Big 2023 Stock Risers
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Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look of big Class of 2023 stock risers from around the state. Ahlante Askew Ahlante Askew 6'1" | PG Republic | 2023 State MO (Republic): The 6’2 point guard has led the Tigers to a…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look of big Class of 2023 stock risers from around the state.
Ahlante Askew Ahlante Askew 6'1" | PG Republic | 2023 State MO (Republic): The 6’2 point guard has led the Tigers to a 12-1 record with his stellar play at both ends of court. On offense, he is the floor general, primary scorer and taker and maker of clutch shots. Prime example was the 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie Hartville in the semifinals of the Blue & Gold Tournament, which Republic went on to win. He also continues to play excellent defense, which has always been a part of his make up.
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Giovanni Mack Giovanni Mack 6'0" | PG Belton | 2023 State MO (Belton): The 6’0″ combo guard has been one of the most impressive guards in the Kansas City area this season. He is an excellent facilitator and he mixes those playmaking skills with his ability to get buckets at all three levels, which includes a smooth stroke from 3-point range. He is also an excellent rebounder from the guard position. Gio is really stuffing the stat sheet this season as he is currently 21.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.3 steals a game.
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Cole Nichols Cole Nichols 6'2" | PG Dexter | 2023 State MO (Dexter): The 6’2″ point guard has been excellent this season as one of the top offensive players in the SEMO region. He has been strong 3-point shooter throughout his career, but he has evolved into a more complete offensive player in the past two seasons as he’s diversified his game. He can hit the mid-range jumper and he attacks the basket well to draw fouls and get three-points plays. He led Dexter to the championship of the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament. He also put up some big numbers in the SEMO Conference Tournament against some of the top teams in the area.
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Jack Gogue Jack Gogue 6'8" | PF Richmond | 2023 State MO (Richmond): The 6’8″ 265-pound forward has been one of the most impressive frontcourt players that I’ve watched in the past couple of weeks. The big lefty uses his size to take up space and establish his position and he can move people around like furniture inside. He also has a nice soft touch in the paint and out to about 15 feet. The Big Fella is also handling the ball much more this season as I’ve seen him go coast to coast after grabbing a rebound to either drop a dime or go all the way to the basket for a layup. He can event step out and hit a 3-pointer. He is averaging 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks a game.
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Amari Foluke (Metro): The 6’1″ shooting guard is one of the top bucket-getters in the state. He is long and lean and has the ability to score at all three levels with equal effectiveness. He led the St. Louis metro area in scoring last season at xx points a game, and he is doing the same this season at 33.2 points a game. He shooting splits are also excellent as he shoots 50 percent from the field, 44 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free throw line. That shows that despite putting up big numbers, he is taking a high volume of bad shots. He is very efficient on offense and that is despite facing double and triple teams defenses throughout the season.
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Demetris Phillips (Lutheran St Charles): The big-bodied 6’5″ combo forward is one of the most difficult matchups that you’ll see in the state. The big lefty has a nice combination of power and finesse. He has the size and physical strength to get what he wants in the paint. But he is also a very skilled perimeter player who can beat defenders off the dribble and knock down jumpers. He is currently averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds a game while shooting 55 percent from the field. In his last outing, he had a big night with 39 points and 15 rebounds in a victory over Lutheran North.
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Ryan Murdock Ryan Murdock 6'6" | PF Francis Howell North | 2023 State MO (Francis Howell North): A 6’6″ forward who has been one of the top players in St. Charles County during the past three seasons, but he has taken his play to an even higher level as a senior. He is very active in the post and he has plenty of bounce around the basket as he will dunk on anyone at a moment’s notice. He is equally skilled in the low post and at the high post with his shooting touch and ability to handle the ball and pass it. He is currently averaging 21 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a game while shooting 53 percent from the field. He has already committed to Ripon College.
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Tristan Johnson (Bernie): The 5’11” point guard is one of the top offensive threats in the SEMO area. After leading the Mules to a berth in the Class 2 state championship game last season, he is back to have another big season. He has good speed and quickness and he is a very difficult cover because he can beat defenders on penetrating drives, but when they give him a step, he is capable of knocking down 3-pointers with terrific range. He is averaging well over 20 points a game in leading Bernie to a 9-3 record.
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Amarre Clark Amarre Clark 6'1" | CG Hillcrest | 2023 State MO (Hillcrest): A smooth 6’0″ lefty combo guard who has made a big impact at Hillcrest after transferring over from Parkview before his senior year. He has a nice shooting stroke from long distance, whether he shoots it off the catch or creating off the dribble. When he gets to drive with his dominant left hand, he is tough to stop when he gets downhill as he has a nice floater and runner in offensive repertoire. He is a threat to score 20 points whenever he touches the floor.
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Kolton Garner (Hallsville): A dynamic 6’5″ wing player who has been one of the top players in the Mid-Mo area as he’s lead Hallsville to a 10-1 record. He’s an explosive athlete who can score at all three levels. He is hitting 35 percent from 3-point range and he can hit them off the catch or create off the dribble. He is at his best when he is attacking the basket, where he can cover a lot of ground with his long stride to the basket. He finishes well at the rim with either a reverse layup or an emphatic slam dunk. He has an impressive motor to go along with his offensive skills. He is currently averaging 20 points, eight rebounds and two steals a game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 91 percent from the free throw line.