Show Me Showdown: Friday Night 17U Highlights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown got underway on Friday night at the brand new Chesterfield Sports Complex in Chesterfield, Mo. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We got the opportunity to watch three games in the 17U Division on Friday night. Here are some observations from what we witnessed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Zoski Elite vs Marcus Denmon Select</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1970769,"width":194,"height":145,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1046.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1046.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1970769" width="194" height="145" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the opening game, Zoski Elite defeated Marcus Denmon Select in a very entertaining game which saw the lead change hands throughout the contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zoski Elite was led by 6'1 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1427978' first='Jacob' last='Stellwagen'], (pictured) a sharpshooting guard who scored 29 points and made seven :-pointers. He was knocking down shots from well beyond the 3-point line and he can create off the dribble. Doing the work inside was 6'3 2024 Rai Clark, who scored 20 points. He was a workhorse performer who had one of the best motors that we watched on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marcus Denmon has a speedy backcourt in 5'10 2024 Devin Bolton and 5'7 2025 Zion Simmons. Bolton is a quick lefty with penetrating ability and a capable 3-point shot. He scored 22 points and made three triples. Simmons is a 5'7 point guard who excelled in the defensive end. His on-ball pressure was excellent throughout the game. James Minks, a 6'3 2024 wing scored 19 points, with most coming in fearless drives to the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1970775,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1069.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1069.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1970775" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Sky Ice Elite vs Illinois Bears</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sky Ice Elite defeated the Illinois Bears in a battle of teams from Illinois. Sky Ice Eite has a talented guard in 6'2 2024 Caleb Gephart (pictured). The smooth lefty had excellent athleticism to go along with three-level scoring ability. He can slash to the basket and hit perimeter shots with equal effectiveness. Trey Welter is a 5'8 2024 point guard who was making high-arching 3-pointers and dropping slick dimes on the move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Josh Waller of the Bears is a 2024 guard who shot the ball well with four made 3-pointers. Fellow 2024 guard Owen Liefer complimented Walker's shooting with his fearless slashing in the lane. He got down hill at every opportunity and could finish with either hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Triple Threat Academy vs Hardwood Elite-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1970781,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1079.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1079.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1970781" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the finale, Triple Threat Academy defeated Hardwood Elite-2 in a battle of local teams from the St. Louis area. Triple Threat was playing the second of back to back games, but it mattered little as it unleashed its perimeter firepower. The leader was 6'3 2024 Nick Horras (pictured) who scored 32 points, including five 3-pointers. Nick Leavitt, a 6'1 guard scored 17 points. He's a solid performer with a nice outside shot. [player_tooltip player_id='1268029' first='Colin' last='Debold'] is a 6'5 combo guard who can shoot it from distance and drop nice dimes with his court vision. Jamorie Wysinger is a 6'0 2024 point guard who can break down defenders and make 3-pointers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardwood Elite was led by Zack Bone, a hard-working 6'3 2024 forward who was a force on the offensive boards. Ray Butler is a powerful 6'0 2024 guard who was on fire early with his physical drives to the basket and a pair of 3-pointers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->