Kansas City Metro Names Set the Tone with Early Week Performances

Another week of February hoops is underway, and the metro wasted no time delivering standout performances. From efficient scoring nights to game-changing plays in pivotal moments, players across the area made their presence felt right away. As early-week matchups got rolling, several names separated themselves in some of the most competitive contests on the slate.    Another balanced attack from the Raiders saw Kerrigan play a major role in their dominant win over Olathe East. Operating as a true playmaking forward, he did much of his work with his back to the basket. Conor's patience and deliberate pace stood out — he consistently took his time, reading and scanning the defense before making his move.   Conor is just one of several players on the roster who play equally well without the ball. Consistently creating movement with purpose, finding openings on cuts to the rim and finishing with strength and power. He also showed his ability to stretch the floor, stepping out with a smooth, confident stroke, while continuing to make plays for others as a passer.   Kerrigan has a knack for elevating the players around him, consistently putting teammates in positions to succeed — one of the true marks of an elite player. It's no coincidence that he's a leader for what many consider the best team in Kansas.     Jackson's name seems to be coming up almost weekly at this point in the season, and his latest performance only added to that momentum. He led Piper to a big win over Seaman, once again proving how impactful he can be when the game is in his hands.   In the victory, Jackson set the tone early, orchestrating the offense and eventually taking the game over. Dynamic as ever with the ball, he found the right balance between scoring and facilitating. He shot the ball confidently from the mid-range and beyond the arc, while also changing speeds effectively to get downhill and attack the paint.   DJ mixed in several highlight-level passes as well, showcasing his court vision and ability to manipulate defenders to create opportunities for teammates. His feel for the game continues to stand out, and there's little doubt we'll keep hearing his name as he and his Piper squad make their final push toward the postseason.     In another dominant Rockhurst win, it was [player_tooltip player_id='2346142' first='Kevin' last='Sullivan'] who led the way for the Hawklets. With his rare combination of size and athleticism, he consistently made plays on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he was simply too much to handle on the interior. Even while playing through contact, he was able to carve out deep position and finish strong around the rim.   Sullivan also showed his versatility by stepping out and knocking down shots with range, forcing the defense to respect him beyond the paint. When opponents collapsed and shrank the floor, he stayed poised and made the right reads, finding open teammates and displaying impressive anticipation as a passer.   On the defensive end and on the glass, he was also effective. Using his strength and length, he controlled the paint, battled for rebounds, and disrupted passing lanes. Kevin is yet another example of Rockhurst's depth — a team that can hurt you in a variety of ways, with different players stepping up at any given time.     Jusic led North Kansas City to another win on Monday against a solid Washington team, putting together one of his most complete offensive performances of the season. His perimeter shooting was the clear highlight. He knocked down several deep threes, moving well without the ball and consistently finding space within the defense. When Washington mixed up its coverages, he did a great job recognizing the openings and capitalizing, heating up quickly once he found his rhythm.   Admir didn't just impact the game from the outside, though. He attacked gaps when they were there, slipping behind the defense for interior scores and showing a good feel for when to cut and when to space. On the other end, he provided a steady defensive presence and contributed on the glass, doing the little things that help close out games.   As the postseason approaches over the next few weeks, Jusic looks like a crucial piece for the Hornets — a player who can stretch the floor, score in different ways, and bring consistent effort on both ends.     Ballard helped lead the way for Washburn Rural as they earned a statement win over Emporia. Brooks carried much of the offensive load, giving his team stability and a reliable go-to option from the opening tip and throughout the night.   He showcased his ability to score at multiple levels, confidently knocking down shots from beyond the arc while also playing efficiently in a number of ball screen actions. Whether pulling up in the mid-range or stepping into a rhythm three, Ballard consistently found his spots and made the defense pay.   As a catch-and-shoot threat, he sets up and uses screens exceptionally well, creating just enough separation to get his quick release off cleanly. Ballard's downhill attack off the catch was also on display, flashing a soft floater that he was able to loft over rotating help defenders.   With postseason play approaching, he looks like a player gaining real momentum at the right time.     In another heated area rivalry matchup around the area, it was Davis who powered Blue Valley North past Blue Valley. Will took advantage of smaller defenders throughout the contest, establishing himself in the post and finishing up and over the top with quick and decisive moves.   He displayed strong footwork and a quick approach, methodically backing defenders down until he secured deep position. Once there, he was tough to stop. Beyond his scoring, Davis made his presence felt on the glass and used his length effectively on the defensive end, impacting the game on both sides of the floor while guiding the Mustang attack throughout.   He also found opportunities to run in transition, and when he did, he made it count — rising up for an emphatic finish in the open floor to put an exclamation point on the game. Don't look now but the talent may be finally matching the expectations for the Mustangs, led firmly by Davis.

Another week of February hoops is underway, and the metro wasted no time delivering standout performances. From efficient scoring nights to game-changing plays in pivotal moments, players across the area made their presence felt right away. As early-week matchups got rolling, several names separated themselves in some of the most competitive contests on the slate.