May Hoopfest Class of 2026 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of Class of 2026 standouts from last weekend's Premier Hoops May Hoopfest, which was held at the Center of St. Louis Sports.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1958785,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0773.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0773.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1958785" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marcus Hughes (Gateway-Knights 16U): A 6'1 guard from Principia who was playing up with the 16U squad and he did a nice job offensively. He is a very effective slashing threat who can also create his own shot off the dribble. He was also knocking down 3-pointers as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1958956,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0774.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0774.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1958956" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> [player_tooltip player_id='2420686' first='Nick' last='Harper'] (Gateway-Knights 15U): A 6'1 guard from DeSmet who plays with a motor that never, never stops. He is relentless in his consistent attacks on the basket. He is an excellent finisher in traffic and through contact. He also does a very good job on the offensive boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1958961,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0757.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0757.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1958961" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ted Naasah (STL Ballerz 15U): A 6'4 small forward from Lift for Life who has good length, a good motor and a nice perimeter skill set. He shoots the 3-pointer well and he can also put it on the floor and make plays. He was also a solid defender with his length.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1959013,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0761-1.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0761-1.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1959013" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Chris-Michael Clayborn (IL Raptors): A )') forward from East St Louis (IL) who was tough to handle inside with his strength and activity. His game is blue-collar, but it's very effective because he works hard to establish his position and he's a good finisher. He also hit the offensive boards well, which produced several put backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*****<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1958971,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0803.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0803.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1958971" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack Anderson (Gateway-Knights 15U): A 6'0 guard from Ladue who was one of the most impressive shooters that I watched during the weekend. He made four 3-pointers in the 15 championship game, including the game winner in the closing seconds. He has a solid body who makes good decisions with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1958976,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0762.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0762.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1958976" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jonathan Rimmer (STL Ballerz 15U): A 6'1 guard from Hazelwood West who is long and athletic and loved to push the pace when he had the ball. His burst is good as he got into the lane and he could knock down the mid range jumper on the stop and pop </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1958985,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0797.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_0797.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1958985" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Christian Rankin (Gateway-Knights 15U): A 6'3 forward from DeSmet who is a high energy player who was very effective around the basket. He finished well in traffic and he did a good job rebounding out of his area and hustling for loose balls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->