Mid-Season Tournament Preview: Valley Center January Jam

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another midseason tournament to keep an eye on is the January Jam, hosted by Valley Center High School. The event will feature several elite teams that are highly regarded across the state, along with numerous players putting together strong seasons. It should serve as a valuable measuring stick for each program as the calendar turns to February and the postseason draws closer. I'll break down the opening-round matchups, project a tournament champion and runner-up, and spotlight my all-tournament team, highlighting the top ten players from the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Opening Round Matchups</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Mill Valley vs. Wichita Southeast - Thursday, January 22nd, 2:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Maize South vs. Blue Valley West - Thursday, January 22nd, 4:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Wichita Heights vs. Valley Center - Thursday, January 22nd, 5:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Olathe Northwest vs. Garden City - Thursday, January 22nd, 7:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>All-Tournament Team</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Reece Riedel | 6'5" Guard | Senior | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Widely regarded as one of the top shooters in the state, Riedel is also a highly dynamic, well-rounded scorer. He scores efficiently at all three levels and is confident riding the hot hand, especially when the game is on the line. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated significant experience and consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, knocking down big shots in big games. Because of his proven production and poise, he should stand out as one of the premier prospects at the event.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>JaKhai Carter | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Carter is a highly active point guard on both ends of the floor, combining good size with impressive athleticism. As a finisher, he consistently plays above the rim and does an excellent job using his body to absorb contact when attacking the basket. He is also a capable shooter, knocking down shots from the mid-range and beyond the arc, whether operating out of ball screens or creating in isolation situations. Defensively, he leverages his athleticism and lateral quickness to be an aggressive, disruptive on-ball defender.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Wichita Heights</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another quick, compact guard who is constantly on the attack offensively. He has an elusive yet controlled first step off the dribble that consistently puts pressure on defenders and forces defensive rotations. He can finish through contact or score with creativity around the rim, while also showing a noticeably improved perimeter game. He is comfortable pivoting and creating space in the mid-range and complements that with a smooth, confident shooting stroke from the outside. On the defensive end, Timmons is active jumping passing lanes, turning steals into transition scoring opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2969778' first='Tyson' last='Phillips'] | 6'6" Forward | Junior | Wichita Heights</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Phillips is an evolving big man who has made significant strides over the past year, both in terms of skill development and physical growth. He shows excellent touch around the basket and is comfortable finishing with either hand. He consistently initiates contact to create space, allowing him to score effectively over defenders. He also has experience operating in a variety of ball-screen situations and defensive coverages. In addition, he is a strong presence on the glass and has the ability to protect the rim by blocking shots when needed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Olathe Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gavin is a well-known guard who has posted some impressive offensive numbers so far this season. As Olathe Northwest's primary scoring option, he frequently has the ball in his hands and looks to attack downhill toward the basket. He uses a crafty handle and physical strength to penetrate defensive gaps, often overpowering opposing guards as he finishes around the rim. Defensively, he is active and opportunistic, using his instincts to generate steals and deflections, which lead to scoring opportunities in the open floor by jumping passing lanes. Popik has also shown a significantly improved perimeter shooting arsenal, actively hunting his shot and displaying greater confidence from the outside.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Cy Stucky | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Maize South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A formidable presence on the interior, Stucky plays with physicality and patience in the paint. He consistently initiates contact and finishes effectively with either hand. Offensively, he is versatile, capable of rolling hard to the basket or popping out of ball-screen actions, and he has shown the ability to knock down shots from distance when given space. He is also comfortable playing with his back to the basket and has a strong understanding of when to attack decisively and when to slow down and read the defense. On the defensive end, he serves as an anchor, possessing the athleticism to switch onto smaller players while also having the strength to hold his ground against opposing bigs who operate in the post.