Mid-Season Tournament Preview: Bill Hanson Invitational

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most highly anticipated mid-season tournaments in Kansas takes place next week, as Pittsburg High School hosts the Bill Hanson Invitational. Featuring a strong lineup of teams and several high-profile players, the tournament is expected to deliver intense competition and draw large crowds throughout the week. With so much talent on display, this event should be one of the highlights of the season. Below, I'll break down the opening round matchups, predict the tournament champion and runner-up, and select an all-tournament team highlighting the top ten performers from the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Opening Round Matchups</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Washburn Rural vs. Branson - Thursday, January 22nd, 4:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Webster Groves vs. Joplin - Thursday, January 22nd, 5:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Olathe North vs. Willard - Thursday, January 22nd, 7:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Pittsburg vs. Wichita West - Thursday, January 22nd, 9:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>All-Tournament Team</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr'] | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A compact, quick-twitch guard who can handle the ball, score, and facilitate at a high level. He plays with an aggressive mindset on both ends of the floor, using sudden bursts of speed and sharp changes of direction to create advantages. His ability to operate out of ball screens is excellent, consistently reading defenses well and making the right decisions, whether that's attacking the rim, pulling up for a jumper, or finding open teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An athletic wing who is highly disruptive on the ball and thrives at jumping passing lanes. He consistently makes ball handlers uncomfortable, cutting off driving angles and forcing tough, contested shots. Offensively, he plays above the rim and looks to attack the basket, especially in transition, where he uses his size and athleticism to finish through contact or elevate and score over defenders.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Max Galindo | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An impressive ball handler and shot creator who plays with a tight, controlled handle and can quickly break down defenders off the bounce. He is effective in the mid-range and also shoots the three ball with consistency and accuracy. He complements Simmons well, allowing him to play off the ball when needed, while also stepping into a playmaking role himself. Galindo creates quality looks for others by playing with a high basketball IQ and a strong understanding of defensive rotations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Webster Groves</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An elite prospect who has added noticeable size and strength to an already impressive skill set. He possesses deep, virtually unlimited shooting range and is equally effective pulling up off the dribble or knocking down shots in catch-and-shoot situations. With a quick first step, he consistently gets defenders on his hip and knows how to manipulate that advantage, attacking the rim with confidence. Around the basket, he shows a polished finishing package, capable of scoring through contact or navigating around multiple defenders.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2569194' first='Bryce' last='Millien'] | 6'0" Guard | Sophomore | Webster Groves</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An extremely impressive catch-and-shoot player, he has a quick release and consistently finds open space on the floor. While he is best known for his shooting ability, he is also capable of creating his own shot off the dribble and using his athleticism to attack the basket. He plays with a high motor, especially on the defensive end, where he isn't afraid to dive on the floor and battle for 50/50 balls. His energy and aggressiveness often provide a spark for Webster Groves, making his impact on the game impossible to miss.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Washburn Rural</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The top scorer for Washburn Rural, Rowley is a crafty left-hander who consistently probes defenses and shoots the ball accurately from beyond the arc. His handle allows him to get defenders off balance, giving him the ability to finish around the rim with either strength or finesse. He effectively uses jab steps and pivots to create separation, which helps him get to his spots and generate quality looks more often. Rowley has shown significant improvement over the past few years and has makes a strong case as one of the toughest players to guard at the event.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Fred Taylor | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Joplin</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Taylor may be one of the more underrated players in the field, as he fuels a strong Joplin team with his ability to operate with the ball in his hands. He has a quick first step that consistently puts defenders in difficult positions, making him hard to contain. Taylor has shown flashes as an above-the-rim finisher, while also demonstrating the ability to score through contact with extended and creative finishes. He also has a knack for hitting clutch shots, particularly from beyond the arc, where his quick release allows him to score both off the bounce and on catch-and-shoot opportunities, even in limited space.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Brecken Green | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Joplin</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another well-known shooter, Green has the ability to catch fire in a hurry. At times, he can knock down multiple three-pointers in just a few possessions. He stretches the defense with his shooting gravity and moves extremely well without the ball, showing a strong understanding of how to find space through various actions and by reading how defenses collapse. His presence forces defenses to stay honest, opening up the floor and creating better spacing for his teammates. Green should help balance Joplin's offensive attack and complement Taylor well.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2920312' first='Uzziah' last='Huskisson'] | 6'4" Guard | Sophomore | Willard</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An extremely long and active perimeter player, he is capable of taking over games with his offensive skill set. He can stretch the floor when needed, but prefers to attack off the dribble, using his length and finishing ability to get to the rim. He is smooth in transition and comfortable handling the ball against pressure, consistently making defenders uncomfortable. He has put together several elite offensive performances, scoring at a very high rate and forcing defenses to collapse and adjust their coverages, which in turn creates additional opportunities for him as both a passer and a creator.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2701102' first='Griffin' last='Mehrhoff'] | 6'4" Wing | Junior | Branson</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A well-built perimeter player, he is smooth and deliberate with the pace at which he plays and how he attacks defenses. He is extremely comfortable and confident as a long-range shooter, displaying deep range and an effortless release. Around the basket, he excels playing off two feet, staying balanced and finishing through contact — often initiating it himself. His size and strength also allow him to be effective on the offensive glass, where he can generate easy scoring opportunities. Overall, he is an extremely smart and efficient offensive player who doesn't waste movement and maximizes every possession.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Runner-Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>When they are playing at their best, it's hard to find a team in the state of Kansas that can match the Eagles. They feature a deep, well-balanced roster highlighted by elite talent at the top, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']. Simmons is a true two-way point guard whose quickness and athleticism on the perimeter set him apart from anyone else in the state. His ability to change speeds, explode into space, and create scoring opportunities is exceptional, allowing him to score efficiently in a variety of ways.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond Simmons, Olathe North is bolstered by strong contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'] and Max Galindo, both of whom have enjoyed standout seasons. Love brings valuable two-way impact, using his athleticism to defend at a high level, push the tempo in transition, and consistently apply pressure to opposing defenses. Galindo has delivered several big offensive performances, showcasing his ability to score at all three levels and provide a reliable offensive spark. Rounding out the core is Teke Deng, a long and mobile presence in the paint who protects the rim with his shot-blocking ability while also finishing effectively around the basket.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Champion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Webster Groves</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It's difficult to bet against Webster Groves, especially considering they feature arguably the best player in the state of Missouri and have already battled through an extremely challenging schedule. The Statesmen are led by [player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'], a physical and highly skilled guard who is tough to stay in front of, particularly as a dangerous left-hander. Adkinson is elusive and unpredictable with the ball, using his handle to attack defenders in a variety of ways. His shooting efficiency has been outstanding this season, making him a legitimate scoring threat from anywhere on the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Webster Groves is a guard-heavy team, and Adkinson is far from alone. [player_tooltip player_id='2509009' first='Jackson' last='Tabash'], [player_tooltip player_id='2569194' first='Bryce' last='Millien'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2841054' first='Quincy' last='Williams'] have all been highly productive, providing consistent floor spacing and knocking down shots at a strong clip from beyond the arc. [player_tooltip player_id='2339267' first='Jayden' last='Woods'] is another perimeter player worth keeping an eye on. A tough slasher who thrives on contact, Woods excels at attacking the paint, creating scoring opportunities, and drawing fouls, often turning those aggressive drives into easy points at the free-throw line.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->