Kansas City Games to Watch: Who is the Northland's Best?

On the Missouri side, Friday night featured Oak Park hosting North Kansas City in a showdown between two of the area's top 6A teams. With both squads being long-time rivals, the stakes — and the intensity — were naturally high. The crowd was large and lively, creating one of the season's most electric atmospheres. Let's dive into a recap of the game and highlight some of the standout performers.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Game Recap</h3>   The game started exactly as many would have predicted — a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. Both teams traded baskets early, with Oak Park generating offense through aggressive defense and North Kansas City executing a patient, team-oriented style. The Northmen looked to establish an inside-out approach, getting the ball into the paint early and letting their perimeter game flow from there. Meanwhile, the Hornet guards would hit multiple perimeter shots while also attacking downhill, exploding to the rim whenever they were able to create advantages off the bounce.   As the first quarter progressed, the pace of scoring began to slow, and the play grew more physical. Both teams' defenses stepped up, challenging every possession and making life difficult for their opponents. Oak Park managed to hit a few key shots late in the quarter, executing their offense effectively in the final minute and creating separation heading into the second quarter.   The second quarter would begin with sloppy play on both sides, including multiple turnovers and fouls that made the game choppy. Oak Park eventually settled in, generating consistent offense, but Northtown stayed within striking distance thanks to hustle plays and several 50/50 balls in which they were able to track down. North Kansas City's ability to switch defenses created challenges for Oak Park, forcing them to slow down offensively and operate more methodically. Still, Oak Park ended the half strong, hitting back-to-back threes and disrupting the Hornets' offense, which resulted in multiple turnovers. The Hornets went into halftime trailing 31-23.   North Kansas City came out of the break aggressively, scoring efficiently and crashing the offensive glass, looking like the more assertive team early in the third quarter. Both teams emphasized attacking the paint, whether to generate high-percentage shots or opportunities at the free-throw line. But Oak Park's top players responded with key baskets and plays late in the quarter, fueling a run and extending their lead. Oak Park entered the final period with a 51-39 advantage and a lot of momentum.   The fourth quarter ultimately belonged to Oak Park. Riding the hot hands from the end of the previous quarter, they played with freedom and confidence. They forced turnovers and pushed the pace in transition, getting multiple players to the rim for easy finishes. They seemed to force North Kansas City into a one-dimensional attack offensively which would make it easier for them to key on the ball handler and provide help in different areas on the floor. About halfway through the quarter, the Northmen began to slow the game down, controlling possession and moving the ball deliberately to limit North Kansas City's opportunities. The gym came alive as highlight-reel dunks and key plays turned the game into a celebration for the home team. Oak Park closed the contest strong, pulling away for a 64-52 victory.   The game showed that Oak Park is still a force to be reckoned with in the Northland — and across the state, for that matter. If North Kansas City wants to take the next step as a program, they'll have to rise to the occasion in districts and find a way to take down Oak Park to keep their season alive. With the way things are shaping up, these two teams are almost certainly headed for another matchup.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performers</h3>    There's a reason Kori continues to make waves on the recruiting trail — he's a true two-way wing who can change the outcome of a game. Contributing in a little bit of everything, he made plays on both ends of the floor. His deep-range shooting was particularly impressive, especially as he was able to play off the catch and get his feet set quickly. As usual, Kori also played well in transition, slashing to the basket and playing above the rim. Defensively, he would also make some big plays, bringing a motor and will to that end. Time and again, he made the plays when his team needed them most, willing his squad to a much-needed win.     The night's top three-point shooter, Jusic, made the most of every opportunity, taking advantage of open space and exploiting gaps in the defense with his quick release. He caught fire early, sinking several long-range threes while also providing an energy boost on the defensive end. Admir complemented that effort with a smart, physical presence on defense, offering secondary help and fearlessly taking charges against Oak Park's aggressive drives. He also consistently battled to the 50/50 balls, keeping North Kansas City competitive throughout the contest.     Much like Kori, Tanner continued to do all the little things that have defined his career, this time against the Hornets. The ball always seems to find its way into his hands, and he puts constant pressure on defenders, navigating the floor while patiently searching for cracks in the defense. His ability to hang in the air and finish through contact made him a steady offensive threat, and he consistently drew fouls to get himself to the free-throw line. Adam also knocked down a few timely threes when Oak Park's lead began to shrink. His energy never wavered, pushing the pace up and down the court and forcing the Northtown guards to match his relentless intensity.     It's becoming more and more clear why Willmann is such a tough cover on the offensive end. With his blend of size and skill, opponents struggle to find the right matchup for him. He plays strong off two feet, staying balanced and consistently putting himself in positions where he can pivot, create space, and make the right read. Jake was also featured in a variety of actions, whether it was stretching the floor with his shooting or attacking long closeouts off the bounce. On top of that, he showed his ability to break down defenses by initiating ball screens and dribble handoffs, effectively reading and attacking multiple coverages.     Duff's length around the rim is impossible to ignore — whether he's finishing through traffic, altering shots, or cleaning up on the glass. He complements Oak Park's main pieces well and clearly understands his role within the system. Against Northtown, he consistently found gaps in the different defensive looks he faced, creating easy scoring opportunities at the rim. Jakaya showed the ability to finish with either hand in tight spaces, while also competing relentlessly as a rebounder and rim protector. He's unquestionably a key piece for the Northmen as they continue their push to return to the state title game.     Physical is the first word that comes to mind after watching LJ against Oak Park. His size and length made a clear impact on the offensive end, especially during stretches when he controlled the paint. As a finisher, he absorbed contact and converted at the rim, consistently earning trips to the free-throw line. Torrence also made his presence felt on the glass, rebounding with a high motor and active hands. When you factor in his ability to attack off the dribble, it was easy to see why, at times, he was Northtown's most reliable offensive option.     Cruthird showed flashes Friday night of what the future could look like for North Kansas City. He embraced the challenge of going up against experienced, high-level guards and more than held his own. Oak Park struggled to keep him in front, as he consistently got downhill and carved out space at the rim. He played with confidence, stayed poised with the ball in his hands, and matched the physicality on both ends of the floor. As the game wore on, you could see his confidence grow — taking control of most Hornets possessions and giving them an offensive lift whenever the sets began to stall.     It was clear Friday night that Chase is moving as well as he has in months. His quickness and ability to change ends with burst and acceleration really stood out. He gave Oak Park another steady ball handler and scoring option throughout the game, easing pressure and keeping the offense flowing. With a sharp first step, he consistently created angles and separation when attacking the rim against multiple defenders. His chemistry playing off Tanner continues to improve, and it looks like he may be rounding into peak form at just the right time.

On the Missouri side, Friday night featured Oak Park hosting North Kansas City in a showdown between two of the area's top 6A teams. With both squads being long-time rivals, the stakes — and the intensity — were naturally high. The crowd was large and lively, creating one of the season's most electric atmospheres. Let's dive into a recap of the game and highlight some of the standout performers.