Friday’s Tip-Off: The Best From Around Kansas City

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A closer look at several games from across the Kansas City metro on Friday, featuring standout teams and players, highlighting their performances, and breaking down what they did best to lead their teams to success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Olathe North 61, Blue Valley West 59</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In what turned into a surprisingly tight contest, Blue Valley West pushed Olathe North to the limit, making big plays — especially late — to keep constant pressure on the Eagles. From the opening tip, the Jaguars were able to knock down shots and match Olathe North's physicality, refusing to let the game get away from them. They received contributions from several players throughout the night, including Cade Wysong, Michael Baum, Max Orr, Brooks Bringman, Mo Darboe, and Brady Brungardt. Baum set the tone early, providing perimeter scoring while also attacking off the bounce to create scoring opportunities. Wysong and Orr stepped up when needed, with Wysong hitting timely shots and playing effectively off the dribble, while Orr continued to shoot the ball well from deep and find space within the Jaguars' offensive sets.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bringman added another layer by knocking down multiple deep three-pointers, stretching Olathe North's perimeter defense and creating valuable floor spacing. Brungardt was particularly effective in five-out actions, initiating and flowing the offense through dribble handoffs and screening situations. He moved well with the ball in his hands and helped keep the Jaguars' offense organized and flowing. Darboe provided a spark on both ends with his length and athleticism, generating turnovers, scoring when needed, and matching up well with the size and athleticism Olathe North presented. The combination of Baum, Brungardt, Orr, and Wysong making big shots late in the fourth quarter pushed the game to a tense finish, as the Jaguars absorbed every punch and continued to respond, ultimately coming up just one possession short.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For Olathe North, it was another road win against a quality opponent, fueled by contributions across the roster. [player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'] got going early, showcasing a versatile and dynamic offensive game with mid-range scoring and finishes above the rim. His quickness and athleticism proved difficult for Blue Valley West to contain, and he left his imprint on the game on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr'] flashed at various points with strong two-way play, using his quickness and decisiveness with the ball while showing a soft touch on his finishes. Max Galindo knocked down several deep three-pointers — especially in critical moments — to stabilize the Eagles and swing momentum, continuing to show a smooth, confident shooting stroke in both catch-and-shoot and pull-up situations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ultimately, it was Teke Deng who made the defining play late to propel Olathe North to the win. His presence was felt throughout the game, particularly on the interior. Defensively, he altered shots and protected the paint, forcing Blue Valley West to settle for perimeter looks for long stretches. Offensively, Deng played with force around the rim, throwing down multiple dunks and even showing the ability to attack off the bounce, getting to two feet and finishing through defenders. Great teams often face tough road tests where they simply have to find a way to win, and this felt like one of those games for an elite Olathe North squad that continues to build momentum with each outing.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Rockhurst 56, Shawnee Mission East 51</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Rockhurst picked up another win on Friday, improving to 19–0 with a hard-fought rivalry victory over a tough and gritty Shawnee Mission East team. Played at Municipal Auditorium, the game had an elevated atmosphere, with both teams feeding off the energy of the crowd in a highly competitive contest from start to finish.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shawnee Mission East challenged Rockhurst early and continued to apply pressure throughout the game, using timely shot-making and an aggressive defensive approach that forced turnovers. The Lancers clearly drew energy from their crowd, which helped fuel several momentum swings. Brooks Dillon shot the ball extremely well from the perimeter, stretching the floor and opening up consistent drive-and-kick opportunities for East's offense. Paxton Ochs and his brother, Quentin Ochs, matched Rockhurst's physicality at key moments, winning 50/50 balls, forcing turnovers, and stepping up offensively when needed. After pushing several quality opponents this season, East appears close to turning the corner and could be a team to watch once postseason play begins.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the other side, Rockhurst continues to face every opponent's best effort night after night. The Hawklets absorbed runs, responded when challenged, and made the necessary plays to secure the win. As has been the case all season, different players stepped up in different moments. This time, Kemper Roberts led the way, using his size and length to create advantages on the perimeter and score in key matchups. Hueston Saunders once again controlled the paint, finishing effectively around the basket and providing a strong, athletic interior presence that remains difficult for opponents to handle.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With seniors Cohen Robinson and Kevin Sullivan supplying steady leadership and production on both ends of the floor, Rockhurst continues to play connected basketball. The group's ability to stay composed and come together in the biggest moments remains a defining strength as the season moves forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Blue Valley 71, Manhattan 48</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Manhattan did its best to keep the game competitive early, but Blue Valley's size, skill, and overall firepower proved to be too much for the Indians to handle. The Tigers' ability to lock in defensively and control stretches of the game was the difference, as blocks and steals consistently turned into transition opportunities where they were able to push the pace and apply pressure.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blue Valley attacked Manhattan from multiple angles — using their size, speed, and depth to gradually take control, especially in the second half. [player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] was sharp from the perimeter, knocking down multiple three-pointers and thriving in drive-and-kick situations where he set his feet and confidently let it fly. His ability to hunt shots beyond the arc in transition became increasingly effective after seeing a few early attempts fall.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel']'s size and versatility created problems for Manhattan on both ends of the floor, while [player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] played a steady, composed floor game, effectively directing the offense for the Tigers. As has been noted before, this core trio has the potential to be among the best in the state when they are locked in and playing off one another. Each brings a different skill set to the table, and any one of them can catch fire in a hurry.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Despite the loss, Manhattan showed encouraging flashes that can serve as building blocks moving forward. Will Carpenter led the way offensively, pouring in 30 points and scoring in a variety of ways. He consistently created his own opportunities, using his skill and feel for the game to find openings and generate baskets when the offense needed a lift. Vince Doering also made an impact, contributing in key moments and providing additional support on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As a group, the Indians should be able to take valuable lessons from this performance as they continue to grow over the final month of the season. While Manhattan has shown promise at different points throughout the year, developing consistency — especially against the state's top teams — will be critical if they hope to make noise when March arrives.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->