Five Takeaways: Piper-Blue Valley Southwest
Five Takeaways: Piper-Blue Valley Southwest
SPRING HILL, Kan. — Kansas City (Kan.) Piper opened the Spring Hill Invitational with a 70-46 win over Blue Valley Southwest and advances to the semifinals to be played on Thursday.
Piper will face either Eisenhower or Kansas City (Kan.) Sumner Academy on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the Pirates got a game-high 20 points from sharpshooter Bryce Yoder, while guard Doc Covington added 17 points.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at five things that stood out about the contest.
Chris “Peanut” Miller an under-rated post player
Blue Valley Southwest got a terrific game from 6’5 2020 forward Chris “Peanut” Miller who scored 18 points in the loss. Although he might be a little undersized for a traditional post player, Miller shows terrific footwork and a willingness to mix it up in the paint. He can also step out and shoot the 3, which he showed on Tuesday as he knocked down a shot from distance in the third quarter.
Covington shows ability to create
Piper 2018 guard Doc Covington entered Tuesday’s game averaging 18 points per game and showed why against Blue Valley Southwest as he went for 17 points and showcased a well-rounded offensive game. At 6’2, Covington can get to the basket as well as the free throw line, has a good handle and can also shoot the 3 ball if left alone on the perimeter.
Yoder on fire from deep
Piper 2018 guard Bryce Yoder seemingly knocked down everything he shot on Tuesday as he showed a terrific outside shooting stroke. At 6’3, Yoder has good size and a smooth, fluid outside shot. He knocked down six 3-pointers for Piper and finished with 20 points to lead the Pirates.
Bates tough to contain in transition
A 5’11 2019 guard, Piper’s Trey Bates was seemingly everywhere on Tursday against Blue Valley Southwest and proved especially tough to contain in transition. Bates knocked down an early 3-pointer, but otherwise did much of his damage in transition as Piper turned turnovers into easy points at the other end of the court. Bates finished with 13 points for the Pirates.
Several Wolves play well at times
Blue Valley Southwest has some talent despite the lopsided score, but struggled to put it all together on Tuesday. Among the players who impressed were 6’0 2018 point guard Nick Parker, as well as 6’4 2020 forward Max Defever. With a pair of sophomore bigs inside in Max Defever and Chris Miller, the Timberwolves have a bright future ahead.