KC Classic: Day 3 standouts
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The final day of the Kansas City Classic in Lawrence, Kan. on Sunday featured several players putting together solid performances. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the standouts.
21-Jamonta Black, 6’4, G, 2019, Rock Bridge, Missouri Team Carroll
Black, who recently committed to play at Missouri State, can get a step on any opponent that guards him. His handles are difficult to get a hand on when he goes isolation and can take it anywhere on the floor he wishes. He is money with the ball, capable of scoring around the rim, around the free throw line and from deep. Black also plays extremely tough defense on the perimeter.
30 — Eli Dowis, 6’3, G/F, 2019, Maryville (Mo.), KC Pacers Blue
Dowis showed off his athleticism on Sunday in a semifinal win over the upstart KC Spurs Silver squad, knocking down key shots, throwing down a big dunk along the baseline late in the contest and harassing opposing ball handlers in the backcourt. He is a versatile player who still needs to tighten up his perimeter game, including his outside shot, but brings a lot of athletic tools to the hardwood.
13 — Cameron Green, 5’11, PG, 2019, Blue Valley (Kan.), KC Spurs Grey (Top PGs)
Green is a hard charging point guard who is seemingly always attacking the defense. He keeps his body and dribble low to the ground, is hard to take the ball away from and has a knack for getting to the basket and drawing fouls. He was one of several Spurs Grey players who put together a big weekend, including a big opening day win over Team Rush.
Tanner Mans, 6’5, F, Bishop Carroll (Kan.), Pray N Play
We didn’t get a chance to watch much of the younger grades this weekend, but Mans is putting together a big spring and establishing himself as a player to watch in the 2020 class going forward. He is an underrated athlete who can shoot lights out, handle the ball a little and moves well without the ball. He nailed three free throws with no time on the clock with his team down two in a showdown with MoKan Elite 15U in the semifinals to advance to the championship.
41 — Keyon Thomas, 5’11, PG, 2019, Bonner Springs (Kan.), KC Spurs
Thomas is a fearless competitor who plays much bigger than his listed height or his slender frame would suggest. He is lightning quick and even elite guards can sometimes struggle to contain him. He is a creative finisher around the basket and finds ways to shield bigger defenders from the ball and get into up and to the basket. Defensively, he was a pest throughout the weekend, harassing opposing ball handlers. Thomas brings terrific intangibles to the court as well. He’s a winner, plays hard and competes.