University of Central Missouri Team Camp (Team Updates)
Here is a look at some of the top teams that participated at the University of Central Missouri Team Camp in Warrensburg, MO.
Eugene: The Eagles won 22 games and played for a Class 2 district championship in 2017. They are unique in that they had five players who averaged in double figures in scoring and all five of those starters return. They have excellent shooters and they move the ball and play together. 6’3″ 2018 Mason Kirkweg, 5’10” 2018 Austin Engelbrecht and 6’2″ 2018 Austin Dickey can all shoot the 3-pointer. 6’7″ 2018 forward Zach Bond is an athletic post who has improved dramatically while 6’3″ 2020 Tre Kempker is an athlete with a big upside. Eugene should be a Class 2 team to watch next season.
Park Hill: The Trojans are loaded and will have one of the top teams in Class 5 next season. They were without 6’10 2019 standout Roman Wilson, who is attending the Nike Elite 100 Camp in St. Louis. 6’2″ 2018 guard Ronnie Bell showed his dynamic athleticism and scoring ability on the drive and from long distance. There is also plenty of quality size on hand with 6’7″ 2018 Mitchell Baack and 6’6″ 2019 Nick Zeil getting work done in the paint. 6’0″ 2018 guard Willie Majok is quick and aggressive with the ball while 6’6″ 2018 forward Cecil Lee is a excellent rim protector who can step out and shoot the 3.
Hillsboro: The Hawks were a Class 4 district championship team in ’17 and figure to be in the mix for another big season with the return of 6’8″ 2018 forward Gaven Pinkley. The Division I prospect displayed his emerging skill set by playing point forward throughout the team camp. He was very comfortable with the ball in his hands. They can afford to play Pinkley outside because 6’5″ 2019 forward Michael Brewer is more than solid in the paint. 2018 guard Isaiah Martin is an athlete who does a nice job in transition.
Blue Springs: The Wildcats are a young team that will play very fast and pick up teams with full court pressure. A lot will fall on the shoulders of 5’11” 2018 guard R.J. Lawrence, who can score from all three levels and distribute the ball as well. 2020 guard Steffan Black is a quick, penetrating guard with a nice pull up jumper. Blue Springs was without standout post player Daniel Parker, who is a top Division I football prospect. A lot of their success in ’18 will depend on whether Parker decides to play basketball or just concentrate on football.
Oak Grove: The Panthers featured one of the camp’s top dynamic duos in 2018 wings Dylan Pfeifer and Jaxon Althaus. Both are about 6’3″ and have the ability to get buckets anywhere on the floor. Pheifer is an excellent shooter who also passes well and has a good feel for the game. Althaus can score around the basket on the drive and post ups, but he can also step out and knock down perimeter shots.
Warrensburg: The Tigers went to a youth movement in ’17 with many sophomores playing big minutes. They looked to be a much improved team with a year of experience under their belts. 2019 point guard Luke Mackey is an excellent facilitator who can shoot the basketball while fellow 2019 guard Ejyah Sheridan showed a nice float game and good passing skills. 6’3″ 2019 forward Luke Landwehr is a good-sized wing who can shoot the ball and score off hard cuts to the basket while 6’5″ Zach Reed provides size inside.
Parkway West: The Longhorns have a pair of solid 2018 bigs in 6’6″ Michael Akinwumi and 6’7″ Jack Gieseking. Both are very effective around the basket in tandem. 5’10” 2018 guard Adrian Scott is a southpaw with good quickness and the ability to penetrate in the lane. 2020 point guard Kyle Geraghty is a solid floor leader that does not make mistakes. West was without top returning scorer Jack Swinney, who is a baseball prospect.