Clarkton Christmas Tournament Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri got a chance to watch games from the Clarkton Christmas Tournament via its magical stream machine. The tournament features some good small-school programs in Southeast Missouri. In the semifinals games that we watched, Doniphan defeated Malden while Portageville defeated East Carter. Doniphan emerged as the tournament champion after defeating top-seeded Portageville in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at some of the top players at the Clarkton Christmas Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max Owen (Doniphan): The 6'4" 2023 wing led the Dons to the tournament championship with his versatile offensive game. He scored several tough buckets around the basket in the heart of two very close tournament victories. He can handle the ball well and drive it while also being a potent perimeter shooter from 3-point range. In the championship game, he made four 3-pointers while scoring a team-high 19 points against Portageville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamarion Smith (Portageville): A 5'11" 2024 guard who earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team with his excellent play. He was excellent in the semifinals against East Carter as he scored 18 points and hit four 3-pointers. In addition to his very good shooting, he plays the game with excellent energy and activity. He is also a tremendous football player and he brings that toughness to the basketball court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1440504' first='Kam' last='Barton'] (Doniphan): A 6'6" 2023 forward who provided the tournament's most dramatic moment with a short jumper with three seconds left to give the Dons a 51-50 victory over Malden in the semifinals. He's very solid at both ends of the floor. He can score around the basket while also hitting the Corner 3-pointer. He is also a good hustling player on the boards and getting to loose balls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarmareous Farmer (Malden): A 6'2" 2024 combo guard who has been getting buckets since he entered the program as a freshman. He is a knock-down shooter from 3-point range as he was also attacking well with some smooth takes in the lane. His mid-range jumper was also very effective. He also had some quick hands, which he used very well on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marcus Burton (Malden): A 6'5" 2024 forward who is a very athletic player who plays with a high motor. He is a very active rebounder who can also block shots. He can score around the basket and he runs the court very well. He also made some explosive plays around the rim as he threw down some impressive slam dunks in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shane Townsend (Portageville): A 2024 combo guard who is capable of impacting the game in a variety of ways. He is a talented offensive player who can hit perimeter jumpers and create off the dribble. His playmaking skills are very solid as a passer and ball handler. He plays fast, but he is always under control. He is also a solid defender who plays the passing lanes well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cam Stephens (Neelyville): A 6'3" 2025 wing player who is an excellent offensive player with a deft shooting touch from 3-point range. In the game I watched against Clarkton in the consolation round, he knocked down four consecutive 3-pointers in the second quarter. He had a nice feel for the game as he moved well without the ball and was in position to make the right play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen Morgan (Clarkton): A 5'10" 2023 point guard who is an excellent floor leader as well as a talented offensive player. I liked how he was able to organize his team and made sure everyone got to their right spots on the floor. He has smooth handles and he can get to his spots on the floor. He also has a nice stroke from 3-point range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->