Gateway All-American Tournament: Need to take a closer look

<p>While covering the Gateway All-American Tournament in St. Louis, I had the opportunity to see either see some kids for the first time or check out some players that I have watched before, but haven't seen a lot of during the season.</p> <p>Here is a list of some of those players who caught my eye over the weekend and will bear further watching during the grassroots season.</p> <p>Devon Barshow 6'6" Arsenal Hoops 17U (Marquette '20): The slender wing player really broke out during the last portion of the high school season when he emerged as an offensive force. He has smooth handles and a nice perimeter stroke from 3-point range. He is poised to have a breakout summer.</p> <p>Cortez Howlett 6'0" Marcus Denmon Select 17U (Raytown '20): A solid point guard who displayed the ability go get the team into their offense, plus he has the ability to get buckets when the team needs them. He has good quickness and he has the ability to penetrate and create offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates.</p> <p>Omarion Henry 6'6" Team Ramey CCM 16U (Normandy '21): I first saw this young power forward at the Borgia Tournament back in November and was impressed with his inside play. This is my first time seeing him in action since than and he looks physically bigger. He is very active around the basket and he can really finish. There were a couple of plays when he went high in the air and caught the ball in traffic with good hands and dropped it in the hoop. He's also a good offensive rebounder.</p> <p>David Jones 6'7" Team Ramey CCM 17U (Gateway STEM '20): Saw this kid once this season at the Webster Groves Tournament and he displayed some nice skills. He has continued to grow as he is developing into a nice, tall wing player. He can put it on the floor and make plays, plus he is an active rebounder. Has grown several inches since entering high school</p> <p>Karter Kekec 6'0" Missouri Basketball Club 16U (North County '21): It was my first time seeing this young wing player from St. Francois County. He is an aggressive guard who was always on the attack. He was a big bucket-getter during his sophomore season and he gets it done with his fearless style of play.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>