Saturday’s Swing Games That Shaped the Kansas City Weekend

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With several marquee games on the schedule this Saturday, there were high-level matchups on both sides of the state line that offered valuable insight as the calendar moves deeper into February. These games revealed a lot about where teams currently stand, and which players are beginning to separate themselves. Below, I'll highlight the teams and individuals who stood out, breaking down the performances that made the biggest impact and why they mattered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Mill Valley 70, Lee's Summit North 52</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mill Valley continued its upward trajectory on Saturday, taking control of the matchup against Lee's Summit North from the opening tip. The Jaguars shot the ball well from beyond the arc as a group and capitalized on transition opportunities, playing with pace while consistently spreading the floor. From start to finish, Mill Valley maintained control of the game and never allowed the Broncos to make a serious run, which enabled them to play freely and share the ball at a high level.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reece Riedel showcased a complete, well-rounded performance, knocking down shots from deep while also playing above the rim in both transition and half-court attacking situations. His defensive activity and presence on the glass stood out, adding another dimension to Mill Valley's overall attack. The Jaguars' depth was also evident throughout the night. JaKhai Carter was steady with the ball in his hands, using his athleticism to get downhill and create pressure offensively while also making plays on the defensive end. Grady Larson was effective from three-point range, whether it was relocating off offensive rebounds or finding open space in drive-and-kick situations, consistently making himself available.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>AJ Davis and [player_tooltip player_id='2245759' first='Jack' last='Carpenter'] provided valuable contributions in secondary roles, each making an impact in different moments and helping round out a complete team effort for Mill Valley.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lee's Summit North struggled to keep pace but did receive contributions from several players over the course of the game. [player_tooltip player_id='2837060' first='Elijah' last='Livingston'] flashed his athleticism, particularly in transition, while Chris Williams, AJ Burnett, and [player_tooltip player_id='2928351' first='Jaycen' last='Walker'] each had their moments despite the loss. The Broncos have talent, but improving their performance against top-level competition will be crucial if they hope to be taken seriously come March.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Oak Park 67, North Kansas City 65</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In a game defined by constant momentum swings, Oak Park was able to survive and pull out an overtime victory against a tough, scrappy North Kansas City squad. The matchup delivered another electric atmosphere, featuring two of the city's top teams and reinforcing the growing belief around the metro that Oak Park is no longer invincible — a perception that continues to bring out every opponent's best effort.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2719502' first='Howard' last='Chase'] got things going early by shooting the ball well from the perimeter, with Kori also applying pressure at the rim and playing aggressively in the open floor. However, it was [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] who ultimately took control late. Tanner took over in the fourth quarter and overtime, making timely plays on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he seemed to be around the ball constantly, creating steals and forcing turnovers. Offensively, he drove the attack by knocking down shots, facilitating for teammates, and putting others in strong positions to score. His ability to stay aggressive while still letting the game come to him stood out in the biggest moments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For North Kansas City, Jake Willmann and Michael Cruthird III led the way for the Hornets, each creating matchup problems in different stretches of the game. Both showed dynamic, versatile scoring skill sets that were difficult to contain. Admir Jusic also delivered a clutch moment, knocking down a crucial shot that sent the game into overtime. In the extra period, Oak Park was able to execute just enough to seal a one-possession win.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With district tournament play just about a month away, these two teams are likely on a collision course to meet again in the postseason.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Lee's Summit 56, Olathe North 54</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Olathe North came out fast, using its defense to fuel the offense early and putting Lee's Summit on its heels in the opening minutes. The Tigers eventually settled in, responding with increased physicality that allowed them to weather the early storm and keep the Eagles within reach. By halftime, Lee's Summit had battled back and trailed by just one, setting the stage for a competitive second half.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The game swung back and forth after the break, with Olathe North building a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter. From there, however, momentum completely shifted. Lee's Summit took control down the stretch, closing the game on an 18–2 run and making the key plays in winning time to secure the comeback victory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lee's Summit was led by [player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'], whose combination of size and skill consistently stretched Olathe North's defense. He finished effectively around the basket and stepped out to the perimeter to knock down shots, creating matchup problems throughout the night. His ability to extend possessions with offensive rebounds and battle on the glass wore the Eagles down and generated valuable extra opportunities for the Tigers. When the game was on the line, Daugherty delivered, catching fire late and drilling the game-winning three with roughly 30 seconds remaining.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2966429' first='Kameron' last='Johns'] also provided important scoring support, particularly early in the game. His perimeter shooting and size at the guard position created additional matchup challenges and helped keep Lee's Summit within striking distance.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For Olathe North, Teke Deng was the most impactful player on the floor for long stretches. He blocked and altered multiple shots defensively while scoring in bunches around the rim. His length continues to be a major factor, whether finishing above the rim, controlling the glass, or anchoring the defense, and he has shown significant growth during what has been an impressive junior season. Max Galindo also contributed as a scorer, drawing fouls and knocking down perimeter shots at key moments, but the overall production around Deng wasn't enough — especially late — to hold off Lee's Summit's surge.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It will be worth watching how Olathe North responds to this loss and how Lee's Summit builds off the momentum as both teams head into the final month of the regular season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Blue Valley North 77, St. Michael the Archangel 68</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In another competitive Saturday matchup, it was the second half that ultimately made the difference, as Blue Valley North took control and began to create separation throughout the third and fourth quarters. The Mustangs leaned heavily on their defense to generate transition opportunities and easy scoring chances, while also getting meaningful production from multiple players across their talented roster. They shared the ball at a much higher level than in recent outings, which opened up quality looks and allowed nearly everyone to get involved offensively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2628356' first='CJ' last='Duson'] set the tone as the team's leader, impacting the game in a variety of ways. He scored efficiently, defended at a high level, and consistently created opportunities with the ball in his hands. His ability to attack the lane and make smart reads stood out, as he remained aggressive as a scorer while influencing the game in both the half court and in transition. Jackson Reis was also highly active, knocking down deep three-pointers against both man and zone defenses. His quick release and confidence from the perimeter were evident, and he complemented that with strong transition finishes around the basket.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'] showcased his versatility, playing effectively inside and creating favorable matchups that he was able to exploit. He also thrived in the open floor, finishing above the rim in transition — something he has consistently done throughout the season. For St. Michael's, [player_tooltip player_id='1850448' first='Phillip' last='Howard'] was a key presence, displaying his inside-out skill set by stretching defenders beyond the arc while also scoring and creating for others when attacking. Bryon Buster flashed his athleticism and length as well, impacting the game on both ends with his energy, effort, and versatility.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This performance could serve as a turning point for Blue Valley North, as the Mustangs can build on the formula they used over the weekend heading into February. Meanwhile, St. Michael the Archangel continues to battle through one of the area's toughest schedules, gaining valuable experience along the way.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->