Grandview Preseason League: Eaglecrest vs. Regis Jesuit

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the first week of the Grandview preseason league underway, we get the opportunity to review a few of the top teams in the state. Starting with a pair of former playoff contenders and multiple collegiate prospects.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1369808' first='LaDavian' last='King'] - Eaglecrest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>King looks like the prototypical dynamic playmaker we all saw from him in previous seasons, improving his space creation on shot attempts while efficiently facilitating for his teammates. The incoming junior created quite a few step-back jumpers, even drawing a foul from a three point attempt. King was on balance and collected on every shot attempt, looking to be far and away the best player on the court. Defensively, he was impactful on or off the ball, staying strong for help defense against opposing backcourt scorers. There is no doubt that King will be primed for yet another big season, although he is showing steady progression as a live dribble passer and crafty finisher around the rim.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1577975' first='Damarius' last='Taylor'] - Regis Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor proved to be impressive attacking downhill, taking contact and finishing tough shot attempts in the lane. The incoming senior guard will play a vital role controlling the pace for Regis Jesuit, holding a high usage rate as a facilitator. Whether taking on the smaller backcourt opponent or up against a likesize matchup, Taylor was among the highest volume scorers around the rim in this matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1904130' first='Lucas' last='Kalimba'] - Eaglecrest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalimba was among the most impactful defensive players through their matchup, swatting away multiple shot attempts at the basket. The guard was highly impactful either as a help defender or point of attack matchup, capable of defending both backcourt positions that Regis Jesuit threw out there. Kalimba has clearly added strength, going straight up to contest shot attempts with ease. Offensively, he is playing within his role as a complementary shotmaker, getting a few driving lanes from pump fakes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479352' first='Alec' last='Roumph'] - Regis Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1954486,"width":156,"height":226,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Alec-Roumph.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Alec-Roumph.jpg?w=704" alt="" class="wp-image-1954486" style="width:156px;height:226px" width="156" height="226" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1479352' first='Alec' last='Roumph']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roumph was knockdown throughout the day, possessing a compact and quick form along the perimeter. Knocking down a few catch and shoot threes, the guard was impactful in transition or from a standstill. He will be someone to watch down the line, likely a clutch shooter should the kick out present itself.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1195029' first='Sirdevin' last='Roberts'] - Eaglecrest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roberts has been a steady riser throughout the summer and looks to be among the leading impact players at Eaglecrest. Knocking down multiple threes in the matchup, the guard has a compact form with a fairly high release, capable of getting up shots through incoming contests. He is a strong guard, effective at guarding opposing forwards in the post, holding his own while in an athletic stance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1369806' first='Garrett' last='Barger'] - Eaglecrest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barger continues to hold his own on the defensive end, proving wiry strong versus opposing forwards. The forward continues to be an impactful defender either around the rim or out to the perimeter, boasting enough quickness to switch onto wings while maintaining his composure contesting at rim shot attempts. His patented right hand floater got him a few points, consistently leveraging the contact for just enough space to get the shot off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->