Grind Region Finals: Missouri’s Top Overall Performers

<p>The Show-Me-State was well represented at the Grind Region Finals in Wichita, KS over the weekend.  Several Missouri teams had strong showings, and even more prospects caught the eyes of our scouts and college coaches.  Here is a look at the prospects who stood a notch above the rest with the best overall performances throughout the weekend:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Terrell Kabala - Victory Ministry Blue</strong></em></p> <p>There is so much to like about Terrell Kabala, who had had a terrific season on the Prep Hoops Circuit.  He is a physical specimen and a tremendous athlete, which probably explains to some degree why he is a coveted football prospect.  Do not be fooled though, this young man can ball.  He is a force on both ends of the floor.  Defensively, he is aggressive, opportunistic, and can lock down multiple positions thanks to his strength and quick twitch movements.  He is tough on the boards.  Offensively, he brings a lot of versatility to the table.  He can break his man down off the dribble, or use his size to bully his way to the rack.  He can space it out to the three point line and is a big time shot maker and clutch performer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Maurice Grayer - Missouri Flight Blue</strong></em></p> <p>The first time I watched Maurice Grayer during the high school season, I projected that he would be a nice NAIA player.  After this weekend, I have to admit I think I undervalued his ability.  There is no reason why Grayer can't be a D2/low D1 player if he continues to improve at the clip he has during the last several months.  He showed off improved burst, a lightening quick first step, and had the ball on a string this weekend.  A high flying athlete, he showed off his versatility and by the end of the weekend had fans of the opposing team yelling "SHOOTER" every time he got a touch.  His stock is absolutely on the rise.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Daniel Abreu - Missouri Flight Blue</strong></em></p> <p>Daniel is one of the most versatile prospects in the state of Missouri.  He is high character, high IQ, high-motor, and it is only a matter of time at this point before D1's are knocking down his door.  At 6'5 with a chiseled frame, Abreu continued to prove over the weekend in Wichita that he can impact the game in so many ways.  He is a team player who draws a lot of attention by defense and does a nice job of finding and dishing to open teammates.  That being said, he is a walking bucket.  He has upped his efficiency from three point range and is a nightmare operating from the short corner or high post where he can pull-up and knock down the jumper or put it on the floor and make a play.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Nyjahl Vaughn - St. Louis Blazers</strong></em></p> <p>Nyjahl Vaughn is a two-way stud for a St. Louis Blazers squad that came up just short of a championship game appearance.  He was extremely physical on both ends of the floor.  Defensively, he took on the tough assignment and wreaked havoc on ballhandlers all weekend long.  He used similar strength and physicality to bully his way to the basket and finish through contact in transition.  Don't be fooled though, he has some finesse to his game as well.  He is smooth with the rock and as the we got deeper into the weekend, Nyjahl got deeper in his bag.  He started mixing in soft-touch floaters, mid-range pull-ups, and also stepped out to three-point range.  He is in line for a big year at Cardinal Ritter.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Marcus Pepper - St. Louis Blazers</strong></em></p> <p>As a scout, you  never want to pick favorites.  But let's just say that if I did, Marcus Pepper would be high up on the list.  Maybe it's because we both reside in Oakville, maybe it's because we are both lefties, or maybe it's because he brings a refreshing, throw-back style of play that really impressed all weekend.  The Blazers were in several tight games, and Marcus was the picture of poise every second.  Need a stop?  Not only will he give you that, but he is likely to pick someone's pocket and covert on the other end.  Need a bucket?  He may stand at only 5'9, but he's got the sauce in his handle and is very crafty around the bucket.  He was a calming presence on the floor and proved that no moment is too big for him to thrive.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Triston Turner - KC Pacers Blue</strong></em></p> <p>Triston turner is a gamer!  He has good size and athleticism that gives him the versatility to play nearly any position on the floor.  He loves to do the dirty work and proved that he will not back down from any challenge.  The Pacers made an impressive Cinderalla run into the quarterfinals and ran into a Dallas Showtyme team that was loaded top to bottom with high-major talent and athleticism.  Triston did not flinch.  He took on tough defensive assignments, was under control with the ball against aggressive pressure and traps, and several times challenge and finished over the trees at the rim.  </p>