KC Classic: Standout performers in 17U Division
PICTURED: Gavyn Elkamil, Carroll GoL1ve PHOTO CREDIT: Israel Potoczny, Prep Hoops KC Classic: Standout performers Several players stood out last weekend at this year’s KC Classic, held at the Kansas Pavilion in Lawrence, Kan. as the event featured some of…
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Continue ReadingPICTURED: Gavyn Elkamil, Carroll GoL1ve PHOTO CREDIT: Israel Potoczny, Prep Hoops
KC Classic: Standout performers
Several players stood out last weekend at this year’s KC Classic, held at the Kansas Pavilion in Lawrence, Kan. as the event featured some of the state’s top players.Â
Marcus Denmon Elite won the 17U field, led by a host of talented guards who created mismatches across the board. Denmon knocked off Team KC Black in the championship game in a hard fought contest, 67-53.
Travis Beetch, 6’3, G, 2020, Abilene, SSA Elite Black
Beetch has been quite a revelation this spring, tearing up the Prep Hoops Circuit and continued to shine in Lawrence, showcasing outside shooting, good size and length for a guard and the ability to play a smart, heady floor game. He has impressed with fancy passes, bringing back the behind-the-back and no-look dime and helps his team with his creative style of play.
Koby Campbell, 6’2, G, 2020, Rose Hill, NLHA Gaddis
Campbell doesn’t get the credit he deserves, he is a terrific all-around guard who can put points on the board, get to the basket and showed why he is one of the state’s top players after he averaged 18.6 points, 6 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season for Rose Hill. He has a nice inside-out dribble that he uses to catch defenders off guard or can use a hesitation move to blow past defenders. He is a tough finisher around the basket and showed the ability to knock down fadeaway jumpers in the mid-range. At 6’2, Campbell has the kind of size college programs need at the guard position and should draw interest from schools this summer.
Gavyn Elkamil, 6’4, G, 2020, Pittsburg, Carroll GoL1ve
He’s considered one of the state’s top college prospects in the 2020 class and has drawn three offers from Division I programs, including UMKC, SEMO and Southern Miss. He has terrific size and an athletic frame and has a smooth perimeter shooting stroke and can get hot from distance when he has it all working. He impressed in Lawrence with his abilities at the defensive end where he smothered opposing players with his size and walled off would be ball handlers and wanna-be drivers.
Qua’Vez Humphrey, 6’3, G, 2020, Junction City, SSA Elite Black
Humphreys went for a game-high 20 points and 12 rebounds in a big win on Sunday and helped the SSA Black squad go 4-1 overall at the KC Classic. He brings a strong, athletic frame to the floor and is able to play a physical brand of basketball. He likes to take it off the glass at the defensive end of the floor and go coast-to-coast where he can be tough to stop when he has a full head of steam.
Zach Nelson, 6’0, G, 2020, Shawnee Mission North, Marcus Denmon
Nelson was the only Kansas player on the roster for Marcus Denmon Elite’s 17U squad and he put together a strong tournament run, showcasing a well-rounded game that includes all facets of the game. He can dance with the ball on the perimeter and create his own shot off the bounce, including long range bombs from beyond the 3-point arc. Nelson shoots it well from the outside and is a playmaker who looks to get others involved. He is coming off a strong junior season for Shawnee Mission North where he was counted on for big games night in and night out.
Shawn Warrior, 6’4, G/F, 2020, Campus, Pray N Play
Warrior was just that throughout the tournament, showcasing his all-around game and ever expanding skill set. He often does his thing in the paint for his high school team where he has been needed most, but with Pray N Play, it can be a different story. Warrior can defend all over the floor, likes the 3-point game and can help his team set up an offense with his passing and is a match-up problem as he can post up most guards, but can blow by most big men. He’s drawing a lot of college interest from a variety of programs and could be a major steal for a team in the future.