The Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions High School basketball tournament held in Springfield, MO is one of the most well-regarded high school tournaments in the country. It is the self-proclaimed most attended high school tournament in the country. Why Bass Pro Shops sponsors a boy’s high school tournament is puzzling but nonetheless it is an exciting tournament. This year’s renewal of the tournament features two Kentucky commits, Derek Willis of Bullitt East and Dakari Johnson of Monteverde Academy of Florida.

Dakari Johnson and Monteverde rolled to a 78-61 victory over Nixa High School of Missouri in the semifinals. Johnson played an outstanding game recording 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 assists. Even more impressive was that Johnson shot an outstanding 8 of 11 from the field dominating in the low post. He’ll do just fine next year in Kentucky Blue.

Undefeated Montverde (#1 ranked HS team by ESPN) plays in the championship game against a strong Paul VI team at 8:30 PM tonight. You can catch the game on CBS Sports Network.

Not to be outdone, Derek Willis stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 blocks in Bullitt East’s 68-58 win over Little Rock Hall. Willis has received some criticism for his falling status in the recruiting databases, but this was a phenomenal game against a top 5 post player in Arkansas recruit Bobby Portis (11th overall in the ESPN 100).

Bullitt East plays Hillcrest of Missouri in the Consolation Final at 5 PM. If you want any info on the tournament, click here

@JayHochKSR