Blue Valley Northwest figured to be a Class 6A title contender in 2017-18. They almost were a year early.

The Huskies finished 19-6, and advanced to the state semifinals before finishing fourth. Now back with an experienced and talented cast, Northwest expects to make a run for the trophy, just a couple year from the back-to-back title runs in 2013 and 2014. 

Leading the way is 6-foot-3 senior combo guard Darien Jackson (18 ppg, 4 apg), a first-team all-810 Varsity team selection. Jackson has received numerous Division I offers, including Kansas State.

"Darien is an extremely athletic guard that has shored up his jump shot," said Northwest assistant Zach Harsch. "He can create off the dribble and is our best passer."

Joining him are 810 Varsity third-teamers  in 6-foot-4 senior guard Jamichael Morgan (10 ppg), a commit to Oral Roberts, and 6-foot-6 junior forward Joe Pleasant. Pleasant averaged over 20 ppg in the state tourney.

JMike is a high flyer that has elite athleticism is a lockdown defender," Harsch stated. "Joe was our most improved player last year and is an athletic forward that can rebound and pass."

In the backcourt with Jackson is 5-foot-11 point guard AJ Pleasant (10 ppg).
 
"He is a floor general that sees the whole court," Harsch touted. "He is a facilitator and with his smaller size, he is a great on ball defender."

Northwest has opened the season with a 60-56 win over the nation's then No. 18-team, Vashon, in the Ozark Shootout. The Huskies face brutal Eastern Kansas League with Bishop Miege, St. James, Blue Valley and Blue Valley North. Northwest also faces Lee's Summit West and Iowa City West in the Best of the Midwest Shootout, a perennial state champ and ranked in the Top 20 in Max Preps in the country.

"We are looking to have more veteran team this year that can close out close games and overcome adversity," Harsch said.

> Blue Valley Northwest team page, schedule