Norm Stewart Classic Game MVPs
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Prep Hoops Missouri got a chance to watch several games from the Norm Stewart Classic last weekend via the Magical Stream Machine. The three-day event featured several top players and teams from around the state of Missouri and the Midwest…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri got a chance to watch several games from the Norm Stewart Classic last weekend via the Magical Stream Machine. The three-day event featured several top players and teams from around the state of Missouri and the Midwest region. Here is a look at some of the standout players that took home Most Valuable Player honors in their respective games.
Darin Conley Darin Conley 6'5" | PF Pembroke Hill | 2023 State MO (Pembroke Hill): The 6’5″ 2023 forward put up one of the most impressive lines of the event in leading Pembroke to an impressive victory over Kankakee (IL). The young man they call “Diesel” scored 19 point and grabbed an event-high 22 rebounds on the evening. That is an impressive rebounding total, but not surprising as he is arguably the best rebounder in the state. He tracks the ball and goes after each board with great desire. He is also a dependable finisher around the basket.
Jobe Bryant Jobe Bryant 6'0" | PG Park Hills Central | 2024 State MO (Park Hills Central): The 6’0″ 2024 point guard led the Rebels to a victory over Fulton on the opening night of the Classic. He scored a game high 22 points while also displaying his elite passing and playmaking skills. He is nearly impossible to keep out of the lane on the dribble. He can create contact and get buckets with excellent body control and a nice shooting touch. He also dropped several pretty dimes, which a few being of the no-look variety.
Corbin Allen Corbin Allen 6'5" | SG Oak Park | 2025 State #169 Nation MO (Oak Park): The 6’4″ 2025 guard enjoyed an excellent all-around performance in leading the Northmen to a 61-40 victory ever Battle. He finished the game with 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, plus he blocked a shot. He can play any position on the floor as he facilitates the offense from the point guard position. He rebounds like a power forward and he can get buckets on slashing drives and mid-range jumpers.
Brady Bowers Brady Bowers 6'1" | PG Rock Bridge | 2023 State MO (Rock Bridge): The 6’1″ 2023 guard earned MVP honors after leading the Bruins to a 46-32 victory over Peoria Notre Dame. He scored a game-high 20 points as he displayed his smooth shooting stroke from 3-point range on multiple occasions. He also had some tough takes in the lane where he scored on floaters, with a deft touch over the reach of opposing defenders.
Brayden Shorter Brayden Shorter 6'5" | SF Springfield Kickapoo | 2023 State MO (Kickapoo): The 6’6″ 2023 Washburn recruit took home MVP honors after helping lead the Chiefs to an impressive 58-45 victory over CBC on Saturday evening. Brayden scored 17 points and grabbed a game high nine rebounds while showcasing his impressive shooting stroke from 3-point range. He can really stretch the defense with his shooting, but he can also put in the floor to create a short jumper and he also dropped a few nice dimes that led to layups.
Nilivan Daniels Nilivan Daniels 6'3" | SG Chaminade | 2023 State MO (Chaminade): The 6’3″ 2023 guard completed an excellent weekend of play by garnering top honors in the Red Devils 65-51 victory over Columbia Hickman. He scored a game-high 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He followed up on a nice Friday night performance where he scored 25 points against Metro Catholic Conference rival CBC. He is a potent offensive player who can knock down 3-pointers and attack on the drive. He also plays with a high motor as he can get to rebounds and loose balls with excellent hustle.
Isaia Howard Isaia Howard 6'5" | SG Plattsburg | 2024 State MO (Plattsburg): The 6’5″ 2024 guard put up a triple double in leading Plattsburg to a 64-36 victory over Dixon. Howard finished the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the triple-dub and he added six steals for good measure. He is so creative when he his getting to the basket off the dribble. He can finish in a variety of ways. He has been a bucket since he entered high school, but he also does a good job of elevating his teammates and making them better, which makes Plattsburg a tough group to deal with.
Derrick Rivers (Cardinal Ritter): The 6’0″ 2024 guard guard earned MVP honors after the Lions hard-fought 50-49 victory over New Madrid Central in the Midnight Special on Friday. He really fuels the engine on defense with his tenacity and ability to apply on-ball pressure. Whether in a man-to-man or a zone, he’s always active and getting deflections with also lead to steals and fast breaks. He penetrates the lane well and he’s capable of hitting the open 3-pointer.
Stephen Okoro Stephen Okoro 6'9" | PF Principia | 2023 State MO (Principia): The 6’9″ 2023 forward was a pillar of strength on the interior in leading the Panthers to a 55-23 victory over Christian. In his team’s eight victories and undefeated start, he has been a reliable double-double and early Saturday morning was no different as he finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds. He, along with Darin Conley Darin Conley 6'5" | PF Pembroke Hill | 2023 State MO of Pembroke Hill, are two of the most ferocious rebounders that you’re going to see.
James Lee James Lee 5'10" | PG Father Tolton | 2023 State MO (Father Tolton): The 5’11” point guard earned MVP honors after leading the Trailblazers to a victory over Bartlesville (OK) in the event’s final game. He impacted the game at both ends of the court as he finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and five steals. He’s jet quick and he uses that speed to his advantage in the open court. He is a tough cover because he can blow by defenders with his quickness, yet still can also pull up and hit the perimeter jumper.
Chase Schnieders (Blair Oaks): The 6’5′ 2023 forward came off the bench to earn game MVP honors in the Falcons victory over South Callaway. He scored 15 points while providing a nice spark with his high energy and activity. He was flying around for rebounds and he also ran the court well to get transition buckets.