Tournament of Legends: The Preview Everyone’s Talking About

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Mill Valley News</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the first major events set to launch the new season is the highly anticipated annual Tournament of Legends, hosted at Piper. Each year, this tournament serves as an early showcase of emerging talent, and this season looks no different. A deep field of teams — many returning with experienced rosters and others eager to make a name for themselves — will bring a blend of speed, skill, and physical play that should make every matchup worth watching. Several standout players are expected to draw attention as well, including seasoned veterans looking to elevate their programs and younger athletes aiming for breakout performances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the competition itself, the atmosphere at Piper is projected to add even more excitement. The gym is known for drawing enthusiastic crowds, and with the buzz surrounding this year's participating teams, attendance should be strong throughout the event. Fans, students, and community members will likely pack the stands, creating a loud, energetic environment that elevates the intensity on the court. With great basketball, passionate supporters, and a setting built for high-stakes action, the Tournament of Legends has all the pieces to set a thrilling tone for the season ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Teams</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>No team in the region enters the season with more preseason buzz than Mill Valley, and the Tournament of Legends will give fans their first real chance to see whether the excitement is justified. The Jaguars come into the year looking as complete as any program in the area, boasting a rare blend of scoring depth, versatility, experience, and high-end star power. On paper, they have every ingredient needed to compete at an elite level.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>At the center of their expectations is Reece Riedel, widely viewed as a frontrunner for Player of the Year honors. Riedel is expected to anchor the offense as Mill Valley's top scoring option, using his polished skill set and ability to create shots at all three levels to set the tone. But he won't be carrying the load alone. JaKhai Carter, one of the most dynamic two-way players in the area, should play a crucial role on both ends of the floor. His athleticism, defensive intensity, and ability to attack downhill give the Jaguars another game-changing presence who can shift the momentum at any moment.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mill Valley's depth doesn't stop there. Dylan Everhart and [player_tooltip player_id='2245759' first='Jack' last='Carpenter'] are two key pieces who provide stability and composure, helping to round out the rotation with smart decision-making, reliable scoring, and strong positional play. Their presence ensures that the Jaguars won't rely solely on their headliners; instead, they'll bring a balanced, layered attack capable of sustaining pressure throughout all four quarters.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If Mill Valley lives up to the hype, this tournament could be the first step in what shapes up to be a truly special season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Piper</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Piper enters the new season as another program poised to make noise, returning a strong core of contributors capable of powering the Pirates toward yet another deep postseason run in Class 5A. With so much experience and chemistry already in place, this group should look sharp early, and fans will likely recognize many of the key names leading the charge.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>At the top of the lineup are [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] and Alamar Brooks, a seasoned backcourt duo that brings confidence, toughness, and proven production. Both guards have delivered standout moments throughout their careers, and their ability to control tempo, create offense, and defend the perimeter gives Piper an invaluable foundation. Their leadership will set the tone, especially in high-pressure stretches where their experience becomes a major advantage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Surrounding the backcourt is a deep and well-rounded supporting cast. [player_tooltip player_id='2211352' first='Cooper' last='Crawford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2820761' first='Isaiah' last='Sayles'] add size and physical presence in the paint, but what makes them particularly effective is their versatility — both players can step outside to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and open up space for the guards to operate. Their combination of strength and mobility should give the Pirates a reliable interior backbone.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the perimeter, Johnny Vogel and Bernard Labat provide additional depth, energy, and scoring balance. Whether spacing the floor, defending wings, or offering secondary playmaking, they help ensure that Piper's attack doesn't stall when rotations tighten. With this blend of veteran guard play, frontcourt versatility, and bench reliability, Piper has the tools to contend with anyone and solidify themselves once again as a true 5A threat.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Andover</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Andover might be the most intriguing team in the entire field. Despite entering the season with a roster that features several new pieces and fresh faces, the Trojans appear poised to remain highly competitive. Their young core brings energy, adaptability, and a willingness to battle on both ends of the floor — qualities that should allow them to grow quickly as the season unfolds.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leading the way is [player_tooltip player_id='2635662' first='Walker' last='McClellan'], who is expected to emerge as the team's primary scoring option. His ability to create offense and shoulder a significant workload will be key as Andover establishes its identity. Surrounding him is a promising supporting cast that includes [player_tooltip player_id='2394513' first='Paul' last='Evans'], [player_tooltip player_id='2927405' first='Drew' last='Hutchinson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3100388' first='Brooks' last='Brown']. Each brings a different skill set — whether it's secondary scoring, defensive versatility, or steady playmaking — that should help balance the lineup and give the Trojans multiple ways to compete.