TEN BEST: Park Hill South (Mo.)-Blue Valley West (Kan.)
FIVE TAKEAWAYS: Park Hill South (Mo.)-Blue Valley West (Kan.)
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Park Hill South continues to roll through the early stages of the season and Thursday was no different as the Panthers cruised past Blue Valley West in the opening round of play at the 23rd annual Leavenworth Tournament.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at five takeaways from the contest.
Robinson shows off all-around guard skills
Lamel Robinson (5’11, PG, 2019, Park Hill South). One of the Kansas City area’s premier lead guards, Robinson heated up on Thursday, scoring 12 points in the first, adding 10 more in the third quarter and finishing with 25. He can score from all three levels, including from behind the 3-point arc as well as the ability to get to the basket and finish in traffic.
Prospect to watch: O’mar Stanley (6’8, PF, 2020, Blue Valley West).
There might not be a bigger riser in Kansas City area hoops than Blue Valley West big man O’mar Stanley. His former team, Hogan Prep, stuck around and watched him put together a big first half for the Jaguars as the 6’8 forward went for 15 points in the first half. He finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds and showed a terrific all-around skill set. He is long with an athletic fame, good athleticism and a well-rounded skill set for a young player. He is definitely a player that will be on college program’s radar in the coming years.
Best defender: Desi Williams (5’10, PG, 2019, Park Hill South). The Panthers had Blue Valley West locked up in the backcourt for much of the game, pressuring the ball and making life difficult. There were several players that came to play at the defensive end of the court for South, led by Williams who is a constant pest for opposing ball handlers.
Most underrated: Keaton Goodale (6’1, PG, 2018, Blue Valley West). Kid can handle it and runs the show for BV West. He is strong with the ball and is a terrific passer, able to set up teammates or create easy scoring opportunities. He knocked down a 3 in the first quarter and did a good job overall settling down a BV West squad in the second half.
Best off the bench: Michael Rehkop, 6’6, F, Blue Valley West ). Had a well-rounded game off the bench for the Jaguars, scoring xx points and hauling in xx rebounds. A 6’6 2018 forweard, Rehkop has good size and length and had several blocked shots at the defensive end of the court as well.
Young Player to Watch: Spencer Bain (6’0, PG, 2020, Blue Valley West). Bain probably didn’t have his best game as we had him scoreless in the contest, but he is a solid ballhandler who handles pressure without turning it over and shows good mechanics and confidence in his outside game. He was often guarded on Thursday by Park Hill South 2019 PG Lamel Robinson, a tough match-up for the youngster.