KC Game of the Week: Blue Valley vs. Mill Valley – Who Delivered?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Choosing this week's Game of the Week in the Kansas City metro was about as easy as it gets. From the moment the schedule dropped, all eyes were on the Blue Valley vs. Mill Valley matchup — and it delivered in every possible way. The game lived up to the hype and then some, coming down to the final moments with both teams trading blows deep into the fourth quarter. Every possession mattered, every shot felt massive, and the intensity never wavered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Without hesitation, this was one of the three best games I've seen all season. The headliners did exactly what stars are supposed to do, stepping up and making timely, game-altering plays when their teams needed them most. But what truly elevated this matchup was the impact of the role players. Time and again, unsung contributors rose to the moment — diving for loose balls, knocking down pressure shots, and turning hustle into momentum. Those plays turned the night into a grind and ensured nothing came easy for either side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By the final buzzer, it was clear why both programs have legitimate Final Four aspirations in 6A this year. This was high-level basketball in every sense, and a statement game for everyone involved. Below, I'll break down the players who made the biggest impact for each team — and what their performances mean as both squads head into the most important stretch of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'] | 6'10" Forward | Senior | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Seithel was, without question, the best player on the floor Tuesday night, delivering one of the most dominant individual performances the area has seen this season. From the opening tip, he controlled the game offensively, scoring in a variety of ways that highlighted both his versatility and advanced skill set — especially impressive given his size.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He consistently stretched the floor, knocking down timely three-pointers from deep and forcing the defense to respect his range. When defenders closed out too hard, Seithel made them pay by facing up and attacking off the dribble, showing fluidity and confidence rarely seen in players his size. On the block, he was equally effective, playing with patience and purpose. He scored efficiently with either hand, absorbed contact, and repeatedly drew fouls by putting defenders in tough positions.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His impact extended well beyond scoring. Seithel owned the glass on both ends of the floor, attacking rebounds with two hands and outworking opponents for position possession after possession. His physicality and motor created second-chance opportunities for Blue Valley while limiting Mill Valley's ability to generate momentum.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>When the game tightened late, Mill Valley simply had no answer for Parker and the pressure he applied offensively. Every big moment seemed to run through him — and more often than not, he delivered. That ability to take over in winning time ultimately proved to be the difference, sealing the victory for Blue Valley.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Reece Riedel | 6'5" Guard | Senior | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While Seithel earned my nod as the best player on the floor, Riedel was right on his heels and nearly willed Mill Valley to a comeback. Time after time in the closing minutes, he answered big plays with baskets of his own, refusing to let the game slip away. His shooting range was borderline unreal, confidently pulling up from well beyond the arc — nearly at the logo on multiple possessions — and converting a steady diet of difficult looks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Riedel was equally lethal in the mid-range, where he thrived by creating space with sharp spins and quick pull-ups. Whether rising over defenders or stopping on a dime, he consistently found ways to get clean looks against a set defense. His toughness showed up on the glass as well, as he crashed relentlessly and secured rebounds through sheer effort, extending possessions and giving Mill Valley extra chances when they mattered most.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Off the ball, Riedel was just as dangerous. He moved with purpose, making timely second cuts that often freed him up for high-percentage shots at the rim. Defensively, he brought constant pressure — jumping passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and turning defense into instant offense in transition.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Late in the game, Riedel did just about everything possible to seize control. He pushed the pace, took the biggest shots, and elevated his play when it mattered most. In the end, Mill Valley simply came up one possession short — but Riedel's performance left no doubt about his ability to take over a game on any given night.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Walsh was another player who seized control of the game at key moments, delivering timely plays that kept Blue Valley firmly in command. He found his rhythm early by confidently stepping into a few transition three-pointers, immediately putting pressure on Mill Valley and helping Blue Valley set the tone.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Once he got downhill, Walsh became especially difficult to contain. His ability to change pace and speed with the dribble stood out, consistently creating advantages and getting defenders on his hip. From there, he finished strong around the rim, using length and extension to shield the ball from shot-blockers and absorb contact through traffic.