Noble Classic Session IV Hits Kansas City: Your Ultimate Guide

*Photo by Chitose Suzuki   The Noble Classic is headed to Kansas City, bringing with it an impressive collection of talent from across the Midwest. This showcase-style event will feature top-tier teams from Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Nebraska, setting the stage for a competitive atmosphere overflowing with intensity and high-level basketball.   But the Noble Classic is more than just a slate of games — it's shaping up to be a prime recruiting destination. Gyms will be packed with standout athletes eager to put their skills on full display, making it an ideal spot for scouts, coaches, and fans to catch emerging stars in action. Every program in attendance carries a strong reputation, ensuring that each matchup features disciplined, well-coached, and highly respected teams.   Throughout the weekend, I'll be highlighting the key players you'll want to watch, along with a full breakdown of all matchups scheduled for both Friday and Saturday.   The action tips off December 12th and 13th at Oak Park High School, where players, coaches, and spectators can expect two days of elite competition and can't-miss performances.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3>   Donovan Criss | 6'5" Wing | Senior | Brennan (TX)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Criss enters the Noble Classic as one of the premier prospects in the field, already committed to UTEP and continuing to elevate his game. Long recognized for his high-level three-point shooting and reliable defensive presence, he has opened the season by showcasing a new layer to his skill set — an improved ability to attack off the dribble and create offense for himself. This expanded versatility makes him even more difficult to guard and adds another dimension to his team's attack. With his blend of shooting, defense, and emerging off-the-bounce creativity, many view Criss as a legitimate contender for Texas Player of the Year, and the Invitational offers a prime stage for him to reinforce that buzz.</li> </ul>   Brandon Wright | 6'4" Guard | Junior | Little Rock Central (AR)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Wright brings a lot to the table as a bouncy, athletic guard with impressive size and length for his position. Brandon is explosive both off the dribble and around the rim, thriving as a relentless slasher and finisher who can put constant pressure on defenses. His athleticism allows him to create separation, elevate in traffic, and convert difficult shots at the cup. On the defensive end, Wright continues to make strides, using his length and quickness to disrupt opposing guards and generate turnovers. With his upward trajectory, he's poised to have a major impact season for Little Rock Central, and the Noble Classic could be a big stage for him.</li> </ul>   Christian Matos | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Sunrise Christian (KS)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Matos is an exceptionally smooth left-handed guard who thrives by playing the game at his own controlled pace. He excels at reading defenses, using patience and feel to create advantages, especially in the midrange where his touch and timing stand out. Beyond his in-between game, Matos is a knockdown three-point shooter with deep range, capable of catching fire quickly and shifting the momentum of a game in just a few possessions. His early-season form has been impressive, highlighted by one of the most notable performances of the year when he helped lead Sunrise to a statement win over Wasatch. With his blend of poise, scoring versatility, and craft, Matos enters the weekend as one of the most polished guards in the field.</li> </ul>   Austin Senters | 6'5" Guard | Senior | Texas Storm (TX)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Senters, already committed to Air Force, is one of the most highly touted guards in the field. He has delivered multiple standout performances early this season, showcasing his explosiveness and versatility. Senters possesses a quick first step, allowing him to attack the paint effectively and finish through or around contact with poise. Beyond scoring, he is an exceptional rebounder for his position, crashing the boards on both ends of the floor — particularly on the offensive glass, where he generates extra possessions and creates opportunities for his team. Expect to see Senters all over the court at the Noble Classic in Kansas City, making plays in transition, on the glass, and in key moments of the game.</li> </ul>   Cannen Brunson | 6'8" Forward | Sophomore | Melissa (TX)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Remember the name: Cannen Brunson. The rapidly rising sophomore from Melissa stands out for his combination of physicality, athleticism, and developing skill, making him a unique presence on the court. While his ceiling is incredibly high and his game is still evolving, Brunson already makes a significant impact by doing the little things that win games. He rebounds effectively on both ends, runs the floor in transition, and generates easy scoring opportunities around the basket, finishing comfortably with either hand. With continued growth, Brunson has the potential to become one of the top prospects in his class, and this weekend offers a prime opportunity for him to showcase his tools against high-level competition.</li> </ul>   Jimmy McKinney III | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Vashon (MO)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>McKinney is the unquestioned leader of perennial Missouri powerhouse Vashon, embodying the program's trademark toughness and competitive edge. He's an aggressive, fearless guard who refuses to back down from anyone, consistently bringing the fight to opponents on both ends of the floor. Defensively, McKinney is a disruptive force — he applies relentless pressure to opposing ball handlers, creating chaos, forcing turnovers, and pushing opponents into rushed or poor decisions. Offensively, he demonstrates impressive command of the game. McKinney controls tempo with his ability to change speeds and manipulate pace, allowing him to get to his preferred spots or collapse defenses to set up teammates. Whether he's attacking the rim, orchestrating the offense, or setting the tone defensively, McKinney's presence is felt every possession. He's the engine that drives Vashon and one of the most impactful two-way guards in the field.