6A Tournament Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6A state tournament saw some epic performances. The biggest stars came through in the biggest moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While some eye-opening performances merit a separate look (which we'll call "6A Tournament Big Impressions"), first let's reflect on the best of the best from the 6A tournament semifinal and final rounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Semifinal 1: Blue Valley Northwest defeated Blue Valley North 53-51</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player of the game: [player_tooltip player_id='1378390' first='Grant' last='Stubblefield'], 6-foot-2 guard, 2023, Blue Valley Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a battle of Overland Park rivals. Blue Valley pulled out in the fourth period with Stubblefield doing just about everything but selling popcorn. He demonstrated his remarkable ability to get to the goal and convert acrobatic shots, often winding up flat on the floor as the ball goes through the hoop. He drew a bunch of fouls – he shot 14 free throws. He also was on fire from deep hitting 4-6 from behind the arc. He also led the team with 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Stubblefield is a stocky guard who uses his body effectively to get space and to protect the ball. More on him in a minute.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Semifinal 2: Wichita Heights defeated Derby 61-45</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams'], 6-foot-5 guard, 2024, Wichita Heights (pictured)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Stubblefield did in the previous game, Williams did everything possible to lead the Falcons to the win over Derby. (This game was closer and harder-fought than the final score would indicate, by the way) Williams handled the point a lot for Heights, directing traffic and running the offense. With the ball in his hands, he was effective breaking down a defender and getting into the lane. He hit a bunch of midrange jumpers and soaring shots at the rim. He also hit all 6 of his free throw attempts to finish with 23 points. He defended in the paint and also hurried Derby's great shooters into tough perimeter shots. Williams grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 5 assists too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship: Blue Valley Northwest defeated Wichita Heights 55-50</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player of the Game: Stubblefield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was a rematch of last year's entertaining final claimed by Wichita Heights. Williams was incredibly impressive in the final game. He refused to let his team lose, making plays at both ends to keep the Falcons in it. He blocked a few shots that seemed superhuman. But he finished with just 16 points and found it tough to get easy looks. Stubblefield, meanwhile, was clutch for the Huskies. He led BVNW to avenge last year's loss by hitting a bunch of huge shots and also going 6-7 from the line when Heights mounted a furious comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some other “stars” merit mention from this game. Though he sat several minutes with fouls, Blue Valley Northwest junior [player_tooltip player_id='1461338' first='Joey' last='Matteoni'] grabbed 16 rebounds. He was part of a big front line for the Huskies, joining [player_tooltip player_id='1561993' first='Landon' last='Braun'], <strong>Gavin Hoffman</strong>, <strong>Aidan Behymer</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='1270297' first='Jaxon' last='Klein'] – all dudes standing at least 6-foot-5 - in defending the paint. <strong>Jake Fritz</strong> was huge. He will be discussed in a separate article.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Consolation Game: Derby defeated Blue Valley North 67-66</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id='1300833' first='Dallas' last='Metzger'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Derby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes consolation games aren't taken entirely seriously by the participants. It's understandable. After laying it all on the line in quest of a championship, you're asked to come back in less than 24 hours and give it your all for a consolation prize. The first half looked like this game might go that way. But the game wound up being about as intense as a championship match would be. It went to overtime in fact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metzger was an absolute sniper, torching the Mustangs for 8-12 from behind the arc. He got off guarded shots from everywhere, using his high, quick release. Metzger's ability to hit from deep is well known. He deserves more credit for his rebounding, ball handling and ability defend with his long arms and stocky frame. He's much more than just a shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meriting some mention from this contest is Blue Valley North center [player_tooltip player_id='1747705' first='Blake' last='Garrett']. The Mustangs have some big, intimidating dues guarding the paint, but Garrett stood out for his defense of the rim and his effective finishes on offense. He hit 6-8 attempts and led the Mustangs with 16 points, several of them coming in the intense final minutes and overtime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->