Family First Hoops Classic: More Saturday Names From Kansas City

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Johaven Noel</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll wrap up my coverage of the Family First Hoops Classic with final observations and analysis of some of the top performers from the last few games on Saturday. With the event's overwhelming success, it's clear that this showcase has established itself as a premier platform for teams and players across the region. Moving forward, the Classic is poised to continue providing a stage for athletes to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and gain exposure, making it a highlight on the basketball calendar for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Branden Crosslen | 6'6" Wing | Junior | Booker T. Washington (OK)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Crosslen was a major asset for Booker T. Washington throughout the weekend, but his impact was especially evident on Saturday in the matchup against Staley. He set the tone early, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds while asserting himself from the opening minutes and helping put the outcome out of reach quickly. His presence on both ends of the floor consistently shifted momentum in Booker T. Washington's favor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offensively, Crosslen was effective operating out of the mid-range, where he knocked down quick pull-ups and turnarounds that highlighted his high release and ability to shoot comfortably over smaller defenders. He played through contact and finished possessions with physicality, which carried over to his work on the glass. He was relentless as a rebounder, consistently tracking down boards and ripping them away from opposing players. His length was noticeable throughout the game on both offense and defense, giving him a natural advantage in multiple situations. As he continues to grow into his frame, Crosslen's skill set and physical tools point to him becoming a high-level prospect moving forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2896574' first='Will' last='Hansen'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Staley (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Saturday proved to be a difficult matchup for Staley, as the team felt the absence of [player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'] against a strong Booker T. Washington squad. Despite the challenge, there were still several bright spots, particularly from players who stepped into expanded roles and took advantage of increased minutes.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will was one of those players, making a notable impact with his shooting from the perimeter. He knocked down multiple three-pointers, showcasing a quick trigger in catch-and-shoot situations and the confidence to extend his range beyond the arc. Hansen also contributed by using an effective shot fake to create space, allowing him to reset his feet and get clean looks away from defenders. While the result was tough, Will's shooting ability in particular stood out and should continue to pay dividends for Staley as the season moves forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Mekhi Thomas | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Putnam City North (OK)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Thomas was another Putnam City North player who stood out on Saturday, further highlighting the depth and talent on an already loaded roster. He brought an explosive athletic presence on the perimeter while also shooting the ball extremely well from deep. His range consistently stretched the defense, as he knocked down shots from well beyond the arc and remained confident even with defenders closing hard.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One area that really stood out was his ability to shoot off dribble handoffs. Thomas was quick to get his feet set and did a great job reading defenders who went underneath screens, making them pay time and again. On the defensive end, he showed strong lateral quickness and anticipation, frequently blowing up actions before they could fully develop. His two-way impact added another layer to PCN's already dangerous lineup.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2982470' first='Gavin' last='Caddell'] | 6'4" Forward | Senior | Raymore-Peculiar (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Caddell stood out with his ability to cover the floor and match the physicality and pace of Putnam City North. He held his own against PCN's bigger, more athletic forwards and wings, providing a strong defensive presence by blocking shots, walling up at the rim, and competing on the glass. His toughness and willingness to battle allowed Ray-Pec to stay competitive in key stretches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the offensive end, Caddell's left-handed shooting stroke was on full display, as he knocked down perimeter shots at an efficient rate and consistently found openings within the flow of the offense. He played with a high basketball IQ, making the right reads and staying engaged on every possession. Combined with his strong effort level, Caddell's performance helped lead Ray-Pec throughout the game and should serve as a confidence boost as he continues to move forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1793650' first='Carlos' last='Medlock Jr'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Link Academy (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Medlock embodies everything you want in a lead guard, bringing a level of two-way impact that is rarely seen. Defensively, he sets the tone by constantly applying pressure to ball handlers, steering them into uncomfortable areas on the floor and dictating the pace of play. His quick hands and feet allow him to anticipate actions and take calculated risks, often playing a step ahead of offensive players. He consistently disrupts the live dribble, beating opponents to their spots and coming away with the ball.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offensively, Medlock was just as impressive. He finished around the rim with creativity and excellent hang time, navigating through traffic with smooth dribble pickups as he sliced through the defense. He also flashed his shooting ability, displaying a fluid, confident stroke that looks the same regardless of range. His complete command of the game makes it easy to see why Medlock was one of the most sought-after prospects in the country and ultimately earned a commitment to Michigan State.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Nate Lyon | 6'3" Guard | Junior | South Central Prep (OK)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lyon emerged as one of the top shooters on Saturday, delivering a standout performance against a Link defense that featured both high-level individual defenders and strong team concepts. He found his rhythm as the game progressed, particularly in the second half, where he became much more selective and intentional with his attacks. By picking his spots and reading the floor effectively, he consistently found openings to get quality looks and capitalize on them.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>What stood out most was Lyon's basketball IQ and his understanding of how to operate without the ball. He showed a strong feel for reading defensive coverage, making the right counters, and using different actions to free himself. With a lightning-quick release, he needed very little space to get his shot off, which made him extremely difficult to guard. As the game went on, his shooting range extended farther and farther beyond the arc, forcing the defense to stretch even more. He also did an excellent job changing speeds, using screens and movement to create separation. In transition, Lyon stayed aggressive, running the wing hard and pulling up confidently for jumpers, clearly feeling the momentum as he continued to heat up.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->