Midwest Invitational Camp: Class of 2026 Headliners
Columbia, Mo. — While the Midwest Invitational Camp provided an excellent glimpse into the area’s upcoming Class of 2025 talent, there were several even younger players in attendance that also earned attention based on their strong performances. Here are a…
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Continue ReadingColumbia, Mo. — While the Midwest Invitational Camp provided an excellent glimpse into the area’s upcoming Class of 2025 talent, there were several even younger players in attendance that also earned attention based on their strong performances. Here are a handful of seventh-graders from the Class of 2026 that caught our eye at Columbia Sports Fieldhouse…
Jonny Jordan | St. Louis, MO | Class of 2026
Jordan has already earned a fair amount of ink in his peer group while playing with the STL Knights; long-considered one of the top teams nationally in the Class of 2026. The 5-foot-6 combo guard has immense physical upside, with a frame that should continue to sprout upward, and athleticism that will evolve in due time. He’s confident and quick with the ball, appeared very comfortable knocking down jumpers on the perimeter, and did a nice job of forcing tempo in transition. Exceptionally long and thin, Jordan got bumped around a bit, and his consistency as a finisher in the lane will need to improve. Overall, he provided a tremendous first impression.
Keshon Mims | St. Louis, MO | Class of 2026
Mims’ aggressiveness and athleticism are positive indicators of his future on the hardwood. The son of former Western Illinois guard, Arsenio Mims, the younger Mims was in constant attack mode at the Midwest Invitational Camp. His physical tools allowed him to excel in transition, as he was one of the faster and more explosive backcourt players in attendance. The 5-foot-9 guard brings fantastic versatility and effort to the defensive end of the floor. While his jumper is somewhat unorthodox, as Mims continues to polish his offensive skills in the halfcourt, expect to see and hear his name mentioned often.
Oscar Patterson | St. Louis, MO | Class of 2026
Easily one of the most versatile players to suit up at the Midwest Invitational Camp, Patterson has a unique ability to fill roles in both backcourt as well as frontcourt positions. The six-foot forward competed with excellent energy, looked very agile running the floor, and proved to be an efficient rebounder and finisher in the lane. Extremely lanky, Patterson is a gifted athlete who is comfortable facing the rim, and should ultimately establish himself as a full-time wing prospect in the near future. His vision and passing touch are perhaps the most underrated aspects of his game and it should be exciting to watch as Patterson rounds his skills into form.
Semaj Stampley | Alton, IL | Class of 2026
Standing only 5-foot-5 at the moment, the quick and athletic guard made an immediate impact at the Midwest Invitational Camp. The grandson of former Pensacola (FL) Junior College and Loyola (IL) Chicago star, Leroy Stampley, the seventh-grade floor general made good things happen off the bounce, consistently creating plays for others and knocking down jumpers of his own. The excitement locally for the Class of 2026 prospect’s future is understandable when considering the elder Stampley was selected in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns and recently became an Alton Athletics Hall of Fame inductee in 2018.
Ian Thomas | St. Louis, MO | Class of 2026
The lefty lead guard commanded the action throughout the Midwest Invitational Camp. A stocky and strong, 5-foot-5 backcourt prospect, Thomas competes with outstanding pace and energy. His feel and vision are advanced and he has superior confidence with the ball in his hands. Perhaps most impressive was the array of leadership traits that the young prospect displayed. Thomas’ charisma and body language were remarkable and the other campers appeared to genuinely enjoy playing alongside him. More crafty than quick, he played within his relative physical limitations, and was very productive doing so.
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