</li> </ul>   Aidan Chronister | 6'8" Wing | Senior | The New School (AR)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Chronister will be one of the marquee names at the Noble Classic, entering the event as a consensus four-star recruit and one of the top shooting wings in his class. With strong positional size and natural scoring instincts, he consistently impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Chronister's shooting is his calling card — he boasts a high, compact release that needs minimal separation, making him a threat even against tight, physical defense. He's equally effective off the catch or off the dribble, and he carries the kind of confidence and swagger that defines elite shot-makers. Beyond scoring, Chronister is steady with the ball in his hands, capable of making smart, timely passes in the half-court when his base is set. He can also push the break on occasion, showing versatility and feel in transition. With his blend of shooting, composure, and all-around impact, Chronister is poised to be one of the standout performers at the event.</li> </ul>   Brodrick Wyatt | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Legacy School of Sport Sciences (TX)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Wyatt is a strong, physical guard who has the potential to be one of the most impressive players in the entire field this weekend. His shooting ability stands out immediately — Wyatt has a clean, repeatable stroke, maintaining balance and consistency whether he's spotting up, shooting off movement, or creating space off the dribble. He's comfortable scoring from all three levels and remains unfazed by defensive pressure, showing the ability to get his shot off against virtually any coverage. With his combination of strength, skill, and shot-making versatility, Wyatt is poised for a big weekend and could emerge as one of the tournament's breakout performers.</li> </ul>   Antoine Almuttar | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Parish (TX)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Almuttar is a physically imposing wing whose college-ready frame allows him to compete at a high level immediately. He excels when attacking the basket, seeking contact and embracing physicality, often overpowering defenders on his way to the rim. With a versatile finishing arsenal, he can convert through traffic, use touch around the basket, and adjust to different angles with ease. Beyond his interior scoring, Almuttar is an effective floor spacer, consistently knocking down three-pointers and stretching defenses. On the defensive end, he pairs physicality with sharp instincts, making plays by jumping passing lanes, contesting shots, and challenging opposing scorers. His two-way impact makes him one of the most complete wings in the field. Adding to his effectiveness, his brother Armon is another key contributor for Parish, making their tandem a cornerstone of the team's performance.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Oak Park (MO)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Perhaps the hardest-playing prospect in the entire field, the Oak Park standout brings an unmatched motor and a competitive edge that elevates everyone around him. He impacts the game in every possible way — scoring when needed, facilitating for teammates, and setting the defensive tone with his intensity and toughness. He applies relentless pressure to opposing guards, often disrupting offensive rhythm before it even begins. Beyond his effort, he has a knack for delivering big-time plays in critical moments, whether it's a key stop, a momentum-shifting bucket, or a timely assist. His all-around contributions and nonstop energy make him one of the most impactful players to watch this weekend.</li> </ul>   Matthew Akins | 6'7" Forward | Junior | Millard North (NE)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Akins is an intriguing and rapidly rising forward whose stock has continued to climb after an impressive summer. With elite length and explosive athleticism, he plays well above the rim, serving as a constant lob threat and highlight-producing slasher who finishes with authority. Offensively, Akins also flashes a smooth and fluid shooting stroke, a skill that should only become more consistent as he develops. On the defensive end, he thrives as a rim protector, regularly blocking and altering shots thanks to his timing and vertical pop. This weekend's stage will be an excellent opportunity for Akins to test himself against other high-level prospects and further showcase his upside.</li> </ul>   Mavrick Hawkins | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Pembroke Hill (MO)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Hawkins, already committed to Vanderbilt, enters the tournament as one of the most polished and high-upside prospects in the field. An elite athlete, he combines explosiveness with a well-rounded offensive skill set. Hawkins can stretch defenses with a reliable three-point shot and has a strong feel for spacing — reading coverages, relocating effectively, and finding open windows to score. His athleticism shines in transition, where he finishes well above the rim and thrives in up-tempo situations. Defensively, Mavrick is equally impactful. With impressive lateral quickness, he frequently forces turnovers, jumping passing lanes and applying constant ball pressure. His ability to defend multiple positions and turn defense into instant offense makes him one of the most dynamic two-way threats at the Husky Hoops Invitational.</li> </ul>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Showcase Schedule</h3>   Brennan (TX) vs. Little Rock Central (AR) - Friday, 5:00 PM   Sunrise Christian (KS) vs. Texas Storm (TX) - Friday, 5:00 PM   Melissa (TX) vs. Vashon (MO) - Friday, 6:30 PM   The New School (AR) vs. Legacy School of Sport Sciences (TX) - Friday, 6:30 PM   Parish (TX) vs. Oak Park (MO) - Friday, 8:00 PM   Millard North (NE) vs. Pembroke Hill (MO) - Friday, 8:00 PM   Little Rock Central (AR) vs. Parish (TX) - Saturday, 10:30 AM   Vashon (MO) vs. Brennan (TX) - Saturday, Noon   Texas Storm (TX) vs. Legacy School of Sport Sciences (TX) - Saturday, 1:30 PM   Melissa (TX) vs. Sunrise Christian (KS) - Saturday 3:00 PM   Texas Storm (TX) vs. The New School (AR) - Saturday, 4:30 PM   Millard North (NE) vs. Oak Park (MO) - Saturday, 6:00 PM

*Photo by Chitose Suzuki