KC Classic: Day 1 standouts
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The opening day of the Kansas City Classic got underway in Lawrence, Kan. on Friday with several players putting together solid performances. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the standouts.
0 — Alton Easley, 5’10, G, 2020, Turner (Kan.), Primetime Ballerz
Easley came off the bench for Primetime against the KC Magic on Friday and went straight to work, scoring seven early points. He showed he can rebound, knock down perimeter shots and pressured the ball defensively while helping handle the ball in the backcourt.
25 — Levi Braun, 6’4, G, 2019, Hayden (Kan.), SSA Elite Black
Braun has developed into one of the premier shooters in the 2019 class and showcased that skill throughout the weekend, knocking down a host of perimeter shots. He is a terrific ball handler who can set up his own shot off the dribble, handle the point guard duties and is a tough competitor at the defensive end.
22 — Jonathan Jackson, 6’4, G, 2020, Maranatha Christian (Kan.), MoKan Elite
Jackson was easily the best shooter we saw throughout the weekend, showcasing a smooth release and the ability to repeat his shooting motion with consistency. He is potentially a high level player going forward with good size, athleticism and a defined skill set. He went for 18 points in the first half a win over Team Iowa Red and then didn’t play in the second half as the team played six in the first half and six others in the second half.
4 — Jonathan Jeffries, 6’0, G, 2019, Lamar (Mo.), Victory
Jeffries had it working from long distance on Friday and he dropped several long distance shots in a loss to SSA Elite Black. A savvy ball handler, Jeffries ran a lot of the point guard duties and showed the ability to set up his teammates and get Victory into its sets.
30 — AJ White, 6’4, PF, 2019, Rockhurst (Mo.), KC Spurs Black
White is a strong, powerful interior player who combines strength, power and explosiveness with nimble feet and a well-rounded skill set. He had it all working at times on Friday in a blowout win by the Spurs over River City Hoops, knocking down jumpers, taking the ball coast-to-coast and throwing down an emphatic one-handed slam. He’s one of the more underrated players around due to his versatility.