10 Best: Free State (Kan.) vs. Blue Springs (Mo.)
LIBERTY, Mo. — The second game of the annual 810Varsity Tip Off classic featured Lawrence Free State running away from Blue Springs for a 75-51 win thanks to a monster performance from 2019 Noah Butler. A 6’5 wing player, Butler…
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Continue ReadingLIBERTY, Mo. — The second game of the annual 810Varsity Tip Off classic featured Lawrence Free State running away from Blue Springs for a 75-51 win thanks to a monster performance from 2019 Noah Butler.
A 6’5 wing player, Butler went for 31 points and showcased an all-around game, throwing down dunks, hauling in key rebounds and running the floor and handling the ball in transition.
MVP: Noah Butler (6’5, G/F, 2019, Free State). A four-year varsity standout, Butler has long been known for his rare combination of strength, power and skill level, but he has taken his game to another level this season. He is a monster around the basket, on the offensive and defensive glass, in transition and on the baseline. He is among the state’s top dunkers and throws it down with authority. Butler went for 31 points on Saturday, including a host of highlight reel slams.
Offensive Performer: DK Middleton (6’2, G/F, 2020, Free State). Middleton is coming off a big summer running with Primetime Ballerz and has seen that success carry over to the high school season. He has terrific size and plays much bigger than his listed 6’2 height thanks to a long, rangy frame. He can do a little bit of everything, whether it’s handling the ball, shooting from the outside or scoring around the basket. He has a feel for scoring the ball and creating offense while staying under control.
Best rebounder: Butler. With all due respect to everyone else, Butler was a force on the glass on Saturday, hauling in several offensive and defensive rebounds, throwing down put back dunks and cleaning up several Free State misses.
Best Defender: Ethan Lincoln (6’2, G, 2020, Free State). Lincoln is an on-ball pest for Free State, capable of getting in an opposing player’s shorts and disrupting an opposing team’s guards.
Most Improved: Stefan Black (5’11, G, 2020, Blue Springs). Black was a key varsity player last season, but appears to have taken his game to new heights this season. He is a tough defender, capable ball handler who can create offense off the bounce and has the ability to get to the basket and finish tough chances, or can knock down outside shots. Also a football standout, Black brings a competitive fire to the basketball court as well.
Most Versatile: Kaden Spruell (6’2, G/F, 2019, Blue Springs). A versatile, all-around performer, Spruell is an inside-outside player, capable of getting a rebound, defending a post player or playing some point forward. He can shoot a little from the outside and works hard at both ends of the floor.
Best off the Bench: Prince Griffin (5’10, G, 2019, Blue Springs). Griffin is instant offense off of the Free State bench. He can handle it, create off the bounce and get to the basket where he showed the ability to finish to chances in the paint. Griffin also showed the ability to make 3-pointers and competed throughout the contest.
Best Youngster: Mozae Downing (6’3, G, 2022, Free State). A good ball handler, Downing has terrific court vision and a high basketball IQ, willing to let the game come to him and not do too much. He has good size and length, some quickness and played with poise throughout Saturday’s win over Blue Springs.