Those Lethal Lefties

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top standouts around the state who happen to be lefthanded. Here is our annual salute to those "Lethal Lefties."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1487677,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/6D13FD23-BDEC-4AA5-9068-750A57585E17.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/6D13FD23-BDEC-4AA5-9068-750A57585E17.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1487677" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1070087' first='Kael' last='Combs'] (Nixa): The 6'4" 2023 guard has been tremendous this season in leading the Eagles to an undefeated record late in the season. In addition to scoring 25 to30 points every night, he is making it a habit to hit clutch shots when the team needs them the most. He has also done a great job of making his teammates better around him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1424619,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/5D203FE6-84CB-4C31-84AE-372B43749A63.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/5D203FE6-84CB-4C31-84AE-372B43749A63.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1424619" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1160651' first='Jadis' last='Jones'] (New Madrid): The athletic 6'5" 2024 forward has been a force in the SEMO area since his freshman season. After leading the Eagles to the Final Four last season, he has been better this season as he averages 23 points, 10 rebounds and three steals a game. Last Friday, he had 29 points and 23 rebounds in a SEMO Conference victory over Jackson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1490452,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/66F720B1-7510-4AE7-AD0B-BAB39A9897DE.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/66F720B1-7510-4AE7-AD0B-BAB39A9897DE.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1490452" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1161287' first='Marqueas' last='Bell'] (Park Hill): The 6'3" 2023 guard is a three level bucket getter who is one of the top offensive players in the Kansas City area. He is capable of going off for a big number at any time with his slashing ability and 3-point shooting prowess. He is currently averaging 20.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and two steals a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>********</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1422357,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/10-Ryder-Williams.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/10-Ryder-Williams.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1422357" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1160849' first='Ryder' last='Williams'] (Versailles): The 6'2" 2024 guard is one of the most potent offensive weapons in the state this season at 30 points a game. He has shooting range that extends out to the parking lot. He recently scored his 1,500th career point and he is well on track to surpass 2,000 points sometime next season. He erupted for a pair of 50-point games last week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1167327' first='Jack' last='Gogue'] (Richmond): The 6'8" 270-pound center has been dominant this season in leading the Spartans to a xx record. He is averaging North of 20 points and 10 rebounds this season. He controls the action in the paint on offense, but he has also extended his game to the perimeter as he can handle the ball and hit the jumper. He has committed to New Mexico State on a football scholarship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1345074,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/27A7E7B1-795F-4D65-B740-C59CC4129510.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/27A7E7B1-795F-4D65-B740-C59CC4129510.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1345074" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1259025' first='Iziah' last='Purvey'] (Webster Groves): The 6'4" 2024 forward is a multi-tasker who can dominate in the low post with his variety of moves in the lane and ability to pass the ball. He is also playing a lot of point-forward this season as he can facilitate offense and make decisions with the ball. He is currently averaging 16.2 points and 8.0 rebounds a game while shooting 42 percent from 3-point range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>********</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1369662,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/E3BE8E45-0030-41FA-804D-3535E5198C42.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/E3BE8E45-0030-41FA-804D-3535E5198C42.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1369662" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1427979' first='Cooper' last='Francis'] (Salisbury): The 6'4" 2024 guard is one of the top players in the Class 2 ranks. He is an explosive athlete who slash to the basket and score at the rim or he can step out and knock down the 3-pointer off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1486405,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/CDA07380-89C6-40C5-8104-6AC6ED8AC9D6.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/CDA07380-89C6-40C5-8104-6AC6ED8AC9D6.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1486405" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1070091' first='Jorden' last='Williams'] (Whitfield): A 6'0" 2023 point guard who has been a standout for the Warriors for four varsity seasons. He is an excellent 3-point shooter with the ability to penetrate and hit floaters in the lane. He is averaging 16 points a game while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1678784,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/A1E3EA38-4D56-4095-92A6-94B0DF05330D-scaled.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/A1E3EA38-4D56-4095-92A6-94B0DF05330D-scaled.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1678784" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1160837' first='Adam' last='Rickman'] (Borgia): The 6'6" 2024 forward is a versatile talent who can control the play inside and on the perimeter. He is currently averaging 18.7 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals a game in leading the Knights to a 20-3 record. He is also a soccer standout who led the Knights to a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1500625,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/463B57E9-BB77-4D6E-B6A2-7AD77B08682E.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/463B57E9-BB77-4D6E-B6A2-7AD77B08682E.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1500625" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nic Burri (Greenwood): The 6'3" 2023 guard who has been a three-year starter for Greenwood. He is a resourceful offensive player who has the ability to drive in the lane and score in the post against smaller guards. He can compliment it with the ability to hit the 3-pointer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*********</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1488299,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/0730E410-4698-4B00-B114-483A11CF2F06.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/0730E410-4698-4B00-B114-483A11CF2F06.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1488299" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1161303' first='Joseph' last='Clark'] (Mid Buchanan): The 6'4" 2023 guard has been an excellent player for the Dragons since his freshman year. He uses his athleticism to his advantage as an effective slasher and offensive rebounder. He is also a very good defender who can be disruptive with his length and activity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1448870,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/06ABDB31-22C4-4FDC-A43C-952618AB6AFD.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/06ABDB31-22C4-4FDC-A43C-952618AB6AFD.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1448870" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1161313' first='Caden' last='Stoecklein'] (Maryville): A 6'0" point guard who has been running the show at Maryville since he walked into the school as a freshman. He's physically strong, which enables him to handle pressure defense. He can create space to get his own shot and he can knock down 3-pointers off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1771698,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/58E2AEE9-458A-4E38-833B-7DC5FD091B1B.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/58E2AEE9-458A-4E38-833B-7DC5FD091B1B.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1771698" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1424408' first='Dierre' last='Hill'] (Vashon): A 6'0" 2025 guard who is an impact player at both ends of the court. He is strong and he is dynamic with the energy that he plays with. He came up big in two of Vashon's victories in the past week. He scored 17 points and hit the game-winning 3-pointer in an overtime victory over Staley. He followed up with 15 points the Wolverines' victory over nationally-ranked Chicago Simeon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1485166,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/B2A86E12-CA9A-40C4-A30C-1735C2375380.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/B2A86E12-CA9A-40C4-A30C-1735C2375380.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1485166" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1070096' first='Evens' last='Appolon'] (Father Tolton): The 6'9" 2023 center has been patrolling the middle for the Trailblazers for the past three years. He is very difficult to move when he establishes his position in the low post. He has a nice jump hook over the right shoulder and he can also pass well out of the post. He also has a strong defensive presence in the lane with his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1471047,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/5B53A880-A1B2-4AA7-91F7-15508B5D887D.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/5B53A880-A1B2-4AA7-91F7-15508B5D887D.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1471047" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Demetris Phillips (Lutheran St. Charles): The 6'5" 2023 forward is a matchup problem with his physical size and versatile skill set on the perimeter. He is a bucket when he gets the ball in the post and he can also put the ball on the floor and make it happen off the dribble. He is currently averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>************</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1775777,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/52AE4E1F-9788-4EB4-A8CF-D96722DA19A6.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/52AE4E1F-9788-4EB4-A8CF-D96722DA19A6.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1775777" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1606866' first='Nehemiah' last='Reedus'] (Miller Career Academy): A smooth 6'3" 2023 guard who is a talented scoring threat who can also take the ball and be a playmaker with his ball handling and passing skills. He's long and lanky and he can cover a lot of ground with his stride when he attacks the basket. He is currently averaging 12 points a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->