The Papillion-LaVista South (Papillion, NE) varsity basketball team will host Omaha Westside (Omaha, NE) in a non-conference game today at 7:15 p.m.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Omaha Westside vs. Papillion-LaVista South
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:15 p.m.
• Location: Papillion-LaVista South High School
• Live stream: Watch Here

Omaha Westside vs. Papillion-LaVista South: A Midseason Showdown

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two Nebraska powerhouses, Omaha Westside and Papillion-LaVista South, continue to dominate their respective divisions, with both teams boasting impressive records. The recent head-to-head matchup on January 2nd saw Papillion-LaVista South edge out Omaha Westside in a tightly contested game, winning 60-59. This outcome leaves fans eagerly awaiting their next encounter and offers a preview of what is to come in the state playoffs.

Team Overview

• Omaha Westside (12-1): Ranked 81st nationally and 4th in Nebraska, Westside has displayed remarkable consistency. With a powerful offense and solid defense, they’ve achieved a 92.3% win rate, outscoring opponents 910 to 705. The team has been especially dominant at home, where they remain undefeated with a 3-0 record. Their only loss came in a nail-biting contest against Papillion-LaVista South, which proved to be an exciting preview of what’s to come in their rivalry.
• Papillion-LaVista South (9-2): Ranked 3rd in Nebraska and 1st in their class, Papillion-LaVista South has been performing with high intensity this season. Their 81.8% win rate includes a dominant record at home (4-0), although they have struggled slightly on the road with a 1-2 away record. The team has shown resilience, especially in their recent victory against Omaha Westside, and they’re hungry for more success as the season progresses.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The rivalry between these two teams has intensified in recent years, and the January 2nd game showcased the competitive nature of the matchup. Despite Omaha Westside’s impressive offensive output, Papillion-LaVista South came out on top, particularly with strong performances from their leaders, including Bryson Bahl and Reece Kircher.

• Scoring Averages: Omaha Westside averages 70 points per game, while Papillion-LaVista South is slightly behind at 67.9 points per game. The teams both feature potent offenses, but Omaha Westside holds a slight edge in scoring.
• Rebounding: Omaha Westside is stronger on the boards, averaging 34.2 rebounds per game compared to Papillion-LaVista South’s 28.5. This could play a crucial role in their next meeting, as controlling the rebound battle could be key to winning.
• Defense: Westside’s defense has allowed just 705 points on the season, with their opponents averaging 53.9 points per game. In contrast, Papillion-LaVista South has allowed 660 points, with a stronger defensive front in their last few games.

Key Players

• Omaha Westside:
  • Emre Gedik: Leading the team with 14.8 points per game, Gedik is a major offensive weapon. He also contributes defensively, averaging 2.2 steals and 1.1 blocks.
  • Tyson Odvody: A strong presence in the paint, Odvody leads the team with 8.8 rebounds per game, helping secure second-chance opportunities.
• Papillion-LaVista South:
  • Bryson Bahl: With an incredible 25.4 points per game, Bahl is the centerpiece of the team’s offense. He also contributes 9.1 rebounds per game and 2.1 steals, making him a dual threat on both ends of the floor.
  • Reece Kircher: Another key player for Papillion-LaVista South, Kircher averages 7.1 assists per game, helping facilitate the offense and keep the flow of the game smooth.

Looking Ahead

Both teams have a busy schedule ahead of them, facing several tough opponents, including games against Bellevue East, Millard West, and Omaha North. These upcoming matchups will test both teams’ ability to perform under pressure, and the results will likely play a role in seeding for the postseason.

As of now, Omaha Westside holds a perfect 6-0 record against common opponents, while Papillion-LaVista South has a solid 5-2 record. These results demonstrate both teams’ ability to perform against high-level competition.

With a blend of scoring, defense, and strategic depth, the rivalry between Omaha Westside and Papillion-LaVista South is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the season. The teams’ clash in February will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated games of the year, as both squads look to prove they are the best in Nebraska basketball.