Kansas City Classic Recap: (Class of 2018 Wings)
Here are some of the top Class of 2018 wings from last weekend’s Kansas City Classic in Lawrence, KS.
Mason Taylor 6’3″ KC Pacers Blue: Mason displayed his overall offensive talents in helping the Pacers to the championship game of the Platinum Division. He continued his excellent play this spring with his three-level scoring ability. He is shooting the ball from 3-point range with a lot of confidence, plus he has the size and athleticism to attack the rim and finish around the hoops. He will also use his size to post up and get buckets against smaller guards.
Quinn Nelson 6’3″ MBA Flight Black: The talented wing player was one of the most productive and efficient offensive players during the tournament as he led his team to the Gold Division championship. Nelson was cash money from 3-point distance off the catch where he didn’t seem to miss. When defenders closed out on him, he could hit you with the one-dribble and 15 footer for a bucket. He moves without the ball well and also got buckets on cuts to the basket and coming off screens.
Morgan Brown 6’4″ Rocky Mountain Vipers: One of the most athletic and entertaining players I watched during the weekend. He was a dunking machine as he caught alley-oops, went coast to coast and threw down some impressive dunks in the half court off the bounce. He also had an impressive skill set with his handles and ability to knock down the 3-pointer off the catch.
Latroy Harper 6’1″ MoKan Select: An explosive wing player who enjoyed a good weekend in leading his team to the Final Four of the Platinum Division. Harper is an explosive athlete who can throw down slam dunks and rebound well against bigger competition. He is also an excellent slasher off the bounce who can knock down open 3-pointers off the catch.
R.J. Wright 6’1″ St. Louis Bearcats: The lanky guard enjoyed an excellent weekend shooting the ball as he helped lead the Bearcats to a 4-2 record and a berth in the Gold Division semifinals. He had one game where he scored 26 points and made eight 3-pointers in leading his team back from an 18-point deficit to a big victory. He is a very dangerous shooter off the catch or in transition where he runs to the open spot.
Bryant Mocaby 6’5″ Kansas Pray ‘N Play: Talented wing player who has good size and an excellent stroke from 3-point range. In one pool play game I watched, he was on fire from long distance as he knocked down five 3-pointers. He does a fine job of moving without the ball, coming off screens and getting to the open spots to launch his 3-pointers. On a team with some talented guards, he keeps the floor nice and spread with his long range sniping.