TEN BEST: recapping the 810varsity Tipoff Classic
TEN TAKEAWAYS: 810varisty TipOff Classic
LIBERTY, Mo. —There were eight teams from the Kansas City area that showed what they are all about this season on Saturday at the 810varsity Tip Off Classic, including Kansas schools Shawnee Mission North, Lawrence Free State, as well as Missouri schools Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Lee’s Summit North, Liberty, Park Hill South and St. Joe Central.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who stood out throughout the day.
MVP: Garrett Luinstra (6’1, PG, 2018, Free State). Luinstra showed on Saturday why he is one of Kansas’ premier point guards and a big riser in the 2018 class. He finished with 36 points and scored from all over the court. He had the game-winning steal and basket as time expired to cap a thrilling finish to the contest. With seven seconds remaining, Liberty inbounded the ball with the length of the court to go. But Luinstra stole a pass up court and raced the other way for an uncontested game-winning lay-up as time expired. He finished with 36 points and seven rebounds.
Offensive Player of the Day: Javaunte Hawkins (5’10, PG, 2019, Lee’s Summit North). Hawkins went for 23 points, including three 3-pointers in a 55-39 win over St. Joe Central. Hawkins is a creative ball handler who is able to shoot and score off the bounce at all three levels.
Defensive Player of the Day: Saadique Perkins (6’3, F, 2018, Park Hill South). Perkins is a versatile defender capable of locking down guards but muscling up some in the paint against bigger players as well. On Saturday, he impressed with several run down blocks as he got high above the rim to wipe away opponents chances.
Off the Bench: RJ Lawrence (5’11, G, 2018, Blue Springs). A smooth left-handed guard, Lawrence came off the Blue Springs bench and provided the Wildcats an offensive boost right away. He is a smooth ball handler who is able to get to the bucket and can light up the scoreboard from 3-point range. Lawrence finished the contest with 16 points.
Best Rebounder: Travis Turner (6’5, F, 2018, Liberty). Turner had a terrific game on the boards as he hauled in 12 rebounds, including several at the offensive end of the court, giving the Blue Jays several second chances.
Best Shooter: Will Eames (6’4, F, 2018, Lee’s Summit). Eames is emerging as one of the Kansas City area’s premier perimeter shooters with the ability to get hot and light up the scoreboard from long range. On Saturday, he knocked down six 3-pointers in the third quarter, but he also showed a well-rounded game. With long arms and good activity, Eames has become a good defensive player capable of helping his team protect the basket and also get on th boards.
Best ballhandler: Jalen Lewis (5’9, PG, 2018, Liberty). Lewis is one of the Kansas City area’s premier players and has the ability to carry a team offensively. On Saturday, he scored 25 points in a hard-fought loss to Free State. He has elite speed and quickness and has the ability to create offense off the dribble. He can get to the bucket or create space for open perimeter shots.
Best Big Man Prospect. Jarrett Hensley (6’7, PF, 2019, Shawnee Mission North). A long, rangy 6’7 forward, Hensley is emerging as a player to watch in the 2019 class in Kansas. He has a lot of bounce in his game and is able to finish above the rim with emphatic slams, as well as block shots at the defensive end of the court. He also has a nice face up game is adept at driving to the bucket and finishing tough chances.
Name to Know: Jalan Robinson (6’5, PF/C, 2018, Free State). Robinson is a big, physical player with a big frame and a wide body. He is strong and likes to bang in the paint, but also has soft hands, good foot work and a good shooting touch around the basket. He had 13 points and a 10 rebounds in a hard-fought 75-73 win over Liberty on Saturday.
Best underclassman: Stefan Black II (5’10, G, 2020, Blue Springs).