Athlete of the Week: Papillion La Vista South’s Bryson Bahl

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - After narrowly missing the state tournament three years in a row, this year’s Titans squad, fueled by adversity, picked up the program’s first State win, plus two more, to become Class A boys basketball state champions for the first time.

“All of us have worked hard all four years,” said senior Bryson Bahl. “We all were just super tight with each other on and off the court. We always knew what our next move was going to be.”

“It’s just so encouraging to see something good happen to kids that stay together and just continue to lose themselves in the team,” said Papillion La Vista South boys basketball head coach Joel Hueser.

Bahl led Papio South this season, averaging 21.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, along with tallying 32 blocks on the season. However, the senior forward’s contributions went far beyond stats.

“The first few years, Bryson was really diligent about becoming a better Bryson-- like honing his craft,” said Hueser. “These last few years, especially this year, he was very cognizant of becoming not only himself better but getting his teammates there.”

Bahl, like the rest of his siblings, is cut out for big moments thanks to his mental toughness and strong faith. At the state tournament, Bahl knocked down all 20 of his free-throw attempts, including crucial ones in the fourth quarter of the state title game against Westside.

“And those are the moments he always really rose to the top when it really really came down to needing something you could count on Bryson,” said Hueser.

“[I] do what I have to do,” said Bahl. “But the team trusts me and has belief in me to know I can make those shots and make the big play.”

“We always have the faith and trust in each other for whoever it is at the moment to step up and make the play.”

In May, Bahl is headed to South Dakota State where he’ll continue his basketball career. But he believes the Titans aren’t a one-and-done state championship team.

“We still have two returning starters next year in Grant and Levi,” said Bahl. “So I have full faith in them to bring this program back to State again. Who knows– maybe go back-to-back. I think those dudes have the talent to do it.”

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