Class 2, District 8 (Friday Night Standouts)
The Class 2, District 8 semifinals at New Bloomfield featured four teams that were ranked in the top 10 in the latest state polls in Harrisburg, Fayette, New Bloomfield and Eugene. In the first semifinal game, Harrisburg defeated Fayette 76-57. The second semifinal game was a real barnburner as host New Bloomfield defeated Eugene 65-63.
Here is a look at some of the top standouts from Friday Night’s semifinal action:
Cade Combs 6’4″ Harrisburg: The talented 2018 wing scored 20 points in the Bulldogs victory over Fayette. Most of them came in the first half when Harrisburg built a 41-18 lead. Combs hit a couple of long 3-pointers, displayed some excellent dribble-drive moves to the basket and threw down an impressive one-handed slam dunk after going coast to coast off of a rebound. He is one of the top small-school talents in Mid-Missouri. A few Division II schools have made inquiries about him.
Jak Kitchens 6’6″ New Bloomfield: The 2018 forward was an absolute beast in the Wildcats’ victory over Eugene. He scored a game-high 29 points, including the game-winner with six seconds left in the game. His inside game was excellent, complete with good moves, nice footwork and an excellent touch around the basket. He also stepped out and knock down a couple of 3-pointers and also displayed some deft passing from the high post.
Jacob Adrian 6’1″ Eugene: The 2018 guard scored a team-high 18 points in the loss to New Bloomfield. He really got the Eagles of and running with seven early points as Eugene bolted to an 11-0 lead out of the gate. He was very impressive off the drive throughout the game with several nice finishes at the hoop.
Cody Karl 5’10” Harrisburg: The 2018 guard scored 20 points in the victory over Fayette. He is quick and plays with a lot of pace at all times; always looking to push the issue and put pressure on the defense. He took over the game in the third quarter when Fayette made a big rally and teammate Combs was on the bench after picking up his fourth foul. He scored 15 points in the second half on penetrating drives and a couple of 3-pointers.
Ethan Sublett 6’2″ Harrisburg: The 2018 forward was the unsung hero for the Bulldogs as he scored 21 points in the victory over Fayette. He was cash money around the basket as he finished shots in the post when Fayette paid attention to teammates Combs and Karl.
Jalen Martin 5’10” New Bloomfield: The 2019 guard scored 14 points, including a huge pair of 3-pointers to help the Wildcats rally past Eugene. He is a smooth player who goes at his own pace at all times. He doesn’t let defenders rush him and he always seems to get where he wants to go on the court.
Tre Kempker 6’4″ Eugene: A nice 2020 prospect who scored 11 points in the loss to New Bloomfield. Tre is a versatile wing player who spent much of the evening as Eugene’s primary ball handler. He scored on a couple of drives and he had an impressive dunk in transition. He has a nice, strong body to go with his athleticism. He is going to be quite a player in the future.
Kyle Schleeter 6’0″ Fayette: This 2021 guard was a bright spot on a tough night for Fayette as he scored a team-high 18 points against Harrisburg. He showed a lot of poise in such a big game as he scored early on drives to the basket. He also came up with several key baskets when Fayette made a big run in the third quarter when it cut a 23-point deficit down to nine points.