Under the Radar Breakout Weekend Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of under the radar players who really broke out with some big performances over the weekend, whether it was in the state quarterfinal games around the state or at the Show Me Showdown in Columbia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1850530' first='Ian' last='Thomas'] (DeSmet): The 6'3" 2026 has come on strong down the stretch for the Spartans during their run to the Class 5 Final Four. He's a pass-first point guard with a very high basketball IQ. But in recent games, he has become more assertive on offense with his physical slashing drives that compliments the Spartans' army of 3-point shooters very well. He scored 16 points in a victory over Vianney which clinched a share of the Metro Catholic Conference title. He also had a team-high 14 points in the victory over Fort Zumwalt South in the state quarterfinals last Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2090504' first='Ben' last='Karsten'] (Vianney): The 6'2 2026 guard was the X-factor in the Golden Griffins victory over Sikeston in the Class 5 quarterfinals. He made six 3-pointers for a total of 18 points. He hit a step-back 3-pointer to give Vianney a 36-28. He also hit a big transition triple in the fourth quarter to start a 15-2 run that put the game away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1424412' first='Max' last='Rieger'] (Summit Christian): The 6'1 2025 guard had an excellent Final Four at the Class 3 state tournament in Columbia, which culminated in a 25-point performance in the state championship game against New Madrid Central. He made five 3-pointers, including a few from well beyond the 3-point line. He also reached the 1,000-point plateau in his career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott Metz (Logan Rogersville): The 6'6 2024 forward scored 18 in L-R's victory over Father Tolton in the state quarterfinals. He's strong with a big body and he uses it well in the lane. He has a soft touch inside and he can hit the 15-footer from the high post. He has a nice combination of physical strength and finesse in his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darren McHenry (Kansas City Central): The Blue Eagles have been built around some dynamic players on the perimeter, but the inside play of this 6'5" 2024 forward has also been crucial to their run to the Class 4 Final Four. He had 18 points and nine rebounds in Central's victory over St. Michael the Arch Angel in the state quarterfinals. He also had 14 points and 10 rebounds in a victory over Maryville in the sectionals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1571722' first='Josiah' last='Griffith'] (Hickman): The 6'0" 2024 guard had an excellent performance in his final high school game on Saturday against Oak Park in the Class 6 state quarterfinals. He showcased some tremendous perimeter shooting, including a four-point play in the third quarter. He was very steady and consistent with his 3-point stroke throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1425731' first='Trace' last='Sadler'] (Sikeston): The 7'0" 2025 center had one of his best offensive games of the season in the Bulldogs loss to Vianney in the Class 5 state quarterfinals. He is usually good for catching one or two lob passes for dunks a game, but he was also very assertive in looking for his offense in the post. He has a nice jump hook over the left shoulder and he also drove it well as he was matched up against Vianney's 7'3" center [player_tooltip player_id='1850525' first='Symon' last='Ghai'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A.J. Ruff (New Madrid Central): The 5'9 2024 point guard has been known for his defensive prowess throughout his career. In his last game as an eagle, he broke loose for 21 points in the Class 3 championship game against Summit Christian. He got things going early with eight quick points on a 3-pointer and a couple of pull up jumpers. He provided some great offensive support for star teammates [player_tooltip player_id='1160651' first='Jadis' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1160820' first='B.J.' last='Williamson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->