Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown Recap (The Beef)
Last weekend’s Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown in St. Louis featured several quality players of the “wide-body” variety. As a big person myself, there is always a special place in my heart for the guys who are stout in stature, but can get it done on the court. So, here is a look at “The Beef.”
Devin Drew 6’4″ KC Elite 17U: A big, burly post player at 240 pounds who simply muscles his way around the lane for buckets and rebounds. He is physically strong and equally active, which makes him such a productive player. Drew is also an excellent player on the football field at Raytown High, which isn’t a big surprise.
Moses Opkala 6’7″ STL Hardwood Hunks 16U: A much improved post player who really looks the part at about 250 pounds. He is really moving well as he had a number of rim runs and chase down blocks on defense. He is a strong rebounder and an excellent passer out of the high post. He is also started to improve on his offensive skills.
Henry Gladson 6’5″ St. Louis Bearcats 17U: A wide-body post player who helped the Bearcats to the 17U championship game with some spirited play in the bracket rounds. He is strong and physical, yet he has a nice touch around the basket and can also stretch it out to 15 feet.
Tanner Thuvenot 6’8″ MO Team Carroll 15U: A big youngster who came up big in his team’s victory over Arsenal Hoops in the semifinals. He used his size and bulk to great advantage as he scored in the post and had a number of offensive put backs.
Elijah Hicks 6’3″ Arsenal Hoops 16U: A thick-body wing player who has a versatile skill set on the perimeter. He has solid handles and he is strong on the dribble and he loves to attack. He is also an excellent athlete who can rise up and dunk in transition.
Kaden Spruell 6’3″ KC Elite 16U: A big-bodied wing player who is very comfortable on the perimeter. He has the Kyle Anderson “Slo Mo” type game as he get by people on the dribble without looking like he’s moving all that fast. He can also shoot the 3-pointer.
Joshua Anderson 5’10” TEM Select 16U: The shortest member of my All-Beef group, the combo guard is also the best perimeter shooter of the group. He was knocking down 3-pointers all weekend, including six in one game on Sunday.