To put a cap on a fantastic 2025-26 season of high school basketball in Nebraska, Hurrdat Sports is pleased to reveal our 2026 NebPreps Basketball Awards, honoring the player of the year in all six classes for both boys and girls, each selected from a group of four finalists, listed below.
We’re also naming a Borsheim’s Big Game Chain player of the Year for both genders, highlighting the top performances the Hurrdat Sports Chain crew covered in person this season. Additionally, fans can vote for the boys and girls coaches of the year here.
Class A
Boys Finalists
London Dada, junior, Omaha Westside: Dada averaged 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 48% from the field (36% from 3) and 80% from the foul-line to lead the Warriors to a 24-5 record and the state semifinals.
Brady Nick, senior, Lincoln High: Nick was fourth in Class A in scoring at 18.8 points per game while also averaging 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists and shooting 51% from the field (37% from 3) and 82% from the foul line as the Links went 16-9 and made the state tournament for the first time since 2010.
Uzziah Sanders, senior, Lincoln Southwest: Sanders averaged a Class A-leading 23.3 points on 59% shooting, including 42% from 3, and 77% from the foul line plus 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.6 steals. He led Lincoln Southwest to a 24-4 record and the program’s first state championship — and first for any LPS school — since 2003.
Levi Webb, junior, Papillion-La Vista South: Webb stepped into a featured role for the 2025 Class A state champions and led the Titans back to the final, averaging 19.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 87% from the foul line. Papillion-La Vista South went 19-7 and finished as runner-up in the state tournament despite entering as a No. 6 seed in Coach Joel Hueser’s final season.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Uzziah Sanders.
Uzziah Sanders (@UzziahSanders) is your Class A Player of the Year 🥇
The Lincoln Southwest senior averaged 23.3 points while shooting 59%, adding 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 2025-26.#nebpreps pic.twitter.com/tcGSN0ULsd
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
Girls Finalists
Ani Leu, senior, Lincoln North Star: The Omaha commit averaged 14.2 points on 54% shooting, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 3.3 assists while leading the Navigators to a 27-1 record and their first state championship. She led Class A in steals and scored 20 in the state championship game.
Kylee Paben, senior, Millard West: The Minnesota commit led the Wildcats back to the state tournament as the only returning starter. She finished first Class A in scoring and third in 3-pointers, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.4 blocks as Millard West went 21-5 and reached the state semifinals.
Justine Tcheuhchoua, senior, Omaha North: The Jackson State led a deep and talented Vikings team in scoring, averaging 14.0 points on 51% shooting, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals for a 26-5 squad that finished as the Class A state runner-up.
Stella Williams, senior, Omaha Westview: Williams was the most accurate volume 3-point shooter in Class A this season, averaging 13.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 46% from deep on 6.7 attempts per game, sinking 80 triples in 26 games. She led the Wolverines to a 20-6 record and a state tournament appearance.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kylee Paben.
CLASS B
Boys Finalists
Shane Holen, junior, Norris: A football injury delayed Holen’s start, but he had a breakout season regardless, averaging 13.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 66% from the field and 40% from 3. He was also a difference-maker on defense as Norris went 23-3 and reached the state semifinals.
Nate Kelley, senior, Scottsbluff: The senior capped off a four-year varsity starting career by leading the Bearcats to the Class B state championship and a 24-4 overall record. He averaged 17.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals while shooting 56% from the field (35% from 3) and 81% from the foul line.
Sutton Piatkowski, senior, Elkhorn North: Piatkowski averaged 17.0 points on 55% from the field (38% from 3) and 74% from the charity stripe plus 6.2 rebounds while leading the Wolves to a 19-6 record and a runner-up finish at the state tournament.
George Ziebell, senior, Skutt Catholic: The 6-foot-9 double-double machine averaged 15.9 points on 65% shooting, 9.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks for the SkyHawks, who went 25-3 and reached the Class B state semifinals.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nate Kelley.
Nate Kelley (@natekelley_5) is your Class B Player of the Year 🥇
The Scottsbluff senior averaged 17.3 points while shooting 56%, adding 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 2025-26.#nebpreps pic.twitter.com/0awbstu3pi
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
Girls Finalists
Harper Bohaboj, junior, Bennington: Bohaboj ran the show for the only undefeated team in the state, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 assists (first in Class B), 4.4 steals (also first) and 3.7 rebounds for the 28-0 state champions.
