Scouting report: Catholic Tournament
The second-annual Springfield Catholic Tournament matched up four Catholic schools (Cape Notre Dame, St. James Academy, Duchesne) against four public schools (Nixa, Ozark, Lebanon, Carl Junction). The tournament was won on Saturday by Nixa as the Eagles improved to 11-1…
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Continue ReadingThe second-annual Springfield Catholic Tournament matched up four Catholic schools (Cape Notre Dame, St. James Academy, Duchesne) against four public schools (Nixa, Ozark, Lebanon, Carl Junction). The tournament was won on Saturday by Nixa as the Eagles improved to 11-1 this season with a win over rival Ozark.
2016
Ryan Briscoe, 5-11, PG, Duchesne: Kid can play. Scored his 1,000 career point on opening night, and helped lead his team to a third-place finish. Briscoe is a strong lead guard type who looks to score as well as set up teammates. Has signed to play at NCAA Division II Quincy (Ill.). Averaging 20 points per game, shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point range.
Chase Allen, 6-7, PF, Nixa: Allen was starting to draw some Division II interest after a strong summer with MoKan Elite, but has blown up on the college football radar in the past couple of months, garnering a host of Power 5 conference offers. Allen brings toughness and aggressive post play to the Eagles and can be a handful for opponents in the paint.
2017
Zach Thornhill, 6-4, G, St. James (Lenexa, Kan.): Arguably the best college prospect at the tournament, Thornhill turned in an impressive first-round performance against Lebanon, going for 16 in the first quarter and scoring from all over the floor. Has lots of bounce in his game, plays above the rim, and plays at a fast pace. Can score at all three levels. According to his father, Mike, Zach Thornhill is drawing interest from Division I schools Drake, Bradley, Illinois State, West Michigan, Davidson, Belmont, Utah State, Eastern Illinois, UMKC and Missouri State.
Will McKee, 6-6, SF, St. James (Lenexa, Kan.): Long, rangy athlete that plays above the rim and move well without the ball. Showed off some bounce at both ends of the floor and proved to be a difficult match-up throughout the tournament.
Christian Bundy, 6-6, PF, Nixa: Bundy is starting to come into his own and had a terrific tournament, including a 16-point performance against Ozark in the championship game. Bundy has a lot of bounce in his game and is good for a dunk or two per game. Has a nice feel for post play and is a good finisher around the rim. Isn’t afraid to mix it up, really gets after it with physical, aggressive play in the post.
Blake Bauwens, 5-11, PG, Cape Notre Dame: Smart, savvy point guard type that runs the show for Cape Notre Dame. The only returning varsity player from a Final Four team, Bauwens has a lot on his plate as a leader. Made some impressive cross court passes on baseline drives, has a nice handle and showed the ability to shoot from deep.
Jack Ehrhardt, 6-1, G, Lebanon: Had a pair of big games for the Yellowjackets, scoring 22 on Friday and 21 on Saturday. Is shifty off the dribble and has a good feel for scoring in traffic. Is a three-year varsity starter already.
2018
Keenan Fitzmorris, 6-9, F, St. James (Lenexa, Kan.): Kinda feels like sky is the limit for Fitzmorris who competed on the grassroots circuit with KC Run GMC. Is long and has some bounce but appears to still be growing into his body. Has a smooth outside shot that he showed off from time to time, and has an impressive array of soft jump hooks that he can use with either hand out to 8-10 feet. Will need to get bigger and stronger to maximize his potential.
2019
Trent Smith, 6-5, F, Carl Junction: Smith has a nice feel for post play and a soft touch around the basket. Has long arms and recently posted a standing vertical jump of 10-9.