Under the Radar standouts on No. 1 Seed Teams

Earl Austin February 21, 2023 @ 11:19 AM

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of players who have been operating under the radar, but have had big years in leading their respective teams to excellent seasons and No. 1 seeds in this week's district tournaments in Classes 1,2 and 3 around the state. All of them will be playing in semifinals games on Wednesday night.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161298' first='Kyle' last='Eckhoff'] (Lincoln): The versatile 6'3" 2023 guard has led a well-balanced an experienced Lincoln team to an undefeated 26-0 regular season and a No. 1 seed in the Class 2, District 8 tournament at Lincoln. He has a strong build and a nice overall skill set which makes him tough to match up with. He can break down defenders off the dribble, slash to the basket and pull up and knock down the 3-pointer. He also has good playmaking skills to make his teammates better.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161318' first='Luke' last='Bushey'] (Dadeville): The 6'4" 2023 wing has led Dadeville to a top seed in the Class 1, District 5 tournament at Wheatland. A four-year starter, he is one of the top small-school performers in the SWMO area. He has an excellent shooting stroke from 3-point range, plus he has solid handles and passing skills. He can also go inside and score to take advantage of his height.   Lukas Barnes (Cooter): A 6'3" 2023 forward who has led a talented Cooter squad to a 23-3 record and a top seed in the Class 2, District 1 tournament at Holcomb. He is a tough around the basket as a scorer, but he also stepped out and made 35 3-pointers this season. He is currently averaging 21 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.2 steals while shooting 58 percent from the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1440477' first='Jay' last='Baxter'] (Stockton): The talented 6'5" 2023 forward has led the Tigers to a No. 1 seed in the Class 3, District 12 tournament at Diamond. He is a versatile wing player whe can really heat it up from 3-point range when he gets going. He can also pull up from the mid-range and hit the jumper. He also has some explosive athleticism as he can attack the basket and throw down an impressive dunk in traffic. He puts up double-doubles on a consistent basis while playing with a high motor.   Edris Hamilton (Glasgow): A 6'1" 2023 guard who has led a good Yellowjackets team to a No. 1 seed at the Class 1, District 10 tournament at xx. He is a smooth combo guard who can create off the dribble and score on penetrating drives and hit the 3-pointer. He is also a dangerous weapon when he gets in the open court as he scores well in the transition game. He has good length and defensive instincts to get deflections and create steals. He anticipates well and darts the passing lanes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1169168' first='Wil' last='Carlton'] (Marionville): The 5'11" 2023 point guard is a multi-sport standout who has been a stalwart in the Comets' staring lineup for the past four years. This year, he has led the Comets to a 24-2 record and a No. 1 seed in the Class 2, District 12 tournament at Verona. He has scored more than 1,500 points in his career and he did it in a variety of ways. He's strong enough to score on slashing drives inside and he is a capable 3-point shooter. He also rebounds and plays solid defense and he's not afraid of the big moment in close games.   Magal Chol-Case (Rich Hill): A 6'3" 2023 wing player who has led Rich Hill to a No. 1 seed at the Class 1, District 8 tournament at Drexel. He is long and lanky and he has impressive length, which he uses to block shots in the low post. He has good timing so he doesn't foul while getting swats. He is also a versatile offensive player with good handles and an impressive mid-range jumper. He elevates well and shoots over defenders. He can also score in the post with quick moves inside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1424402' first='Clayton' last='Garrison'] (Chadwick): A 6'2" 2025 guard who has been a do-it-all performer in leading Chadwick to a top seed at the Class 1, District 4 tournament at Chadwick. He is very skill with good athleticism and a nice feel for the game. He is a solid playmaker who can get a bucket at all three levels. He also rebounds well from the guard position, where he can just take off on a coast to coast drive for a layup or a dunk.

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of players who have been operating under the radar, but have had big years in leading their respective teams to excellent seasons and No. 1 seeds in this week's district tournaments in Classes 1,2 and 3 around the state. All of them will be playing in semifinals games on Wednesday night.