Tournament Week Recap: New Names
Thanks to the Prep Hoops Missouri Magical Stream machine, we were able to watch a multitude of early-season tournament games from around the state. As with the beginning of every season, there are always a big group of new names…
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Continue ReadingThanks to the Prep Hoops Missouri Magical Stream machine, we were able to watch a multitude of early-season tournament games from around the state. As with the beginning of every season, there are always a big group of new names who emerge on the scene. Here are some of those new names who we saw and enjoyed during the weekend tournament action.
Jessie Minter 6’2″ William Chrisman: A 2022 transfer from Kansas City East, this long and lanky combo guard looked very impressive in the game I watched against Les’s Summit North at the Phog Allen Classic at William Chrisman. He has a long stride that covers ground on his way to the basket. He can finish with both hands on the drive and his pull up game is also very effective.
B.J. Stewart 6’4″ Lee’s Summit North: The 2023 power forward is a newcomer as he transferred in from the Dallas area and he is quite an addition to the Broncos programs. He was a force in the low post throughout the weekend at the Phog Allen Invitational at William Chrisman. He plays much bigger than his actual size as he is athletic and very strong physically. He had some grown-man moments around the basket as he was a walking double-double. He also has quick feet and a quick jump around the basket. He finished the weekend off with a 36-point, 15-rebound performance against in the third-place game to earn a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
Gage Rivers, Poplar Bluff: The 2022 guard had an excellent weekend in leading the Mules to the championship of the Fountain City Classic at DeSoto. He had 15 points in the semifinals against Sikeston and 12 in the championship game against University City, both team highs. He also had five assists and four steals in the championship game. He plays with tenacious energy at both ends of the court. He plays with excellent pace as he pushes the ball on offense and hawks the ball on defense. He also knocked down a pair of long 3-pointers in the finals.
Jake Leeker 6’1″ Gainesville: The 2022 guard was a shooting star in the championship game of the Forsyth Tournament as he led the xx to a 60-56 victory over Hollister for the tournament title. As Hollister came out in a zone defense, Jake came out firing as he knocked down a trio of 3-pointers en route to scoring 11 points in the first quarter to get his team going. His shooting stroke was smooth and his release was quick. He finished the game with 20 points as he added a few drives and transition buckets along the way. He’s an excellent compliment to 6’4″ teammate Bryce Hambelton, who is a beast in the low post.
Colby McQuinn 6’0″ Stanberry: A 2024 guard who is one of the top young players in NWMO. He’s the third option on a team with the talented Schwebach brothers, but he showed a lot of confidence on the offensive end with his 3-point shooting and willingness to attack the basket off the dribble. He also has a nice floater.
Mike Livingston Jr. 6’2″ Lee’s Summit North: The 2021 guard was one of the most explosive players that I watched over the weekend. If he wasn’t throwing down a transition dunk at one end, he was making big chase down blocks at the other end. He is also under control when getting to the basket as he dropped off some nice dimes. He made the All-Tournament Team at the Phog Allen Classic.