Jayhawk Summer Finale: Friday Oberservtions

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri was in the house at the Drive5 Sports Center in Overland Park for the first day at the Jayhawk Summer Finale. Here is a look at some of Friday's observations: </p> <h3>KC Run GMC vs. Team YOBO Showcase Action</h3> <p>The opening night of the Jayhawk always features some excellent showcase action with host club KC Run GMC going up against another top team in all three age groups. This year, it was KC Run GMC going up against fellow KC area club Team YOBO in the 15U, 16U and 17U divisions in games that packed the Drive5 facility.</p> <p>In the first game, Team YOBO edged KC Run GMC 44-42 in a tough, low-scoring game that went down to the wire. Team YOBO trailed early, but got some excellent perimeter shooter from 6'3" 2022 guard Braden Appelhans of Blue Springs. The lefty knocked down three triples to give YOBO the lead and they held on for the close victory. I was also impressed with 5'8" 2022 point guard Kyle Bruce, who is also from Blue Springs. He was good at penetrating and getting into the land of the trees.</p> <p>Run GMC's top Missouri prospect is 6'7" 2022 forward Taj Manning of Grandview. He is a talented young forward with nice post moves in the lane as well as a solid skill set from 15-17 feet where he can shoot it and put it on the floor.</p> <p>KC Run GMC won both the 16U and 17U games as they pulled away to down the stretch for double digit wins.</p> <p>A couple of standouts for KC Run GMC's 17U on Friday were 6'2" 2020 guard Evan Guillory of Joplin, who plays the game with a lot of force. He gets downhill on the drive with an vengeance and he finishes with authority, either with a dunk or a power layup for a three-point play. 6'6" 2020 forward Ethan Kilgore of East Buchanan is a versatile player who can do a lot of things while 6'4" 2020 guard Ty Berry can light it up from the perimeter.</p> <p>6'3" 2020 guard Tully Thomsen of Team YOBO is a boss 3-point shooter who was knocking them down off the catch and in transition on Friday night. He also created some nice plays off the dribble as well. I was also impressed with 6'4" 2020 wing Ahmed Mahgoub from Oak Park, who was smooth with his ability to get to the rim and finish plus knock down mid-range jumpers off the bounce.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brad Beal Elite vs. Marcus Denmon Elite 16U</h3> <p>One of the best showcase games of the night came when Brad Beal Elite 16U took on an excellent Marcus Denmon Elite team, which had just come off winning the Under Armour Rise championship in Atlanta two weeks ago. BBE had spent the summer playing in the Nike EYBL.</p> <p>Marcus Denmon jumped out to an early lead as they were sparked by a couple of thunderous slam dunks by 6'3" 2021 wing Najee Williams of Blue Springs. BBE took control of the first half with his smothering defense and offensive rebounding.</p> <p>BBE built up a double-digit lead and managed to hold off a Marcus Denmon Elite rally to take a 58-54 victory. BBE is a very athletic team with some talented guards who can get their own shot.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few other observations:</p> <p>The St. Louis Eagles 14U are a group of 2023s with a bright future. They have an impressive group of big kids, which include 6'6" forward Cameron Williams, 6'7" Josh Gregory and 6'7" Damarion Brown. Watch for these guys down the road.</p> <p>There are a nice group of 15U teams at the Jayhawk Finale this weekend with Brad Beal Elite, KC Run GMC and Team YOBO leading the way. I was also impressed with the Mid-Mo Elite 15U group in my first time getting a look at them as well.</p>