To the Left, To the Left: The Southpaws (Part l)

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a talented group of left-handed players from around the state. Here is the first group of standout southpaws to look at.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/4440398D-A9BE-413A-92D6-58F11C69CF08.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1336157" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/4440398D-A9BE-413A-92D6-58F11C69CF08-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="981142" first="Jayden" last="Nicholson"] (Vashon): A talented 6’5" wing who is a excellent slasher and offensive rebounder. He’s strong physically and he attacks the basket well. He is averaging 11 points a game while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range on the 18-2 Wolverines, who are currently ranked No. 1 in Class 4.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/D5EE5578-A61B-4021-8059-FEBAB4518D25.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1303841" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/D5EE5578-A61B-4021-8059-FEBAB4518D25-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Donald Bangham Jr (Ruskin): The athletic 6'3" shooting guard is an excellent one-on-one player who plays well in an iso situation. He can break down defenders off the dribble or pull up from long distance. He is currently averaging 15.1 points and nearly six rebounds a game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Colin-Ruffin-II.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1011237" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Colin-Ruffin-II-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1182211" first="Colin" last="Ruffin"] (Nixa): The talented 6'3" 2022 point guard is at the controls of a well-balanced Eagles team that is currently 19-3. His handles are smooth and he has pinpoint passing skills and 3-point shooting range. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/0626826F-89F8-4D3C-A51D-FB6332389033.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1273698" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/0626826F-89F8-4D3C-A51D-FB6332389033-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984945" first="Andrew" last="Dalton"] (Ava): The 6'3" 2022 wing has been a bucket since entering high school four seasons ago. He's a matchup nightmare with his physical strength and versatile skill set. He has scored more than 2,000 points in his career and still counting. He has led the Bears to a 19-3 record.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/3DCA35BC-088D-44F0-BAF3-111E8D315410.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1218346" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/3DCA35BC-088D-44F0-BAF3-111E8D315410-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1160651" first="Jadis" last="Jones"]: The 6’5" 2024 forward is a walking double-double the Eagles. He is an offensive force around the basket and he’s strong on the offensive boards. He made the All-Tournament Team at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield, which included a 17-point, 19-rebound performance against Parkview.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/6F8A7A74-13E9-4E40-A7A1-7C393AAB123F.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1222332" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/6F8A7A74-13E9-4E40-A7A1-7C393AAB123F-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984950" first="Matt" last="Enright"] (Webster Groves): Matty Ice has been a consistent bucket-getter and perimeter shooter throughout the season. He led the Statesmen to a pair of tournament championships. The 6’0" guard is averaging 14.7 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Isaiah-Reams.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1166032" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Isaiah-Reams-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984957" first="Isaiah" last="Reams"] (Mexico): The 6'0" point guard has enjoyed a big senior season in leading the Bulldogs to a 18-0 record this season. He is currently averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while making 38 percent of his 3-point attempts.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/E3BE8E45-0030-41FA-804D-3535E5198C42.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1369662" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/E3BE8E45-0030-41FA-804D-3535E5198C42-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Cooper Francis (Salisbury): The 6'3" 2024 guard is fully recovered from a knee injury that cost him his freshman season and he's having a big sophomore campaign. He's an explosive athlete who attacks the rim, but can also pull up and hit perimeter jumpers. His exciting play has led the Panthers to a 19-1 record.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>