Prep Hoops Show-Me Showdown: Saturday Standouts (15U, 16U)
The first day of the Prep Hoops Show-Me Showdown was held on Saturday at the Center of St. Louis Sports in Affton, Mo. Here is a look at Saturday’s standouts from Missouri in the 15U and 16U divisions.
Trenton Smith 6’5″ Springfield Hawks 16U: An excellent low post scorer who put on a spectacular dunking exhibition throughout the day. Whatever dunk you wanted he gave it to you. He dunk off the drop step in the low post. He dunked in transition. He had a couple of tip-dunk follows and he had one big-time one-handed tomahawk off a lob pass off the inbounds play. It was something to see. He averaged well over 20 points a game during the day. Attends Carl Junction.
Donyae McCaskill 6’0″ STL Hardwood Hunks 16U: An explosive combo guard who is one of the premiere dunkers in the state of Missouri. He comes off a high ball screen and heads downhill towards the basket in search of a body and he usually catches an unsuspecting big at the rim who becomes his next YouTube highlight. He attacks the basket relentlessly and can finish through contact as well. Attends Kickapoo.
Gerrod Riviera 6’2″ KC Hoop Dreams 16U: It was my first time seeing this young man play and he can really ball. Really, really ball. He’s athletic and he has a real scorer’s mentality and the offensive tools to match. It’s like he walked off the 1970’s playgrounds into the 21st century with his ability to create shots and buckets with his handles, spin moves, crossovers and other stuff that you cannot teach. You just do in the moment.
Quentin Brown 6’6″ MO Team Carroll 16U: An improving young post player who displayed his athletic ability throughout the day. He’s long and he runs the court well and he did a nice job of finishing around the basket. He was able to catch the ball and convert some thunderous slam dunks in traffic that were impressive. He also rebounded and blocked shots and while playing with great activity. His upside is pretty substantial. Attends Rock Bridge.
Dalton Gayman 6’3 KC Pacers 15U: A young power forward who was one of the most physical players in the entire tournament. Whether he was posting up, attacking the basket or boxing out for a rebound, he was seeking contact at every opportunity. It would not be a stretch to say that he attempted more free throws than anyone else in the tournament. He scored well around the basket and also handled the ball against pressure. Attends Nevada.
Tayari Goodwin 5’8 Arsenal Hoops 16U: I’ve been very impressed with the play of this young man the past few weeks at the point guard position. He has done a nice job of running the show with his quickness and decision making. He distributed the ball well and did an excellent job of finishing in transition with his speed. He is also an excellent 3-point shooter who you cannot leave open. Attends Parkway North
Jace Lance 5’11” MO Team Carroll 15U: He enjoyed an excellent day with his shooting and floor leadership as he could handle either backcourt position. He came out the gate quickly in the first game with five 3-pointers and 20 points. He could shoot it off the catch or get it in transition. He is an excellent ball handler with a good feel for the game with his passing and overall court savvy. Attends Marshall
Casey Jones 5’5″ Arsenal Hoops 15U: One of the smallest players in the tournament, the diminutive Jones is also one of the toughest players. He has a strong body and he stays low to the ground, which makes it even harder for defenders to keep him in front of them. He penetrates well off the dribble and will finish or find the open man. He can also knock down an open 3-pointer. Attends Hazelwood West
Ben Palacios 6’3″ KC Elite 15U: A very skilled wing player who played the role as point guard, scorer and facilitator for his team and did it pretty well. He has nice size which enabled him to get to the basket and score over smaller defenders. His mid-range game was solid and he made his share of 3-pointers. He also did a nice job of finding open teammates for buckets. Attends O’Hara