Bahl finishes strong for Titans in district tournament

When a game is on the line for the varsity boys basketball team, Bryson Bahl will have the ball in his hands. The sophomore Titan averaged 18.1 points per game this season, leading the team in scoring. Bahl had 27 points in the 54-47 district semifinal win against Omaha North on Feb. 25, and 19 points in the 49-53 district final loss against Elkhorn South on Feb. 27.

Bahl knows how challenging it can be to have the ball late in the game, and not all players are built for it.

“Having the ball in your hands late in games is a big responsibility. Not everyone can do it. Again, as a kid you dream about having the ball in the big moments. Whether you make the shot and go crazy or miss it and lose the game. To have the ball late in a game is all based on the composure you have,” Bahl said. Against the Omaha North Vikings, the Titans won 54-47, going on a late run to capture the lead. Against the Storm of Elkhorn South, Ball attempted and missed that would have given them the lead in the final minute. They went on to lose 53-49. These games were high-intensity and competitive to the very end. Bahl lives for late game moments like these.

“Playing in such competitive games is what any kid lives for. Playing the best competition you can whether it’s at your home court in front of your hometown people or on the road. Games like those are what makes basketball so fun,” Bahl said. Staying composed in competitive games like this is important, both for the team and individual. Bahl is able to use a few strategies to help in focus when his high level play is needed.

Bahl said, “It’s important to just take deep breaths or just mentally reset at times. Also, it is hard to do but you need to attempt to block out all of the loud noise which can happen.” The Titans finished 15-8 on the season, with wins over teams playing in the State Tournament, being Omaha Westside and Lincoln High. Bahl acknowledged his high level play, but that’s not what it is all about for him. 

 “I feel I had a pretty good season. But to me, my stats and everything don’t matter if we don’t win and don’t make it to state which we didn’t,” Bahl said. Papio South’s basketball team will feature multiple returners for the upcoming season, including Bahl, as well as Sophomores Reece Kircher and Jayden Herrera.