Previewing the Midwest Showcase, Part I — Friday’s Top Matchups

The Midwest Showcase returns this summer and should provide a great opportunity for players, coaches, and teams from across the Midwest to compete. This year's event will be held in Columbia rather than Kansas City, where it has been hosted in previous years. Here's a look at some of Friday's games, along with the players and matchups I'm most looking forward to seeing.   Lawrence Free State (KS) vs. Hickman (MO)   Lawrence Free State and Hickman should be one of the more intriguing early matchups on Friday. Both teams return talented rosters, though Hickman may have the edge in experience with [player_tooltip player_id='2225554' first='Will' last='Grus'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2837053' first='Zion' last='Luque'] leading the way. Free State, meanwhile, will look to rising prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2820767' first='Brendan' last='Barrett'] to head their attack.   Grus and Luque both offer impressive size and versatility for their positions. Grus operates primarily on the wing, while Luque plays in the frontcourt but is also comfortable facing up, attacking downhill, and creating mismatches. For Free State, look for Barrett to make his impact felt with his ability to break down defenders off the dribble, create his own shot, and draw enough attention to create opportunities for his teammates. He's the top player in Kansas' talented 2028 class and for good reason, he's been strong from [program_tooltip program_id='2075378' first='MPJ' last='Elite'] this spring.   Piper (KS) vs. Francis Howell (MO)   Piper officially turns the page on DJ Jackson and a talented senior-heavy class as the program looks to maintain its status as one of the stronger teams in Kansas. As expected, the Pirates will bring back talent, but the biggest question is whether that group is ready to take on larger roles and lead the team moving forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='2820761' first='Isaiah' last='Sayles'] is a name to watch when Piper faces Francis Howell on Friday. His combination of size and strength around the basket should make him a focal point for the Pirates. He looks bigger and stronger this spring and seems to be embracing more of a physical approach on both ends.   Francis Howell finds itself in a similar position, having lost key contributors and now turning to a new group to lead the way. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='2503734' first='Alex' last='Wise'], an emerging two-way perimeter player, to spearhead the attack. Wise should shoulder much of the load against Piper, both as a creator and scorer.   Lutheran North (MO) vs. Maize South (KS)   While both Lutheran North and Maize South enter the summer with some question marks, each program brings a dynamic perimeter player capable of leading the way.   Lutheran North's [player_tooltip player_id='2836966' first='Kyren' last='Evans'] is a player worth checking out in Columbia thanks to his athleticism, quickness, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Maize South will counter with [player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'], a veteran presence who should have complete control of the offensive attack. Batiste operates as a playmaker, and his improved athleticism and physicality on the perimeter should allow him to take on an even larger role this season. He plays with a lot of confidence, especially on the offensive end, and can really get going when he sees a few shots go down early.   If nothing else, this matchup should feature a highly competitive backcourt battle between two of the top guards in attendance.   Clayton (MO) vs. Norris (NE)   The matchup between Clayton and Norris should be one of the best games of the day. Both programs are coming off strong seasons, with Clayton capturing a Missouri state title and Norris continuing its run as one of Nebraska's top programs.   The [program_tooltip program_id='2076546' first='Greyhounds' last=''] return their talented duo of Sabastian Bolden and [player_tooltip player_id='2836920' first='Damarion' last='Verges'], with both players looking to build on productive winter and spring campaigns. Bolden should have the ball in his hands frequently, using his playmaking ability offensively. Verges, meanwhile, brings versatility and good positional size, capable of impacting the game and providing a different dimension alongside Bolden.   Norris has plenty of firepower of its own. Look for the guard tandem of Shane Holen and Evan Greenfield to lead the way and play off one another throughout the game. Both players can score and create for others while also bringing size and athleticism to the backcourt. With talent and experience on both sides, the contest should be must-see.   