Kansas City’s Game of the Week Breakdown: Staley at Oak Park

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Nate Latsch</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As anticipated, Staley and Oak Park proved on Friday night why they are consistently regarded as two of the elite basketball programs in the Kansas City area. From warmups to the final buzzer, the matchup showcased the kind of intensity, discipline, and high-level execution that have become trademarks of both teams. It was clear that neither program is simply aiming for a competitive season — they both expect to contend deep into the postseason when March approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stood out most was the overall depth and balance each roster displayed. Both teams feature a blend of experienced upperclassmen and emerging young talent, creating lineups that can adapt to different styles of play and maintain pressure for all four quarters. The athleticism, skill, and poise on the court suggested that many of these players are far from reaching their ceiling; as the season progresses, their chemistry and individual development should only strengthen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the game, several players distinguished themselves with standout performances, whether through scoring, defensive impact, leadership, or energy off the bench. In the analysis that follows, I'll provide a closer look at those individuals — their strengths, the moments where they elevated their play, and how their roles may continue to evolve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll also discuss how this early-season showdown could shape both teams moving forward. Games like this one often serve as valuable measuring sticks, revealing areas of growth, potential adjustments, and the mental toughness required for a playoff run. For Staley and Oak Park, the lessons learned on Friday night may ultimately become defining elements of their journey toward March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Oak Park 69, Staley 67 Recap</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The pace and physicality of the game were evident from the opening minutes. Both teams pushed the ball in transition, and the intensity on the defensive end immediately stood out — players were communicating well, rotating quickly, and showing a real commitment to creating disruption. [player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'] set the tone early for Staley, electrifying the crowd with several high-flying dunks in the first quarter, including one that came directly off a stolen pass after he jumped a passing lane.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Oak Park responded by establishing a strong interior presence, repeatedly feeding the ball to [player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt']. Using his size and footwork, Van Pelt carved out space in the paint and provided the team with reliable early offense. Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id='2896574' first='Will' last='Hansen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] each contributed timely scoring bursts throughout the quarter. Hansen and Kori even traded three-pointers during one stretch, creating a back-and-forth exchange that kept the momentum shifting between the two sides. By the end of an action-packed first period, Staley held a narrow three-point lead heading into the second quarter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Oak Park opened the second quarter with a noticeable surge in defensive intensity, forcing several turnovers that led to easy transition baskets. Despite the pressure, Staley found stability through [player_tooltip player_id='2334971' first='Jackson' last='Smith'], who emerged as a consistent roll threat out of the ball screen. Smith began to assert himself inside, using his mobility and relentless motor to create a series of high-impact plays around the rim.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Tanner also delivered a standout stretch during the quarter, taking over the game in key moments. He scored effectively from the mid-range and finished strong at the basket, all while applying constant defensive pressure that resulted in multiple turnovers against Staley's guards.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As the quarter progressed, both teams found themselves frequently at the free-throw line, exchanging points but never allowing the momentum to swing too far in either direction. Despite Oak Park's defensive push, Staley maintained to stay close, only down one heading into halftime.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Both frontcourt players made their presence felt early in the third quarter, with Van Pelt and Smith trading baskets on consecutive possessions. Kori then sparked a strong stretch for Oak Park, as the team attacked the offensive glass with relentless energy. Their multiple second-chance opportunities allowed them to draw fouls, get to the free-throw line, and gradually build a seven-point lead midway through the period.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Staley eventually steadied itself when [player_tooltip player_id='2334945' first='Tra' last='Moore'] knocked down a crucial shot that shifted the momentum back in the Falcons' favor. Alfonso Fincher added to the surge with several impact plays of his own, earning trips to the line and scoring off his high motor around the rim.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As the quarter wound down, Moore and Stone pushed the tempo aggressively, creating advantages both in transition and within the half-court offense. Their efforts fueled a late run that lifted Staley back in front, sending the Falcons into the fourth quarter with a narrow two-point lead.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The fourth quarter unfolded as a true battle, with both teams trading punches. Kori and Hansen knocked down key shots to keep the margin tight, preventing either side from gaining early separation. The defining moment of the period came during a pivotal two-possession sequence: Van Pelt powered his way to a strong finish inside, and on the very next trip, Alfonso Fincher forced a turnover and converted it into points.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>That swing shifted the momentum sharply in Oak Park's favor. Moments later, Kori and Tanner buried clutch shots that stretched the lead just enough for Oak Park to maintain control down the stretch. Staley continued to fight and generated late opportunities to tie or even win the game, but Oak Park's timely execution in that decisive stretch ultimately proved to be the difference as they held on in the closing moments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Impact Performers of the Night</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2334971' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] | 6'4" Forward | Junior | Staley</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Alfonso Fincher | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Oak Park</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Next Games Up</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blue Springs South at Oak Park | December 9th</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Staley vs. Kickapoo (Neutral Site) | December 11th </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->