NKC TOURNAMENT RECAP: Standout guards
NKC TOURNAMENT RECAP: Standout guards
Prep Hoops Kansas was on for the 68th annual North Kansas City Invitational, which was won on Friday by Columbia Rock Bridge, who knocked off Park Hill South.
In other action, Oak Park knocked off host North Kansas City in the third-place game, 63-59.
With the win, the Bruins remain unbeaten this season. Here are some of the top ‘Bigs’ who were getting it done throughout the weekend.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at the top guards at the event.
T.J. Babikir (6’2, G, 2018, North Kansas City). A big guard with good size and a strong frame, Babikir is one of the state’s most underrated performers, a guard capable of getting buckets, carrying a team at the offensive end of the court, yet capable of contributing in other areas as well. Babikir is a standout shot creator, can get to the bucket and can even post up on occasion. He is also a solid rebounder and competes at the defensive end.
Ochai Agbaji (6’4, SG, 2018, Oak Park). Agbaji is emerging as the state’s premier player in the 2018 class remaining on the board, blessed with elite athleticism and good size and length, Agbaji has improved his outside shooting and can carry at team offensively. He has proven himself as a 2-guard this season, with the ability to play off the ball, work off screens to get open, as well as create his own shot off the bounce. He currently holds several Division I offers from mid major programs.
Desi Williams (5’9, 2019, Park Hill South). Williams is among the KC area’s premier true point guards, capable of leading a team, running an offense and doing the little things exceptionally well. He is a pesky, on-ball defender, can make shots and is nails at the free throw line.
Lamel Robinson (5’11, G, 2019, Park Hill South). Robinson is a straight bucket getter, he just flat puts it in the basket from all over the court. He has a floater, a mid-range game, a 3-point game, and gets to the basket and finishes in traffic. He is also equally comfortable playing the point or off the ball. He’s a future D1 recruit and one of the state’s better players in the 2019 class.
Deng Bol (6’3, PG, 2018, NKC). One of the Kansas City area’s most underrated performers, Bol is a terrific lead guard, capable of getting to the basket, creating plays off the bounce and knocking down outside shots. He struggles at times to finish plays around the basket and needs to get stronger, but he shows flashes of brilliance. Bol is also a terrific defender with a lot of potential at that level.
Robbie Hanson (6’2, SG, 2018, Liberty North). Hanson is a terrific shooter and has the ability to get buckets off the dribble as well as set up defenders with his movement off the ball. He is putting together a strong senior season and could find a home at the next level.
Jamonta Black (6’3, G, 2019, Rock Bridge). Black is starting to emerge as a future college prospect as he combines terrific size and athleticism with a well-rounded skill set. This past week he showed the ability to consistently knock down outside shots which raises his future profile even more. He has a versatile skill set and is a big, athletic guard.
Dajuan Harris (6’2, PG, 2019, Rock Bridge). Easily one of the state’s premier point guard prospects, Harris has terrific length and athleticism and shows the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He shows good leadership qualities and is capable of leading a team at the point.