Oklahoma Players That Turned Heads in Kansas City

Holiday tournament season is always an exciting and highly anticipated time of year. It offers fans the chance to witness intriguing matchups between some of the nation's most competitive teams, while also showcasing outstanding individual performances that can define a player's season. Beyond the highlight-reel plays and buzzer-beaters, these tournaments often produce momentous wins that can set the tone for programs as they head into the second half of their seasons. Whether it's an underdog pulling off a shocking upset or a powerhouse team asserting its dominance, the holiday tournaments never fail to deliver drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments for players, coaches, and fans alike. Today, we will look at the Family First Hoops Classic in Kansas City.   [player_tooltip player_id='2393527' first='Zuo' last='Kpogba'] | Douglass Kpogba had a standout and highly efficient tournament, proving himself as one of the most reliable and dynamic players for Douglass. Over the weekend, his ability to get to the free throw line and convert consistently was a major factor in his team's success, highlighting his skill at drawing contact and finishing under pressure. In a key matchup against Staley (MO), Kpogba exploded for 20 points and added 4 rebounds, showing that he can contribute not only as a scorer but also on the glass when needed.   What sets the guard apart is his ability to apply constant pressure on defenders. Whether attacking off the dribble or cutting into the paint, he maintained poise and decision-making, creating scoring opportunities for himself and opening space for his teammates. He also demonstrated an improved outside shot, knocking down several threes in limited attempts, which forced defenses to respect him both inside and beyond the arc.   Beyond the statistics, Kpogba's impact was felt in the flow of the game. His aggressiveness and basketball IQ allowed him to dictate tempo and keep opponents on their heels. He displayed a combination of speed, strength, and composure that made him difficult to guard, particularly in high-pressure moments. If Douglass continues to ride his level of play, he will likely remain a key factor in their success as the season progresses, capable of influencing games on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437034' first='Mekhi' last='Thomas'] | Putnam City North Thomas played a key role in leading Putnam City North to two impressive tournament wins, as the Panthers defeated Blue Valley North (KS) and Ray-Pec (MO) on consecutive days. His impact was most evident in the Blue Valley North matchup, where he showcased his scoring ability and efficiency, putting up 14 points in just 19 minutes of action. Thomas was a constant threat on offense, demonstrating both smart shot selection and the ability to capitalize on opportunities when they arose.   One of Thomas's biggest improvements this season has been his development as a reliable outside shooter. Over the weekend, he knocked down multiple three-pointers in both games, including an impressive 4-of-6 performance from beyond the arc in the opening contest. His ability to stretch the floor not only adds points to the scoreboard but also creates spacing for his teammates to attack the basket or operate in transition.   Beyond his scoring, Thomas contributed to the overall flow of the game with his movement, court awareness, and ability to read defenses. His efficiency and consistency make him a difficult matchup for opponents, and his confidence in big moments shows that he's emerging as one of the Panthers' go-to players. If he continues to perform at this level, Thomas will be a critical factor in Putnam City North's success as the season moves forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='2327104' first='Branden' last='Crosslen'] | Booker T. Washington The junior guard made a significant impact over the weekend, filling up the stat sheet and showing why he is such a key player for Booker T. Washington. His standout performance came against Cardinal Ritter (MO), where he recorded a dominant 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, helping lead his team to a commanding 32-point victory.   Throughout the tournament, two aspects of Crosslen's game consistently stood out. First, his toughness and discipline on both the offensive and defensive boards allowed him to control the glass despite at his 6'5 height. He demonstrated a relentless motor, using his athleticism and timing to crash the boards and create second-chance opportunities for his team. Second, his ability to draw fouls and convert at the free throw line proved invaluable, as he maintained composure under pressure and made his opportunities count.   Crosslen's combination of effort, athleticism, and basketball IQ made him a constant presence on the floor. He not only contributed points and rebounds but also set the tone for his team with his physicality, decision-making, and intensity. If he continues to play with this level of energy and consistency, Crosslen will remain a cornerstone for Booker T. Washington and a player that opponents must account for in every matchup.   Johnathan Van Buren | Millwood The 6'4 wing had a standout tournament, showcasing his versatility and skill on both ends of the floor. Van Buren's ability to handle the ball, attack close-outs, and score in the paint was particularly impressive, as he repeatedly initiated contact and converted difficult finishes with poise. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill allows him to impact the game in multiple ways, whether by creating his own shot or facilitating for teammates.   Millwood faced a tough matchup against Link Academy but bounced back in their next game, securing a 15-point victory over St. Michaels (MO). Van Buren was highly efficient in this contest, using his physicality in the paint while also sharing ball-handling duties, which helped control the tempo and flow of the game. His ability to contribute both as a scorer and a playmaker makes him a key piece for Millwood as they move deeper into the season.   With his size, skill set, and willingness to play through contact, Van Buren has the tools to be a consistent matchup problem for opponents. His performance over the tournament highlighted his potential to shoulder responsibility for his team on both ends of the floor, making him one to watch as the season progresses.   [player_tooltip player_id='1783190' first='Isaac' last='Sanders'] | Booker T. Washington Sanders made valuable contributions in both of Booker T. Washington's games this past weekend, showing why he is such a versatile and important piece for the team. As a senior guard, he will need to continue complementing star players like Joc Mitchell over the coming months, providing balance and stability on both ends of the floor.   Sanders can impact the game in a variety of ways. Against Cardinal Ritter (MO), he recorded another double-figure scoring performance with 11 points, showcasing his combination of quickness and shooting ability. On the defensive end, he was active in pressuring opposing guards, recording two steals, while also knocking down two timely three-pointers. Beyond the stats, Sanders' defensive positioning and relentless effort stand out, highlighting his awareness and commitment to the team's success.   Another key strength for Sanders is his ability to facilitate offense. If he continues to make smart passes and convert open looks efficiently, he will help Booker T. Washington operate at a higher level offensively while keeping opponents off balance. His all-around game, poise, and consistent effort make him a reliable contributor, and his continued growth this season could play a major role in the team's success moving forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140778' first='Nate' last='Lyon'] | South Central Prep The junior guard made a strong statement in South Central Prep's matchup against Link Academy, delivering a big-time performance against one of the top teams in the country. Lyon scored 17 points, providing a much-needed offensive spark and helping his team stay competitive for much of the game. While Link ultimately won 84-60, Lyon's scoring and composure allowed SCP to keep the deficit within 20 points for most of the contest.   At 6'3, Lyon showcased a smooth, quick-release shooting stroke, knocking down multiple three-pointers and demonstrating the shot-making ability that has been evident since this past summer. His efficiency and confidence from beyond the arc have carried into the early part of the season, making him a dangerous scoring threat from anywhere on the floor.   Beyond his shooting, Lyon's performance highlighted his ability to step up in challenging matchups, showing poise and competitiveness against elite competition. If he continues to maintain this level of production, particularly from deep, he will be a key offensive weapon for South Central Prep and a player that opponents must respect both on and off the ball.

Holiday tournament season is always an exciting and highly anticipated time of year. It offers fans the chance to witness intriguing matchups between some of the nation's most competitive teams, while also showcasing outstanding individual performances that can define a player's season. Beyond the highlight-reel plays and buzzer-beaters, these tournaments often produce momentous wins that can set the tone for programs as they head into the second half of their seasons. Whether it's an underdog pulling off a shocking upset or a powerhouse team asserting its dominance, the holiday tournaments never fail to deliver drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments for players, coaches, and fans alike. Today, we will look at the Family First Hoops Classic in Kansas City.