Previewing the Field at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (Jan 17-19)
Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) 12-2
Sunrise is not afraid of anyone in this tournament. The Buffaloes possess the talent and depth to make a deep run.
Sunrise’s length will give any opponent all they can handle by altering shots and affecting passing lanes. N’Faly Dante, the 6-11 230-pound center ranked No. 9 in the 247Sports Composite, is always trying to prove he deserves as many post touches as possible. He is aggressive down-low, fighting for position early in the shot clock making him nearly impossible to guard him in the paint.
The Buffaloes are loaded with good players and don’t rely on any one guy. They are at least 6-deep with players that will be playing D-1 basketball in the next few years. However, perhaps the most impressive aspect of their depth is found in the backcourt. Sunrise possesses the ability to mix-and-match styles of play depending on personnel.
The Sunrise backcourt is long and athletic, it consists of Grant Sherfield, Jordan Turner (recruited by Baylor, Florida, SMU, and Texas A&M), and Austin Crowley (Vanderbilt commit).
Turner is a versatile wing that exploded for 30 points earlier this season at the D.C. National Hoopfest.
Austin Crowley is a wing that has seen his rankings go up year-after-year. He is a developing offensive player, but he has proven to be an astounding defender with the ability to guard multiple positions.
The team’s most underrated player has to be Grant Sherfield. Sherfield was previously committed to UCLA; however, he recently decided to reopen his recruitment after the firing of head coach Steve Alford. Since then, plenty of big-time programs are tossing their hats into the ring to potentially land the incredible combo guard.
Rainier Beach (WA) 10-1
Rainier Beach has appeared in the USA TODAY Super 25 rankings for six consecutive weeks. During the off-season, the Vikings gained three transfers which are now helping the team gain national prominence.
The squad’s main attraction is standout junior MarJon Beauchamp. This elite guard is long and athletic at 6-foot-6. When Beauchamp attacks the basket, he flies through the air with ease. Beauchamp looks to bring down the rim and create a Top 10 play every time he touches the ball. And if you think he’s just a high-flyer— you’d be wrong.
Beauchamp possesses a high basketball IQ, showcasing a great understanding of when to drive and when to pull-up for mid-range jumpers. As the No. 20 player in the 247Sports Composite rankings, he already holds offers from Arizona, UCLA and numerous other top-tier programs. On the year, Beauchamp is averaging close to 19 points and 7 rebounds per game. His top performance came in late December when he went for 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Rainier Beach is also led by senior wing Jamon Kemp (son of former NBA great Shawn Kemp). He is the glue of this team. Kemp may not have the same range as Beauchamp, but he makes up for it in toughness and scrappiness. His defense is incredible, giving any opponent a miserable night if he’s given the assignment.
Also the forgotten man on this team is senior Javion Garrett. Many local fans feel that he is the most underrated player in the state.
Local teams in the field:
Springfield Catholic (MO) 16-0
Springfield Catholic doesn’t necessarily have the star power as some of the other teams in the field, but the Fighting Irish shouldn’t be overlooked. They are undefeated on the season, which is quite an accomplishment, being a top team in the state of Missouri is no small task. The star players are seniors Jake Branham and Charlie O’Reilly.
Parkview 9-6
The other Missouri team in the field is Parkview. The Vikings have a talented small forward in Tyem Freeman (Missouri State commit). Unfortunately though, Freeman is lost for the season after suffering an ACL injury in late December.
Parkview will need players like senior Latre Morrison and junior Dontae Taylor to step up in his absence.
Check out Part II for previews of Shadow Mountain and Memphis East
Check out Part I for previews of McEachern and Belleville West
Dylan Freeman is the Head of Media Relations and a contributor for Mars Reel