Ava Markowski, senior, Lincoln Pius X: The Omaha commit averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals for the 21-5 Thunderbolts, who made it to the state semifinals.
Macie Reiner, sophomore, Bennington: Reiner was the leading scorer for the Badgers who also stuffed the state sheet besides scoring. She averaged 14.8 points on 53% shooting (34% from 3), 6.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4.3 steals, finishing second in Class B in assists and steals behind only her teammate Bohaboj for the undefeated state champion.
Ize Tidball, senior, Norris: Tidball averaged 10.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 2.6 assists while shooting 48% from the field and 41% from 3 for 23-4 Norris team that reached the state semifinals.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Macie Reiner.
Macie Reiner (@MacieJReiner) is your Class B Player of the Year 🥇
The Bennington sophomore averaged 14.8 points while shooting 53%, adding 6.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 2025-26.#nebpreps pic.twitter.com/XwNyytnD0Y
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
CLASS C1
Boys Finalists
Drew Kulus, senior, Omaha Concordia: Kulus averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists to lead the Mustangs to a 16-7 record.
Jack Poppe, senior, Doniphan-Trumbull: Poppe was a stat sheet-stuffer for the Cardinals, averaging 17.1 points (10th in C1), 7.2 rebounds (15th), 6.0 assists (second) and 2.6 steals (sixth) while leading Doniphan-Trumbull to a 20-5 record.
Sawyer Smith, senior, Ogallala: Smith was one of the most statistically prolific players in the state, regardless of class. He averaged 21.5 points (first in C1), 9.6 rebounds (second), 7.7 assists (first) and 3.9 steals (second) while shooting 61% from the field, 40% from 3 and 79% from the free-throw line. Ogallala went 27-1 and finished in third at the state tournament.
Derek Tonjes, senior, Ashland-Greenwood: Tonjes capped his career with his third state championship in an Ashland-Greenwood jersey, averaging 17.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 63% from the field for a 28-1 squad.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sawyer Smith.
Sawyer Smith is your Class C1 Player of the Year🥇
The Ogallala senior averaged 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/0peNyvRPzp
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
Girls Finalists
Halle Dolliver, senior, Malcolm: A knee injury sidelined Dolliver for her junior year, but the Omaha commit bounced back with a dominant senior season, averaging 18.2 points on 51% from the field and 78% from the foul line, 12.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.6 blocks for the 27-2 Clippers, who finished as state runner-ups. She finished second in C1 rebounds and double-doubles and third in scoring.
Payton Dolliver, sophomore, Malcolm: Dolliver formed a prolific duo with her sister, finishing second in Class C1 in scoring after leading the class as a freshman. She averaged 19.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.0 blocks for the Clippers.
Shayla Rautenberg, sophomore, Milford: The volleyball star dominated on the basketball court as well this season, finishing first in rebounding and shot-blocking and fourth in scoring for a first-time state champion. Rautenberg averaged 18.2 points on 63% shooting, 14.5 rebounds and 4.0 blocks while notching 25 double-doubles for the 28-1 Eagles.
Halsey Thomalla, senior, Gothenburg: Thomalla capped her career with an explosive state tournament performance to average 16.0 points on 50% shooting, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks for the 23-5 Swedes, who reached the state semifinals.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Halle Dolliver.
Halle Dolliver (@HalleDolliver) is your Class C1 Player of the Year🥇
The Malcolm senior averaged a double-double with 18.2 points and 12 rebounds, with 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game in 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/rFdGiEFUcV
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
CLASS C2
Boys Finalists
Gavin Baker, senior, Bergan Catholic: Baker ended his career as a back-to-back state champion, leading the Knights to a 28-1 record while averaging 21.9 points on 63% shooting (40% from 3), 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He recorded four 30-point double-doubles, the last two in the semifinal and the final.
Isaac Cronin, senior, Valentine: Cronin led Class C2 in scoring, averaging 22.4 points on 61% shooting (44% from 3), 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks for a 23-4 squad. He scored 40-plus multiple times but an injury held him out of Valentine’s first-round loss at the state tournament.
Gavin Schutt, senior, Norfolk Catholic: Schutt averaged 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists while leading Norfolk Catholic to a runner-up finish at the state tournament as a No. 5 seed and a 24-5 overall record.
