William Jewell Holiday Classic Recap: Holley Division Highlights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by One3One Productions</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From a competition standpoint, the Holley Division generated some great matchups, including a championship game and third-place game that were highly competitive and came down to the end. The division also showcased a number of big names, including players committed to playing at the next level next season, highlighting some very strong individual performances. I'll explore the All-Tournament Team and take a closer look at each player who was selected and why they made the cut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Results</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Championship - Blue Springs South 55, Battle 53</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>3rd Place Game - Park Hill 64, Pembroke Hill 57</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>5th Place Game - Grain Valley 68, Raytown South 47</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='2114716' first='Blayne' last='Marshall'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South - <strong>MVP</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>17.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.3 SPG, 43% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Marshall was the head of the snake for a Blue Springs South squad that truly impressed, winning the Holley Division. He's about as active as anyone I've seen this season on both ends of the floor, impacting games with his ability to score, playmake, and defend. He was at his best generating turnovers and creating tempo, which allowed the Jaguars to play in the open floor. He also shows a strong understanding of when to score and when to find teammates. He continues to put up big numbers, and the Jaguars appear to be trending upward as a potentially dangerous team in 6A.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2536441' first='Donnovan' last='Fonville'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Park Hill</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>15.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 41% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Without a doubt, Fonville was the best player on the floor for Park Hill throughout the tournament. He continues to convert opportunities around the rim at a high rate while navigating defenders and playing through contact. Fonville also got to the free-throw line frequently, creating extra scoring chances and forcing opponents into foul trouble. His length was a major asset for Park Hill defensively and on the glass, as he showed he could impact both ends of the floor and provide consistent versatility and value. With Donnovan's production growing, Park Hill may be adding another offensive option that brings a different look.</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><strong>22.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.3 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The best offensive player at the Jewell Classic, and I don't think it's even a question. His ability to move without the ball and use screens to find openings is special. Teams throw a variety of looks and bodies at him regularly, yet he still finds ways to score and create opportunities for teammates. He did so much for Grain Valley on both ends of the floor. Herbert was active defensively in all three games, creating steals and getting his hands on the basketball in a variety of situations. His shooting remains his best asset, as his effortless and efficient stroke is something to see — he can get it off whenever he wants with very little space. Don't be mistaken, though: he impacts the entire box score, not just as a scorer.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2846967' first='Maksim' last='Hymiller'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>18.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 59% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Add Hymiller to the long list of guards at Blue Springs South who continue to improve. His breakout performance came against Pembroke Hill, where he went off, finishing with 32 points while scoring efficiently from all three levels. He let the game come to him, and his aggressive mentality grew as the game progressed. With Maksim becoming more involved, Blue Springs South is increasingly difficult to defend and match up with. Hymiller also brings a strong rebounding presence from the perimeter, helping create extra possessions and close out defensive stands.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2544046' first='Caden' last='Lewis'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Battle</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>12.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 62% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lewis' size and athletic ability immediately stood out in Liberty, as he made several big-time plays across multiple contests. He fits perfectly with a Battle squad that has both perimeter depth and size. He attacks well from the perimeter and is able to generate easy interior scoring chances. Caden played above the rim as both a scorer and rebounder, allowing Battle to establish a strong inside-outside game. With his skill and ability to play beyond the arc, he created tough matchups for multiple teams and also provided a defensive spark by blocking shots and forcing turnovers that frequently led to transition opportunities. Lewis was physically impressive and should continue to grow and develop as the season rolls on.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334930' first='Brandon' last='Rooks'] | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Battle</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>23.0 PPG, 4.3 APG, 59% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although Herbert was impressive offensively, Rooks was right on his heels. Brandon looked every bit the part of a true floor general, showing a strong understanding of how to attack different defenses by changing speeds, using screens effectively, and making the right reads. As a scorer, when he gets going, he is tough to contain, as he can stretch the floor from deep range both off the catch and off the dribble. He consistently kept defenders off balance, allowing him to get to his shot or attack the paint, where he also showed the ability to finish at the rim or score in the mid-range. As Battle's leader, the Spartans will go as far as Rooks can take them this spring.</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 - <strong>HUSTLE AWARD</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>11.7 PPG, 2.3 SPG, 35% 3-PT FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Winning the hustle award for the division was [player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'] from Blue Springs South. Ellis is another long, athletic guard for the Jaguars who plays with an aggressive mentality and a high motor. He caused problems for opposing players with his defensive pressure and ability to jump passing lanes. He is also very efficient offensively, using that same athleticism to run rim to rim and finish around defenders. Ellis is willing to do the little things that make teams tough to beat, including crashing the glass from the perimeter and fighting for 50/50 balls all over the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->