Basketball Recap: Lazerek Houston's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Lincoln Northeast over Papillion-Lavista South

If Lincoln Northeast was riding high fresh off their 97-71 takedown of Omaha South last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Lincoln Northeast Rockets took a 73-66 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Papillion-LaVista South Titans on Friday. The Rockets were not able to make up for their defeat to the Titans from their previous meeting back in January of 2024.

Lazerek Houston

Points

02/14/25 vs Papillion-LaVista South	21
02/07/25 @ Omaha South	22
02/04/25 @ Buena Vista	19
02/01/25 @ Lincoln North Star	26

Lincoln Northeast's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Lazerek Houston, who posted 21 points in addition to five boards and three steals. The game was Houston's fourth in a row with at least 19 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Easton Switzer, who went 5-for-7 to rack up 15 points.

Papillion-LaVista South's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Bryson Bahl led the charge by dropping a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Bahl is also on a roll when it comes to shooting accuracy, as he's posted one of at least 54% in the last four games he's played. Reece Kircher was another key player, dropping a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists.

Lincoln Northeast's defeat dropped their record down to 16-4. As for Papillion-LaVista South, the win was the eighth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 18-3.

Lincoln Northeast and Papillion-LaVista South should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Nebraska Rankings. Lincoln Northeast (ranked 14th) will meet Fremont (ranked 121st) at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday. Lincoln Northeast will be looking to extend their current 11-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Papillion-LaVista South will take on Pembroke Hill at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday up 71 places (2 vs. 73). Lincoln Northeast will be looking to keep their five-game home win streak alive.