Jayhawk Summer Finale (Wednesday Standouts)
Missouri Prep Hoops was on hand for the first day of action at the Jayhawk Summer Finale in Overland Park, KS. One of the traditions of the tournament is the first night showdown between KC area clubs KC Run GMC and Team Rush. The game is always hotly contested, the crowds are standing room only and a large contingent of college coaches are there to see the talent on both teams. KC Run GMC captured both the 16U and 17U games to start the evening.
Now, here is a look at some of the individual standouts from Missouri from Wednesday night’s action at the Jayhawk:
Lamel Robinson 5’10” KC Run GMC 16U: The speedy point guard scored 17 points in his team’s victory over Team Rush. He has the dangerous combination of speed, skill and toughness. He has that extra burst when he needs it to break his man off the dribble and get to the rim. He is a solid passer, but he can really score as he can also knock down the 3-pointer. He is very tough to handle off the dribble, either in the half court of in transition.
Ronnie Bell 6’1″ Team Rush 17U: The explosive combo guard scored 21 points and kept his team in the game against KC Run GMC. He puts constant pressure on the opposing defense because he is always in attack mode and probing for a driving lane. He also showcased the stroke from deep as he made three 3-pointers, which all came at big moments of the game. He picked up another Division I offer from Long Island University during the week. He has enjoyed an excellent grassroots season.
Joshua Wallace 6’5″ Brad Beal Elite 16U: The active 2019 power forward scored a game-high 20 points as BBE rallied from a 16-point deficity to defeat Quad City Elite 64-62. He scored the winning basket on a slam dunk in the closing seconds of the game. His motor was non-stop from start to finish as he scored on many rim-runs and attacked the boards on both ends of the court. His game isn’t always smooth, but his athleticism and high energy kept his team going when they were struggling.
Tyreese Davis 6’6″ KC Run GMC 17U: The athletic combo forward scored 21 points and seemed everywhere in his team’s win over Team Rush. One play that epitomized his effort was when he hustled downcourt to block an opposing layup off the glass, then sprinted the other way and scored on an alley-oop layup in a key part of the game. He is able to guard several positions with his size and versatility.
Adam Sommer 6’3″ Gateway 15U: The 2020 combo guard was excellent in his team’s victory over NdaGym with his all-around play. In the first five minutes, he scored or assisted on all of his team’s first 15 points of the game. He knocked down 3-pointers and used his strong body to get to the basket and create offense. I was really impressed with his passing ability. He dropped several nice dimes to teammates that led to easy baskets.
Omar Stanley 6’6″ NdaGym 15U: An athletic 2020 forward who was very impressive, especially when it came to rebounding and shot blocking. He was active and had good timing, which led to several blocks. He was a force on the offensive glass as well. As the game wore on, he started to showcase some perimeter skills. He dribbled the ball up court several times and nailed a straight-on 3-pointer from the head of the key. The young man has a substantial upside.
Caleb Love 6’3″ Brad Beal Elite 16U: The talented 2020 guard plays up with the 16U BBE and provides instant offense off the bench. He is a nice-sized guard with a scorer’s mentality and the ability to get the job done. He is very effective when he gets in the lane and shoots mid-range jumpers over smaller defenders. He can also knock down open 3-pointers. He registered a big steal and slam dunk in BBE’s come-from-behind victory over Quad City Elite, finishing with 14 points.
Wesley McCullough 6’7″ KC Magic 17U: The long Stretch 4 was one of the top shooters at last week’s Mullen’s High Profile Tournament in Wichita. He continued that hot shooting in the first half of a game that I watched on Wednesday when he made five of eight from 3-point range. It’s not a fluke. This kid can really shoot. And with a quick release to boot.