Noble Classic: More Head-Turners Light Up Friday Night

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Johaven Noel</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Friday night action continued at the Noble Classic, an even deeper group of well-known players from across the region stepped into the spotlight and made their presence felt. With packed stands and a lively atmosphere setting the stage, each matchup unfolded as a tightly contested battle that remained undecided until the final possessions. The intensity never wavered, as momentum swung back and forth and every trip down the floor carried added importance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The region's top players consistently rose to the moment, displaying a high level of skill, composure, and competitiveness. They delivered timely scoring runs, buried clutch shots under pressure, and came up with key defensive stops when their teams needed them most. Whether it was controlling the tempo, making the extra pass, or stepping up in crunch time, these standout performances played a direct role in determining the outcome of each game. Their ability to perform in high-pressure situations elevated the quality of play throughout the night and left a strong, lasting impression on fans, coaches, and scouts in attendance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] | [player_tooltip player_id='2557300' first='5'10' last='']" Guard | Senior | Oak Park (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It was simply another routine night at the office for Tanner, who once again found ways to impact the game in nearly every possible area on the floor. His motor, effort level, and feel for the game consistently stand out, and the combination of intangibles he brings is unmatched by any player I have watched in person this season. Tanner has a unique ability to influence the flow of the game on almost every possession, whether the impact shows up in the box score or not.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, he was elite and relentless. He consistently blew up offensive sets before they could fully develop, applying constant pressure and disrupting ball handlers with a rare blend of lateral quickness, anticipation, and active hands. His defensive instincts allowed him to create turnovers, force rushed decisions, and generally make life uncomfortable for opposing guards and wings. His presence alone altered how offenses operate.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the offensive end, Tanner's game continues to take noticeable steps forward. He played with confidence and excellent feel, showing a smooth, repeatable shooting stroke and a willingness to take — and make — shots from both the mid-range and beyond the arc. He also demonstrated a polished floater and runner package, effectively navigating defenses and scoring in traffic. Beyond his own scoring, he consistently read the floor well, making timely passes and finding open teammates in advantageous scoring situations. His all-around impact and continued development make him one of the most complete and influential players on the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1590876' first='Antoine' last='Almuttar'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Parish (TX)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Steady is the word that best describes Antoine, and the same goes for his brother Armon. Antoine combines physicality with high basketball IQ, consistently making smart decisions on both ends of the floor. He processes the game quickly, anticipating situations before they fully develop, which allows him to stay a step ahead of opponents.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, Antoine is disciplined yet disruptive. He consistently closed out on balance against Oak Park while applying pressure that forced multiple opposing guards and wings into uncomfortable situations. His active hands and awareness created several live-ball turnovers, which fueled Parish's transition game and kept the tempo in their favor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offensively, Antoine remains calm and controlled, he consistently read closeouts and used subtle shot fakes to gain separation from defenders. He displayed an efficient perimeter shot while also showcasing a versatile scoring package around the basket, including finishes in traffic. Beyond scoring, he regularly carved out space on the boards and contributed as a weak-side defender, adding value in multiple facets of the game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Antoine's well-rounded, steady approach, combined with his physical tools and basketball IQ, makes him a key contributor at every level. He is set to continue his career at Northwestern State next season, where his game is sure to make an immediate impact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Oak Park (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kori seemed to find a way to make nearly every big shot for Oak Park when it mattered most. His ability to operate in the mid-range stood out, as he consistently pulled up over defenders and converted under pressure. Beyond his shooting, Kori displayed excellent footwork both in the mid-range and around the basket, creating space and generating scoring opportunities with poise and precision.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He also impacted the game on the defensive end, using his quickness and awareness to force turnovers that often turned into transition scoring chances. In these fast-break situations, Kori consistently finished above the rim, showcasing his athleticism and ability to elevate for highlight-worthy plays.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offensively, he continues to grow into Oak Park's most dynamic weapon, combining mid-range proficiency with range from beyond the arc. His performance on Friday night, which included multiple three-pointers, reinforced his status as a go-to scorer. With his all-around game and improving consistency, Kori's stock is likely to rise not only on the court but also on the recruiting radar as the season progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1590875' first='Armon' last='Almuttar'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Parish (TX)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Armon, much like his brother Antoine, provided a calm and steadying presence for his Parish teammates, consistently leading by example through his composure and poise on the court. Offensively, he moved with fluidity, showing impressive smoothness both cutting without the ball and handling pressure while controlling the basketball. His timing and decision-making on screens were equally sharp — he knew exactly when to roll to the basket and when to pop out to open space, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Armon proved to be a highly efficient scorer throughout the evening. He knocked down multiple three-pointers with a quick, precise release, even in tight catch-and-shoot situations where defenders were in close proximity. Around the rim, he demonstrated a polished finishing ability, converting plays with consistency and confidence. His combination of off-ball movement, smart screen usage, and scoring efficiency made him a consistent and reliable contributor, allowing him to maintain steady production for Parish all night long.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2343838' first='Hudson' last='Lucas'] | 6'8" Forward | Senior | Parish (TX)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Nevada commit turned in an impressive performance throughout the evening, showcasing a long, skilled game that consistently stretched the floor. He made an immediate impact, knocking down multiple three-pointers early, with range that forced defenders to close out aggressively and altered the spacing for Oak Park. His length proved equally disruptive on the defensive end, contesting shots around the basket and helping him secure multiple rebounds in traffic.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond his scoring and defensive presence, his ability as a ball handler and playmaker stood out. He demonstrated comfort initiating offense from the perimeter, effectively starting various sets while displaying excellent court vision. His passing ability allowed him to create opportunities for teammates, adding another dimension to an already versatile game. Overall, his combination of shooting, size, skill, and playmaking made him one of the most impactful players on the floor and a true matchup problem for opponents.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt'] | 6'8" Forward | Senior | Oak Park (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Van Pelt showcased a complete, old-school big-man game on Friday, putting together a performance that highlighted both his physical tools and basketball IQ. His size and strength made him a difficult matchup for anyone on Parish, particularly in one-on-one situations in the post. He displayed remarkable patience and poise, carefully reading defenders before making his move, and consistently making the right decisions. Around the rim, he showed a soft touch with either hand, including a smooth, textbook jump hook that stood out as a polished part of his offensive arsenal.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond his post play, Van Pelt proved he can stretch the floor, showing a fluid shooting stroke from deep and forcing defenders to respect him beyond the paint. On the other end of the court, he provided solid interior defense and consistently cleaned the glass, using his size and positioning to control the boards. His combination of post prowess, shooting ability, and defensive presence makes him a versatile, high-upside prospect. Currently underappreciated at the next level, Van Pelt is the type of player whose talent and impact are likely to draw more attention as his game continues to evolve.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2559588' first='Sid' last='Barla'] | 6'6" Forward | Junior | Parish (TX)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Barla made a strong impression throughout the evening, providing Parish with consistent scoring and a significant spark on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the defense was particularly impressive, as he knocked down multiple three-pointers at an extremely efficient rate. He demonstrated a good understanding of spacing, constantly relocating to find open looks and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond his shooting, Barla contributed effectively as a rebounder and a versatile defender, showing a well-rounded game that extends past scoring. His combination of offensive firepower and defensive awareness makes him a rising prospect, one whose impact is likely to draw increasing attention as the season progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->