The Best of the La Plata Invitational

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri took in some small school action over the weekend by watching the La Plata Invitational via the MGical Stream Machine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atlanta defeated Green City 63-62 for the championship in a real thriller. Canton defeated Schuyler County in the third place game. Here are some of the top standouts that we watched at La Plata.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1424926' first='Xander' last='Salas'] (Green City): The 5'10" 2025 point guard was very impressive in leading Green City to the championship game, where he scored a game-high 20 points. He plays the game with good pace, but he was always under control. He was very hard to keep out of the paint and he had a nice runner in the lane. He could also create his own shot with his handles and shiftiness and his mid-range jumper was butter. He also distributes the ball well as he dropped some nice dimes while on the move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason Reed (Atlanta): The 2025 guard was the shooting star of the championship game as he scored a team-high 19 points and knocked down five 3-pointers. He hit two big triples in the closing minutes to spark the Hornets from a late 10-point deficit to win the game. He started the game in a similar fashion with a pair of 3-pointers to open the game. He range extended well past the 3-point line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1440688' first='Roman' last='Phillips'] (Atlanta): A 6'8" 2023 forward who scored 13 points in the championship game. He drew a crowd throughout the game as he attracted double and triple teams on a regular basis. He was patient with the ball and he passed it well out of those double teams to open shooters. He also had a nice shooting touch around the basket and he controlled the defensive backboards for much of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Preston Brewer (Canton): A 6'6" 2025 forward who has a very nice overall skill set. He scored 17 points in Canton's victory over Schuyler County in the third-place game. He has good mobility and a variety of moves that he can use on the dribble, which included a nice spin dribble in transition for layup. He scored on good cuts without the ball and he could also wheel and deal in the low post. He can also step out and hit the 3-pointer off the catch. This young man bears watching in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2544963' first='JJ' last='White'] (Atlanta): The 6'0" 2025 guard was the hero on the championship game as he hit a 10-foot baseline jumper as time expired to give the Hornets a 63-62 victory over Green City. He had some other solid takes to the basket where he could score through contact, plus he hit a 3-pointer. He showcased some good passing skills as the team's primary ball handler and facilitator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Asher Buggs-Tipton (Atlanta): A 5'10" 2024 guard who scored 14 points in the championship game against Atlanta. Despite being a smaller player, it didn't bother him from being very aggressive when it came to attacking the basket. He used his body well inside to draw contact and he was able to finish around the basket. He also had a quick first step when it came to attacking the basket off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kale Windy (Schuyler County): A 5'11" 2024 guard who scored a team-high 19 points in the Rams' loss to Canton in the third-place game. He displayed good speed in the open court as he was looking to penetrate into the lane. He also shot the ball well from 3-point range against a zone defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kyle Frazier (Canton): A 6'8 2023 forward who did a solid job of patrolling the middle. He's a mobile big who rebounded well and blocked shots. He is also a capable scorer when he catches the ball in certain positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brendyn McDaniel (North Shelby): The 6'1 2023 guard scored 25 points against Putnam County in the consolation round. He is a versatile offensive threat who is capable of getting a bucket at all three levels. He makes 3-pointers, he can attack on the drive and he can operate in the high post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen Ream (Putnam County): The 6'1 2024 guard scored 19 points in a victory over North Shelby in the consolation round. He was on fire from long distance as he made five 3-pointers. His hot shooting helped Putnam rally from a 19-point deficit to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->