sixth year for the Bluejays, maybe he will make an appearance at this week’s summer league games. Tolliver may play when he is in town to do his basketball camp like he has in the past.
The Stangs are looking for a little respect. They will gain some with a win in this one.
Incoming freshman for UNK, Josh Lollman, has been added to WOMG to replace James Parrott who went to Bank of Nebraska.
7:00 p.m. (Court 2) Cape Truck Acc. (1-0) vs. Shanks Law Firm (0-1)
Cape Truck Acc (Midland University) just destroyed Chris Carder last week 91-65 and are probably licking their chops to take a bite out of Shanks Law Firm (North Platte CC) who lost a close one last week.
7:00 p.m. (Court 3) Chris Carder (0-1) vs. No Sweat, No Glory (0-1)
Bluejays to Watch: Antoine Young
Both of these teams are looking for their first win in summer league play. One thing you might notice is that the team originally named Construction is now called No Sweat, No Glory. Maybe it is a motivation tool. Stephon Bradford, Omar Bynum and Antoine Young are the bigger names on this roster as they take on the Chris Carder team that is mostly made up of Northeast CC in Norfolk.
8:00 p.m. (Court 2) Free N Clean (1-0) vs. Mavs (1-0)
The wide variety of players on the Free N Clean roster may have a tough time against the Mavs team that is made up current and past players from UNO. They both came away with single digit wins in week one and hope to make it known they are a team to beat in the league this summer by jumping out to a 2-0 mark.
8:00 p.m. (Court 3) Narmi Group @ Baird (0-1) vs. UNO Alumni (1-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Darian Harris, Brody Deren
The UNO Alumni rolled just like they have the past few summer league seasons with a 19 point win over Slice. Look for more of the same against the Narmi Group on Thursday night. They were pasted by Paragas Law Firm 107-59. The good news for the Narmi group might be that former Husker Dylan Talley has been added to their roster. In addition, Creighton’s Darian Harris might be able to make his debut. That should give them a little more fire power until Ethan Wragge can play.
8:00 p.m. (Court 4) Slice (0-1) vs. Andy’s Lawn & Landscape (0-1)
You know that Andy’s Lawn & Landscape will be looking to rebound after the tough loss against Bank of Nebraska to start pool play. The former Nebraska crew plays together really well and if John Turek gets hot, look out. At the same time, Slice is looking for a little respect of their own trying to rebound from their 19 point loss last week.