Blue Fish Shootout Underclassmen Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri opened its 2023-24 regular season coverage by watching the action at the Blue Fish Shootout in Rolla via the Magical Stream Machine. There were a host of good young players at the event. Here is a look at those underclassmen who caught my eye at Rolla.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1790000' first='Ethan' last='Brown'] (Rolla): The 6'4" 2026 guard showed why he is one of the state's top young prospects in leading the Bulldogs to a victory over Capital City on Friday night. It took him just a few possessions for him to impact the game as he drew a foul on a nice drive and hit the free throws. He then stole a pass on the top of the pass and threw down a big dunk. He followed that up with a 3-pointer from close to the volleyball line. In addition to his three-level scoring, he was setting up his teammates with some smooth passes off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2544925' first='Preston' last='Heads'] (Cuba): It was my first time seeing this 6'5" 2025 small forward and I was impressed with his overall skill set. He used his length to his advantage to get deflections on the defensive end. He is a versatile offensive player who is very comfortable on the perimeter. He had some nice slashing drives to the basket and he also knocked down multiple 3-pointers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2205728' first='Brennen' last='Meloy'] (Bunker): A 6'1" 2027 point guard who has an impressive skill set and who plays with a lot of poise for a youngster at his position. He hit a couple of 3-pointers to open things up against Hermann, then he hit the close out with a nice pump fake and pull up jumper. He is solid on the drive and he also delivered some nice passes off the dribble. This youngster has a nice future ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coulter Schwartz (Hermann): A 6'4" 2025 forward who I first saw at the Arsenal Fall League in September and was impressed with him back then. The young lefty has a very effective post game as he uses his strength and excellent footwork to maneuver in the paint. His go-to is the spin move which is very tight and hard to defend. He was very good at establishing his position inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Easton Smith (Rolla): A 6'4" 2026 forward who did some really nice things on Friday night. He had a nice shooting touch from 15 feet along the baseline. He did a good job of screening for his teammates and he was constantly on the floor getting after loose balls. He is solidly built and he plays with a strong motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2544928' first='Jesse' last='Elrod'] (Cuba): A 6'1" 2025 guard who was very aggressive in attacking the basket at every opportunity. He was constantly probing the defense for passing lanes and he could also snake his way through traffic as he used his strength to get into the lane. He could drop off a nice dime to a teammate off his dribble penetration and he could also hit the open 3-pointer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daeden Hopkins (Hermann): A 6'6" 2025 forward who did a good job of controlling the defensive boards in the game against Bunker. He showed good athleticism as he grabbed rebounds at its highest point. He also used his length and timing to be an effective shot blocker. He is a solid passer from the high post and he could finish when he had his opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>John Papadakos (Rolla): A 6'0" 2025 guard who is a very solid all-around player. He is a dependable ball handler and passer who was capable of knocking down the open 3-pointer. He was also very good on the drive at using his body to draw contact and getting to the free throw line. He also had good anticipation and instincts on the defensive end to be in the right position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyler Litz (Rolla): A 5'11" 2025 point guard who has good quickness and likes to play with a lot of pace. He had a couple of slick no-look passes that led to buckets by his teammates. He did a nice job of threading the needle with a pass through the zone defense. The ball did not stick in his hand as he kept it moving. He could also hit the high-arching 3-pointer when left open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->