Power Players: The Names From Blue Valley North vs. Lee’s Summit

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In another marquee Kansas City–area showdown, Blue Valley North made the trip to Lee's Summit on Tuesday night for a highly anticipated cross-state matchup. With both teams boasting talented, expectation-filled rosters, the game served as a measuring stick for two programs looking to establish themselves early in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The contest was tightly contested from start to finish, played at a physical, rugged pace where every possession mattered. Neither team was able to create much separation, and momentum swung back and forth throughout the night. Ultimately, the outcome wasn't decided until the final minute, when Lee's Summit executed down the stretch to secure a hard-fought 65–62 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, I'll break down both teams and highlight the players who fueled their offensive attacks and played key roles in shaping the outcome of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2966429' first='Kameron' last='Johns'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Lee's Summit</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Johns took complete control of the game, consistently making high-level plays and establishing himself as the most assertive and skilled presence on the floor. He knocked down multiple three-pointers with confidence, showcasing a quick, repeatable release that kept the defense stretched. Off the dribble, he was equally effective, using a sudden first step to get downhill and attack the rim, where he finished through contact time and again.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Physically, Johns held his own in the paint and at times imposed his will, battling through traffic and embracing the game's physical nature. His impact extended to the glass, where he came down with several tough rebounds in traffic, creating valuable second-chance opportunities for Lee's Summit. Most importantly, when the game tightened and the stakes were highest, Kameron emerged as the closer — delivering big shot after big shot in the fourth quarter to seal the win.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2402990' first='Mekhi' last='McNeil'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Lee's Summit</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although McNeil didn't leave his biggest mark on the game as a scorer, his influence was felt in nearly every other area that contributes to winning. He was outstanding as a creator, consistently initiating the offense and elevating those around him with his court vision and unselfish passing. By breaking down the defense off the dribble, he forced Blue Valley North into rotations and repeatedly found open teammates for quality looks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, McNeil brought strength and activity, setting the tone with his on-ball pressure and awareness. He also helped control the tempo, pushing the pace when opportunities presented themselves by getting out in transition and leading the break. His ability to impact the game without dominating the scoring column was a key factor in Lee's Summit's overall offensive flow and success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'] | 6'4" Wing | Junior | Blue Valley North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nichols was Blue Valley North's most consistent and impactful player for the majority of the contest. He did his best work around the rim, where he used his size and strength to establish deep position, carve out space, and finish through contact. He showed a strong understanding of matchups as well, recognizing when smaller guards or wings were switched onto him and decisively taking advantage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offensively, Nichols displayed a polished interior skill set, mixing in spins and varied footwork when attacking downhill. He played with poise in the paint, taking his time and choosing the right moments to make his moves rather than forcing action. In transition, he added another dimension to his game, showing the ability to finish above the rim while also delivering timely passes that led to easy scoring chances for teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the defensive end and on the glass, Nichols was equally active. He consistently mixed it up physically, disrupted possessions, and came away with loose balls and tough rebounds to secure possessions for Blue Valley North.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] | 6'8" Wing | Junior | Blue Valley North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>At times, Davis flashed exactly what makes him such a special prospect and why his ceiling remains so high. His length and athleticism were most evident in transition, where he needed only a few dribbles to go end-to-end and finish at the rim, putting constant pressure on Lee's Summit to sprint back and get organized defensively. He also showed a strong unselfish streak, frequently keeping his head up and finding teammates when attacking downhill.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In the half court, Davis made several impressive cuts to the basket, showing a high basketball IQ by reading his defender and capitalizing when they lost focus and ball-watched. Defensively, his impact was just as noticeable. He altered the game with multiple shot blocks, and his length consistently took away easy scoring opportunities in the paint, making finishes at the rim difficult throughout the night.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2839218' first='Taius' last='Miller'] | 6'0" Guard | Junior | Lee's Summit</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Miller could easily be identified as Lee's Summit's second-most impactful player over the course of the contest. His energy and motor were apparent from the moment he checked into the game, and he consistently made plays in key moments on both ends of the floor. He impacted the game in a variety of ways, with much of his production coming from effort-based plays and simply being in the right place at the right time.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Miller's ability to score and rebound stood out, as he led both teams on the glass while creating extra possessions for Lee's Summit. He also put consistent pressure on the defense by attacking the paint, earning trips to the free-throw line and converting when it mattered. As he continues to settle into his role, performances like this should become more common for Taius, as his energy and versatility translate directly to winning basketball.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] | 6'9" Forward | Junior | Lee's Summit</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On a night when Daugherty didn't shoot the ball as efficiently as he would have liked, he still found meaningful ways to positively impact the game and provide production where his team needed it most. His passing stood out, as he consistently made the right reads — whether facing up or attacking off the dribble — and delivered the ball to teammates in advantageous positions. He showed the ability to see plays develop before they happened, a clear hallmark of a high-level passer.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Daugherty played with patience and poise throughout, never forcing the action and allowing the game to come to him naturally. His impact extended to the glass and the defensive end, where he rebounded well and showcased eye-catching rim protection by sending multiple shots out of bounds. The ability to affect the game in so many areas, even when his scoring wasn't there, was encouraging and gives him a strong foundation to continue building on as the season moves forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2628356' first='CJ' last='Duson'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Blue Valley North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Duson spearheaded the offensive attack for Blue Valley North, asserting himself early by actively hunting his shot and knocking down multiple three-pointers from various spots on the floor. His confidence and shot-making helped set the tone, but he was effective in more ways than just shooting. When defenses closed out aggressively, he did an excellent job of reading those situations, attacking on-ball defenders, and creating advantages that allowed him to finish closer to the rim.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond the box score, Duson continues to serve as a steady, calming presence for the Mustangs as they work through the remainder of their schedule. His experience, composure, and unselfish approach provide valuable stability, making him a reliable piece as Blue Valley North continues to grow and adjust.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->