KC Classic Recap: Friday Night/Saturday Standouts
The KC Classic hosted by Hardwood Events put on another big time tournament last weekend at Hyvee arena. We begin out coverage of this event by looking at some of the standouts from Saturday’s games. 2025’s Kaden Ballard, 5’11…
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Continue ReadingThe KC Classic hosted by Hardwood Events put on another big time tournament last weekend at Hyvee arena. We begin out coverage of this event by looking at some of the standouts from Saturday’s games.
2025’s
Kaden Ballard, 5’11 G, MoKan 15U Red: Ballard plays with a high IQ backed with solid skill and competitiveness on the floor. Had a monster game on Saturday against I Am 3 basketball in which he torched the nets from the perimeter. His shot preparation is big time in the catch and shoot game and takes mostly high quality shots which increases his percentages. Hard nosed guard defending at the point of attack too on the ball. Had 23 points with 5 threes and 4 steals in that ball game.
Sage Fejfar, 6’1 G, SSA Elite 2025 Black: Friday night poured it on in the second half to lead a furious come back in which he drilled 4 threes in a 8 minute window of the second half. Is lethal on the catch and shoot game from the corners and when he gets in a groove can light it up off the bounce as well. Is a gifted offensive rebounder and scorer in the paint off two feet with some underrated size at the G position.
2024s
Brennon Dodge Brennon Dodge 6'1" | CG Shawnee Heights | 2024 State KS , 6’2 G, SSA Elite 2024 Black: In the opener on Saturday in a win over a really athletic and good Powerhouse Nebraska basketball team, Dodge showed he was able to find ways to get his tough floater off, pulled up jumper, and catch and shoot 3 ball game against high quality opponents. Dodge also flashed some playmaking ability hitting roll guys in the pick and roll game, or kicking to his fellow shooters on the perimeter off of his own drives. Dodge continues to be a premier tough shot maker in the 2024 class.
Gus Hawkins Gus Hawkins 6'6" | C Mill Valley | 2024 State KS , 6’6 F, MoKan Select 16U: The big forward had himself a solid weekend overall but was a difference maker in a win on Saturday with his ability to seal in the post, work quickly off the catch, get to the foul line, and finish put back opportunities off teammates misses. Hawkins has a good understanding of post defense and walling up and transitioning to a rebounder. Hawkins has great hands catching the ball on the move and becoming a scorer in the roll game.
Isaac Neil, 6’2 Guard, Team YOBO/VWBA Elite: Neil could be on point to take the mantle of some great guards at Basehor Linwood and make a great tandem with Tyson Ruud Tyson Ruud 6'5" | SF Basehor-Linwood | 2023 State KS who will be featured later here. Neil had a very impactful Saturday for YOBO in some big time matchups. Showcased the ability to stretch the floor, is really strong, cuts well on offense and creates great space to operate, and played really hard. Neil has a ton of potential to be an impact play next high school season and flashed that on Saturday.
Monzell Blake Jr, 5’9 G, Team YOBO/VBWA Elite: Really quick guard that plays with great pace and puts pressure on defenses. Blake opened up a ton of great looks for his teammates off the bounce on Saturday as well as straight line blew by his primary defenders and made secondary ones pay by either scoring over the top or finding the right guy for an open look. With Blake watching him on Saturday he seemed to always make the right play.
2023s
Tyson Ruud Tyson Ruud 6'5" | SF Basehor-Linwood | 2023 State KS , 6’6 W, SSA Elite 2023 Black (Pictured): Set the gym on fire multiple times on Saturday in his three appearances on Saturday with 6 eye popping dunks off rip drives in the half court, diving from the top and catching a dump down for a two handed flush over a 6’10 defender, catching lobs in transition, and catching running the wings and exploding off one dribble to get over guys and throw it down with ease in traffic. Ruud also accompanied his rim rattling experiences on Saturday with smooth finishes with either hands on one dribble straight line drives, hit spot up threes, and hit a couple of pull up jumpers in the mid range. His shot blocking was off the charts as well as a primary and secondary defender.
Matthew Garber Matthew Garber 6'1" | CG Sabetha | 2023 State KS , 6’1 G, SSA Elite 2023 White: Lit up the nets with a 7 three point shot made on Friday night at the KC Classic and finished with 26 points in the ball game. The Sabetha guard showcased the limitless range he possesses from behind the arc and if he has any daylight, its very likely that ball is scorching the net. Played some tough defense on the night as well and guarded some pretty solid attacking guards and contained the bounce.
Jack Bachelor Jack Bachelor 6'0" | CG Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS , 6’2 G, Marcus Denmon Elite: Very few players play with the efficiency Bachelor does and makes the most of every touch of the basketball. The floater game is automatic, manages to find room for great open 3 opportunities, understands floor spacing at a high level, and has the gamers mindset of taking and making big shots late in games. The long arms and craftiness with the ball make him so tough to guard.
Enzo Karam, 5’10 G, Midwest Bounce: Friday night Karam the Bishop Seabury guard had a big night drilling 4 threes in a big game and also dished out 3 assists. Karam plays with a ton of poise and energy on the floor and pops into his shot with ease and confidence. Karam continuing this trend into next high school season gives Seabury and perimeter knock down shooting threat. A guard with some punch in his scoring arsenal, Karam scored in bunches not only Friday night, but throughout the day Saturday.