The Finale: Energizer Bunnies (Full Tilt Boogie)

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the “Energizer Bunnies” from last weekend’s Prep Hoops session of The Finale in Kansas City. These players play the game with great energy and zeal and do not take play off. They play the game at “Full Tilt Boogie.”

Roddy Alexander Roddy Alexander 6'1" | PG Christian-O'Fallon | 2021 State MO 6’1″ Gateway Basketball Club 17U: (Pictured): The 2021 point guard from Christian-O’Fallon knows only one way to go when he gets the ball in his hands. It’s straight-forward and as fast as he can on his way to the basket. He’s coming downhill on the dribble whether the defense is prepared for it or not. He attacks the basket relentlessly and finishes more often than not. It should come as no surprise that he is also a college prospect in football as well.

Alijah Carter 6’2″ St. Louis Cobras A.N.M. 17U: The athletic 2022 guard from Pattonville has been a big stock riser in July and a big part why is his tremendous motor that runs high at both ends of the floor. He plays at a fast pace and he’s looking to attack the rim at every opportunity. That style translates to the defensive end where he loves to hawk the ball and jump into the passing lanes. He is an ideal weapon on his team’s full court pressure defense.

Willie Davis III 6’1″ St. Louis Blazers 17U: A hard-working 2021 wing from Cardinal Ritter who had a productive weekend with a couple of double-digit scoring games. He is an ideal player to have on a team that likes to apply full-court pressure as he bring a full tank of gas whether he is taking on an opposing point guard or a 6’6″ post player. He was good in transition and he did good job finishing during the weekend.

Cainan Galentine 6’4″ COMO-TNT 16U: The 2022 forward from Rock Bridge was impressive with his athleticism and just as impressive with his energy level and activity. I had never seen this young man play before, but here he was running the court and blocking a shot, then sprinting to the other end for a layup, then taking another sprint to the other end to get a deflection.

Yaya Keita Yaya Keita 6'9" | PF DeSmet | 2021 State #210 Nation MO 6’9″ Gateway Basketball Club 17U: The 2021 power forward from DeSmet controls the paint with his consistent effort, especially when it comes to rebounding and shot blocking. He’s always getting out of his area to rebound the basketball. He also loves to run the court and get transition dunks on offense and chase-down dunks on defense.

Cleveland Washington Cleveland Washington 6'0" | SF Lutheran North | 2021 State MO 6’2″ St. Louis Blazers 17U: A very undersized 2021 forward from Lutheran North who is always giving away a lot of size to his opponents, but it doesn’t seem to bother him as he his consistently out-working the big guys to get buckets and rebounds in the paint. I’ve been watching him do it throughout his high school career.

E.J. Williams 6’0″ Gateway-Knights 16U: The 2022 combo guard has enjoyed a very productive weekend by just going out and playing hard every minute he is out there. He fills many roles with his motor and versatility. He is strong on the defensive end in the half court or a full press. He is an excellent rebounder for his size and he is at his best when attacking the basket.