KC Classic: Initial Impressions
We were in Lawrence, KS for the first two days of the KC Classic, watching the action in pool play. Here are some initial impressions of some Missouri players who put in work during pool play. Our regular positional breakdowns…
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Continue ReadingWe were in Lawrence, KS for the first two days of the KC Classic, watching the action in pool play. Here are some initial impressions of some Missouri players who put in work during pool play. Our regular positional breakdowns by class will be listed throughout the week.
Best Shooter: Davis Aufdembrink 6’1″ Missouri Combat (CBC, 2018) – One of the best perimeter shooters in the 2018 Class, Aufrembrink continued his excellent sniping by making 19 treys in three pool games, an average of more than six per game. Has excellent range and quick release. Also got a few buckets off the bounce as well.
Point Guard: Curtis Lewis 5’11” MoKan Select (Pembroke Hill, 2017) – An excellent floor leader who displayed strength and quickness, especially in the open court. Showed the ability to score, yet deliver the rock and make his teammates better. Has the ability to finish in traffic amongst the trees with little trouble.
All Around Player: Steve Dulley 6’2″, NDaGym (Lincoln Prep, 2017) – The strong combo guard displayed the ability to control things from different spots on the floor. Dulley used his physical strength to post up and score buckets in the lane. He handled the ball and scored on drives to the basket and tough mid-range jumpers. He is also an excellent passer and good 3-point shooter. He was fun to watch.
Post Player: Eysan Wiley 6’6″ MoKan Select (Rock Bridge, 2017) – A strong and athletic performer with a high motor, Wiley continued to be a consistent force in the low blocks. Scored well around the basket and rebounded with ferocity. A double-double machine.
Shot Blocker: Cecil Lee 6’6″ KC Pacers Blue (Park Hill, 2018): A long, lean combo forward who is continuing to come into his own. His tremendous wingspan and good timing make him a very effective shot blocker. He blocks shot without fouling. On offense, he displayed a nice 3-point stroke off the catch.
On Ball Defender: Rovdov Jennings 5’9″ MoKan Elite 15U (Hogan Prep, 2019): A determined defender, Jennings was picking up opposing ball handlers in the parking lot. Was very comfortable picking up his man and turning him several times, thus disrupting the opposing team’s offensive flow.
Best Motor: Deontei Johnson 6’3″ Missouri Gym Rats (Springfield Central, 2017): A Rambo in a basketball uniform. Plays the game with reckless abandon on both ends. Attacks the basket with athleticism and no fear for his own safety. A real daredevil. Epitomizes the style of the Gym Rats team, that plays hard on every possession.
Quickest: Damien Daniels 5’7″ KC Game Speed (Hogan Prep, 2018): Plays the game with electric speed and quickness. A blur in the open court, but manages to keep his speed under control. Penetrates to the basket and can make a perimeter shot which made him most difficult to guard.
Best Passer: Myles Canady 6’4″ KC Elite (Nixa, 2017): Very impressed with this young man’s basketball IQ and ability to make his team’s offense flow. He accomplished this with excellent passing, either in the half court or on the break. Made a beautiful behind-the-back pass in transition and a backdoor pass to an open cutter. Tremendous court vision.
Glue Guy (Offense): John Yeager 6’3″ Rocktown (Lutheran South, 2017) – His versatility and basketball IQ makes the game easier for his teammates. Scores well in the post, but can handle the ball and deliver the pass as well. He is always in the right spot on offense.
Glue Guy (Defense): Quinan Reeves 6’3″ NDaGym (Lincoln Prep, 2018) – Young man was all over the place on defense. If he wasn’t jumping passing lanes for steals, he was blocking shots on the weak side. Also made several strips for steals on unsuspecting players. Guarded the pick and roll well with his length and athleticism. Very valuable to a team.
Breakout Performer (Uperclassman): Isaiah Burton 6’4″, IBTB (Raytown, 2017) – My first time seeing this kid play and was very impressed with his smooth scoring ability. Very elegant. Shot the 3-pointer well, pulled up for mid-range jumpers and got to the basket for buckets. Also scored in transition. A real revelation.
Breakout Performer (Underclassman): Jamonta Black 6’2″, Missouri Hustle (Rock Bridge, 2019): A freshman playing up at the 16U level, Black showcased an excellent skill set from the perimeter. Smooth and athletic, Black gets to the basket easily and can make shots from the perimeter. Also shares the ball with his teammates.
Most Athletic Feat: Cartez Crook-Jones 6’3″ KC Keys (Grandview, 2018) – A chiseled athlete, Crook-Jones caught the ball underneath the basket, then proceeded to rise up and power dunk the ball with one hand. It was impressive and most unexpected from a player his size. A great display of power and athleticism.