Grassroots Preview: Missouri Gym Rats (2016)
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Missouri Gym Rats opened the 2016 slate with a pair of tough losses in the 17U field at the MADE Hoops Warm-Up in Bentonville, Ark. this past weekend. Armed with essentially the same group of players…
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Continue ReadingBENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Missouri Gym Rats opened the 2016 slate with a pair of tough losses in the 17U field at the MADE Hoops Warm-Up in Bentonville, Ark. this past weekend.
Armed with essentially the same group of players returning from the 16U squad a year ago, Mike Pierce’s Gym Rats feature a host of southwest Missouri’s top players. Although the Gym Rats don’t have a star, they do have a balanced roster with both guards and skilled big men.
Austin Bracker, 6-4, Nixa (2016)
Left hander with a strong frame who saw extensive varsity action this past season for a 20-win Nixa team. Bracker has the ability to do a little bit of everything, handle, shoot, rebound and defend.
Mitch Closser, 6-5, Kickapoo (2016)
Strong, athletic big man was one of the first players off the bench this past season for a Kickapoo squad that advance to the state championship game. A dirty-work player that is active around the basket.
Wyatt Cogdill, 6-5, Strafford (2016)
Long, athletic big man that runs like a deer and has the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers.
Peanut Holyfield, 5-10, Central (2016)
One of Springfield’s quickest guards, Holyfield can get to the paint and create plays with the best of them.
Garrett Kesterson, 6-4, Fair Grove (2016)
One of the state’s top returning 3-point shooters, Kesterson made 102 3-pointers his junior season. Is improving his all-around game, creating off the dribble and attacking the basket.
Deontei Johnson, 6-4, Central (2016)
Johnson has struggled with injuries over the past year or so, but when healthy, he is a game changer. Can play above the rim, rebounds and can shoot from the outside.
Anthony Rosas, 6-6, Ava (2016)
Big man with a long frame that has some skills. Has also added some size over the course of the past year. Has a nice outside jumper and projects as a stretch 4.
Tyler Winborn, 6-0, Strafford (2016)
One of the Springfield area’s top perimeter shooters, Winborn can really light it up from long distance as he showed on Saturday against the Jackson Tigers. Winborn had it working from 3-point range early, connecting on his first four attempts.
Seth Vierbrock, 5-10, Nixa (2016)
Solid point guard that runs the show, stays under control and gets the team in its sets. A two-year starter already at Nixa, Vierbrock can get to the basket and also has a nice perimeter jumper.