Dynamic Show-Me Backcourts (Part I)

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Show-Me State has some excellent guard tandems putting in work and leading their teams to successful seasons. Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of those top guard duos in the state in the first installment of Dynamic Backcourts.</p> <p>Kobe Campbell-<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dez-mckinney/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dez-mckinney/">Dez McKinney</a></a> (Raytown South): As sophomores in 2018, these two young guards were solid contributors on a team that played in the state championship game. Now, they are seasoned senior vets on a team that is in the hunt for another Final Four run. Both are athletic and aggressive on defense with the ability to create buckets on offense. They also played together during the summer with Marcus Denmon Elite.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/samuel-bledsoe/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/samuel-bledsoe/">Samuel Bledsoe</a></a>-Tee Bogan (Charleston): The Bluejays are 17-3 and have one of the top Class 3 teams in the state thanks to this excellent pair of 2020 guards. The 6’2 Bledsoe is a long range shooter who is averaging a team high 17 points a game while making 54 3-pointers. He was the MVP of the Superman Classic after leading the Bluejays to the championship. Bogan is a quick 5’9 guard who keys the pressure defense with nearly five steals a game. He averages 15 points a game on offense as he can break defenders down with his quickness and make perimeter shots.</p> <p>Landon Poppa-Tony Osburn (Mound City): An excellent young pair of guards who can score a lot of points and create a lot of excitement in NW Missouri. Osburn is a 6’2 2022 guard with deep shooting range and the ability to attack off the dribble. Poppa is a 6’4 2021 guard who throws down dunks in transition and can score at three levels.</p> <p>D'Anthony Pennington-Athuai Ding (North Kansas City) - This dynamic pair of guards have led NKC to an excellent season, including a pair of tournament championship. The 6’2 Pennington is a UMKC commit and a deluxe scoring guard. His high-arching jumper is a thing of beauty as he averages 20 points a game. He had a 50-point outburst last week.  He also averages three assists a game. The 6’3 Ding is a 2021 guard who can score and rebound at a high level . He is averaging 15 points, 5.5 rebounds and two steals a game.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/doreante-tucker/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/doreante-tucker/">Doreante Tucker</a></a>-<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyrus-reddin/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyrus-reddin/">Tyrus Reddin</a></a> (Cape Girardeau Central) - Another outstanding backcourt in the boot heel, the 2020 duo led the Tigers to a Class 4 district championship and a state quarterfinals berth last year and a 16-4 record this year. The 5’7 Reddin is an electric quick point guard who excels in the transition game with his speed. He can also finish at the rim with his athleticism and hit a mid range jumper. Tucker is a 6’2 wing who excels at slashing to the basket.  He can go left or right with equal effectiveness and his improved perimeter jumper really makes him even tougher to defend.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tahj-patterson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tahj-patterson/">Tahj Patterson</a></a>-Isaiah Williams (Lutheran North) - This talented duo led the Crusaders to a Metro League title last year and have them at 15-5 this season. Patterson is a 6’2” 2020 point guard who is a four-year starter. He is a leader who excels in all facets of the game. He is averaging 13.7 points a game while playing tough defense and dropping dimes to open teammates. Williams is a 6’2 2021 shooting guard who knows how to get buckets. The smooth lefty is averaging 13.1 points a game with his combination of floaters, pull up jumpers in the mid-range and 3-pointers off the catch.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Dakarai Allen-Always Wright (Joplin) - A very potent combination that compliments each other with their versatile skill sets. The 6’2” Allen is an experienced 2020 with explosive athleticism and the ability to get buckets. He attacks the basket well and can drain jumpers when defenders back off. The 6’1 Wright is a talented young Guard who a smooth and comfortable stroke from downtown. The 2022 sharpshooter is knock down off the catch, but he can also get his own off the dribble.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(Plenty more dynamic backcourts to be featured in the coming weeks).</p>