Steve Vertin Classic Standouts

<p> Prep Hoops Missouri was able to check out the action at the Steve Vertin Classic, which was held at Bishop LeBlond High in St. Joseph. The event featured five games pitting teams from Missouri against teams from Nebraska. The Missouri teams went 4-1 on the day with Mound City, St. Joe Lafayette, St. Joe Central and Bishop LeBlond posting victories. Savannah was the only team to taste defeat.</p> <p> Here is a look at some of the top standouts in the event from the Missouri side:</p> <h4>Mound City</h4> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984951" first="Tony" last="Osburn"]: The 6’2" 2022 guard scored a game-high 29 points in a victory over Sacred Heart to start the day. He had a little foul trouble early in the game, but his offense started to pick up steam in the second half as he displayed his three-level scoring ability. His shooting range is deep and he can create. This was more of a methodical 29-point performance as opposed to the his explosive 30-point barrages when he rattles off points in bunches.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824183" first="Landon" last="Poppa"]: The 6’4" 2021 wing scored 20 points and he dominated much of the action early with 10 first-quarter points. He is at his best when he is operated from the mid-range area on in. He knocks down the jumper from 15 feet consistently and he works his way in with floaters and tough layups at the rim. He is also an explosive athlete who will throw down at least a couple of dunks in every game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>Lafayette</h4> <p>Camden Bennett: A 6'2" 2023 wing player who scored 15 points in a victory over Mount Michael. He's a strong physical guard who provided matchup problems with his strength and skill level. He was able to power inside for buckets on the drive or in the lane on post ups. He has solid ball handling skills and he hit an open 3-pointer.</p> <p>Tri’Shon Page: A 6'4" 2021 forward who had a very productive afternoon around the basket as he scored in double figures. He has good length and he was very active at both ends. He ran the court well and did a nice job of finishing inside.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>Central</h4> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="985216" first="Lavar" last="Felder"]: The 6'3" 2021 guard broke open a close game against Roncalli Catholic with his 3-point shooting in the third quarter. The smooth lefty knocked down three triples in the quarter and also dropped a couple of nice dimes to cutting teammates for buckets. He handles the ball well and can also slice to the basket.</p> <p>Will Small: A 5'9" 2021 point guard who is a capable floor leader and excellent 3-point shooter. He can knock down perimeter shots and also get into the lane with an effective floater. He is strong on the dribble and he can distribute the ball well. He already has a 32-point game on his resume from the William Jewell Classic.</p> <p>Brett and Trey Main: Brett is a 2021 and Trey is a 2022 and both guards provide solid all-around floor games for a 10-2 Central squad, plus very good 3-point shooting. Both are tough and will compete at the defensive end and they are capable of cutting loose and hitting a number of 3-pointers in a short stretch.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>LeBlond</h4> <p>Chris Gulden: A 5'11" 2022 combo guard who is just as effective playing in the mid range and low post area as he is playing on the perimeter. He operates well in the high post against a zone defense and even went down and got a bucket and an And 1 on a post up in the paint. He has solid handles and will hit the 3-point shot.</p> <p>Jake Korrell: A 6'0' 2023 point guard who does a nice job of handling the offense. He advances the ball well and plays with good pace while staying under control. He can beat defenders off the dribble going left or right and he's a capable shooter from 3-point range. A very poised young guard.</p>