Nebraska power knocks off Oak Hill Academy

Normally a team from Nebraska beating storied Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) would be considered an epic upset in the world of high school basketball.

But Omaha Central emerging with a 70-63 win over Steve Smith's Warriors on Saturday night at the Heartland Hoops Classic in Grand Island, Neb., wasn't all that shocking (see recap from Omaha World Herald).

That speaks volumes about the incredible success the Eagles have experienced in recent years under head coach Eric Behrens.

Behind 20 points from Louisville-bound senior big man Akoy Agau, Omaha Central improved to 19-4 on the season against a schedule that included three games at the prestigious City of Palms Classic in Florida. The Eagles were ranked No. 24 nationally in the preseason by MaxPreps and have achieved a level of national notoriety unheard of for teams from the Cornhusker State.

Tra-Deon Hollins added 13 points and Kevin Scott 10 for Omaha Central – Class A state champions in Nebraska six of the past seven seasons. The Eagles are 97-12 (.889 winning percentage) over the past four seasons.

Troy Williams and Sindarius Thornwell – headed to Indiana and South Carolina, respectively – paced Oak Hill Academy with 15 points apiece. The Warriors dropped to 24-5 on the season after going 44-0 and earning national championship honors a year ago.