The Kansas City Players Taking Over the Week — And Why It Matters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Rex Wolf</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the Kansas City metro this week, several players delivered standout performances that deserve a closer look. In the sections ahead, I'll break down each showing in depth — highlighting what made these outings impressive, why they stood apart from the rest, and how they could shape the trajectory of the season moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Olathe Northwest (KS)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It's not often that a player scores 42 points and walks away feeling like 50 was within reach, but that's exactly the impression [player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] left on Tuesday night at the De Soto Hardwood Classic. The Olathe Northwest standout powered his team to a commanding 76–52 win over Lafayette (MO), and from the opening tip, he controlled the game on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Popik came out locked in — aggressive, assertive, and completely unguardable off the dribble. Lafayette had no answer for his downhill attacks, as he consistently got into the paint and used his strength to finish through contact. His relentless style also earned him a steady stream of trips to the free-throw line, where he capitalized on the pressure he put on the defense. While most of his damage came inside, Popik also flashed perimeter touch, knocking down shots that forced defenders to pick their poison.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, he was equally impactful. Popik generated multiple steals and deflections, turning defense into offense and creating transition opportunities that led to easy points. His activity and anticipation helped set the tone for Olathe Northwest throughout the night.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The level of competition will undoubtedly ramp up in the coming weeks — and throughout the season — but Popik has already made a clear statement to start the year. If Tuesday's performance is any indication, expect plenty more high-scoring nights and all-around impact from him as the season progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Piper (KS)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jackson continues to be one of the most reliable sources of high-level production in the early stages of the season, and his latest outing against Shawnee Heights only reinforced that trend. Leading Piper to a hard-fought 72–68 home victory, Jackson delivered another monster performance — one that went far beyond scoring.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Yes, the 40 points jump off the page, but what truly stood out was how complete his game was. Jackson added nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals, impacting nearly every possession on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he played with a calm, controlled rhythm, seamlessly shifting between attacking the basket, setting up teammates, and knocking down shots from the perimeter. His improved shooting was evident, and he consistently exploited mismatches, using his strength to overpower smaller guards in the post.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This performance should only reinforce the high expectations surrounding both Jackson and the Piper squad this season. If he continues to produce at this level — and in this many ways — it's safe to say we'll be hearing a lot more about Jackson and Piper as the season unfolds.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2353848' first='Phillip' last='Nadeau'] | 6'7" Forward | Senior | Oak Grove (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nadeau is wasting no time making his mark on the young season. He's been a driving force behind Oak Grove's impressive 4–0 start, delivering consistent production in every outing. His most recent performance against Odessa may have been his strongest yet, as he finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and four steals.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>From the beginning, Nadeau set the tone in transition. He repeatedly got out on the break, turning defense into offense and throwing down multiple dunks that energized his team. His ability to stretch the floor was just as impactful — he knocked down several deep threes, forcing Odessa's defense to extend and opening up driving lanes for everyone.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>But Nadeau didn't just score. He showcased his playmaking ability as well, using his size and vision to see over defenders and find open teammates for clean looks. His versatility made him a matchup problem all night long.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Oak Grove should continue to grow as the season progresses, and with Nadeau delivering at this level, they'll be a tough matchup for anyone. If he keeps building on this strong start, expect him to remain a central figure in Oak Grove's success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Seaman (KS)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bonner — much like Jackson — continues to overwhelm opponents in the early part of the season. In Seaman's double-digit win over Lansing, he delivered a complete performance, doing a little bit of everything and doing it at a high level. His vision stood out all night, as he consistently read defensive rotations and found teammates in stride, setting them up for quality looks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In transition, Bonner was relentless, turning rebounds and steals into easy finishes at the rim. He also showed confidence from the perimeter, knocking down catch-and-shoot jumpers that forced Lansing to spread out defensively. On the other end, he was just as disruptive — jumping passing lanes, poking away live dribbles, and making life difficult for Lansing's guards. Several of his breakaway dunks sent the crowd into a frenzy and injected energy into his teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bonner's ability to elevate every possession seems to grow each game, and the ease with which he impacts all facets of play is becoming a defining trait. He finished the night with a triple-double — 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists — an all-around performance that showcased his full toolkit.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Seaman has already built a strong early-season résumé, and if they continue playing at this level, they could emerge as a sleeper Final Four contender.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->