Prospects and Takeaways from the Mountain Christian League Tournament, Part One
During my high school years, I had a coach who would tell our team on the daily for the entire week leading up to any tournament that we participated in, “Have I told you guys how much I love tournaments?”…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingDuring my high school years, I had a coach who would tell our team on the daily for the entire week leading up to any tournament that we participated in, “Have I told you guys how much I love tournaments?” For most of the players on this list, this was the last game of their high school career. Hopefully for some, there will be opportunities to play at the collegiate level. With that, I give you Part One of standouts from the 2020 Mountain Christian League Tournament.
Spencer Christensen, 5’11 G, Oaks 2020
Christensen was named the MCL MVP for the season by the coaches of the league. Knocking-down four 3’s to finish his Senior season, this marksman off-guard impresses you with his ability to make shots from any point on the court. A player coming from an organization with a history of producing high basketball IQ players, Christensen proved himself to be a senior leader on the team, a dynamic shooter, and was honored with being named the top player in the league. The main takeaway from Christensen’s game is that he is an excellent shooter and a clutch shooter at that.
Shane Schaffer, 6’2 F, Pullman 2022
Schaffer came in second in the league’s MVP voting and was named a 1st Team All-League player. Schaffer is an aggressive wing player. What stands out to you is his relentless play on both sides of the court. He can score in a variety of ways as well. Schaffer has the ability to attack the basket and was able to make a couple of 3’s on the way to 14 points in a losing effort in the championship game. Defensively, he can match-up with a variety of positions and types of players. Only a Sophomore, Schaffer has the chance to develop into a 3-and-D prospect.
Malachi Bullington, 7’0 C, North Idaho Christian 2022
Bullington is one of the more intriguing prospects in all of North Idaho. Standing a true seven feet tall, Bullington was able to score 22 points and grab 11 rebounds with some momentum shifting blocked shots as well to lead NICS to the tournament championship for the fifth time in a row for the school. It was a day of awards for Bullington as he earned 1st Team All-League honors, his team was awarded a regular season championship, and was the leading scorer in the tournament championship game. While Pullman had some height and physical players to send at Bullington, they proved to not be enough as he made his mark early and often on the game. With two more years to hone in his skill and develop his immense potential, Bullington is someone to keep an eye on as a collegiate prospect.
Erik Brown, 5’9 G, Pullman 2021
Brown is a true point guard prospect. He is an absolute pest of a defender who looks to wreck havoc with his on-ball pressure and deliver body blows with his transition scoring off of turnovers. He is able to finish in the lane through contact and was able to make a couple of 3’s from the top of the key. Brown led Pullman in the championship game with a dynamic 21 point performance and was named a 1st Team All-League Player. However, it is Brown’s speed in transition and ability to influence a game on defense that are his calling card.
Isaac Kuiper, 6’6 F, Spokane Classical Christian 2020
Kuiper was by far the most pleasant surprise of the tournament. He is a compelling prospect and should find a spot in a collegiate program. He is an athletic big man who is at his best when he is able to use his speed and athleticism to dribble drive. He has nibble footwork and a good understanding of post positioning. Kuiper is able to use the basket as a shield and finish frequently with reverse lay-ups. While in a standard post sets, he is able to use his footwork to attack the hoop. Additionally, he has an unconventional post floating hook shot where he doesn’t look for the backboard, but tries to use his tremendous touch to make shots. As for shooting, he can stretch the court from the corners and has a strong midrange pull-up jump shot. Kuiper is a strong offensive rebounder who understands the opportunity of getting another shot at the basket for his team. He can play with his back to the basket as a post player or play as an athletic wing player. He is best off the dribble using his combination of size, speed, and body control to attack the basket. Defensively, he played the middle in a conventional 2-3 zone. However, he had the play of the tournament when, in the waning seconds of the 1st half of the 3rd place game, Kuiper blocked a shot, got the rebound, took it coast-to-coast, had an ankle-breaking behind the back dribble to create the lane for him to finish at the hoop as time expired. Outside of his scoring chops, Kuiper was one of the best passers in the league. He showed an ability to distribute to every part of the court and make every pass in the book. Kuiper is a very intriguing prospect and, as a senior, shows the skills that collegiate programs should be looking for.
Honorable Mention:
Phil Connelly, 5’10 G, North Idaho Christian 2020
Connelly finished his NICS career with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in the MCL championship game. Throughout the season, Connelly proved that he was a player who was able to fill a stat sheet.
Aaron Kuntz, 5’10 G, Spokane Classical Christian 2020
A lefty shooter with a strong up-and-under game who can finish through contact at the hoop and can play point guard.
Keaton Hewitt, 6’6 C, Pullman 2020
Hewitt had the unenviable task of matching up with Malachi Bullington. However, he was able to have nine points in the championship game and worked hard defensively.
Matthew Severn, 6’0 G, Spokane Classical Christian 2020
Severn finished his career making five 3’s in the 3rd place game against Oaks. He is a shooter with a high arching form, plus spatial awareness and can defend the position. A true 3-and-D guy.
David Kim, 6’6 C, Oaks 2023
The only player on the court with any success slowing Isaac Kuiper down was Kim. A physical post player who needs time to develop the nuances of the game. That being said, he is a Freshman and is certainly a player to keep an eye on going forward.
Brock Owens, 6’2 F, Christian Center 2023
Owens is a physical wing and aggressive perimeter defender. Only a Freshman, Owens already has some skills that make him standout on the court.
Bryce Paulson, 6’2 F, Kootenai 2021
Paulson is a long-armed wing defender with potential to improve his offensive game