Prep Hoops Ten Best: Benton vs. Raytown South
It was a dominating performance by Raytown South as the Cardinals defeated St. Joe Benton in the season opener for both teams, 75-33.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at some of the players who stood out in the contest on both sides.
Game MVP: Sevon Witt (6’6, PF, 2018, Raytown South). This one is kind of tough because Witt had just four points and four rebounds at the half, but three slams on three consecutive possessions in the third quarter sealed the deal. Witt showed why he is one of the KC area’s premier big men on Monday as he dominated the paint, was all over the boards and showcased a rare combination of power and athleticism.
Top offensive player: Jamar Madge (Raytown South). Kid can get buckets. He had 15 at the half and showed the ability to score from all over the court. He knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, handled the ball and helped set up the Cardinals’ offense and showed off the ability to use head fakes as well as a nice mid-range game from 15 feet. He opened the second half with a 3 and power slam on a breakaway and had 20 points through the early stages of the third quarter.
Top defensive player: Marquise Allen (5’8, PG, 2018, Raytown South). Allen didn’t score much but was a pest at the defensive end and he harassed ball handlers and forced Benton to cough the ball up on several occasions, Allen is a solid ball handler at the offensive end of the court.
Best shooter: Trevor Mull (5’8, 2019, G, Benton). Mull came off the Benton bench to lead the team with eight points in the first half. He knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, went 2-for-2 at the free throw line and played with passion at both ends of the floor.
Best rebounder: Sevon Witt (6’6, PF, 2018, Raytown South). Even in limited playing time, Witt was a man among boys on the glass. He not only grabbed his own boards, but took up a lot o attention as Benton attempted to block him out, opening up space for others inside.
Top college prospect: Sevon Witt (6’6, PF, 2018, Raytown South). Witt holds an offer from NCAA Division II program Washburn and assistant coach xx was on hand to watch him play on Monday. He is a strong, physical player who can play some of the perimeter as well as bang in the paint. He got in early foul trouble on Monday, picking up his third foul early in the period. It hardly mattered, however, as Raytown South cruised to the win.
Best player off the bench: Chase Peterson (6’1, F, 2019, Benton). Peterson played hard throughout his time on the court as he came off the Benton bench and gave the Cardinals a much needed offensive spark. He can shoot it from the outside and is strong enough to bang inside a little.
Player who is flying under the radar: Kobe Campbell (5’10, G, 2020, Raytown South). Kid can play, shoots from the outside, can create off the bounce and finishes well in traffic. Campbell is listed at 5’10, but plays bigger. He impressed with his poise and calm demeanor, but also got on the glass at both ends of the floor.
Best Underclassman: Raevon Carter (6’2, F/G, 2020, Raytown South). Carter does a lot of good things on the court, is a skilled forward who can handle it a little and shoots it well, but he really had a day on the boards and around the basket. Benton struggled to match-up with him in the paint as he was longer and more athletic than his defenders.
Stock Riser: Quentin Shimer (5’6, PG, 2020, Benton). The Cardinals were largely overmatched in this one, but Shimer showed some ability. He is a little guard who is quick, can get to the basket and showed the ability to shoot from the outside. He left the game early in the third quarter and Benton struggled when he was off the court.