Drew Siems, senior, Tri County: Siems led the Trojans and ranked highly state-wide in nearly every statistical category, averaging 22.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.5 steals for a 20-7 team.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Gavin Baker.
Gavin Baker is your Class C2 Player of the Year🥇
The Bergan Catholic senior averaged 21.9 points, shooting 65% from the field and collecting 8.3 rebounds per game. pic.twitter.com/1WKgoeAuUO
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
Girls Finalists
Jaisie Janssen, senior, Crofton: Janssen led Class C2 in double-doubles, averaging 17.1 points on 55% from the field and 75% from the line, 12.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.5 blocks for a 19-8 state qualifier.
Briar Ray, senior, Oakland-Craig: Ray averaged double-digit rebounds as a 5-foot-9 guard, contributing 18.1 points on 50% shooting, 10.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.8 steals for a 24-4 Knights team that made the state tournament.
Mylee Tichota, senior, Yutan: Tichota stuffed the state sheet to lead the 2024 C2 champions back to the state semifinals, averaging 14.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.3 steals for a 22-5 Chieftains squad that finished third at state.
Hadley Walsh, senior, Pender: Walsh and her fellow seniors capped their careers with their their fourth state championship as Pender finished 28-2. She averaged 15.8 points on 50% shooting, 8.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals and ended her high school career with a 25-point performance in the championship game.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Hadley Walsh.
Hadley Walsh (@hadleywalsh34) is your Class C2 Player of the Year🥇
The Pender senior averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists. pic.twitter.com/0UHpcQO4xR
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
CLASS D1
Boys Finalists
Yahya Harris, sophomore, Twin Loup: Harris led the entire state in scoring while also piling up numbers in the other categories, averaging 28.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.6 blocks for a 21-4 record.
Andre Martin, senior, Howells-Dodge: Martin led a balanced Jaguars squad to a state title and a 26-3 record, averaging 13,2 points on 55% shooting and 6.6 rebounds.
Quin Oberg, senior, Elm Creek: Oberg averaged 22.2 points (third in D1) on 51% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals while guiding the Buffaloes to the Class D1 state semifinals and a 22-7 record. He maintained (or improved) his gaudy numbers against the best teams Elm creek played, including a 28-point, 13-rebound effort in a quarterfinal win over North Platte St. Patrick’s.
Kane Wetovick, junior, Fullerton: The 6-foot-7 junior finished top 10 in scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking, averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.0 blocks to lead the Warriors to a 21-6 record and a state tournament appearance.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Quin Oberg.
Quin Oberg (@qbird55) is your Class D1 Player of the Year🥇
The Elm Creek senior averaged 22.2 points, collecting 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game in 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/5ImkdrXgj2
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
Girls Finalists
Kyle Brichacek, junior, Howells-Dodge: Brichacek led the sixth-seeded Jaguars to a state championship and a 22-7 overall record, averaging 14.7 points on 52% from the field (39% from 3), 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Kendal Cavenee, junior, Elm Creek: Cavenee stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 4.8 steals. She finished third in Class D1 assists and steals for the 24-5 Buffaloes who finished third at the state tournament.
Madyson Mlady, sophomore, Bloomfield: Mlady finished second in Class D1 in scoring, averaging 20.3 points on 51% shooting, 10.5 rebounds and 3.9 steals. She recorded 15 double-doubles for the 28-1 state runner-ups.
Caylie Softley, junior, Maywood/Hayes Center: Softley finished sixth in D1 in scoring, averaging 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.3 assists for a 23-4 state qualifier.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Madyson Mlady.
Madyson Mlady is your Class D1 Player of the Year🥇
The Bloomfield sophomore averaged 20.3 points and 10.5 rebounds, snagging 3.9 steals per game in 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/kcHrZhdFNR
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
CLASS D2
Boys Finalists
Ben Barlow, junior, St. Mary’s: Barlow was an efficient volume scorer for a 27-3 St. Mary’s squad, averaging 18.0 points on 55% from the field, 38% from 3 and 78% from the free-throw line plus 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals as the Cardinals finished third at the state tournament.
Jarek Erickson senior, Elgin Public/Pope John: Erickson led the Wolfpack to a runner-up finish in Class D2, averaging 16.6 points on 51% from the field (35% from 3) and 77% from the free-throw line, 9.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists for a 25-4 EPPJ team. He tied for the class lead with 12 point-rebounds double-doubles while also finishing fourth in assists.
