While most students were relaxing on their winter break, varsity basketball was in full gear. The 4th-ranked Junior Jays have jumped out to an 8-2 start through the first month of the season, including wins over 5th-ranked Bellevue West and 6th-ranked Omaha Westview. This squad has shown some impressive strengths (depth and versatility), but a few weaknesses as well (free throw shooting).

The Junior Jays entered the Metro Holiday Tournament as the fourth seed and opened the tournament with a 77-43 victory over Omaha Benson, the Bunnies’ lowest-scoring output this season. In the quarterfinals, the Junior Jays survived a late comeback over Omaha Westview in a 60-57 victory, handing the Wolverines their only loss of the season thus far.

In the semifinals, the Junior Jays faced a familiar foe: Omaha Westside. The Warriors sent the Junior Jays home in last year’s Metro Holiday Basketball Tournament. This was a back-and-forth classic, as both teams were within 5 points of each other for the whole second half. Ultimately, the Warriors got the last word, as guard Lee Robinson hit a game-winning three-pointer as time expired, ousting the Junior Jays 63-61 and sending them home for the second straight year.

Outside the tournament, the Junior Jays picked up wins over Bellevue West, Elkhorn South, Bellevue East, and Lincoln Northeast, while suffering their other loss to 2nd-ranked Millard South.

There’s a lot to unpack from these games, but through 10 games, this squad has proven itself to be one of the best basketball teams in the state.

Firstly, the Junior Jays’ depth has been a major storyline. While forward Trinell Parker is still the go-to guy, averaging 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks (all team-highs), his supporting cast has stepped up, taking some of the load off his shoulders on the offensive end. Guard Cooper Knight averages double digits, including 12 points or more in five of the last six games, and leads the team in steals. Guard Torran Carter-Brown also averages double digits, shooting an efficient 40% from deep. Carter-Brown also had a career day against Bellevue West, scoring a career-high 34 points.

Off the bench, guards Sam Bohnet and Connor Peters have been excellent. Bohnet has been shooting 55% from inside the three-point line. Peters has shot 41% from deep and has averaged 14.5 points over the past four games.

Defensively, the team excels. The Junior Jays have allowed just 53.9 points per game and have allowed over 70 points once. The guard depth has allowed the Junior Jays to run an aggressive defense, often pressing past half-court. This press has prevented opponents from easing into their offense, often disrupting offensive flow and forcing turnovers.

Unfortunately, the Junior Jays have struggled in certain areas as well. Like last year, free throws have been a struggle. The team is shooting just 67% from the charity stripe. In the loss to Millard South, the Junior Jays shot 57% from the line. Even in victories, missed free throws have kept opponents close. In the win against Westview, a 50% mark from the line allowed the Wolverines to claw back in the final minutes.

The Junior Jays have also relied heavily on the deep ball. When shooting over 40% from deep, the Junior Jays average 80 points per game. When shooting under 40%, that average drops to 56. Both losses have come in games where the Junior Jays shoot under that 40%. The offense has shot well throughout the year, making 39% of their three-point attempts, but overreliance on this can be highly variable and unstable. If deep balls aren’t falling, the whole offense can collapse quickly.

Even though free throws and overreliance on three-pointers are issues, the Junior Jays have proven themselves a top-tier team in Class A. An 8-2 record, #4 ranking, and ranked victories over Omaha Westview and Bellevue West have displayed dominant defense, intensity, and depth. This week, the Junior Jays have a chance to avenge their Metro Holiday Basketball Tournament loss, as they host Westside this Friday in the Heider Center. On Saturday, the Junior Jays travel to Lincoln to take on Lincoln North Star.

This Week:

Friday 1/10, vs Omaha Westside, @Heider Center 7:00 PM

Saturday 1/11, vs Lincoln North Star, @5801 N. 33rd st (Lincoln, NE), 7:15 PM