Westminster Christian (MO) vs. Bentonville (AR)   One of the top players in attendance this weekend will be [player_tooltip player_id='2334909' first='Will' last='Powers'] of Westminster Christian. Powers has put together a strong spring, serving as a key contributor for a talented MOKAN Elite squad while collecting numerous Division I offers, including one from the Power Four level. He's grown a few inches and has filled out physically, and that added strength has opened another dimension to his offensive game. Already known as an elite shooter, Powers has become more effective attacking the basket, finishing through contact, and creating opportunities as a slasher.   He'll face a deep and talented Bentonville squad out of Arkansas led by Kyan Franklin, Truman Wheeler, and DeMarion Lee. Franklin and Lee will do much of their work from the perimeter, while Wheeler provides a versatile frontcourt presence with size and the ability to impact the games doing the little things. Expect Franklin to lead the attack, but Lee could be an under-the-radar name who leaves Columbia with a lot more attention than he arrived with.   Regardless, the matchup should be one of the more interesting and competitive games of the weekend, featuring two talented teams with different styles, strengths, and approaches going head-to-head.   Jonesboro (AR) vs. Principia (MO)   The game everyone will be watching on Friday is Jonesboro and Principia. Both programs have enjoyed great success in recent years, and with that success has come a steady influx of talent. This matchup features several of the top prospects in attendance and should be one of the weekend's most competitive contests.   Jonesboro will look to Lleyton Weaver, one of Arkansas' top players in the 2027 class, to lead the way. Weaver is a crafty and highly efficient scorer, highlighted by a quick left-handed release that makes him dangerous both off the catch and off the dribble. He shoots it at a high level, but his feel for the game is what really stands out. He's especially effective attacking long closeouts, where he can put the ball on the floor, get downhill, and finish at the rim.   Principia will counter with [player_tooltip player_id='3584219' first='Gassim' last='Toure'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2377735' first='Kingston' last='Money'], two rising guards who are arguably playing the best basketball of their young careers right now. With Quentin Coleman now moved on, there should be plenty of additional responsibility available, particularly on the offensive end, and both players appear ready to embrace larger roles. Toure and Money have each built momentum throughout the spring and will be counted on heavily to drive Principia's attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='2334910' first='Sekou' last='Cisse'] also returns for Principia as one of Missouri's top frontcourt prospects. He's gotten off to a fast start this spring and should look to carry that momentum into the summer. Cisse does an excellent job carving out space around the basket and has the ability to score over either shoulder, making him a reliable interior option playing off the creation of Toure and Money.   Principia will once again feature a deep roster, and it may very well be the deepest team in the field. Combined with Jonesboro's talent and firepower, this matchup has all the ingredients to be one of the best games of the weekend.   Booker T. Washington (OK) vs. Chaminade (MO)   Is Booker T. Washington the best team in Oklahoma? We should learn a lot more about the Hornets this weekend as they take on some of the top programs from around the region. Their matchup with Chaminade is loaded with talent and will provide a chance to see two high-level programs go head-to-head.   It's hard to know where to start with Booker T. Washington. Jacques Mitchell, Branden Crosslen, Kaimen Robinson — the list of next-level prospects goes on and on. Mitchell might be the best overall athlete to take the floor in Columbia. His quick first step and explosive leaping ability immediately stand out, especially in transition where he can put tremendous pressure on defenses. He's scoring the ball at a high rate this spring and appears to be taking another step forward as a perimeter shooter.   Crosslen gives the Hornets another talented guard capable of filling it up. His combination of length, feel, and ability to create off the bounce makes him a difficult matchup, while Robinson continues to emerge as one of the more promising young frontcourt prospects in the region.   Chaminade should match up well with [player_tooltip player_id='2569202' first='Elijah' last='Poniewaz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2194622' first='Logan' last='Chalmers'] leading the attack in the backcourt, while [player_tooltip player_id='2822906' first='Jesiah' last='Buchanan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2920307' first='Mo' last='Kourouma'] provide size, strength, and physicality up front. Poniewaz has already looked like a next-level player this spring with his ability to score from all three levels and impose his will physically on games. Buchanan and Kourouma have also been impressive, playing with force around the basket and consistently impacting the game inside. Buchanan does a great job slashing to the rim and finding openings in the defense, while Kourouma's mobility allows him to operate effectively in traffic and contribute in a variety of halfcourt actions.   