Midwest Showcase: A Look at the Kansas City Area Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri got a chance to look at several Kansas City area schools at the recent Midwest Showcase. From the looks of things, it is going to be very competitive around Kansas City, especially with the large schools. In 2023 Staley was the dominant team that won the Class 6 state title. In 2024 and 2025, Oak Park was the dominant team as the Northmen made two Final Four trips and won the state title this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There does not appear to be one team that is above everyone else, but there are many teams that have quality players, which should make for some competitive action on a nightly basis. Here is a look at those Kansas City teams that we watched at the Midwest Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CLASS 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2886346,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3481.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3481.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2886346" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee's Summit North: The Broncos have a chance to be outstanding for the next couple of seasons. They are a team full of 2027 standouts, but they will all follow the lead of 6'5" 2026 athletic small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2111114' first='Tre' last='Paulding']. He can do it all from scoring, rebounding defending and playmaking. The other bookend of the 2027 standouts is 6'4" 2028 wing [player_tooltip player_id='2617714' first='Antonio' last='Burnett'], who is one of the most explosive young players in the state. Of the talented 2027 crew, 6'2 guard Jaycen Walker is a tenacious athlete at both ends of the court. Point guard Aaron Mckintosh, 6'3" Chris Williams and 6'1" [player_tooltip player_id='2837060' first='Elijah' last='Livingston'] also bolster the backcourt. Bringing size will be 6'9" forward [player_tooltip player_id='2952086' first='Dustyn' last='McIntire'], who has a nice shooting touch around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2885715,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3378.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3378.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2885715" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staley: The Falcons return several key pieces from a team that won 21 games last season. Small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'] is a versatile 6'5 athlete who impacts play at both ends of the court. [player_tooltip player_id='2090503' first='Jakobe' last='Hicks'] is a 6'1" all-purpose guard who defends well and is an excellent slasher on the offensive end. [player_tooltip player_id='2334945' first='Tra' last='Moore'] is a 6'0" 2027 point guard who has been playing at the varsity level since his freshman year. He's one of the best in the KC area. Fellow 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2334971' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] is a 6'5" forward who rebounds, screens and plays the physical game inside. Will Hansen is a 2026 guard who can shoot it while Zane Lamb is a 6'6" 2027 forward with size and rebounding ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2896274,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3393.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3393.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2896274" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockhurst: The Hawklets won a district championship and were one game away from the Final Four last season. Several of those key players are back in the fold. [player_tooltip player_id='2090487' first='Cohen' last='Robinson'] is a 6'4" 2026 point guard who has been a standout since his freshman year. The veteran lefty can run the show and get buckets. Up front, 6'6" 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2346142' first='Kevin' last='Sullivan'] and 6'5" 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2205734' first='Kemper' last='Roberts'] can both get it done. Sullivan has a big body and versatile skill set while Roberts can also excel on the perimeter. Heuston Saunders, a 6'4" 2026 forward brings more athleticism to the frontcourt rotation. Blake Thomas is a 2027 point guard who is also back while 6'1" 2026 guard Max Moylan can shoot it from 3-point range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2885726,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3368.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3368.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2885726" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Park: The Northmen graduated some prime talent from its Class 6 state championship team, but there are some solid players back to keep them very competitive. Point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] really asserted himself on offense end as a scorer to go along with his playmaking duties. Athletic 6'4" 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'] will also be stepping up into a prime offensive role. He has the ability to get buckets in addition to his athleticism. A big addition to the program is 6'9" 2026 power forward Landen Van Pelt, who comes over from Lee's Summit. He brings inside strength and scoring in the low post. [player_tooltip player_id='2952093' first='Jakaya' last='Duff'] is a 6'8" 2027 forward who has a chance to develop into a solid frontcourt player in the rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2896275,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3588.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3588.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2896275" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Kansas City: The Hornets won 20 games last season and they look to have another talented squad in the fold. One of the veteran leaders will be 6'7" 2026 forward Jake Willmann, who has been a stalwart since his freshman year. He's a versatile talent who can shoot it from 3-point range. 