William Jewell Holiday Classic Recap: Nelson Division Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by One3One Productions</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nelson Division at the William Jewell Holiday Classic featured a high number of upsets and down-to-the-wire contests between some recognizable programs across the area. The division also highlighted strong team performances and standout individual play. Below, I'll take a closer look at the tournament results, the All-Tournament Team selections, and dive into what set the top players apart from the rest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Results</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Championship - Liberty 65, Blue Springs 59</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>3rd Place Game - Rock Bridge 58, Summit Christian 39</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>5th Place Game - Park Hill South 64, Raytown 54</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='2402433' first='Ethan' last='Anderson'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Liberty - <strong>MVP</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>11.3 PPG, 69% 3-PT FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Anderson was a crucial piece in Liberty's run to the championship, impacting the game all over the floor with tremendous energy and effort that matched the team's collective identity. He emerged as Liberty's most steady presence throughout the tournament, consistently delivering reliable performances, especially with his ability to shoot the ball at a high percentage and catch fire from beyond the three-point line. For a young Liberty team trending upward, Anderson has become a surging name to watch. He will undoubtedly be one of the focal points during the second half of the season and should continue on his upward trajectory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2346159' first='Carson' last='Bjorn'] | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Park Hill South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>13.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.7 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bjorn, as expected, did a little bit of everything for Park Hill South in Liberty. His scoring and rebounding have always been strengths, but his passing continues to improve, as he consistently created opportunities for his teammates. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways is unique, and with his size and length, he can take over games for extended stretches. Park Hill South leaves the tournament with two wins and growing momentum, confidence they can carry forward as their schedule heats up.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2828448' first='Mason' last='Fleming'] | 6'0" Guard | Sophomore | Liberty</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>9.7 PPG, 50% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fleming, much like his teammate Anderson, made plays for Liberty and impacted games on both ends of the floor. He showed offensive flashes, displaying assertiveness and making himself difficult to defend. His scoring contributions at times were a pleasant surprise and should give him confidence moving forward, showing that he can be productive against any opponent the team faces the rest of the season. It's clear that Liberty has numerous players who fit their style and culture, all willing to do whatever it takes to win games.</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</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>13.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 61% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Schlutow, one of the fastest-rising young prospects in the Kansas City metro area, confirmed that reputation during the Jewell Classic over the past few days. He provided a strong interior presence for a Blue Springs team that has impressed with its overall level of play, giving the Wildcats an inside-outside threat who scored efficiently in the paint while also stepping out to stretch the floor. Jacob showed toughness and physicality, defending and rebounding effectively against bigger, older players. His length proved valuable in multiple games, allowing him to impact play on both ends of the floor. The remainder of the season should serve as a major stepping stone for his continued development and growth.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334892' first='Micheal' last='Thomas III'] | 6'6" Wing | Junior | Summit Christian</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>19.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.0 BPG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although Thomas and Summit Christian walked away with a 1-2 record, Mike still put together a strong trio of games, showcasing his dynamic skill set alongside his impressive size and length. Thomas continued to demonstrate his proven scoring ability, shooting at a high percentage throughout the event and displaying a polished, three-level scoring game. His mobility on both ends of the floor was particularly impressive, allowing him to guard multiple positions while attacking different types of defenders offensively. If Thomas can receive more consistent support from his Summit Christian teammates, the team should be able to rebound and make another strong run this spring.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2205736' first='Nick' last='Timbrook'] | 6'3" Wing | Junior | Rock Bridge</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>18.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 49% FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Timbrook was another athletic wing whose physical frame and quick first step really stood out. He frequently got out in transition throughout the tournament, finishing effectively around and above the rim. While he flashed a solid outside shooting touch, he really took over when attacking the paint. Nick also demonstrated strong defensive instincts, disrupting passing lanes and contributing on both ends of the floor. He was by far the best player for Rock Bridge and appears poised to continue his strong play into the second half of the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Luke Maher | 6'1" Guard | Sophomore | Liberty - <strong>HUSTLE AWARD</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>9.0 PPG, 45% 3-PT FG%</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Maher earned the hustle award for the Nelson Division thanks to his relentless effort on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he took on tough assignments game after game, making life difficult for opponents whether defending the live dribble or rotating through different coverages. His energy set the pace for the Blue Jays and often rubbed off on his teammates. Luke also contributed offensively, showing the ability to score while knowing when to attack. When given space, he knocked down three-pointers with confidence and finished effectively around the rim with either hand.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->