Missouri Basketball Showcase Team Evals: Team 5

<p>Here is a look at Missouri Team 5 from last Sunday's action at the Midwest Basketball Showcase at Liberty North High:</p> <p>Byron Alexander 6'3" Staley: A very athletic wing player who is very explosive and plays with a high motor. He is a very good player in the open court where he can get out and finish in transition. He displayed versatility with his ability to handle the ball, rebound and play solid defense. His high energy and athleticism make for a good combination for productivity.</p> <p>Isaac Haney 6'1" Dora (Yanders Law): The talented Class 1 2021 standout was one of the top bucket-getters in the showcase. Being from a small school means nothing to him as he knocked down 3-pointers off the bounce and got to the basket with an assortment of layups and floaters. He worked off the pick and roll with ease to create offense for himself and find open teammates. He displayed slick handles and the ability to create space for his jumpers.</p> <p>Isaiah Jackson 6'2" William Chrisman (Team KC): A an athletic 2020 wing player who put in some good work at both ends of the floor. He was one of the best that I watched at playing the passing lanes and creating steals and turnovers with his anticipation. On offense, he was at his best when attacking the rim off the bounce where he was able to score on layups, floaters and twisting drives to the basket. He also had a nice perimeter jumper off the dribble. His overall pace was excellent.</p> <p>Luke Kasubke 6'6" Chaminade (MoKan Elite): The talented 2020 wing was one of the top players in the showcase. As usual, he was one of the top perimeter shooters in the camp as the 3-point stroke was working well on Sunday. He comes off screens well and will put it on the floor to get buckets off the bounce in the mid-range or all the way to the basket. His passing is also good as he registered several assists on the day. He came into the event with several Division I scholarship offers in hand, but he earned new ones from Southern Illinois and Illinois State after the weekend.</p> <p>Taj Manning 6'7" Grandview (KC Run GMC): The talented 2022 combo forward has the type of versatile skill set reminiscent of a young Kelly Thames, the former Jennings High and Mizzou standout. He has good footwork in the post and a nice touch where he can go in both directions for turnaround jumpers and jump hooks. He can also attack the rim from the high post and make a 3-pointer off the catch. Even as a youngster, his all-around game is taking shape.</p> <p>Alex Martini 6'7" Carthage: A big, solid 2021 power forward who played with a lot of energy. He scored well inside when he got his opportunities. He was tough physically around the basket in his pursuit for rebounds and blocks. I was also impressed with his ability to set screens, which provided many scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ball skills are also pretty good as he can score in the post or handle the basketball with confidence to make plays off the bounce.</p> <p>Keyren Spiller 6'4" Center (KS Play n Pray): A wide-bodied 2021 combo forward who creates matchup problems with his size, physicality and his variety of skills with the ball. He put the ball on the floor and bullied his way to the bucket for scores on a consistent basis. He can also post up smaller defenders and get inside buckets. He has the right combination of power and finesse in his game.</p> <p>Justice Thoma 6'4" Cape Notre Dame: A physically build wing player with good size who also has a little bounce as well. He was very good at using that strong body to get into the lane to knock down 10 to 12 foot jumpers on a consistent basis. If he got a breakaway attempt, he was going to throw down a dunk. He displayed toughness with his ability to create contact and draw fouls and three-point plays.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>