NIBC La Porte Invitational: Game 2 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In its second year. The La Porte Invitational returned to the historic LaPorte Civic Auditorium. The three day invite composed almost exclusively of NIBC members features numerous elite national recruits. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Day 1 slate was highlighted by a instant classic between six time GEICO national champions Montverde Academy and defending the NIBC defending champions Sunrise Christian Academy. Following are five standouts from that contest. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1089573' first='Derik' last='Queen'] 6-9 2024 Montverde Academy (FL) </strong>There is no other place to start. In game chock full of 2023 national standouts. A 2024 stole the show. Queen turned in a masterful performance to lead Montverde to a thrilling come from behind victory. Did not have the height advantage against Sunrise's <strong>John Bol </strong>(no one really does). However his bulky frame and extremely light feet negated that quickly. Took it right to Bol's chest early. By my count scored the first eight points of the game for the Eagles. Kept coming all night. It was more than just offensive dominance though. Used his length to protect the rim and control both the offensive and defensive glass. Only had one actual block. However what he did after it is what made it so memorable. Controlled it then lead the ensuing break himself. Dropping a pin point bounce pass for an easy bucket in transition. Finished with an impressive double double of 34 points and 11 rebounds. Fresh off of winning a Under Armour national championship with Team Thrill (playing up an age division as well) The Baltimore big man is making a case to be at the top of 2024 national class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scotty Middleton 6-7 Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) </strong>While Queen started out hot. Middleton's slashing offensive game nearly matched him shot for shot. Used hang time to make adjustments in mid air on his drives. Competed hard defensively and guarded a wide variety of positions. This versatility is going to be his calling card at the next level. If he sticks around another year. Could form a nice forward duo with similar prospect <strong>Brice Sensabaugh. </strong>Finished with 13 points in the loss. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='939052' first='Matas' last='Buzelis'] 6-10 2023 Sunrise Christian Academy (KS)</strong> <strong>pictured) </strong>The highest ranked player in the field got to a slow start. Sometimes they say a shooter needs to see the ball go through the basket to get going. That was partially the case for Buzelis. He got going after stepping into a passing lane and streaking for a big dunk in transition. After that things really seemed to open up for him. The slow start is also by product of how he plays. Buzelis doesn't force things and lets the game come to him. His extreme versatility allows him to take whatever the defense gives him. That can be an open three or a strong drive. Size allows him to shoot over anyone. Showed his elite footwork on hard jab step-step back combination move. Also showed creativity with a high finger roll off the glass around a shot blocker late. The Chicago product has previously spent most of his career at a prep school in New England. The G League commitment will become more a household nationally in the next year. There is just so much skill in a 6-10 lanky frame. Finished with 23 points in the loss. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1529069' first='Cooper' last='Flagg'] 6-8 2025 Montverde Academy (FL) </strong>The 2025 version of Buzelis. Once again a simply elite combination of skill and length. The counting statistics aren't going to jump off the stage. But was everywhere defensively. Playing a slight role in Buzelis' slow start. Produced possibly the highlight of the contest with a high flying tip dunk. With the defensive upside the early Andrei Kirilenko comps appear appropriate. If the offensive game catches up. The Maine product could be a generational prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787342' first='Chris' last='Johnson'] 6-4 2023 Montverde Academy (FL) </strong>I was surprised to see Johnson come off the bench. Put his stamp on the game quickly. Efficient and easy scorer. But the passing is what makes him a special player. I saw it with the Houston Defenders at the Under Armour nationals this summer. It was present one again Thursday night. Pulled off a clutch behind the back pocket pass to [player_tooltip player_id='1089573' first='Derik' last='Queen'] that had the gym buzzing. Most services list him as a combo guard. I see him as a traditional point guard with plus size. It will be interesting to see his fit in a possibly crowed Jayhawk backcourt next year. Heading in with a similar prospect in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582976' first='Elmarko' last='Jackson']. </strong>Finished with 14 points and five assists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->