Basketball Game Preview: Omaha North Vikings vs. Marian Crusaders

Omaha North hasn't had much luck against Marian recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Omaha North Vikings will head out to challenge the Marian Crusaders at 5:30 p.m. One thing working in Omaha North's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last four contests.

Last Thursday, Omaha North was able to grind out a solid win over Lincoln High, taking the game 59-46.

Ayanna Hill

Rebounds

02/20/25 vs Lincoln High	9
02/18/25 @ Burke	7
02/13/25 vs Lincoln Southwest	3
02/11/25 vs Millard North	1
02/08/25 @ Omaha Westside	3
+ 35 more games

Omaha North can attribute much of their success to Milani Drake, who dropped a double-double with 16 points and 11 boards, and Ayanna Hill, who almost dropped a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds. That's the most boards Hill has posted since back in December of 2023. Another player making a difference was Akazja Foster, who earned seven points and four steals.

Omaha North smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in six consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Marian entered their tilt with Burke on Thursday with three consecutive wins , and they'll enter their next game with four. They blew past the Bulldogs, posting a 67-19 victory. Given the Crusaders' advantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 45th, while the Bulldogs are ranked 245th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Omaha North's record now sits at 10-13. As for Marian, their record is now 12-9.

Omaha North came up short against Marian in their previous matchup back in January of 2023, falling 64-51. Can Omaha North avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.