AthElite Select Super 16: Bootheel Standouts
Prep Hoops Missouri spent the weekend in Cape Girardeau for the AthElite Select Super 16 Invitational Tournament. With the tournament being held in Southeast Missouri, this was a good opportunity to see some of the top players in the bootheel.…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri spent the weekend in Cape Girardeau for the AthElite Select Super 16 Invitational Tournament. With the tournament being held in Southeast Missouri, this was a good opportunity to see some of the top players in the bootheel. Here are some of those SEMO standouts who were in action at the Select Super 16.
Blessin Kimble 6’6″ SI Select (Charleston ’20): The talented power forward is one of the hardest working players around and that was on display with his relentless work on the boards and ability to score around the basket. He’s strong and his motor runs at full-tilt boogie, which makes him tough to handle. He also displayed some improved perimeter skills as he got buckets off the bounce and started to make some perimeter jumpers.
Chauncey Hughes 6’0″ Kentucky Blue Thunder (Cape Girardeau Central ’19/Unsigned): The former Cape Central standout was one of the players in the 17U/Unsigned Senior division with his ability to attack the basket on the dribble. There were two different games in which he personally turned around with his team facing double-digit deficits. He started going downhill and took over the game. A few junior colleges were on hand to watch him. He could be a good get with his high-motor intensity.
Justice Thoma 6’4″ Silver Bullets (Cape Notre Dame ’20): The physical wing player was very impressive throughout the weekend with his combination of skill and toughness. His mid-range jumper was on point as he got to his spots and had good elevation on his jumper. He also attacked the basket and finished in the paint and knocked down his open 3-pointers. He had a very solid junior season, but he is primed for a breakout senior year in 2020.
Doreante Tucker 6’2″ Cape Elite (Cape Girardeau Central ’20): One of the best slashing threats that I watched over the weekend, he could get to the basket and score just about anytime he wanted to. He could go coast to coast in the full court for layups and break down defenders in the half court offense. He can change speeds and directions, plus he displayed the ability to score with both hands while on the move.
Samuel Bledsoe 6’2″ Silver Bullets (Charleston ’20): “Shootin’ Sam” was one of the best perimeter shot makers that I watched during the weekend. He hit six 3-pointers in the first game of the tournament and kept it going throughout the tournament. His range is deep, his release his quick and his confidence level is high. He was also good while shooting in transition. He is also starting to make plays on the dribble as he was very aggressive on the bounce.
Tyrus Reddin 5’8″ Cape Elite (Cape Girardeau Central ’20): A dynamic little point guard who plays an exciting brand of basketball. He is quick and shifty, but he has a burst to him which enables him to blow by defenders to get to the basket. He’s also an explosive athlete who can finish over defenders who may be a foot taller. He has quick hands and loves to pressure the basketball on the defensive end.
Kendrick Brown 6’3″ SEMO Select (Poplar Bluff ’20): An explosive wing player who makes a lot of plays with that athleticism and high rate of activity. He slashes to the basket well and he can knock down a 15-footer off the bounce as well. He is a strong rebounder who also excels in the transition game.
Caleb Legrand 6’6″ Silver Bullets (Cape Notre Dame ’21): An improving young post player who did a lot of positive things during the weekend. He has good length and athleticism and he is very active around the basket. He had some solid takes to the basket and he got out and ran in the transition game. With added physical strength, he will become even more of a big factor. His upside is very good.