Family First Hoops Classic: Previewing What You Need to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Sarah Phipps</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I continue highlighting some of the premier early-season tournaments and events across the Kansas City metro, the Family First Hoops Classic stands out as one of the most intriguing showcases on the schedule. This event is set to bring together several top-tier programs from across the Midwest, creating a stage loaded with high-caliber players, respected coaches, and compelling matchups from start to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes the Family First Hoops Classic especially noteworthy is that it marks the first event of its kind in Kansas City — an innovative, high-level showcase designed to elevate the early-season landscape. With its strong field and growing reputation, it has the potential to set a new standard for major basketball events in the area. In my opinion, this is just the beginning; we should expect to see more events like this emerge in the coming years as the region continues to embrace high-quality basketball showcases. All games will be played at Staley High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Players</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of highly talented players will take the floor in this event, but I've highlighted a select group that I believe has the potential to elevate their play above the rest. These athletes possess the skill, confidence, and competitive edge to turn any game in their favor, and this showcase provides the perfect stage for them to separate themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Equally intriguing will be the individual matchups that unfold throughout the event. With so much talent concentrated in one setting, we could see several marquee head-to-head battles develop on a game-to-game basis. Whether it's elite scorers, dynamic guards, or dominant interior players squaring off, the possibility of big-time individual matchups adds another layer of excitement to an already compelling showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] | 6'8" Wing | Junior | Blue Valley North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A high-level prospect with the length and athleticism to influence the game on both ends of the floor, he has all the tools to be a true difference-maker. One of the biggest storylines for him in this event will be measuring just how much his game has grown over the past year, as continued development could elevate him into an even more dominant force.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Keaton Murry | 6'4" Guard | Sophomore | Putnam City North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He might be the biggest name in the entire showcase — which speaks volumes given the level of talent expected to be in the building. He continues to expand his skill set and build serious momentum on the recruiting trail, drawing interest with each passing month. Offensively, he should be nothing short of dynamic, serving as the engine for Putnam City North and controlling the flow of the game from start to finish.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2894779' first='Brock' last='Bass-Bonner'] | 6'7" Wing | Junior | Cardinal Ritter</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another impressive prospect who now joins an already talented Cardinal Ritter program, he brings a versatile skill set that allows him to impact the game both inside and out. While he can stretch the floor and operate on the perimeter, he's especially underrated for his refined footwork around the rim and his ability to play effectively in the open court. Whether navigating the floor in transition or handling the ball with confidence, he adds a dynamic element that should elevate Cardinal Ritter even further.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jacques Mitchell | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Booker T. Washington</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He's an extremely impressive physical presence and has the ability to impose his will on opposing guards at both ends of the floor. With his strength, toughness, and competitive edge, he can dictate matchups and control the tempo whenever he's on the court. Given his tools and the energy a big crowd can bring out of elite competitors, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see him deliver a standout, big-time performance on the showcase stage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Staley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He may be one of the more underrated players in the event, but his high energy and relentless motor make him impossible to overlook. He matches up well with the other talented perimeter players in the field, bringing enough athleticism to compete and enough toughness to leave an impact on both ends. Beyond his physical tools, he continues to show steady growth in his skill set, making him a quietly intriguing prospect who could surprise a lot of people throughout the showcase.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Nkem House Jr. | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Douglass</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>House is expected to take on a much larger role this season, and his two-way versatility gives him the potential to be a major difference-maker. Defensively, he has the tools to disrupt matchups, while his expanding offensive skill set makes him increasingly dangerous with the ball in his hands. As his confidence and creativity continue to grow, it will be fascinating to see how his game evolves and what kind of impact he can make with the increased usage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Carlos Medlock, Jr. | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Link Academy</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A true floor general, he has the rare ability to take over games on both ends of the court. Expect him to push the pace, set the tone, and control the flow, while excelling in all the little things that contribute to victories. With elite point guard instincts, exceptional leadership, and outstanding court awareness, he has the potential to dominate stretches of play and dictate how his team operates on both offense and defense. By far one of the biggest names at the showcase, he is a player everyone will be watching closely.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Isaiah Wilks | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Millwood</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another quick and shifty lead guard, he is set to run the show for Millwood. His speed, agility, and court awareness allow him to create opportunities on offense while also making an impact on the defensive end. This two-way ability makes him a standout player and a key piece for his team's success throughout the showcase.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Olathe Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Popik is a dynamic scoring guard who thrives when attacking the rim, using quickness and agility to create high-percentage opportunities. Over the past year, he has also shown improvement in his perimeter shooting, making him a more versatile offensive threat. Aggressive and confident, he will look to put points on the board whenever opportunities arise, making him a constant challenge for opposing defenses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2344220' first='Lincoln' last='Goodwin'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Benton</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A long, smooth perimeter player, he has the ability to score from all three levels — beyond the arc, midrange, and at the rim. His size and skill make him a difficult matchup, and it will be fascinating to see how opposing teams choose to defend him and, more importantly, how he adjusts and counters their strategies. His versatility and scoring ability make him one of the more intriguing offensive threats in the showcase.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850448' first='Phillip' last='Howard'] | 6'3" Wing | Senior | St. Michael the Archangel</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A physical and versatile wing, he can impact the game both inside and out. Comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter, he has the ability to break down defenders and attack the rim with authority. In addition to his offensive skill set, he is a strong rebounder and consistently plays with energy and intensity, making him a two-way contributor who can influence the game in multiple ways.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Parker McDaniel | 6'3" Guard | Sophomore | South Central Prep</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A young prospect to keep an eye on, he possesses a massive ceiling and the tools to take over games at any moment. Smart and heady on both ends of the floor, he combines strong decision-making with a versatile scoring skill set that can create opportunities in multiple ways. His ability to impact the game as both a playmaker and scorer makes him one of the more intriguing names in the showcase.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Admir Jusic | 6'2" Guard | Senior | North Kansas City</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A steady and reliable presence on the floor, he may not be flashy, but he excels at doing all the little things that often go unnoticed. With the ability to stretch the floor thanks to his unlimited range and consistent shooting accuracy, he provides a constant offensive threat. Beyond scoring, his smart play and composure should help North Kansas City control tempo and maintain stability, making him a key contributor to the team's overall success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An athletic and aggressive guard, he brings a dynamic scoring presence that should fit seamlessly into his team's offensive scheme. Playing with an edge and relentless energy, he has the ability to create multiple opportunities to impact the game, whether driving to the rim, finding open teammates, or making key plays in transition. His combination of athleticism and assertiveness makes him a player to watch throughout the showcase.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Friday, December 19th</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blue Valley North (KS) vs. Putnam City North (OK) - 4:30 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cardinal Ritter (MO) vs. Booker T. Washington (OK) - 6:00 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Staley (MO) vs. Douglass (OK) - 7:30 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Link Academy (MO) vs. Millwood (OK) - 9:00 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, December 20th</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Center (MO) vs. Olathe Northwest (KS) - 12:00 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Benton (MO) vs. Douglass (OK) - 1:30 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Staley (MO) vs. Booker T. Washington (OK) - 3:00 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Michael the Archangel (MO) vs. Millwood (OK) - 4:30 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Raymore-Peculiar (MO) vs. Putnam City North (OK) - 6:00 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Link Academy (MO) vs. South Central Prep (OK) - 7:30 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Kansas City (MO) vs. Blue Springs South (MO) - 9:00 PM</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->