Arvest Classic: Team Recaps

Tournament Champions: Kickapoo Chiefs Results: 68-60 W (Newcastle), 49-40 W (Lafayette), 82-66 W (Raytown - Championship Game) All-Tournament Team: Anton Brookshire (MVP), Elijah Bridgers, Cameron Liggans Recap: The Chiefs ran the table with a trifecta of impressive wins and were crowned the new champs of the Arvest Classic. Led by sensational junior guard, Anton Brookshire, to go along with fellow All-Tournament performers in Elijah Bridgers and Cameron Liggans, Kickapoo had too much firepower for their opponents. The Chiefs also had critical contributions from 6'6 forward Cary Ragan on the glass and as a rim protector. In the end, though, Kickapoo will go as far as Brookshire and their dynamic back-court will take them. What was impressive, and probably scary for opponents, is that even in an off game for Brookshire against Lafayette the Chiefs were stifling defensively and had others step up to help lead them to a comfortable win.   Runner-Up: Raytown Bluejays Results: 68-43 W (Parkview), 52-47 W (Helias), 66-82 L (Kickapoo - Championship Game) All-Tournament Team: Cortez Howlett, Aaron Franklin Recap: The Bluejays opened up with a very impressive win over the host school Parkview and followed up with a tight victory over a very pesky, fundamentally sound Helias squad. In the championship game, however, it was Anton Brookshire and Kickapoo that proved to be too great a challenge for Raytown. The dynamic duo of slick point guard Cortez Howlett and rising junior wing Aaron Franklin proved formidable and will carry them to many wins this season. The ceiling for this group could be raised if they continue to get increased contributions from the likes of 6'3 forward Dontae Manning and wing Trayvon Parker.   3rd Place: Helias Crusaders Results: 67-66 W (Fayetteville), 47-52 L (Raytown), 58-41 W (Lafayette) All-Tournament Team: Isaac Johnson, Marcus Anthony Recap: Helias opened up the tournament with a very impressive one point victory over the defending champion, Fayetteville. They followed that up with another impressive performance against a talented Raytown squad, although it ended in a loss. The Crusaders bounced back, though, with a resounding victory over Lafayette in the 3rd place game. Isaac Johnson and Marcus Anthony led the way for Helias, but it was their balanced attack in their patient offensive attack and and suffocating zone defense that led to the teams success.   4th Place: Lafayette Lancers Results: W (Parkview JV), 40-49 L (Kickapoo), 41-58 L (Helias) All-Tournament Team: Ryan Campbell Recap: The Lancers cruised to an opening round win over Parkview JV, who filled in for a late drop out in the field. They were impressive against the eventual champions, Kickapoo, in the semi-finals, but followed that up with a tough loss against Helias in the 3rd place game. Maryville signee, Ryan Campbell, was a standout for Lafayette. The 6'4 wing is very crafty and can fill it up in a variety of ways. He will need some help if the Lancers want to reach their potential this season, which is likely to come in the form of two intriguing 6'5 junior wings Drew Behl and Michael Henneberry.   Consolation Champions: Parkview Vikings Results:43-68 L (Raytown), 53-48 W (Fayetteville), 52-34 W (Newcastle) All-Tournament Team: Dontae Taylor, Elijah Whitley Recap: The host, Parkview, ran into a buzz-saw in Raytown in the opening round that put a quick end to their aspirations of a tournament title. However, the Vikings were quite impressive in their run to a consolation bracket championship that included wins over defending champion, Fayetteville, and Newcastle out of Oklahoma. Senior standout Dontae Taylor was electric throughout and his play-making ability on both ends of the floor was relentless. He has a strong supporting class in sharpshooting senior Nakai Johnson and physical junior forward Anthony Green. Not to mention, rising stars in sophomore guard Elijah Whitley and 6'7 jumping jack Trevon Brazile. Parkview may have lost some star-power from last year's special team, but the Vikings will certainly still be a tough out this season.   6th Place: Newcastle Racers Results: 60-68 L (Kickapoo), 58-39 W (Parkview JV), 34-52 L (Parkview) All-Tournament Team: Kalub Hunt Recap: Newcastle made the trip from Oklahoma to Springfield and came away with some valuable early season experience against stiff competition. While the Racers took a pair of losses on the weekend, they hung tough with a very good Kickapoo team and got a win for their resume. Kalub Hunt is a problem on both ends of the floor at the point guard position. He is helped by 6'4 G/F Cooper Baldwin who is crafty around the rim and operates well from the high post. Tristin Cathey and Jade Wilkins are two others who were positive contributors for the Racers throughout the weekend.   7th Place: Fayetteville Bulldogs Results: 66-67 L (Helias), 48-53 L (Parkview), W (Parkview JV) Top Performer: Tamaury Releford Recap: This was not the result that the defending champs from Arkansas anticipated. The Bulldogs have a wealth of talent but are still trying to put all the pieces together in this young season. That cost them against a frustratingly sound Helias team that upset them in the opening round. They showed fight against Parkview the next night, but were not able to overcome big performances by the Vikings stars. 6'7 240 Tamaury Releford is the foundation for Fayetteville to build around. He is an absolute force in the paint. They will benefit from getting a couple players, such as sharp-shooter Connor Barnett, healthy and will need more consistency from dynamic wing trio Isaiah Releford, Corey Williams Jr, and Austin Garrett. Fayetteville has depth, talent, and are well coached. They will not be a team anyone wants to see come February.