First Look: William Jewell Holiday Classic - Nelson Division

*Photo by William Jewell College Athletics   The 46th annual William Jewell Holiday Classic tips off December 27 at the Mabee Center in Liberty, Missouri, bringing together top teams from across the state to compete across three brackets. Known for its high level of competition, the event provides a prime opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills in front of enthusiastic crowds and college-level coaches.   In this preview, I'll take an in-depth look at the Nelson Division, break down the key matchups, make predictions on who could come out on top, and reveal my top ten players to watch within the bracket.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">First Round Matchups</h3>   Summit Christian vs. Kansas City Central - December 27th, 9:00 AM   Liberty vs. Raytown - December 27th, 10:30 AM   Park Hill South vs. Blue Springs - December 27th, 12:00 PM   Rock Bridge vs. Barstow - December 27th, 1:30 PM   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Runner-Up</h3>   Summit Christian   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Champion</h3>   Rock Bridge   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">All-Division Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2205736' first='Nick' last='Timbrook'] | 6'3" Wing | Junior | Rock Bridge   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Timbrook is a rising junior with good size and athleticism on the wing, capable of defending every position on the floor. He plays with a high motor and is most effective in transition or when slashing to the rim in the half court. His strength allows him to absorb contact and finish through traffic, while his explosiveness enables him to play above the rim in a variety of situations. Nick's perimeter shooting continues to develop, adding another layer to his offensive game and forcing defenders to guard him more honestly. Timbrook is also an active and physical rebounder, consistently creating extra possessions by attacking the ball in traffic. With his versatility, effort level, and expanding skill set, this event presents a strong opportunity for him to further establish himself in front of college coaches.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='2346151' first='Will' last='Priest'] | 6'7" Wing | Senior | Rock Bridge   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Priest will be one of the standout names at the event, drawing significant attention from college programs. With a rare combination of size and skill, he presents a challenging matchup for any opponent. He stretches the floor with a high-rate three-point shot while also possessing the ability to attack off the bounce and break down defenses. In transition, Priest is equally dangerous, routinely getting to the rim and finishing above the rim with athleticism and authority, making him a versatile threat on both ends of the floor.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='2207940' first='Donovan' last='Parris'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Rock Bridge   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Parris is an underrated guard prospect who makes Rock Bridge especially difficult to beat when he is assertive on the offensive end. As a ball handler, he does an excellent job changing pace, which allows him to get downhill and create advantages against primary defenders. He is a high-IQ player who consistently looks to involve his teammates, makes sound decisions, and takes what the defense gives him. Parris is also a reliable shooting threat with deep range and the confidence to let it fly, particularly when he finds a rhythm. His combination of feel, shot-making, and playmaking makes him a steady presence in the backcourt. With strong performances in Kansas City, he is another player who could see his recruiting stock continue to rise.</li> </ul>   Mike Thomas III | 6'6" Wing | Junior | Summit Christian   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Thomas has put up eye-catching numbers to begin his junior season and continues to look the part of a true high-level wing. He is a three-level scorer who can consistently put the ball in the basket, and his shooting has taken another step forward. His release looks even quicker, allowing him to comfortably step out and knock down shots from the perimeter. That shooting ability pairs well with his effectiveness inside the arc, where he scores in a variety of ways — using pull-ups, strong drives, and creative finishes around the rim. That versatility makes him extremely difficult for opponents to game-plan against. In addition, his size and strength allow him to rebound well and hold his own defensively on the interior when needed. With his complete offensive package and two-way versatility, Thomas has a strong case as the top college prospect in the division and potentially the entire event.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='2737058' first='Grady' last='Ellerman'] | 5'9" Guard | Sophomore | Summit Christian   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Ellerman is a young guard who has benefited greatly from logging heavy minutes during his first two seasons at Summit Christian. He serves as the engine of the team, running the show on both ends of the floor and consistently setting the tone with his energy and competitiveness. A quick and skilled ball handler, he plays with a relentless motor and never shies away from pressure or physical play. While his scoring production has fluctuated at times this season, his overall impact on winning is undeniable. Ellerman consistently does the little things that don't always show up in the box score — facilitating the offense, creating plays for teammates, defending at a high level, and providing steady leadership. His presence and influence make him a vital piece for Summit Christian and a player whose value extends far beyond scoring alone.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='2346159' first='Carson' last='Bjorn'] | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Park Hill South   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Bjorn looks to make a significant impact in Liberty as one of the most dynamic players in the field. His impressive length gives him a clear advantage on both ends of the court. Known for his rebounding ability, he competes fiercely in the paint and isn't afraid to play with a physical edge. Offensively, Bjorn is versatile — capable of scoring both inside and out — while also showing the ability to initiate offense from the forward position when the situation calls for it. His combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a player to watch throughout the event.</li> </ul>   Luke Maher | 6'1" Guard | Sophomore | Liberty   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Maher is another young guard who continues to show steady growth for Liberty. He is a strong perimeter shooter with a good understanding of spacing and timing, consistently finding gaps in the defense to get clean looks. His feel for where to be on the floor allows him to capitalize on scoring opportunities within the flow of the offense. Beyond his shooting, Maher contributes as a rebounder and playmaker on the perimeter, serving as one of Liberty's primary creators. This event presents a great opportunity for him to test himself against strong competition and showcase how much he has developed over the past year, both in confidence and overall impact on the game.</li> </ul>   Hudson Sutton | 6'3" Guard | Sophomore | Liberty   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Sutton has paired with Maher as one of Liberty's top two scorers early in the season, though he will be looking to regain his rhythm after a few challenging games against quality opponents. He flashes clear upside with a strong combination of size, skill, and confidence that he consistently brings to the floor. Sutton has a natural ability to draw fouls and play through contact, and he rebounds well from the guard position, adding value beyond just scoring. If he can get his three-point shooting back on track, it should open up his overall offensive game and better showcase his dynamic scoring ability. Given his tools and approach, Sutton's long-term outlook remains very strong for a young player as he continues to develop and gain experience.</li> </ul>   Ra'Mondre Fritz | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Kansas City Central   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Fritz is a long, versatile guard who does a little bit of everything for KC Central. His handle is shifty and elusive, allowing him to create space and keep defenders off balance. He pairs that with a consistent left-handed perimeter stroke that he can get to both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Offensively, Fritz is a high-volume scorer who stays aggressive and constantly looks for different ways to break down defenses. His length also shows up in other areas of the game, as he rebounds well for his position and uses his reach to play passing lanes, generate deflections, and create turnovers. That all-around skill set makes him a key piece for KC Central and a tough matchup on both ends of the floor.</li> </ul>   Miguel Morgan | 5'9" Guard | Senior | Raytown   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Morgan has spent the past few seasons playing behind a talented group of players, but this year he's finally getting his opportunity to step into the primary role for Raytown. With the ball in his hands, he is quick and deceptive, consistently creating advantages and forcing defenses to collapse. His ability to change speeds and angles makes him difficult to stay in front of and opens up scoring and playmaking opportunities. As a shooter, Morgan is constantly searching for space, regardless of range, and is comfortable letting it fly when he finds an opening. With an increased role and a step up in competition, it will be interesting to see how opposing defenses game-plan for him and how he adjusts as the season progresses.</li> </ul>

*Photo by William Jewell College Athletics