Most Intriguing Prospects: CBC vs Duncanville

Curtis Wilkerson

December 13, 2019 @ 12:29 PM

Over the last eight years, the Ozark Mountain Shootout has become a household name amongst the best early season classic’s in Missouri, and this year’s field may very well be the best yet. The 6:30pm game on Thursday was a match-up between CBC and Duncanville (TX), and it was the most highly anticipated contest of the shootout thanks in large part to a pair of marquee talents in Caleb Love and Micah Peavy. Those two put on quite a show (more on that later), but the game itself was mostly controlled by a Duncanville team that proved to have too much depth and firepower for CBC. They are regarded as one of the top programs, not only in Texas, but in the entire country for a reason. They cruised to a 77-59 victory. Here's a look at the top prospects from this big time game:   Top Dogs: Senior Standouts 6'7 Sr Micah Peavy (Duncanville) is the most gifted athlete I have seen so far in this young season. He can absolutely fly, and he did throughout the game. He plays above the rim (his head is literally above the rim every time he jumps) and threw down several impressive dunks and lobs. He was feeling it from mid-range and also showed off elite handles and ball skills for his size with some crowd-pleasing transition drives and slashes to the tin. He literally does everything well and is going to be a gem for Texas Tech. 6'4 Sr Caleb Love (CBC) is every bit worthy of his ranking and North Carolina is getting an absolute assassin from long-range. Caleb's team may not have gotten the result it was hoping for, but Love put on a clinic. He hit threes from all over the floor, showcasing his elite range and uncommon ability to get his shot off in every way imaginable. He could not be stopped, even when the taller and longer Peavy was guarding him. 5'10 Sr Ja'Bryant Hill (Duncanville) is a killer. The uber-quick, relentless slasher gave CBC fits with his ability to slice and dice his way through the defense where he did not shy away from going all the way to the rim. He could not be kept in front and essentially lived at the free throw line. 6'6 Sr Robert Banks (Duncanville) is a very intriguing forward. He did a tremendous job of controlling the paint both on the glass and as a rim protector. He is also a legit pick and pop threat who has range beyond the arc and hit some big time threes. That is the ideal combination for a forward in today's brand of basketball. 6'3 Sr Mike West (CBC) is built like a linebacker and bring impressive strength and athleticism to the team. He plays a physical brand of basketball, excels around the basket, and showed off his bounce with an impressive rim run that led to a two-hand flush. Young Guns: Top Underclassmen 6'4 So Larry Hughes (CBC) is the future of the program and is going to be a household name in the St. Louis area (well he kind of already is). He has a smooth, effortless jumper with good range and a quick release. He did a nice job of turning the corner and attacking the rim in the dribble weave and also likes to curl screens hard for easy looks. He is one to keep a close eye on. 6'4 Jr Damon Nicholas (Duncanville) had a very impressive game for the Panthers. He made a living driving baseline and finishing wrap around lay-ins and got out on the run hard in transition. His strong frame allows him to get into the lane and he can absorb contact or stop on a dime and pull-up. He also nailed some dagger threes. 6'9 Fr Cameron Barnes (Duncanville) has scary potential. At his size, at his age, it is no wonder he already holds an offer from Baylor. As he continues to blossom, he is no doubt going to be one of the prized prospects in the 2023 class.