William Jewell Holiday Classic Recap: Patterson Division Produces

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by One3One Productions</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Park powered its way to the Patterson Division title on Tuesday night, running through the field while flexing its muscle and reinforcing why it is considered the top team in the state of Missouri. The Northmen once again showcased their depth, presenting a roster capable of attacking opponents in a variety of ways and sustaining pressure throughout games. Below, I'll break down the results from the division, along with a look at the All-Tournament Team selections and the key contributions each player made in generating success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Results</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Championship - Oak Park 59, Liberty North 37</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>3rd Place Game - Grandview 62, Center 48 (OT)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>5th Place Game - St. Michael the Archangel 55, Lincoln Prep 52 (OT)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">All-Tournament Team</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Oak Park - <strong>MVP</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>13.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.3 SPG, 4.0 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As his tournament stat line shows, Tanner did everything as he led the Northmen to the Patterson Division championship. His ability to set the tone on both ends of the floor while making opponents uncomfortable is very uncommon. Offensively, he changed pace effectively, keeping defenders off balance and creating opportunities to attack the rim. Adam was an efficient scorer, while also having success as a playmaker, getting teammates involved and running the offense with control. Tanner looked most comfortable in transition, where he can rely on his instincts and relentless effort -- traits that rank among the best on the floor. Defensively, he generated a high number of steals and consistently handled the little things that define great two-way players.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2952093' first='Jakaya' last='Duff'] | 6'7" Forward | Junior | Oak Park</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>13.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 69% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Duff followed the lead of his teammates, playing with consistent effort and intensity throughout Oak Park's three games at the Jewell Classic. His length showed up, allowing him to compete defensively and on the glass while generating steals and disrupting passing lanes frequently. Jakaya was also active around the rim as both a lob threat and finisher, throwing down multiple dunks against different defensive coverages and rotations. He appears to be growing more comfortable operating near the basket and using his size to his advantage, pairing well with [player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt'] as the two bring different skill sets to the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Brandon Hill | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Liberty North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>10.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 53% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Liberty North continued to play its fast-paced, aggressive style of basketball, with Hill fitting right into the plan. He allowed the Eagles to be versatile on the defensive side of the floor by pressuring the ball, making solid rotations, and turning over opposing guards. Hill also had success in transition, as he led the break and got to the rim to produce scoring chances. Brandon's strong shooting from the free-throw line was also on display, as he cashed in on a high number of trips. In the half-court, it looks as if Hill has continued to gain confidence and has an understanding of what his role can be for Liberty North moving forward.</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</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>12.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 46% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kori's numbers could have been much higher, but Oak Park was never really threatened throughout the tournament and allowed reserves to log significant minutes, especially later in games. With that being said, Kori brought a high level of offensive skill that was evident in spurts. He read closeouts well, understanding when to knock down the three and when to use his quick first step to get to the basket. As a finisher, he often played above the rim in both the half-court and in transition. Kori's length and athletic ability also paid off defensively, creating steals and winning 50/50 balls that allowed Oak Park to get out and run. Josh has proven that he's at his best in the biggest games, which should be most apparent later this season in March.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Eli Strother | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Grandview</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>10.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 41% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strother's length and craftiness from the guard spot stood out, and he used it to his advantage throughout Grandview's run. He created many of his own scoring opportunities — whether by grabbing the ball off the rim and pushing it himself or working the offensive glass to find chances when the defense was out of position. Strother was also able to take and convert tough shots around the basket and in the mid-range, displaying an aggressive offensive mentality. Because of those shots, he frequently drew contact and generated opportunities at the free-throw line. He had several bright moments and will need to be more consistent if Grandview wants to take the next step in the new year.</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</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>12.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 68% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Van Pelt's continued emphasis on his body and effort became increasingly evident as he played. He consistently pushed his motor and ran the floor in Liberty, impacting both ends with an active, high-energy approach. He fit seamlessly with Oak Park's guards and full-court pressure, using his ability to protect the painted area, chase down loose balls and rebounds, and deliver strong outlet passes. As a scorer, he embraced opportunities inside while continuing to build on his impressive shooting percentage with high-quality looks. Van Pelt has a chance to further elevate his stock in January and February, as he will be matched up against teams where he can make a significant impact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Landon Herrig | 6'0" Guard | Sophomore | Liberty North - <strong>HUSTLE AWARD</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>7.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.0 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Herrig, the winner of the hustle award in the Patterson Division, was a steady presence for the Eagles throughout the event. He filled the box score by finding multiple ways to impact games. Whether through timely scoring, rebounding in traffic, or playing defense, he consistently stood out and helped lead his team. Herrig has fully embraced Liberty North's style of play, showing he's a positionless player willing to do whatever it takes and capable of playing multiple positions on the floor. As a young player, his best basketball is undoubtedly still ahead of him.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->