Who Produced Tuesday? Top Performers Across the Kansas City Metro

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Grain Valley News</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tuesday delivered plenty of action across the Kansas City metro, highlighted by several standout team and individual performances. Let's take a closer look at a select group of athletes who led their respective teams to big nights, making an impact in a variety of meaningful ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>EJ Berry | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Washington</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Berry delivered a standout performance, helping lead Washington to a decisive victory over St. Thomas Aquinas. He poured in a game-high 26 points, knocking down several three-pointers from the perimeter. Whether he was tightly guarded or pulling up well beyond the arc, Berry consistently came through with timely shots, providing scoring when Washington needed it most. His impact extended beyond the offensive end, as he was active defensively — creating steals and pushing the ball ahead to teammates for easy transition opportunities. Berry is one of several key pieces for Washington, and when the team plays together with aggression on both ends of the floor, they have the potential to be among the area's top teams, capable of competing with just about anyone.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2327569' first='Jamari' last='Williams'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Washington</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Williams was right alongside Berry in delivering major value for the Wildcats, showcasing his two-way impact throughout the night. He was the best athlete on the floor, defending multiple positions, forcing turnovers, and finishing above the rim on the offensive end. While he has the ability to take over games, Jamari consistently looks to involve his teammates first, playing with a high basketball IQ and an excellent feel for the game. In transition, he was especially effective — handling the ball when needed, running the floor hard, and putting constant pressure on the defense. When Williams plays with this level of aggression, Washington appears to be trending upward and ready to take the next step.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jayden McDaniel | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Bishop Miege</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>McDaniel helped lead Miege to a dominant victory over St. Pius X, finishing with 25 points and showcasing a well-rounded offensive performance. He knocked down shots from the perimeter and used his size at the guard position to attack the basket and finish through contact. Defensively, he was part of a relentless Miege effort that created numerous fast-break opportunities, where Jayden thrived in the open floor and consistently cashed in around the rim. As the game wore on, McDaniel and the Stags put their depth and overall talent on full display. With continued production coming from multiple players, Miege has the ability to attack opponents in a variety of ways.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Piper</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It seems like Jackson makes his presence felt every week, consistently leaving his mark with steady leadership and strong overall play for the Pirates. In the win over Lansing, he controlled the tempo, often making the game appear to slow down whenever the ball was in his hands. His ability to change speeds and use deception out of ball screens allowed him to operate effectively in the mid-range and get to the basket with regularity. DJ also displayed his complete offensive package by knocking down perimeter jumpers and attacking the paint with aggression, even when finishing through larger defenders. He continues to elevate his game as the season progresses and appears determined to lead Piper on a championship run in his final year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334945' first='Tra' last='Moore'] | 5'11" Guard | Junior | Staley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Moore looked as comfortable as ever against Lee's Summit North, running the offense for the Falcons and spending much of the night with the ball in his hands. Whether he was knocking down shots or finding teammates in scoring positions, his influence was evident in much of Staley's success. On the defensive end, Moore was equally impactful, using quick hands and feet to make life difficult for opposing guards. His lateral quickness and ability to disrupt timing stood out throughout the game. With Moore leading the way for a Staley squad that features plenty of capable pieces, it will be interesting to see how this team continues to develop as February and March approach.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334971' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] | 6'4" Forward | Junior | Staley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In contrast to Moore, Smith continues his strong run as a dominant interior presence for Staley, finishing with 18 points against Lee's Summit North. While he has always been a force in the paint, his ability to stretch the floor and operate from the perimeter keeps improving. Smith looks confident and comfortable shooting the basketball, while still emphasizing his ability to run the floor and create easy scoring opportunities. His effort on both ends of the court is hard to miss, making him a key contributor to Staley's arsenal and overall success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2114716' first='Blayne' last='Marshall'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Marshall continues to be a regular name week in and week out that many talk about. He caused major defensive chaos against Lee's Summit, consistently pressuring guards and forcing turnovers, finishing with six steals. His ability to cut off driving lanes made ball handlers extremely uncomfortable throughout the game. Those forced turnovers played directly into his strengths, allowing him to use his athleticism to push the ball in transition. He repeatedly outran defenders to the rim and converted several easy scores in the open floor. As a driver, he slashed through the defense with ease and showed poise finishing through contact and traffic. Blayne remains the head of the snake for the Jaguars, and his play continues to make Blue Springs South a serious threat moving forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ellis played a key role in closing out Lee's Summit on Tuesday night, delivering timely baskets when it mattered most. He knocked down several big shots throughout the game, showing deep range and confidence from the perimeter. He worked well off his teammates, consistently finding openings and relocating to space to create quality shot opportunities. With Ellis' ability to step up as a closer and reliable shot-maker, Blue Springs South continues to show the depth of its roster — you never know which player is capable of taking over a game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2983167' first='Jack' last='Henry'] | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Liberty North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Henry led the way for Liberty North as they earned a strong road win over Ray-Pec, a victory that should stand out on their resume. Finishing with 21 points, Jack showcased a versatile scoring skill set — knocking down catch-and-shoot triples while also attacking defenders off the bounce. His craftiness as a slasher allowed him to find gaps and finish around the rim with consistency. Henry's impact extended to the defensive end as well, where he applied pressure on ball handlers and rotated effectively, creating deflections and forcing turnovers. The pace and intensity Henry and his teammates bring to the floor is distinctive, allowing Liberty North to control the game's tempo and often put opponents on their heels.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1910830' first='Phoenix' last='Johnson'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Lee's Summit West</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although Lee's Summit West dropped a few early games this season, the Titans have plenty of talent and production on their roster. On Tuesday night, Johnson showed he is more than capable of providing that impact. He led the team to an impressive win over a Blue Springs squad that has been performing at a high level recently. Johnson brought instant energy, knocking down several big-time three-pointers while pushing the tempo with the ball in his hands. His ability to make flashy, momentum-shifting passes was also on full display, setting up teammates for easy scores. With Phoenix making plays and controlling the pace, Lee's Summit West has the potential to contend with many teams on their schedule moving forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1775703' first='Eli' last='Herbert'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Grain Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Herbert nearly recorded a triple-double in Grain Valley's win over Ruskin, taking on a full playmaker role throughout the game. Handling the ball frequently, he orchestrated the offense by finding teammates and reading the defense, while also posing a consistent scoring threat himself. His ability to draw defenders and then locate shooters created wide-open opportunities from beyond the arc. Even when his usual deep shots weren't falling, Herbert found other ways to score — attacking the basket and finishing in transition during fast-break opportunities. On both ends of the floor, he sets the tone with his rebounding, often disrupting opponents' momentum. With increased production from those around him this season, Herbert's Eagles have become a dangerous team, especially as postseason play approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->