HUHTAMAKI CLASSIC: Thursday standouts
HUHTAMAKI CLASSIC: Under-the-Radar Several players shined this week at the Huhtamki Classic hosted by DeSoto High School. The tournament featured Olathe Northwest, DeSoto, Schlagle, Olathe North, Lafayette, Gardner-Edgerton, Blue Valley Southwest and Mill Valley on the Kansas side, and Truman…
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Continue ReadingHUHTAMAKI CLASSIC: Under-the-Radar
Several players shined this week at the Huhtamki Classic hosted by DeSoto High School. The tournament featured Olathe Northwest, DeSoto, Schlagle, Olathe North, Lafayette, Gardner-Edgerton, Blue Valley Southwest and Mill Valley on the Kansas side, and Truman on the Missouri side.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who had strong performances in Thursday’s consolation round and semifinal games.
15 — Nate Barnhart, 6’9, F, 2021, DeSoto
There are flashes of brilliance from Barnhart, who is a long, rangy 6’9 forward. He doesn’t try to force things and is a willing passer out of the post. Barnhart can step out and handle the ball a little, shoot the 3 or even pull up for jumpers off the bounce. He has potential as a 3 and D stretch 4 at the next level.
2 — Tamar Bates, 6’4, G, 2021, Piper
The state’s No. 1 ranked player in the latest Prep Hoops Kansas 2021 rankings release, Bates had it all working on Thursday in a tough, hard-fought battle with Olathe North. He went for 32 points including the eventual game winner as he scooped up a loose ball after a missed basket and scored an easy lay-in with seconds remaining to crack a 63-63 tie. Bates has a smooth, well-rounded offensive skill set, with a soft, left handed shooting stroke. He showed off a nice mid-range game on Thursday, getting defenders back on their heels then pulling up for jumpers. Bates holds offers from Missouri, Northwestern, Kansas State, Creighton, St. Louis, Wichita State, Abilene Christian and Missouri State.
2 — Koi Jackson, 5’11, G, 2020, Olathe North
Jackson is raising his profile in Kansas this season as a talented, high scoring combo guard. Jackson is especially quick off the bounce, able to change directions, shake defenders and has the ability to score at all three levels. He has a nice pull-up game out to the 3-point line, can shoot the mid-range and likes to get all the way to the basket where he can finish around the basket. Jackson went for six points first half on Thursday’s showdown with Kansas City Piper, then added 13 points in the third quarter and four more in the fourth.
10 — Austin Murrow, 6’5, G, 2020, Blue Valley Southwest
A two-sport standout, Murrow showed off a strong all-around game on Wednesday at the Huhtamaki Classic in DeSoto as he led all scorers with 19 points in a consolation round win over KC Schlage, including 16 in the first half. Murrow is a terrific all-around player who can handle the ball, pull up for mid-range jumpers off the bounce or score in the paint, he brings the ability to score at all three levels. Murrow is a good athlete who can surprise opponents with blocked shots or slam dunks in traffic. At 6’5, 180-pounds, Murrow has a strong frame and can absorb contact and finish through a defender. He spent the offseason competing for MoKan 2020.
15 — Braeden Wiltse, 6’3, G, 2020, Mill Valley
Wiltse was much of the offense for Mill Valley on Thursday in a tough semifinal round loss to Mill Valley. He is a shot creator who can score from all over the court, including the ability to knock down 3-pointers, hit the pull-up or take the ball all the way to the basket. At 6’3, Wiltse has good size for a guard and recently committed to play at Concordia.