Luke Guenther, junior, Guardian Angels Central Catholic: Guenther averaged 16.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists, leading the Bluejays to the Class D2 semifinals with a strong performance in Lincoln.
Brenden Johannes, senior, Archangels Catholic: Johannes ended his career by cutting down the nets, averaging 13.6 points on 51% from the field (36% from 3), 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks for a 26-3 state champion.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jarek Erickson.
Jarek Erickson (@JarekErickson21) is your Class D2 Player of the Year🥇
The EPPJ senior averaged 16.6 points, adding 9.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in 2026. pic.twitter.com/UcnbD83dAI
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
Girls Finalists
Taryn Arbuthnot, senior, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller: Arbuthnot led Class D2 in scoring and guided the 13-10 Mustangs to the state tournament with a district final upset. She averaged 22.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 3.0 assists, finishing first in the class in double-doubles and second in rebounds.
Aiva Rust, sophomore, Red Cloud: Rust finished second the her class in scoring at 18.6 points per game while adding 7.4 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 3.5 assists per game for a 22-4 Warriors team that finished third at state.
Abi Spargo, sophomore, Dundy County Stratton: Spargo led the Tigers to the No. 1 seed and their first state championship as a sophomore, averaging 18.2 points on 57% shooting, 9.2 rebounds, 5.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. She finished third in the class in scoring, steals and double-doubles as Dundy County Stratton finished 28-1.
Devyn Young, sophomore, Hay Springs: Young was fourth in scoring and double-doubles and fifth in rebounding for a 15-6 Hay Springs squad, averaging 17.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks as an underclassman.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Abi Spargo.
Abi Spargo (@abispargo) is your Class D2 Player of the Year🥇
The DCS sophomore averaged 18.2 points while shooting 57%, adding 9.2 rebounds and 5.2 steals in 2026. pic.twitter.com/Nwjien8Z7o
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
BIG GAME CHAIN
Boys Finalists
London Dada, junior, Omaha Westside: 23 points, 5-15 FG (4-6 3FG), 9-11 FT, 16 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block in a 63-61 win at Creighton Prep in the Metro Holiday Tournament final on Jan. 3.
Bryce Johnson Jr., junior, Bellevue West: 25 points, 10-14 FG (1-2 3FG), 4-4 FT, 4 assists and 4 rebounds in a 73-63 come-from-behind win over Creighton Prep in Christmas in the Cage on Dec. 19.
Drew Siems, senior, Tri County: 27 points, 8-13 FG (2-3 3FG), 9-9 FT, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal in a 53-51 win over Johnson-Brock in the MUDECAS final on Jan. 17.
Sawyer Smith, senior, Ogallala: 23 points, 9-15 FG (2-2 3FG), 3-3 FT, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals in a 66-62 win over Ashland-Greenwood in the Heartland Hoops Classic on Feb. 14.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Drew Siems.
Drew Siems is your @Borsheims Big Game Chain Player of the Year🥇
The Tri County senior totaled 27 points on 8-13 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the win against Johnson-Brock on Jan. 17.#nebpreps pic.twitter.com/iJ6taF1rSu
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
Girls Finalists
Taryn French, senior, Gretna East: 24 points, 8-15 FG (6-12 3FG), 2-2 FT, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist in a 69-56 district final win over Grand Island Northwest on Feb. 28.
K.J. Pinchon, senior, Lincoln North Star: 21 points, 5-11 FG (4-7 3FG), 7-8FT, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 assist in a 59-44 win against Kearney on Jan. 20.
Justine Tcheuhchoua, senior, Omaha North: 18 points, 6-10 FG, 6-8 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block in a 56-43 win over Omaha Westview in the Metro Holiday Tournament final on Jan. 3.
Clara Welker, senior, Millard North: 17 points, 7-11 FG (1-2 3FG), 2-3 FT, 8 rebounds, 1 assists and 1 steal in a 46-44 win over Bellevue West on Dec. 6.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Taryn French.
Taryn French (@taryn_french_13) is your @Borsheims Big Game Chain Player of the Year🥇
The Grenta East senior totaled 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and one assist in the win over Northwest on Feb. 28.#nebpreps pic.twitter.com/mFhVKYtTgq
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) March 31, 2026
