Panther Showcase: 2024 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the weekend Prep Hoops was at Pinckneyville High School for the Panther Showcase where we took in six games checking out ranked prospects along with new ones that burst on the radar.&nbsp; Here we examine some of those players in <strong>Panther Showcase: 2024 Standouts</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2374512' first='Kaleb' last='Gardner'] (Greenville – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gardner made quite an impression early in the day with the way he scored it.&nbsp; Dropped 20 of his 28 points in the first half before Sparta went to a box in 1 on him.&nbsp; Good shooter that drained four triples from beyond the arc.&nbsp; Displayed burst off the bounce getting to the rim for finishes.&nbsp; Also had some hesitation in his game breaking down defenders consistently.&nbsp; Strong and compact frame that should see him find a home at the small college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1619364' first='Decarl' last='Payne'] (Carbondale – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payne is one of the premier scorers in southern Illinois.&nbsp; The strong and powerful two guard is a three level bucket getter that does it game in and game out.&nbsp; Payne hit an array of threes with his clean looking stroke along with mixing in pull ups from 15 feet.&nbsp; Powerful driver that loves to finish in the paint for scores through and around contact.&nbsp; Burst with the ball going downhill.&nbsp; He had 26 points.&nbsp; High level small college and JUCO prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105088' first='Miles' last='Ntekop'] (Mascoutah – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ntekop stands at 6'5” with a wide frame.&nbsp; Very mobile for his size being able to score in the paint with good footwork, positioning, and either power or finesse. Finishes well out of the dunker spot, high/low conversions, and runs the floor very fluidly for a man as big as he is.&nbsp; Rebounds well in this area and is a quality shot blocker getting a couple emphatic ones in their win where he recorded 14 points and game MVP honors.&nbsp; Should be on the small college/JUCO radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1750716' first='Cruz' last='Harlan'] (Centralia – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harlan is a point guard that will play baseball in college at John A Logan, but he completely runs the show for the Orphans on the hardwood!&nbsp; He is a master of Lee Bennett's offense as the floor general does a great job at making crisp passes to shooters and hitting teammates for back cuts.&nbsp; Crisp ball handler and is a solid shooter.&nbsp; Notched 12 points in a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daryle Jones (Centralia – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is the other senior guard for Centralia.&nbsp; Long and rangy combo guard that is a plus athlete.&nbsp; Smooth with the rock in his hands winning on straight line takes, uses his athleticism at the cup, and makes good decisions as a passer.&nbsp; Solid defender.&nbsp; Went for 10 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2318240' first='Hunter' last='Smith'] (Pinckneyville – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith popped on our radar back in the fall after a strong showing at the Pure Sweat Fall Workout.&nbsp; Really like the toughness he brings to the table at the lead guard spot.&nbsp; Plus shooter from three and hit a sweet scoop shot for 10 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2318244' first='Rodrigo' last='Lopez'] (Waterloo – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez continues to produce.&nbsp; The big bodied post garners deep post position on a consistent basis.&nbsp; Seals well for finishes on the catch.&nbsp; Utilizes a nice hook shot as well with touch.&nbsp; Rebounds well in his area.&nbsp; In a loss to Pinckneyville he had 11 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->