Arvest Classic: Best of the Best

<p>The Arvest Classic wrapped up Saturday from Parkview High School in Springfield, MO with Kickapoo emerging as this year's champion after an 82-66 win over Raytown in the title game.  Helias was the winner of the 3rd place game over Lafayette and host school Parkview won the consolation bracket, knocking off Newcastle (OK).  There was a wealth of talent in the gym throughout the event, but here are the prospects who stood out above the rest:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>6'2 Jr Anton Brookshire - Kickapoo</strong></em></p> <p>Anton proved why he is regarded as one of the top juniors in the state at the Arvest Classic as he led the Chiefs to a tournament championship and was given MVP honors.  He scored 29 in an opening round win over Newcastle and poured in 26 in the championship game against a very good Raytown team.  Anton proved to be a near impossible guard.  He displayed deep range and a quick release that makes him a legit threat to bury one anywhere inside the volleyball line at any time.  He keeps the ball on a string and gets from 0 to 60 in a hurry with elite burst and great ball control around the rim.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>6'5 Jr Aaron Franklin - Raytown</strong></em></p> <p>Over the weekend was my first opportunity to see Aaron in action, and I came away very impressed.  He has a college ready frame and his combination of strength, athleticism, and perimeter skills made him a tough assignment.  Aaron was aggressive on the glass and shot the ball very well from beyond the arc.  He's a player that certainly has the ability to takeover a game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>6'2 Sr Marcus Anthony - Helias</strong></em></p> <p>Marcus is another prospect I was able to see for the first time over the weekend and is one to keep an eye on moving forward.  The rising senior is a strong, physical driver that attacked the rim relentlessly.  Did a nice job of ripping through and getting straight line drives to the bucket.  He seeks contact and can finish through it or draw enough to get to the charity stripe.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>6'4 Sr Ryan Campbell - Lafayette</strong></em></p> <p>Ryan, a Maryville signee, is a smooth operator that plays with an edge.  He is very active off the ball and knows how to use and read screens to free himself up for open shots, which he is very capable of burying at a high clip.  He was crafty off the bounce and was able to gain separation off the bounce and with his step-backs to get quality looks.  With good size as a wing, he looks like he will be a very nice fit with the Saints next year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>6'1 Sr Dontae Taylor - Parkview</strong></em></p> <p>Once of the most tenacious on ball defenders and poised lead guards in the state, Dontae put on a show against Fayetteville on Friday.  He has great vision and excels as a distributor, but Dontae was aggressive as a scorer and attacked the rim with purpose.  Did a very nice job of splitting defenders and setting up scoring opportunities.  He also showed off some improved versatility on the offensive end.  He had a nice post-up score in the paint off an offensive board and the three point shot looked smooth.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>6'4 Sr Kalub Hunt - Newcastle</strong></em></p> <p>At 6'4 with plus length, I love Kalub's game for Newcastle at the point guard position.  He really gets downhill in transition and has some crafty euro-steps and step-thru moves.  Used his length well to finish around the basket and was a menace defensively both on ball and using his wingspan to get deflections.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>