Scouting Report: Blue and Gold Tournament
The 70th annual Blue & Gold, one of the longest running tournaments in the state of Missouri, featured some of the top players from the Springfield area, and some of the top-ranked teams, including Class 2 Crane, Class 3 Clever,…
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Continue ReadingThe 70th annual Blue & Gold, one of the longest running tournaments in the state of Missouri, featured some of the top players from the Springfield area, and some of the top-ranked teams, including Class 2 Crane, Class 3 Clever, Class 4 Bolivar and Class 5 Kickapoo and Nixa.
2016
Niekie Thomas-Fontleroy 6’2″ (Kickapoo __ 2016): One of the most athletic players you’ll see, Thomas-Fontleroy is a terrific defender and has a much improved 3-point shot. Word is he is going to prep school after this season and it will be interesting to see how his game grows in the next year.
Isaac Johnson 6’2″ (Kickapoo __ 2016): One of the Springfield area’s top play makers, able to create his own shot off the bounce with the best of them. Johnson has heard from several NCAA Division II schools, including Missouri Southern and Drury.
Chase Allen 6’7″ (Nixa __ 2016): His ticket is probably in football where he holds offers from nearly 20 power 5 football programs, including Florida State, Missouri and others. However, if Allen wanted to play college basketball, he might very well have his pick of Division II programs who see a strong, athletic post player willing to work hard in the paint.
Christian Brown 6’1″ (Rogersville __ 2016): Brown can put points on the board and create his own shot, capable of attacking the basket or pulling up from 3. Has a stocky, strong frame and could find a home at the next level.
Kyle Cavanaugh 6’2″ (Fair Grove __ 2016): Cavanaugh has seen his stock rise with college coaches in large part due to a much improved outside shooting stroke, as evidenced by his five 3-pointers over Republic on Monday. Cavanaugh is tough off the bounce and at attacking the basket.
2017
Jared Ridder 6’7″ (Kickapoo __ 2017): Is long, athletic and rangy with a lot of upside. Already holds several Division I offers, including his hometown Missouri State team. Is a terrific outside shooter and has developed a post game this season, Could be on the verge of being a breakout prospect.
Cam Davis 6’2″ (Kickapoo __ 2017): Is one of the best all-around high school players in the Springfield area. Is a terrific defender, has a smooth mid-range game and can even go to the post.
Christian Bundy 6’5″ (Nixa __ 2017): Has started to come into his own this season and is pushing upperclassmen Chase Allen and Garrett Bacon for playing time in the post. He is a soft touch around the basket, is long, athletic and has some bounce in his step. Is a solid low-post player with room to grow.
Brandon Emmert 6’6″ (Bolivar __ 2017): One of the Springfield area’s best big men, Emmert is a strong rebounder with a soft touch around the basket who is also a terrific passer. Emmert, much like Allen, could have a future at a high level Power 5 football school.
Garrett Kesterson 6’3″ (Fair Grove __ 2017): Is one of the area’s top outside shooters and has grown in the offseason and improved his all-around game. Can handle the ball a little and finds ways to score in the Fair Grove motion offense. Look for him to have a big summer and start to garner some college attention.
2018
Quinn Nelson 6’1″ (Ozark __ 2018): Might not be a player that is really turning heads just yet as Nelson is playing in a crowded field of players, but he has an elite skill — he can really shoot it. Has a quick release, some range and can come in and bust up a zone. As he gets older and develops the other areas of his game, we see Nelson being a terrific high school player and perhaps catching the eye of college coaches in the process.
2019
Dylan Caruso 6’8″ (Mansfield __ 2018): One of the better long term prospects in this area of the state. Caruso is a long, athletic player who does most of his damage on the post. Had a terrific first day performance, scoring 19 points in a loss to Fair Grove, and followed that performance with 16 against Skyline. Is averaging 12.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.