6'2" 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1850447' first='Josh' last='Wheeler'] is a talented guard who can shoot it and create off the dribble while 6'7" 2027 forward [player_tooltip player_id='2334943' first='Leeric' last='Torrence'] is a talented transfer from KIPP KC Legacy. [player_tooltip player_id='2920291' first='Michael' last='Cuthird III'] is a talented 6'1" 2028 point guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2896276,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3687.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3687.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2896276" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee's Summit: The Tigers return a sold pair of guards with 5'10" 2026 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2402990' first='Mekhi' last='McNeil'] and 6'3" 2026 Kam Johns. Another 2026 guard is 6'1" Blake Myres, who can really shoot it from distance. A trio of 2027s who are expected to make an impact are 6'9" forward [player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] and 6'4" forward [player_tooltip player_id='2837061' first='Drew' last='Benassi'], along with 6'1" guard Kolby Hay. Patrick Rowles Jr. is a talented 2029 guard with a bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2885710,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3331.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3331.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2885710" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grain Valley: The Eagles have one of the state's top players in 6'4" guard [player_tooltip player_id='1775703' first='Eli' last='Herbert'], who has already committed to Division I Liberty. He can handle the ball and shoot it from long distance. Providing the inside compliment is 6'7" 2026 forward Samuel Pendergrass, who can muscle inside for buckets. They are joined by a trio of shooters in 6'4" 2026 Anthony Juarez, 6'2" 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2411315' first='Hudson' last='Hughes'] and 6'2" 2027 Tristan Hoyn.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2475403,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/IMG_5344_a94171.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/IMG_5344_a94171.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2475403" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Springs South: The Jaguars will be a team to watch once again because of their skilled and seasoned guard play. They have a trio of talented 2026 guards in 6'2" [player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'], 6'2" [player_tooltip player_id='2114716' first='Blayne' last='Marshall'] and 5'9" A.C. Rollins. All three were all-district players from a team that won 22 games and advanced to the state quarterfinals. Rollins is a smooth point guard who can handle the offense, score and distribute the basketball. Marshall and Ellis are excellent offensive players. Another key 2026 guard back in the fold is 6'2" Cooper Callahan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2895019,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3357.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3357.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2895019" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee's Summit West: The Titans were build around its very capable backcourt of 5'10" 2026 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1910830' first='Phoenix' last='Johnson'] and 5'11" 2026 combo guard Jordan Dean. Both are quality ball handlers who can also score. [player_tooltip player_id='2534725' first='Jack' last='Barnett'] is a 6'5" 2027 forward who is solid inside while 6'3" 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2920326' first='Kadence' last='McClure'] is a talented young forward. LSW's top returning forward, 6'6" [player_tooltip player_id='2115124' first='DJ' last='Childs'], just announced that he will be attending PHH Prep in Phoenix for his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CLASS 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2896277,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3594.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_3594.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2896277" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pembroke Hill: The Raiders were district champions last season and one last-second jumper away from a trip to the Final Four. They will contend once again as they return one of the KC area's top players in 6'3" 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1850449' first='Mav' last='Hawkins']. He's a three-level scorer who can shoot it from anywhere. Fellow 2026 guard Cal Sprott is another dangerous 3-point shooter with plenty of experience. Brandon Shelly is a talented 2028 point guard with good athleticism. He was a key player as a freshman. Also back is 6'5" 2026 forward Bobby Nonemaker, a lefty who can stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2891636,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3621.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3621.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2891636" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grandview: The Bulldogs have a talented group of players with good skill and athleticism. They have a pair of good athletes up front in 6'5" 2026 Eugene Lubaga, who can really rebound with his high motor, and 6'5" 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2952114' first='Rashad' last='Herron'], who is a good slasher. There is talent at the wing positions in 6'4" 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2920298' first='Jaiden' last='Jordan'] and 6'4" 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2837064' first='Daniel' last='Ford'] while 6'0" 2026 James Frazier is a speedy point guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2896283,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_0796_81a4e2.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/IMG_0796_81a4e2.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2896283" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit Christian: I didn't get a chance to see SCA during the event, but they still deserve a mention as they have gone to back to back state championship games in Class 3 and Class 5. SCA has one of the top 2027 forwards in the state in 6'6" Mike Thomas III, who is an outstanding two-way player. Brady Ellerman is a 5'9" 2028 point guard who really broke out at the Final Four of the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->