Metro’s Best in Action: Previewing the Next 810 Varsity Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Johaven Noel</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 810 Varsity Showcase 43 is less than a week away and is set to bring together four quality programs at Piper High School in Kansas for what should be a highly competitive night of basketball. Piper will be joined by Oak Park, Blue Valley West, and Blue Springs, with each team using the showcase as an opportunity to measure itself against strong competition and talented individual players. With plenty of intrigue across the matchups, this event should provide a valuable snapshot of where each program stands at this point in the season. Below, I'll highlight a few players who are expected to headline the showcase and break down what fans can expect from each of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 is the engine that makes Piper go, and he's backed that up with some big numbers so far this season. He plays with a relentless motor and has the ability to take over games in a variety of ways. What has stood out most is his passing, as he consistently makes the right basketball play and puts teammates in positions to be successful. Whether he's attacking gaps against zone defenses or creating one-on-one advantages, Jackson sees the floor well and processes the game quickly, making sharp, split-second decisions.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He has also taken noticeable steps forward as a complete scorer this year. Jackson is finishing more effectively around the rim, showing comfort in the mid-range, and looks confident shooting the ball from deep. With the ball in his hands often, he sets the tone for Piper's offense and controls the flow of the game. In the matchup against Oak Park, expect to see high-level point guard play as Jackson looks to lead, create, and make an impact on every possession.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Alamar Brooks | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Piper (KS)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Brooks will be hard to miss, as he's one of the most athletic players in the metro area. His combination of speed and strength immediately jumps off the screen, and it shows up on nearly every possession. He takes a great deal of pride in his defense, playing with an aggressive mindset that looks to apply constant pressure on opposing guards and force turnovers or push them into uncomfortable spots on the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Alamar is at his best in transition, where his ability to run the floor allows him to attack the rim and put significant pressure on defenders. He's also a major presence on the glass at both ends, using his explosiveness to sky for rebounds and finish put-backs, often outjumping everyone around him. Expect to see a player who doesn't back down from any matchup and is fully capable of taking on top opposing scorers while impacting the game with energy, toughness, and athleticism.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211352' first='Cooper' last='Crawford'] | 6'7" Forward | Senior | Piper (KS)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Crawford will provide size and mobility for Piper in the frontcourt, and he has developed into a tough matchup because of his versatility. He can play effectively on the interior while also showcasing shooting ability and attacking skill from the wing, giving Piper flexibility in how they use him offensively. He does a good job playing off the guards, constantly moving and finding open spots on the floor to make himself available.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cooper is a strong finisher who can play above the rim when needed and remains a constant lob threat, especially against zone defenses or in transition. His perimeter shooting has always been a part of his game, and this matchup against Oak Park presents an opportunity for him to look for that shot more often. By stepping out and knocking down shots, he can pull opposing bigs out of the paint and help stretch the defense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Oak Park (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Everyone knows about [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'], the dynamic two-way lead guard for Oak Park. He leads by example with his relentless effort, tenacity, and the intangibles he brings to the floor every night. Tanner is always willing to do whatever it takes to win and consistently delivers in clutch situations, setting the tone for his team on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, he is smart, skilled, and crafty, using his lateral quickness and ability to anticipate plays to stay a step ahead of opposing guards and create turnovers. Offensively, his game has continued to evolve this season, highlighted by a polished in-between game and a perimeter shot he has become increasingly confident in seeking out. The matchup between Tanner and Jackson against Piper is one to circle, as both players should push each other to the limit throughout the night, making it one of the most compelling battles of the showcase.</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 (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Van Pelt has steadily improved and grown this season, and he's poised for a dominant performance at Piper. His size and strength stand out, especially given his deliberate approach to operating in the post and taking what the defense gives him. Landon can create position and space on the interior while finishing effectively over either shoulder. He has also made strides as a passer, reading the floor and creating opportunities for teammates based on defensive rotations and doubles.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Don't be surprised to see him step out and knock down shots from long range, as he has both the range and the confidence to do so. The matchup between Van Pelt and Crawford is one to watch closely, as their contrasting styles should create an intriguing battle on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Da'Quan Hicks | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Blue Springs (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Look for Hicks to be one of Blue Springs' most dynamic scoring threats at the 810 Varsity Showcase. He thrives attacking off the dribble, using quick changes of direction and clever footwork to get past defenders. When he finds space on the perimeter, he can knock down shots with confidence, giving him a true three-level scoring ability. His drives to the basket often draw contact, allowing him to convert at the rim or create opportunities at the free-throw line. That combination of scoring versatility makes him difficult to defend, as opponents have to account for him both inside and outside.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, Hicks uses his size and lateral quickness to make him a disruptive presence on the perimeter, capable of pressuring opposing guards and forcing turnovers. Once he generates a steal or deflection, he immediately looks to push the pace, turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities for his team. Against a veteran and disciplined Blue Valley West squad, Hicks' ability to create chaos on both ends of the floor could be a key factor in how Blue Springs competes. Expect him to play heavy minutes and be involved in nearly every critical possession.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2918995' first='Jacob' last='Schlutow'] | 6'5" Forward | Freshman | Blue Springs (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Schlutow is coming off a big showing at the Jewell Classic, where he earned a spot on the All-Tournament team. Although just a freshman, he has fit seamlessly into Blue Springs' rotations and understands what he needs to do each night to contribute. His length gives the Wildcats a strong interior presence as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. On defense, his timing and instincts make him an effective rim protector who can alter shots and impact opponents' shooting percentages. He also stands out with the basketball in his hands, capable of taking it from rim to rim and thriving in transition opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blue Springs will also use Schlutow inside against mismatches, where he can finish over defenders or step out and stretch the floor against bigger, slower players. The 810 Varsity Showcase provides another great opportunity for Jacob to grow against solid competition and continue gaining valuable experience.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Cade Wysong | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Blue Valley West (KS)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wysong is a rising name on the Kansas side, thanks to his recent standout play. He's a strong, physical guard who brings toughness and intensity to the perimeter on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Cade makes an impact in multiple ways — cutting off driving lanes, jumping passing lanes, and consistently disrupting opposing offenses. He often uses that defensive energy to fuel his own offensive opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In transition, Wysong is a powerful finisher who isn't afraid of contact, able to play through bodies around the rim, especially when he's moving downhill with momentum. He's also proven to be a very effective three-point shooter, knocking down catch-and-shoot deep balls without hesitation. Expect him to have the ball in his hands frequently against Blue Springs, tasked with creating opportunities and making smart, decisive plays.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Max Orr | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Blue Valley West (KS)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Orr is another key player to watch for Blue Valley West, and perhaps their most dangerous scoring threat. He's an impressive shooter, capable of knocking down deep perimeter shots seemingly at any moment. Max is especially lethal in catch-and-shoot situations, where he can get his feet set and let it fly effortlessly.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Jaguars run plenty of actions for Orr, and he shows a strong understanding of how to use and manipulate screens to get his shot off. He's also very effective off the dribble, able to pull up when defenders close out aggressively. As a driver, Max absorbs contact well, stays balanced, and finishes through it — showing a complete, three-level scoring ability. Like many of his teammates at West, he also contributes on defense, willing to do the little things that help the team succeed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->