This is another big-time matchup that everyone in attendance should make a point to see. With talent throughout both rosters and several high-level individual battles across the floor, it has all the makings of one of the weekend's marquee games.   Crossings Christian (OK) vs. Lee's Summit (MO)   With all of the marquee matchups on Friday, this one could end up being the most overlooked. You have two programs coming off impressive seasons and entering the next cycle with plenty of optimism. Lee's Summit returns a number of glue guys who understand their roles, embrace doing the little things, and consistently contribute to winning basketball. With a player like [player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] leading the way, that may be exactly what this group needs.   Daugherty's plate should be full with everything he'll be asked to do, but he'll have a complementary cast around him. The legitimate 6-foot-9 forward can impact the game in a variety of ways offensively. He stretches the floor, handles the ball well for his size, and can score with his back to the basket when needed. As another prospect collecting Division I offers at a rapid rate, it would not be surprising to see even more programs get involved if he performs at a high level this weekend. One of the biggest developments in his game this spring has been his ability to attack defenders off the bounce, an area where he's made significant strides.   Crossings Christian will once again be loaded with talent. Bo Barber, Rylen Sykes, and Slade Black are just a few of the names to watch. The roster features positional size throughout and continues to play with the unselfish, disciplined approach that has become a trademark of the program. Barber is a sneaky athlete who thrives in the open floor and can stretch defenses with his perimeter shooting. Sykes brings a physical presence in the backcourt, capable of getting into the paint and creating offense while also flashing shot-making ability when needed. Add in Black's length on the perimeter and a ceiling that continues to rise, and it's easy to see why this team is so balanced.   Both programs are well-coached, fundamentally sound, and equipped with plenty of talent. Expect a competitive, back-and-forth game that could end up being one of the better contests of the entire weekend.   Olathe North (KS) vs. Sioux City East (IA)   The defending Kansas 6A state champions take the floor this weekend with a roster that will look much different than the one that dominated a year ago. Olathe North lost a tremendous amount of production from its title-winning group, but one major piece returns in Teke Deng.   Deng is unlike any other player in the state with his combination of length, mobility, and activity in the frontcourt. While the weekend should provide an opportunity for the Eagles to sort through rotations and begin identifying roles heading into the winter, Deng is the player most likely to stand out. He impacts the game around the rim on nearly every possession, whether it's finishing, rebounding, or protecting the basket. His spring has been outstanding, fueled by his ability to play through traffic around the rim while also showing more comfort putting the ball on the floor and creating opportunities for himself. He's a constant lob threat offensively and continues to erase shots on the defensive end. More programs should be paying close attention to Deng, and there may not be a better opportunity to be seen than this weekend.   Across from him will be one of Iowa's most coveted young frontcourt prospects in Liam Noll. Noll's feel for the game on both ends of the floor is well beyond his age, and he's beginning to stretch defenses with improved perimeter shooting. Offensively, his footwork, patience, and decision-making are often underrated, making this matchup with Deng one of the most intriguing individual battles in the field. It will be interesting to see how he approaches one of the region's premier rim protectors.   As impressive as Noll is, Roman Henry may ultimately be the player everyone comes away talking about. The young, soon-to-be sophomore will suit up for Sioux City East this winter and should attract plenty of attention. Henry possesses an advanced combination of size, strength, and shot creation ability, allowing him to generate offense from virtually anywhere on the floor. As a finisher, he's comfortable operating from different angles and consistently flashes the touch and creativity that you rarely see from players his age.   While the frontcourt battle between Deng and Noll should be excellent, Henry may be the true focal point of this regional showdown and one of the biggest reasons this game is a must-watch.

The Midwest Showcase returns this summer and should provide a great opportunity for players, coaches, and teams from across the Midwest to compete. This year's event will be held in Columbia rather than Kansas City, where it has been hosted in previous years. Here's a look at some of Friday's games, along with the players and matchups I'm most looking forward to seeing.