Nelson Division: Top Performers (Sat-Mon)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prep Hoops takes a look at some of the top performances in the Nelson Division at the William Jewell tournament held in Liberty, Mo. The three division bracket featured some of the top teams in the Kansas City area.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Nelson Division</strong><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Staley, Center, Rockhurst, Grandview, Blue Springs South, Central, Oak Park, Fort Osage</span></p> <p><strong>Byron Alexander, 6’3, G/F, 2020, Staley</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Nelson Division MVP, Alexander continued his standout play across the boards as Staley got the win over Center (52-44) and then over Grandview (47-44). Alexander led his team in scoring against Center with 17 points, hitting shots from behind the 3-point line, inside paint and from the free throw line. He hit 8-12 from the line and added six rebounds and one steal. Alexander hit 16 points in the final game and grabbed 10 rebounds and two steals. He is playing extremely well this season and is starting to hit his stride offensively, now averaging 15 points per game and nearly eight rebounds and three steals. </span></p> <p><strong>Reggie Morris, 6’1, G, 2020, Grandview</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Morris had a strong showing in the championship game, showing leadership as a scorer and defensive presence. He finished with 15 points points and had three steals and was on the floor for 31 minutes in the game. Although they fell short, Morris continues to play strong throughout all four quarters and he’s a proven sniper from 3-point range. Throughout seven games Morris has been second in scoring behind Manning as he averages 15 points and two steals per game. Morris was named a Nelson Division All Star and averaged 13.7 points per game at the tournament.</span></p> <p><strong>Taj Manning, 6’7, F, 2022, Grandview</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An elite athlete who has great size, length and a high IQ for plays around the basket.  Manning scored a game-high 16 points against against Staley and added four rebounds and one steal. Manning didn’t play his best game, but showcased his overall athleticism and scoring potential as a prospect. Manning is averaging 16.4 points per game along with nearly nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Manning was named  a Nelson Division All Star and he averaged 16.3 points and had 17 rebounds.</span></p> <p><strong>Ben Walsh, 6’2, G, 2021, Rockhurst</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Walsh had a huge performance in the third place match up as Rockhurst overtook Center, 65-29. Walsch had a team high 25 points in the game and was virtually unguardable from 3-point range. He went 6-8 from deep and was finding buckets at a high level. Walsch has a strong frame and can create for himself and move off the ball and score well when his shot is dialed in. With his strong performance over Center, he was named a Nelson Division All Star and averaged 14 points per game in the tournament.</span></p> <p><strong>Kyan Evans, G, 2023, Staley</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Staley freshman continues to handle strong pressure on the offensive side and make plays when it counts. He’s confident and has good skills and the ability to make plays. Evans showed good ball movement against Center and Grandview and looked sharp as a defender who can force turnovers. He had nine points, four assists, one block and two steals in their win against Grandview and was named a Nelson Division All Star. He’s now averaging nine points, five assists and three steals this season.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>