5 Takeaways: Park Hill South vs Blue Springs
One of the highly anticipated matchups of the 2nd Annual 810Varsity Tipoff Classic, Park Hill South pulled away late against a scrappy Blue Springs team. The final score ended up being 79-65, but at the end of 3 quarters, it was tied. Lamel Robinson finishing with a game high 23 points, started out the 4th quarter hot and the Panthers never looked back.
Lamel Robinson is one of the best in the area.
Lamel Robinson has been one of the better guards around the area once he started off his high school career at Park Hill South. His Freshman year, he earned all-league honors, his sophomore year, he was the co-player of the year in his conference, and he is looking to add onto those years with a huge junior year. He has really improved on his 3 point shot and given the elevation he gets on his shot, he will have enough space to knock down the majority. Saturday wasn’t one of his best shooting days, but he was still able to get his by being scrappy on defense leading to steals and layups, and run outs on long rebounds. Lamel will again look to lead this solid Park Hill South team and hopefully they will find themselves in the state tournament later in the year.
Stephan Black III is a force to be reckon with.
Losing a couple of guards from last year’s team, Black III knew he was going to have to step up and be one of the younger leaders on the team. He was dealt with a tough task in guarding Lamel Robinson a lot of the game, and was able to get under his skin at times, but also found himself in foul trouble due to Robinson’s craftiness. Black III is a very quick guard who has great handles and a very good looking long range stroke. Black III will definitely be leaned on this year by his squad and will need to do some big time scoring. He was able to get into double figures on Saturday and finish the game with 13 points.
Can CJ Lee be stopped in the paint?
CJ Lee was dominant when he was in the game on Saturday. It was rumored that Lee didn’t play much until the 4th quarter due to some possible injuries, and they really needed him in the 4th quarter. He really came alive and had a huge quarter for the Panthers. He scored 9 of his 11 points in the 4th which helped the Panthers get out to the double digit lead and secure the game for Park Hill South. Once Lee is back to being at 100% health, I’m not sure if many will be able to handle him. He’s not the tallest big guy, but with his size and speed, he will make up for that.
RJ Lawrence can get buckets.
RJ Lawrence had a bit of a different role in coming off the bench on Saturday, and that is because Lawrence just had surgery. Luckily he was cleared to play, and in order for Blue Springs to stay in this game, they needed him. Although this wasn’t his best shooting night, only knocking down one 3, he still was able to finish with a team high 17 points. He does have rather an unorthodox shot, but his release is so quick, that he pretty much get it off when he wants. Lawrence also lead his team in steals and assists on Saturday. Expect a big year coming from Lawrence and hopefully a couple of decent offers as well!
No Daniel Parker Jr…Big problem.
As warmups started, I was wondering where Daniel Parker Jr might be, and thankfully he was just at an official visit. Parker Jr will be a huge asset to this Blue Springs team especially because they aren’t the biggest. He will add some much needed size, but is also one of the quickest big men I have ever seen. He has a great touch on his shot and will move it out to the perimeter at times. This would have been a different game if he would have been there, and it’s hard telling if it would have been enough, but Blue Springs definitely missed him on Saturday.
Park Hill South also got some help from their 3 year starting Point Guard Desi Williams and wing player Saadique Perkins. Perkins finished the game in double figures with 12 points. Jay’von McKinney was able to add 15 points and help Blue Springs stay in the game. This was a fantastic game, and both teams looked as advertised through 3 quarters, unfortunately Blue Springs couldn’t keep it going for a 4th quarter which lead to a late game blowout. Both teams should have great seasons and will compete for conference titles.