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond the scoring, Walsh displayed poise and command with the ball in his hands. Whether initiating the offense or finding teammates in the flow of the game, he played under control and made smart decisions. In the second half, he came up with several big-time plays at critical moments — plays that prevented Mill Valley from gaining momentum and kept them chasing the game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>JaKhai Carter | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Carter wasted no time making his presence felt, opening the game with a flurry of deep perimeter makes that helped keep Mill Valley rolling in the early stages. He looked completely comfortable pulling up from well beyond the arc, showing confidence even when the defense closed space and contested his shots.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He was just as effective attacking the basket, slicing through the defense as a slasher and finishing with a variety of acrobatic layups around the rim. His ability to score at multiple levels kept defenders off balance and forced constant adjustments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, Carter made a major impact, particularly as a help-side and weak-side presence. He was active and disruptive, consistently getting his hands on the ball to create deflections and steals — plays that ignited Mill Valley's transition offense. From a physical standpoint, he stood out throughout the contest, using his strength and athleticism to influence the game in multiple phases. No matter the situation, Carter found ways to leave his fingerprint on the outcome.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] | 6'5" Wing | Senior | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Rodriguez made his mark on the game by delivering consistent impact on the defensive end of the floor. He was highly active on the ball and just as effective in help-side situations, using his instincts to generate steals and erase scoring chances with timely shot blocks. His length and athleticism posed real problems for Mill Valley's perimeter players, forcing tough, contested looks throughout the night.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offensively, Rodriguez showed a strong feel for spacing and movement, cutting with purpose and reading defenders well to find openings. He looked comfortable spotting up as a catch-and-shoot option and was effective in transition, where his athleticism came fully into play. One emphatic finish above the rim in the open floor ignited both the crowd and his teammates, underscoring the energy he brought whenever he was on the court.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2245759' first='Jack' last='Carpenter'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Carpenter consistently found ways to impact the game, with much of his influence coming through effort and intangibles that don't always show up in the box score. Defensively, he made life difficult for Blue Valley as both a primary and help defender, creating chaos by blowing up actions, cutting off driving lanes, and forcing opponents out of rhythm.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offensively, Carpenter showed a smooth handle, navigating through defenders and finishing at the rim with a crafty mix of spins and footwork. He also came up with several timely rebounds — particularly on the offensive glass — that extended possessions and kept Mill Valley alive during key stretches of the game. His relentless motor and physical presence were felt throughout the night, making him a constant factor on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jacob Lockett | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lockett emerged as a difference-maker as the game wore on, particularly in the closing moments, where his confidence and fearlessness stood out. He stepped into big-time shots without hesitation and backed them up with relentless effort on both ends of the floor. His impact for Blue Valley was massive, as he delivered timely plays that swung momentum and provided a spark when it was needed most.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, Jacob was solid and engaged, while also excelling in transition by playing with pace and purpose. Whether knocking down a key shot, pushing the tempo, or making a hustle play, Lockett's energy and execution played a significant role in Blue Valley's ability to close out the game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Grady Larson | 6'3" Wing | Junior | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Larson was a knockdown shooter for Mill Valley, consistently connecting on multiple three-pointers from deep to keep the game within reach whenever Blue Valley threatened to pull away. His ability to stretch the floor forced the defense to stay honest and created valuable scoring opportunities at key moments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond his shooting, Larson brought strong effort on the defensive end and contributed on the glass, getting his hands on loose balls and securing rebounds that led to additional scoring chances throughout the game. His all-around effort made him a steady and reliable presence for Mill Valley on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Dan Sogard | 6'2" Wing | Junior | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sogard made his impact felt through relentless effort and physicality, providing Blue Valley with crucial contributions in the areas that often decide close games. He was active on the offensive glass, securing multiple second-chance opportunities and consistently putting pressure on the defense. Around the basket, he finished efficiently, converting tough looks in traffic and capitalizing on his opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dan's role in Blue Valley's win was vital. He did the little things that don't always grab headlines — battling for rebounds, finishing plays, and maintaining energy — but those plays added up in a big way and proved essential in securing the victory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->