3 Takeaways: Kickapoo vs. Springfield Central

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a big Springfield matchup, Kickapoo and Central traveled into a hot Glendale gym to compete for a district championship. These teams know each other well and play completely different styles. Kickapoo had their moments, keeping the pace of play down while Central was looking to get out and run. It was a close game for all four quarters and Springfield Central ended up on top. They're set to face Rockhurst in Kansas City on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1259024' first='Tyrique' last='Brooks'] was great throughout.&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior guard played like his career was on the line and it paid off. His explosive ability and tough shot making proved to be the difference in this game. He got out in transition, made second chance buckets, and affected the game in a big way defensively. His length and jumping at 6'4 is something the region doesn't see often. Locals think about players such as Trevon Brazile, Aminu Mohammed, and Tyem Freeman. Brooks might be more explosive than all those guys. He's a steal for Missouri Southern and a player that will impact from Day 1. He also had a massive slam to close out the game late. One of his best plays this season. Brooks had 17 points and multiple defensive stops on the night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Shaun Campbell and [player_tooltip player_id='1424395' first='Jackson' last='Shorter'] lead the Chiefs.&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell was one of their top seniors and played well out of the gates. He's a strong attacking guard that scored early and often. He had it going as a slasher in this game. His buckets were timely and he played through contact. Campbell had a number of runners, and-ones, and FTs made to reach double figures on the night. Shorter on the other hand played his role and controlled the painted area as best he could. His strength on the interior is an asset. At 6'7 he's able to step out and make the three which he showed in this game. A rugged post presence with versatility. Shorter is just a junior and will return as one of the top players in all of Springfield during his senior season. He scored 11 points on the night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Springfield Central, team of destiny?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a team that had moments of great play last year but look like an entirely new squad. They've always had a strong 2025 class and Brooks transferring in from Wayensville was a massive addition. [player_tooltip player_id='1422818' first='Keion' last='Epps'] has made strides as a scoring guard and looks to be a stock riser in the 2025 class. Byrce Walker has taken his game to a new level. He's able to fight post players for position at 6'6. He's bouncy and makes the corner three. Could this be a team of destiny? They're clicking at the right time and have the horses needed to keep up with any team they might see. Rockhrust will be a tough task this Saturday. Should they beat them, the field is wide open. This is an exciting team to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->