Jayhawk Invitational: Pool Play Standouts
Prep Hoops Missouri was in Overland Park, KS on Friday and Saturday to take in some of the pool play action at the Jayhawk Invitational. Here are some of the pool play standouts:
Erick Slack 6’4″ NdaGym 17U: It was my first time seeing this taletned 2019 wing in action and I was very impressed with his ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. In one game against NLHA, he scored 16 points in a four-minute stretch, including four consecutive 3-pointers. Not only can he shoot the deep ball, but he can score on tough, twisting drives to the basket. He has good size to play both inside and outside. Attends North Kansas City.
Xavier Sykes 5’6″ MO Team Carroll 16U: An exciting 2021 point guard who was one of the smallest and youngest players playing 16U ball, but his game and skill set is big indeed. He put on a show in a win over Team Rush Orange with 33 points and six rebounds. He has jet quickness which enables him to get into the lane and score inside against the trees, but his ability to pull up and knock down 3-pointers from out to 25 feet make him most difficult to guard. When he has it all going, forget about it. Attends Helias.
Lamel Robinson 5’10” Team Rush 17U: Robinson is running with Team Rush this summer, but not much else has changed about this tremendous scoring point guard. He is a blur in the open court with the ball, but he also has the ability to change speeds and directions effectively which can put defenders on skates. He can penetrate and get buckets in the lane of layups and floaters, plus he also has a reliable jumper. Attends Park Hill South.
Broc Smith 6’4″ MO Team Carroll 17U: An excellent wing player who was one of the best shooters that I watch during the first two days. He hit 11 3-pointers in his first two games, including seven in Game 2 in which he scored 26 points. He has a quick release and excellent range. He has good size and good ball handling and passing ability to go along with his shooting prowess. He received an offer from Drury University with several other Division II programs on hand to watch him this weekend. Attends Republic.
D’Anthony Pennington 6’2″ NdaGym 16U: Another talented guard who I got a chance to see for the first time and I was duly impressed with what I saw. He averaged 20 points in his team’s two victories in pool play. He is an excellent perimeter shooter with a high-arching shot that brings rain. He can stretch the court, which enables him to get to the basket and get buckets on short jumpers and floaters. Attends North Kansas City.
Kaden Spruell 6’3″ Marcus Denmon Elite 16U: An impressive young player who has excellent fundamentals and plays an excellent game from the neck-up. He has a strong body which enables him to post up against smaller guards. He handles the ball well and can knock down shots. He can really pass the basketball and help put his teammates in the rights spots. He is a very good communicator on the court, always talking on defense. He’s really been taught how to play this game. Attends Blue Springs.