TEN BEST: Free State (Kan.) vs. Liberty (Mo.)
TEN BEST: Free State (Kan.) vs. Liberty (Mo.)
LIBERTY, Mo. — Free State 2018 point guard Garrett Luinstra came up with a steal and a driving layup to give the Firebirds a thrilling, come-from-behind 75-73 win over Liberty on the Blue Jays’ home court on Saturday as part of the 810varsity Tipoff Classic.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who stood out in the contest.
MVP: Garrett Luinstra (6’2, PG, 2018, Free State). Luinstra showed on Saturday why he is one of Kansas’ premier point guards and a big riser in the 2018 class. He finished with 36 points and scored from all over the court. He had the game-winning steal and basket as time expired to cap a thrilling finish to the contest. With seven seconds remaining, Liberty inbounded the ball with the length of the court to go. But Luinstra stole a pass up court and raced the other way for an uncontested game-winning lay-up as time expired. He finished with 36 points and seven rebounds.
Clutch Performance: Noah Butler (6’4, 2019, F, Free State). Free State standout Noah Butler picked up his second foul early in the first quarter and sat nearly the entire first half, then picked up his third just a few moments into the third quarter and sat until midway through the fourth quarter. With Free State trailing by two, Butler was fouled attempting to put back a miss by Luinstra with 25.7 seconds remaining and went to the line and sack both attempts. He later made the second of two free throws with 7.4 seconds remaining to tie the game at 73-73. That free throw set up the final sequence of plays as Liberty inbounded the ball with the length of the floor to go, only to turn the ball over on a pass up the court.
Offensive Player of the Game: Jalen Lewis (5’9, PG, 2018, Liberty). Lewis can really fill it up from the perimeter and gets to the bucket off the bounce. He has elite quickness and the ability to get around defenders and into the paint. He also has deep range and is a terrific finisher around the basket.
Defensive Player of the Game: Logan Steenstra (6’5, F/G, 2018, Liberty). Steenstra gives an athletic wing player who is quick off his feet and can defend guards and post players. He had several blocked shots including a few on the perimeter. He scored 12 points including a pair of 3-pointers.
Off the Bench: Ian Jacobs (6’1, G, 2018, Liberty). Jacobs was a spark plug off the Liberty bench, giving the Blue Jays some much needed offensive production. He scored eight points in the first half, then added a 3 in the third quarter and finished with 11 points.
Best Passer: Jalen Lewis (5’9, PG, 2018, Liberty). Lewis is tough for opponents to contain off the bounce and has the ability to get into the lane and set up teammates for easy buckets. He had several assists on Saturday.
Best Rebounder: Travis Turner (6’5, F, 2018, Liberty). Turner had a terrific game on the boards as he hauled in 12 rebounds, including several at the offensive end of the court, giving the Blue Jays several second chances.
Name to Know: Bonsi King (6’2, G, 2018, Free State). King is a long, randy guard with a diverse skill set. He can shoot from the outside, get to the bucket off the dribble and is a smart, all-around player. He finished with 13 points, including three 3-pointers.
Best underclassman: Grant Stubbs (6’5, F, 2020, Liberty).