Five Takeaways: Rock Bridge-Truman
Five Takeaways: Rock Bridge-Truman
Bruins run away from Patriots at NKC Tournament
The opening round of play in the 68th annual North Kansas City Invitational got underway on Monday as the Rock Bridge Bruins ran away from Truman in convincing fashion, 79-45.
The state’s No. 4 ranked team in Missouri Class 5, Rock Bridge improved to 12-0 this season with the win.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at five things that stood out in the contest.
Mosley and Harris a dynamic 1-2 punch
Two of Missouri’s premier players in the 2019 class, 6’6 forward Isiaih Mosley and 6’2 point guard Dajuan Harris showed why they are one of the state’s premier 1-2 punches on Monday. A versatile wing player, Mosley brings a diverse skill set to the court and has the ability to handle the ball, shoot from the outside and score in a variety of ways. Harris is a smooth point guard who plays under control and is comfortable leading an offense.
Bernskoetter a worker off the bench
Every great team has players who are willing to compete within their role and do the little things at a high level — and that is Rock Bridge 2018 forward Devin Berkskoetter in a nut shell. At 6’3, Bernskoetter is able to play in the paint at both ends of the floor, rebounds and defends multiple positions. He is willing to mix it up in the paint at both ends of the floor, but is also a good enough athlete to defend on the perimeter.
Mabry puts together solid game in loss
Truman got a solid performance from Jordan Mabry, a 5’10 senior guard. He carved out some lanes to the basket and showed the ability to finish around bigger players in the lane. He brought solid ball handling to the Patriots’ backcourt and played the game under control.
Truman a work in progress
The Patriots hung tough with Rock Bridge early on and had some moments of solid play, but the Bruins were too much throughout and showed why they are one of the state’s top teams. Now 4-11 this season, Truman is led by Mabry, Keaton Wiley, Donald Edmondson and Kaimen Lennox all of whom had some solid moments of play throughout the game.
Don’t forget about Bruins’ Jamonta Black (pictured)
Mosley and Harris get a lot of attention, for good reason, but 2019 guard Jamonta Black is coming into his own this season as well. At 6’3, Black has terrific size and athleticism and has a good, strong basketball frame. He handles it well and showed on Monday he can knock down outside shots as well as get to the basket and finish. He is definitely a player college programs should be tracking this spring and summer.