Five Takeaways: University Academy vs Pembroke Hill
Prep Hoops Missouri got a look at a couple of up and coming Kansas City small schools on Tuesday night when Pembroke Hill paid a visit to University Academy. The Gryphons of UA got off to a quick start and…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri got a look at a couple of up and coming Kansas City small schools on Tuesday night when Pembroke Hill paid a visit to University Academy. The Gryphons of UA got off to a quick start and rode it all the way to an impressive 79-57 vivctory.
Here are Five Takeaways from the University Academy-Pembroke Hill game:
Stevie Strong is the real deal
University Academy has one of the state’s top guards in 6’1″ 2021 Stevie Strong and he put in another great performance with 29 points and seven assists. He came into the game averaging more than 30 points a game, which included a 57-point performance a couple of weeks ago. He is a dynamic offensive player who can score from all three levels. He is knocking down pull up 3-pointers while also able to get downhill for drives and floaters. When the defense threw double teams at him, he would either beat it off the dribble or drop a nice dime to an open teammates. He scores a bunch of points while still playing an unselfish game.
Liam Weaver can do a lot of things
Class of 2021 wing Liam Weaver of Pembroke Hill is a versatile 6’3″ wing who plays with a lot of poise and savvy on the court. He finished the game with 24 points, seven rebounds, two steals and an impressive transition dunk of his own steal. He is the team’s primary ball handler and he walks the fine line between being a bucket-getter and facilitator. His mid-range jumper is butter and he can knock down the deep ball. He is a solid rebounder and passer who makes his teammates better.
University Academy looks to be a Class 3 factor
The Gryphons have been rolling along this season with a 20-1 record with the talented Stevie Strong leading the way with his brilliant play at point guard. They are an up-tempo group that is averaging 78 points a game with a lot of action coming in the transition game. Class of 2020 guard Javen McCay is a 6’1″ wing who can slash to the basket very effectively while 6’1″ 2021 combo guard Quran Taylor can also get downhill on the drive. D’Anthony Casey is an athletic 2020 forward who had a nice run in the fourth quarter.
Pembroke Hill has a lot of young talent
The Raiders have a good group of underclassmen which bodes well for success in the future. The 6’3″ Weaver is the leader of the pack with his all-around play. Class of 2021 guard Cooper Starks is a rangy 6’1″ athlete with good length and a nice shooting touch from the perimeter. The Raiders also have a talented brother act in 6’4″ 2022 forward Quinton Conley and his 2023 twin brothers Devin and Darin Conley. Darin is a 6’3″ workerbee who leads the team in rebounding and blocked shots while the 6’1″ Devin is a nice 3-point shooter.
Postseason prospects for both teams
University Academy received the No. 2 seed at the Class 3, District 15 tournament, which will be held at St. Michael the Archangel. The main competition for the Gryphons will be No. 1 seed and host St. Michael the Archangel, a state quarterfinalist from last season. That could be a tremendous championship game. Pembroke Hill drew the No. 6 seed at the Class 4, District 14 tournament at Oak Grove. The Raiders will face No. 3 seed Grain Valley in the first round on Saturday, February 29 at 4 p.m.