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'] | 6'4" Guard | Junior | Maize South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Batiste is a rising perimeter prospect who has added noticeable size and strength, which he has put to good use on both ends of the floor this season. He is an active defender on and off the ball, creating a high number of steals and pushing the pace by going coast to coast in transition. Offensively, he is an aggressive slasher who consistently puts pressure on defenders from the wing. He is also very comfortable operating as both a scorer and a facilitator out of ball-screen actions, where he shows a strong ability to read the defense. When he gets into a rhythm, he can heat up quickly as a shooter, displaying an efficient and accurate stroke from beyond the three-point line as well as in the mid-range.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Max Orr | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Blue Valley West</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A long and active player, Orr is best known for his shooting ability, consistently knocking down a high volume of three-pointers on a nightly basis. He is equally effective as a shooter off the catch or off the dribble, making him difficult to contain. Orr does an excellent job playing off screens and finding open space through constant movement, often needing very little room to get his shot off. On the defensive end, Max is a smart and resourceful defender who impacts the game by playing passing angles and forcing turnovers. His defensive instincts allow him to push the pace in transition and attack the rim in a variety of situations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Cade Wysong | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Blue Valley West</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wysong is a gritty, two-way impact player who thrives on making the small, winning plays that matter most on the floor. He is extremely unselfish with the ball, consistently looking to involve his teammates and create opportunities for others. His solid, strong frame allows him to play with aggression and help dictate the game on both ends of the court. When scoring is needed, Cade is more than capable, attacking the basket or knocking down three-point shots off the catch with quick, balanced footwork. He plays with confidence on both ends and serves as a true leader for the Jaguars.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ray J Logan | 5'11" Guard | Junior | Valley Center</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Valley Center's leading scorer this season, Logan combines quickness and explosiveness with a relentless attacking mentality. Defensively, he uses active hands to disrupt opposing guards, creating opportunities to push the pace and generate easy scoring chances in transition. He has also developed a much-improved outside shot, knocking down key triples when his team needs them most. Offensively, Logan is creative and sudden off the dribble, consistently opening up opportunities for both himself and his teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Runner-Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Wichita Heights</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Heights may be the biggest threat to Mill Valley, as the Falcons can match them with similar depth and chemistry. They've shown an ability to make big plays in crunch time during close games while continuing to grow as the season progresses. At their best, Heights has consistently risen to the level of top competition, matching the intensity of its opponents — especially in key moments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] leads the charge as a multi-tooled scorer who can heat up in a hurry. His offensive game has expanded, highlighted by a much-improved shooting repertoire that pairs well with his aggressive, downhill attack off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='2969778' first='Tyson' last='Phillips'], [player_tooltip player_id='2401810' first='Ah'Jaylyn' last='Walker'], and Jordan Timmons will also play key roles for Heights, needing to consistently contribute as two-way players and provide support when Jalihn draws extra attention.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If that supporting cast produces at a high level, the Falcons have the makeup to seriously challenge anyone they face along the way and should be right there in the championship game, pushing Mill Valley to its limits.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Champion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It's hard to argue against Mill Valley bringing home the title. They boast one of the most talented rosters in the state, bringing a blend of experienced and highly productive players to the floor. With so many scoring options, the Jaguars are capable of erupting for big offensive runs at any moment. Their ability to take control of games, go on extended runs, and adapt to different styles of play makes them a difficult matchup for anyone.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reece Riedel leads the way as one of the state's premier shooters and scorers, showcasing unlimited range and a crafty left-handed attacking game. His footwork, feel for space, and positioning with the ball make him especially tough to defend. JaKhai Carter runs the show as the lead guard, using his athleticism to impact the game on both ends while consistently delivering highlight-level plays.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A.J. Davis, Dylan Everhart, [player_tooltip player_id='2245759' first='Jack' last='Carpenter'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2978823' first='Hayes' last='Henderson'] round out the rotation, each providing productivity on both ends of the floor and contributing in a variety of ways. With this level of depth and versatility, Mill Valley has the tools to separate itself this weekend and end the tournament on top.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->