Missouri Top Stock Risers (2018)
Here are some of the top stock risers in the state in the Class of 2018. Some of them came into the light after being completely under the radar before the summer while others were good players who simply…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Here are some of the top stock risers in the state in the Class of 2018. Some of them came into the light after being completely under the radar before the summer while others were good players who simply elevated their games with their consistency and improved play against excellent competition.
Clay Gayman 6’5″ Gateway (Nevada): The combo forward exploded on the scene in April when he led the KC Pacers Blue to the championship of the Adidas All-American Classic in St. Louis with a string of dominating performances. Gayman joined Gateway soon after and continued his excellent play as he posted consistent double doubles throughout the summer against top competition. Gayman was a beast inside with his athleticism, good footwork and a variety of moves around the basket. He also displayed a nice perimeter game as he could step out and hit high post jumpers and 3-pointers. He has been contacted by several top mid-major programs as well as some high majors.
Karrington Davis 6’6″ St. Louis Eagles (Chaminade): The talented wing player did not see much playing time during the high school season as he played for a loaded, veteran Red Devils team that won a state championship. Once the grassroots season began, Davis became a prime player for the Eagles with his athleticism and perimeter shooting. He really raised his stock at the Nike Memorial Day Classic in Atlanta, especially with his 3-point shooting. During the month of July, Davis did most of his damage offensively on the drive, where he was strong to the basket and a terrific finisher. He earned scholarship offers from Saint Louis, Middle Tennessee State with more certainly on the way.
Ochai Agbaji 6’3″ KC Keys Elite (Oak Park): A very talented wing player with good size and a versatile set of skills, Agbaji was a smooth performer for a very good Keys teams. He displayed a polished offensive game from anywhere on the floor. He was an outstanding finisher in the transition game. In the halfcourt, he was very good at getting to the basket, plus he had a nice touch from 3-point range. Has the ideal size for a shooting guard prospect. He got his first Division I offer from Toledo during July.
R.J. Lawrence 5’11” KC Pacers Blue (Blue Springs): A scoring point guard who displayed the ability to put up a bunch of points in a hurry. He’s rather small and has a slender build, but he has good quickness and has the ability to change speeds and knock down shots from all three levels. R.J. can hit you with a stop and go move to keep you off balance or can go full speed, then stop on the dime for a pull-up from either the mid range or 20 feet. He’s also tough enough to get in the lane and score in the land of the giants.
Cameron Hester 6’7″ SEMO Storm (Jackson): He missed the early part of the spring with a foot injury, but he returned and became an impact player in the paint. He is a horse in the lane that doesn’t mess around with a lot of fancy fakes. He’s very aggressive in the post and he will take it to anyone who dare stand in his way to the basket. He’s not an explosive athlete, but he’s a strong athlete who will dunk on you. He has excellent drop steps and can score with both hands around the basket. He will capably carry the banner of standout bigs that will come out of the Jackson program.
Gaven Pinkley 6’8″ Jets-Ramey United (Hillsboro): The slender post was one of the busiest players during the summer. He did an excellent job with the Jets-Ramey United and led his Hillsboro school team to several big victories in team camps. Gaven also attended several Elite Camps to show his wares. He is a versatile big who can score inside with both hands. Gaven also has a nice high post game with the ability to drive to the basket and get buckets. He shoots the ball well and he makes his teammates better. He earned scholarships from Division I programs Lindenwood and Central Missouri, then received an offer from Division I Illinois-Chicago.
Austin Thompson 6’2″ Missouri Hustle (MICDS): An athletic point guard who is a passionate defender and good facilitator, Thompson took his game to another level this summer when he discovered the joys of getting buckets. He is strong on the drive and he excels at the lost art of the mid-range game. That combination made for some potent scoring outbursts during the summer. He is also starting to improve his 3-point shooting. Defensively, he is a bonafide disruptor with his ability to pressure the ball out top or play the passing lanes with his length (6’8″ wingspan) and determination not to get screened. Has received interest from Division I North Dakota, South Dakota and Division II Maryville and Rockhurst.
Cameron Williams 6’3″ SW ILL Jets (Hazelwood Central): A versatile wing player who has a strong body, a good skill set and a very high motor. He has a relentless need to make plays on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he plays well with and without the ball. I was impressed with his ability to cut hard and get buckets and run the court at all times on the fast break. He is also very good with the ball, where he can attack the basket with strength and confidence and also knock down jumpers on the move. He is also a tough defender who rebounds well from the wing position. He was a junior varsity player at Central last year, which had a loaded veteran team. He will be an impact player this upcoming season.
Wesley McCullough 6’7″ KC Magic (Raymore-Peculiar): A long slender forward who is the ideal Stretch 4 in any offense. He displayed the ability to knock down 3-pointers off the catch, which makes him a very dangerous pick and pop player that can stretch the defense. Just when you think he’s just another skinny guy who just shoots 3-pointer, he can also go into the post and get some business done as well. He has a nice shooting touch around the basket, especially when he goes to his jump hook.
Quinan Reeves 6’4″ NdaGym (Lincoln Prep): A long, slender wing player who played all three perimeter positions for his summer team and did it in an efficient manner. I was very impressed with his ability to multi-task. He had the ball in his hands much of the time and he displayed the ability to score buckets, facilitate and get his teammates involved. He had good slashing ability where he can swoop and maneuver his body into tight spaces to get buckets. He could also rebound well from the guard position and play solid defense.
Davis Aufrembrink 6’1″ Missouri Combat (CBC): If he wasn’t the best 3-point shooter on the grassroots circuit, he was definitely on the short list. As a shooter, he has two attributes that make him especially tough to defend. First, his shooting range extends to well beyond the 3-point line. Second, he has a quick release. The ball is out of his hands just about as he gets it. He routinely hit five or six 3-pointers in a game and I saw him make nine in one game at the Hardwood Classic. His shooting ability forces teams to commit one defender to face guard him, which opens up the floor for everyone else.
Kobe Smith 6’4″ St. Louis Majestics (Ritenour): A nice-sized wing who really put the ball in the basket in the month of July. Not only does Kobe have good size, but he has a good body and he is strong with the basketball. He displayed the ability to get buckets on the drive or as a 3-point shooter off the catch. He also has a solid post game where he can take defenders inside and unleash an effective turnaround jumper. He will score a lot of points this season in Ritenour’s fast-paced offense.