Welcome Back (Off the Injured List and Ready to Go)

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of talented players who have returned to their teams after missing the first part of the season with injuries. With these young men back in the mix, it enhances their teams chances of doing some very positive things down the stretch in 2021. Four of the five on the list are excellent 2021 prospects who college coaches should have on their recruiting lists.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824201" first="Karter" last="Kekec"] 6’1 North County: The career bucket getter suffered a leg injury during the final game of football season and missed more than a month of action. He returned to the lineup last week and scored 12 and 22 points in his first two games. He is an athletic two-way guard who scores 20 points a game while playing excellent defense. With Kekec back to team up with fellow guard [player_tooltip player_id="824156" first="Kyle" last="Conkright"], the Raiders have a chance to make some noise in Class 5.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="583730" first="Cachao" last="Gianquinto"] 6’3 Battle: In the first game of the season, the 2021 guard recorded a triple double while making his debut at the point. He would miss the next month and a half with a leg injury, which left the Spartans struggling without its senior leader. He returned to the lineup last week and scored his 1,000th career point. He is a fundamentally sound guard who can score, pass and play solid defense while providing sound leadership for the stretch run.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070087" first="Kael" last="Combs"] 6’3 Nixa: The very talented 2023 guard missed several games in December with a hand injury. The Eagles played well in his absence, but now they are even stronger with the athletic Combs back in the backcourt. He’s a slashing guard with some explosive hops who can also knock down 3-pointers. He scored 19 points in the Eagles thrilling overtime loss to Kickapoo. He is one of the top Class of 2023s in the state.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824159" first="Jack" last="Pronger"] 6’8" MICDS: The 2021 forward has been out for much of the season with a foot injury. He has returned in the past week to join a senior-laden group that has been enjoying a stellar season to this point. His return means that the Rams get back a solid Stretch 4 with excellent 3-point range, offensive rebounding ability and four years of varsity experience. He has been a consistent double-digit scorer the past two seasons.</p> <p>Mike Minser 6’5" Sarcoxie: The 2021 forward missed the first month of the season with a broken femur, yet still managed to make his way back into the lineup at the beginning of the 2021 portion of the schedule. His impact was immediate as he led Sarcoxie to the championship of the Miller Tournament. He also took home Most Valuable Player honors for his efforts. He is a matchup problem with his ability to score in the post combined with his perimeter shooting and ball handling skills.</p>