Husky Hoops Invitational: Top Teams and Players to Watch

*Photo by Ozarks Sports Zone   The Husky Hoops Invitational tips off this Thursday at Blue Valley Northwest High School, marking another thrilling start to the high school basketball season. This highly anticipated tournament will feature eight competitive teams from across the region, all eager to make an early statement and set the tone for the months ahead. Across twelve high-energy games, fans can expect a showcase of standout talent, fierce rivalries, and fast-paced basketball that highlights both individual skill and team strategy.   As a premier showcase-style event, the Invitational provides emerging stars with a platform to shine, offering coaches, scouts, and fans an early glimpse of the players who could dominate this season. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual basketball fan, the Husky Hoops Invitational promises excitement, intensity, and unforgettable moments on the court.   Here's a closer look at some of the key players to watch and the matchups that are likely to steal the spotlight, giving fans a sense of which games and storylines will define the tournament.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2334971' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] | 6'4" Forward | Junior | Staley (MO)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Smith has gotten off to a strong start this season, showcasing relentless energy and making an impact on both ends of the court. As the primary interior presence for Staley, he is expected to carry a significant workload, dominating the paint with scoring opportunities and controlling the boards on both offense and defense. Smith combines agility and strength, allowing him to compete effectively against larger interior opponents while maintaining quickness and versatility around the basket. His ability to finish inside, protect the rim, and contribute on the glass makes him a key player to watch throughout the tournament.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='1872262' first='Reese' last='Kimrey'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Kickapoo (MO)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Kimrey is set to be one of the standout names at the Husky Hoops Invitational. A versatile guard with a complete offensive arsenal, he can penetrate defenses, create opportunities for teammates, and catch fire from anywhere on the court. Capable of scoring at all three levels — inside, midrange, and beyond the arc — he presents a constant threat that opposing defenses will need to account for. As the leader of a talented Kickapoo squad, Kimrey carries the weight of high expectations this season, and his performance could be a key factor in how much the team excels throughout the weekend. Fans should keep a close eye on him, as his dynamic playmaking and scoring ability have the potential to steal the spotlight in any matchup.</li> </ul>   Landon Price | 6'5" Wing | Senior | Bentonville West (AR)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Price is poised to be one of the most physically dominant players this weekend. A sizeable and athletic presence, he presents a tough matchup for any opponent. Price can attack off the dribble, create scoring opportunities for himself, and also stretch the floor with his shooting range. His ability to finish through contact at the rim makes him a consistent scoring threat, while his athleticism allows him to play well above the rim, producing highlight-reel plays. On both ends of the court, Price can take over games — dominating the boards, protecting the paint, and imposing his will defensively — making him a key player to watch throughout the tournament.</li> </ul>   Max Galindo | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Olathe North (KS)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Galindo is one of the standout players on a team stacked with talent, drawing significant attention thanks to his impressive early-season performances. Partnering seamlessly with [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr'] on the perimeter, he is a dual threat — capable of challenging opponents defensively while also creating opportunities on offense. Galindo handles the ball with poise, navigating defenses with an unselfish style that keeps his teammates involved, and he showcases a creative finishing package at the rim. Beyond his ability to penetrate, he can knock down perimeter shots when needed, making him a versatile and dynamic player who can impact the game in multiple ways.</li> </ul>   Cale Clingan | 6'9" Forward | Senior | Derby (KS)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Clingan is widely regarded as one of the highest-ceiling players in the state of Kansas. His rare combination of size, length, and skill makes him a tough matchup for opponents, and it will be intriguing to see which players are tasked with defending him. Clingan is versatile offensively, capable of scoring inside the paint and from the perimeter, with a developing shooting touch from both mid-range and deep. On the defensive end, he anchors Derby's paint, protecting the rim and altering shots, making him a two-way force whose impact can shift the momentum of any game.</li> </ul>   Everett Diener | 5'11" Guard | Freshman | Shawnee Mission Northwest (KS)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Diener, the youngest player on this list, is a rapidly rising talent who has made an immediate impact for the Cougars early in the season. An elite shooter, he boasts deep range and a quick release, allowing him to get shots off even in tightly contested situations. This showcase will serve as a key test for Diener, as he faces older and more physically developed competition, providing a valuable opportunity to measure his growth and adaptability in his first full season. With his shooting ability and emerging confidence, Diener is a player to watch as he continues to develop.</li> </ul>   Admir Jusic | 6'2" Guard | Senior | North Kansas City (MO)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Jusic is one of the toughest and most competitive prospects who will be on display at the event. A true two-way player, he impacts every facet of the game with relentless energy and smart decision-making. Admir combines scoring ability, playmaking skills, and dynamic defensive instincts, making him a versatile weapon for his team. Fans should expect him to have a big weekend, using his all-around game to create opportunities, disrupt opponents, and leave a lasting impression throughout the tournament.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Blue Valley Northwest (KS)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>McGibboney is expected to be a steady and impactful presence for Blue Valley Northwest throughout the Husky Hoops Invitational. His athleticism and court awareness make him a key player in both transition and half-court sets. Ayden excels in ball-screen actions and isolation situations, where he can attack the basket, create scoring opportunities for himself, or set up teammates. On the defensive end, McGibboney will likely be tasked with guarding some of the tournament's top players, showcasing his versatility and ability to contain high-level opponents. His all-around game and consistency make him a cornerstone for the Huskies this weekend.</li> </ul>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Matchups</h3>   Staley vs. Kickapoo - Thursday, 3:30 PM   North Kansas City vs. Olathe North - Thursday, 6:30 PM   Derby vs. Shawnee Mission Northwest - Friday, 3:30 PM   Bentonville West vs. Blue Valley Northwest - Friday, 6:30 PM   Olathe North vs. Staley - Friday, 8:00 PM   Bentonville West vs. North Kansas City - Saturday, 10:00 AM   Olathe North vs. Kickapoo - Saturday, 10:00 AM

*Photo by Ozarks Sports Zone