KC Classic: KC-Area Players Who Stood Out
Tournaments are starting back up, giving players a chance get back on the court. A quality gathering of teams from the Midwest gathered for the Kansas City Classic last weekend at Hy-Vee Arena. Various age groups were represented. Here are…
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Continue ReadingTournaments are starting back up, giving players a chance get back on the court. A quality gathering of teams from the Midwest gathered for the Kansas City Classic last weekend at Hy-Vee Arena. Various age groups were represented.
Here are a handful of players from the KC area who really stood out:
Payton Hanzlik Payton Hanzlik 6'4" | SF Leavenworth | 2021 State KS , 2021, Leavenworth:
The 6-foot-5 wing can light it up from the perimeter. But he’s a tough matchup inside the lane as well. He’s long and lanky and a versatile inside-out performer. He’s a standout on the 810 Hoops U17 club and didn’t back down to the tough competition of the KC Classic.
Malik Johnson, 2021, North Kansas City:
One of the most athletic players at the KC Classic, Johnson can do it all. He’s a 6-foot-3 jumping jack who can dominate both inside and out. He can get off the floor in an instant, is lean and lightning quick. Even better, he’s a high-energy player who gives non-stop effort. He demonstrated his ability in the classic to draw fouls, create shots and shoot with touch.
Luke Metcalf, 2023, Spring Hill:
A young player to watch, Metcalf is a long, lanky athlete with a lot to bring to the table. He runs the floor really well and is a selfless hustler. He has good offensive skills, but he doesn’t need the ball in order to make an impact on the game for MoKan U15. He is a tough defender and is disruptive in the lane.
Andrew Orr Andrew Orr 6'8" | PF Blue Valley North | 2021 State KS , 2021, Blue Valley North:
One of the more established players at the KC Classic was the 6-foot-8 all-state contender Orr of MoKan. His height stands out, an he uses his size well. He has good post moves and is disruptive in the lane. He gets off the floor and dunks with authority. But he also makes himself a key part of the overall offense. He can handle the ball, help bring it up the floor and distributes the ball with confidence.
Trent Parke, 2022, Derby:
The Derby standout traveled to Kansas City to play for Team KC U16. The lefty can drive and score, draw fouls and knock down free throws. He’s a fearless penetrator who also knows how to move without the ball. At 6-foot-2, he’s got good size to go with point guard skills.
Jack Ratigan, 2022, Blue Valley West:
The 6-foot-5 Ratigan is getting summer work on Team KC U16. He is a tall beast on the glass and in the lane. He runs the floor well for his size and can spot up for shots from anywhere. He gets off the floor well for dunks and even demonstrates a little ability with the ball against the press.
Terique Suwareh, 2022, Olathe West:
The 6-foot-1 guard can penetrate and dish or score. In fact, he might be Team KC U16’s best scoring option. But he’s equally tough on defense. He has always got his hands in the lane. He can pick a ballhandler’s pocket and generally make their life miserable.