Prep Hoops #GrindSzn Kickoff: Saturday Highlights

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the highlights from Missouri players and teams from Saturday’s first day at the Prep Hoops #GrindSznKickoff in Oklahoma City: The state is well-represented at this event.</p> <p><strong>Bully Backcourt:</strong> The Victory Ministry 17U features a talented backcourt combination in Class of 2021s [player_tooltip player_id="824163" first="Joseph" last="Hardimon"] (Poplar Bluff) and [player_tooltip player_id="824208" first="Landon" last="Austin"] (Neosho). Both are about 6’0" and are physically strong players who can get buckets in a variety of ways. They combined for 42 points last night in a pool play game on Saturday night. Hardimon scored a game-high 24 points while Austin finished with 18. They both can attack the rim relentless for buckets and And 1s while also being able to stop and knock down mid-range jumpers.</p> <p><strong>Top Game:</strong> The most entertaining game of the day featuring a Missouri team was a 17U pool play game between the St. Louis Blazers and the Kansas Pray N Play Players. It was a high-scoring game with end to end action from start to finish. The teams battled to a 43-43 stalemate at halftime. The action remained fast and furious until the end when the Players pulled away to take a 79-73 victory. Some the Blazers’ standouts in this game included 6’2" 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="824158" first="Barcus" last="Jackson"] of Lift for Life, who scored, rebounded and played solid defense. 6’1" 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="824190" first="Hasani" last="Spann"] of MICDS, who is mini-microwave with his perimeter shooting off the bench and 6’2" point guard [player_tooltip player_id="824134" first="Demarcus" last="Sanford"], Jr. of Lift for Life, who is an explosive performer with length and a nice perimeter jumper. 2021 lefty point guard Marcus Pepper from Granite City (IL) is lightning quick with a nice jumper to match.</p> <p><strong>2023s on Display:</strong> There were some talented youngsters from the Class of 2023 who put in work on Saturday. The Missouri Elite trio of 6’0" point guard Brady Bowers, 6’5" forward Ethan Wiley and 6’4" wing Ben Linnemeyer all shined in a pair of victories in pool play. Bowers is a slick point guard with nice handles, a high-basketball IQ and an excellent stroke from 3-point range. He scored a game-high 33 points in one of his team’s victories. Wiley is a young bull in the paint with a big body and a zeal for rebounding the basketball. He is tough to move when he establishes position in the paint and he can score. Linnemeyer is wiry wing player who is at home either in the post or outside where he can showcase his feathery shooting touch from long distance. Bowers and Linnemeyer attend Rock Bridge while Wiley attends Battle.</p> <p>Another 2023 who showed well on Saturday was 6’3 wing Zaide Lowery of Missouri Flight 16U who showcased his explosive leaping ability by throwing down an alley-oop dunk in the half court offense. He can also attack the rim with his nice handles and he knocked down a 3-pointer over the top of a zone defense. Lowery is part of a talented 2023 class at Kickapoo.</p> <p>KC United 15U picked up a couple of wins in pool play behind the play of talented point guard Sincere Austin. He is a good athlete with creative drives to the basket and good passing ability. He was impressive on Saturday.</p> <p>The ShoMe Assault 15U team also had a nice day with a couple of impressive victories in pool play. They are a solid group of 2023s that play well together. A few players who stood out on Saturday included Wil Carlton, Donte Washington and Trae Oetting.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Other Saturday Standouts</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="985424" first="Colin" last="Ruffin"] 6’2" Missouri Flight 16U: A very smooth 2022 lefty point guard from Nixa who has a chance to being recruited pretty actively. He plays under control, but he can get into the lane with ease with his handles and creativity. He also has long-distance shooting ability. Long distance.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1010551" first="Nate" last="Norris"] 6’3" Missouri Elite 16U: A solid 2022 forward-guard from Rock Bridge who had a very productive day in leading his team to a pair of victories. He averaged 24.5 points in two games. He is a physical performer who can attack the basket and score inside.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="985223" first="Jordan" last="Mertens"] 6’7" 34Hoops 17U: The 2021 forward from DeSoto showcase a zest for offensive rebounding as I watched him grab five offensive boards in one half, which led to several easy put-backs. He has really developed his body over the years as he has gone from a very thin freshman to a strong senior-to-be.</p> <p>Kyle Renkowski 6’2" Missouri Flight 17U: This 2021 wing from Pierce City is not being recognized for stuffing the stat sheet with big numbers, but for being productive in the areas of playing hard and impacting the game with his effort and hustle. He was chasing down loose balls, playing defense with enthusiasm, running the court and getting on the offensive glass. It was fun to watch someone with that kind of motor.</p> <p>Keith Driver 5’10" Missouri Elite 17U: A quick 2021 point guard from Jefferson City who was making it happen at both ends of the court in the evening session. He scored on dribble penetration with his quick first step and hit an open 3-pointer. He also dropped some nice dimes and played solid defense.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>