Prep Hoops Missouri Grassroots Recap: My First Look At

<p> Over the course of the summer grassroots season, I had the opportunity to see several good players from the state of Missouri in person for the first time. As much talent as I get to see on my travels around the state, you always come across someone new to look at in action. Here is a look at some of those talented players that I got my first look at and hope to see again in the near future.</p> <h3>Guards and Wings</h3> <p>Terrell Kabala 6'1" Webb City '20 (Victory Ministry): I waited a long time to see this thick-bodied point guard play in person and I wasn't disappointed as he was one of the top players at the Show-Me Showdown in May. He is a three-level scoring threat who plays with explosion, but he is always under control. He recently gave a verbal commitment to Arkansas Fort-Smith.</p> <p>Justice Thoma 6'4" Cape Notre Dame (Semo Silver Bullets): I was impressed with the solidly built wing when I watched him at the Midwest Showcase in Liberty as he played aggressively at both ends of the court. He attacks the rim with authority and he has a nice mid-range game off the bounce.</p> <p>Cortez Howelett 6'1" Raytown (Marcus Denmon Select): A nice point guard who has the ability to create his own offense with his slick ball-handling ability and escape moves. He can break defenders off on the bounce and knock down pull up jumpers. He also has a quick set of hands on defense where he can pick pockets.</p> <p>John Weik 6'4" Jefferson '20 (STL Shooting Stars): A very solid wing player who plays with a high motor at both ends of the court. I like how he plays without the basketball as he was in constant motion in getting buckets of good cuts and in transition. He was also strong on the drive with a solid perimeter stroke.</p> <p>Bryce Jenkins 5'10" Harrisonville (KC Premiere Blue Chips): He was impressive in the first time I saw him at the UCM Team Camp in Warrensburg as he has excellent shooting range to go along with his good handles and ability to pass the ball.</p> <p>Colby Hale 6'0" NE Cairo '20 (Missouri Mavericks Premiere): A very nice small-school guard who knows how to get his buckets off the dribble. He works well in tight spaces and can knock down mid-range jumpers while stopping on the dime. His passing ability was very good as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Forwards</h3> <p>Kian Scroggins 6'7" Raymore Peculiar '20 (KC Run GMC): A strong low post performer who was fundamentally sound with good moves and an excellent finisher around the basket. He moves well and rebounds out of his area in addition to his scoring ability. He can also handle the ball and make perimeter shots. He received a number of Division II offers in the past couple of weeks.</p> <p>Mark Cann 6'5" Raytown South '20 (Team YOBO): An excellent athlete who can handle the ball and knock down 3-pointers on a consistent basis. He is an ideal Stretch 4 with his ability to shoot the ball, but he can also beat bigger defenders off the dribble to cause matchup problems.</p> <p>Ryan Dabney 6'5" Milan '20: An excellent small-school forward who was very good at the Monroe City Shootout. He has tremendous moves and footwork to get buckets in the low post. He is also a high IQ basketball player who handles the ball and facilitates much of the offense with his passing ability.</p> <p>Riley Naeger 6'7" St. Pius '20 (STL Shooting Stars): A nice hidden talent tucked away just South of St. Louis, he is a versatile big who handles the ball and passes well enough to have the offense run through him. He has a good spin move in the lane to get free for buckets and a good shooting touch out to 15 feet.</p> <p>Hunter Shaw 6'4" Milan 20: An athletic combo forward with good length and explosive athletic ability. His baseline dunk in traffic against Monroe City was one of the best I saw during the June Team Camp circuit. He is very good on the drive and he uses his length well at the top of his team's half-court trapping defense.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Aaron Ledgerwood 6'8" Glendale '22 (Missouri Flight): A young post player who was playing up at the 16U level and more than held his own. He already knows how to make himself big when he sits down in the past and he does a nice job of keeping the ball up and away from the little guys.</span></p>