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While they may still be developing chemistry, the blend of youthful talent, athleticism, and fresh opportunity makes Andover a team capable of surprising opponents and exceeding expectations throughout the tournament.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Lincoln Prep</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lincoln Prep returns a core group of players who gained significant experience last season, and that foundation should make them considerably more competitive this year. While the roster is still relatively young, several of the younger players made notable strides — especially in the closing weeks of last season—showing both skill and composure in high-pressure situations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Key contributors to watch include Josiah Johnson, Damon Humphrey, Harrison Neal Jr., and David Melson III, each of whom is expected to play a central role in the team's game plan. Together, they provide a balanced attack, combining scoring, playmaking, and defensive effort that can keep Lincoln Prep competitive against even the toughest opponents. If these players continue to develop and build chemistry, the team could be poised for a strong showing throughout the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Predictions</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Andover vs. Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This matchup has the potential to be far more competitive than many might assume at first glance. Both teams bring enough talent and toughness to keep the score tight early on, likely spending the opening minutes testing each other's tendencies, pace, and defensive schemes. Expect a physical, back-and-forth start as each side works to establish rhythm.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As the game wears on, though, the advantage may begin to tilt. Mill Valley's seasoned backcourt — loaded with scoring ability, playmaking, and composure in pressure moments — could ultimately become the deciding factor. Their guards' ability to control tempo, create separation, and hit timely shots should allow Mill Valley to gradually pull ahead. In a game where execution down the stretch will matter, the Jaguars' experience and firepower on the perimeter may be what guides them to the win.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Piper vs. Lincoln Prep</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In contrast, this matchup appears far less likely to produce a tight contest. Lincoln Prep will face a significant challenge trying to keep pace with the high-end talent, size, and depth that Piper brings to the floor. From the opening tip, the Pirates' athleticism and overall roster strength should create mismatches at multiple positions, making it difficult for Lincoln Prep to generate consistent stops or sustain offensive momentum.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Given Piper's advantage in experience, firepower, and rotational depth, expect them to set the tone early — pushing the pace, applying defensive pressure, and building a comfortable lead before halftime. If they execute to their usual standard, the Pirates should be able to maintain full control throughout the game and cruise to a decisive victory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Andover vs. Lincoln Prep</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This matchup should provide a fascinating contrast in styles. Lincoln Prep will likely look to push the pace, trying to get up and down the court quickly, while Andover is expected to take a more methodical approach, carefully setting up their offense and controlling tempo. Early in the game, that contrast could lead to a tightly contested battle as both teams adjust to each other's rhythm.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Despite Lincoln Prep's speed and energy, Andover's size and physical presence are likely to be decisive. The Trojans should be able to dominate the paint on both ends, making it difficult for Lincoln Prep to convert consistently near the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='2635662' first='Walker' last='McClellan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2927405' first='Drew' last='Hutchinson'] are expected to be key figures in this battle, contributing not only as scorers around the basket but also as rebounders and leaders on the floor. Their performance could be the driving force that carries Andover to a hard-fought victory, particularly in the second half as they begin to impose their size advantage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Mill Valley vs. Piper</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kicking off the season in what promises to be one of the marquee matchups in the Kansas City metro, this game should be nothing short of electric. Both teams bring talent, speed, and skill, setting the stage for a fast-paced, back-and-forth contest filled with end-to-end action and highlight-reel plays. From tip-off, fans can expect an intense battle as each side jockeys for momentum and tests the other's strengths.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As the game unfolds, the margin is likely to remain slim, with neither team able to pull away. In these tight contests, it often comes down to execution and the performances of the game's biggest names. Reece Riedel could be the deciding factor, thanks to his ability to shoot from virtually anywhere on the floor and consistently deliver clutch baskets at the most critical moments. Alongside him, other top performers from both squads will need to step up, particularly in the fourth quarter when games of this caliber are often decided.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ultimately, I see Mill Valley edging out a narrow victory, but this matchup should serve as a strong early-season test for both teams. The intensity, high-level play, and competitive spirit on display will not only thrill fans but also help both programs build momentum as they move forward into the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->