Ten Best: Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.) vs. Hogan Prep (Mo.)
Ten Best: Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.) vs. Hogan Prep (Mo.)
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — A battle between one of Missouri premier Class 3 teams and one of Kansas’ premier basketball programs saw a battle through the early going as Rams’ guard Damien Daniels’ play helped keep Hogan Prep in the contest.
But Blue Valley Northwest began to pull away in the second quarter and eventually pulled away.
The contest featured a pair of players who have already committed to college programs and several others who will likely have an opportunity to play at the next level as well.
MVP: Joe Pleasant (6’6, F, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest). There were a lot of high level individual performances in this one, but Pleasant put together a huge second half for the Huskies. After scoring three points in the first half, Pleasant went for 16 points in the second half and capped the win with a two-handed flush with less than a minute to play. He also finished with 14 rebounds to lead both teams.
Best Offensive Player: Damien Daniels (5’8 PG, 2018, Hogan Prep)
Daniels scored 26 points and hauled in seven rebounds and helped keep the Rams within striking distance against a talented BVNW team. He has elite speed, good leadership qualities and is an elite competitor — he really wants it and it shows on the court.
Top defensive player: Parker Braun (6’8, PF, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest). Braun is an athletic, rangy forward who threw down a dunk in the opening quarter and blocked a pair of shots. He is a terrific rim protector who is bouncy around the basket and has a developing offensive game as well.
Top rebounder: Joe Pleasant (6’6, F, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest). Pleasant is a skilled forward who can play inside or out and operates especially effectively at the high post where he is a good shooter and an effective passer. On the boards he is aggressive, strong and is especially strong with the ball and seldom has it stripped out of his hands.
Top passer: Damien Daniels (5’8 PG, 2018, Hogan Prep). Kid can really dish the rock. He created problems for BVNW with his ability to break down opponents off the bounce and got into the lane where he made several nice passes, setting up teammates for easy buckets.
Top shooter: Sam Ward, 6’3, PG, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest
This one could have easily gone to Ward as well, but #2 is also a terrific shooter and is gives the Huskies a pair of shooters who spread the court and help open things up inside.
Stock Riser: Marty Jackson (6’5, F, 2018, Hogan Prep). Jackson had it all working on Friday as he battled and fought in the paint against a good BVNW front line. He finished with 18 points for Hogan Prep and added six rebounds and showed the ability to do work in the paint, as well as step out and knock down outside shots. His 3 on an inbounds play at the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter pulled Hogan Prep within eight and gave the Rams some much needed momentum heading into the fourth quarter.
Name to Remember: Anthony Barner (6’0, F/G, 2018, Hogan Prep). On a team that featured just one other player over 6’0 in the regular rotation, Barner is an important piece for the Rams as he does a good job battling in the paint. He finished third on the team in scoring on Friday and added four rebounds. Although he is listed at 6’0, Barner plays a lot bigger and really works hard around the basket.
Best underclassman: Jack Chapman (6’5, G, 2021, Blue Valley Northwest). Chapman came in and spelled Christian Braun at times on Friday and showed good poise for a freshman. He has terrific size and length and is a smart, heady player.