Memorial Shootout Class of 2026 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the top Class of 2026 standouts who caught our eye at the Hoops Midwest Memorial Shootout in Columbia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2449470,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2930.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2930.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2449470" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1598832' first='Grady' last='Payton'] (JC Elite): A 6'7" 2026 forward from Capital City who can space the floor well with his smooth shooting stroke from 3-point range. He is an ideal "Stretch 4" with his shooting off the catch, but he can also put the ball on the floor to score on the mid-range jumper. He also has a nice touch inside where he can shoot over smaller defenders. He's got a chance to have a big breakout year next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2449471,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2873.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2873.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2449471" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2426370' first='Pacey' last='Reading'] (VF Indians): A 6'5" forward from Van-Far who is a multi-tasker while playing for his high school team. He's a versatile wing who is an excellent offensive player who also facilitates offense with his passing. He shot it well from 3-point range and he was effective when attacking on the drive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2449473,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2901.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2901.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2449473" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaion Crump (Columbia Wildcats): A 6'4" 2026 wing from Father Tolton who has length and explosive athleticism. He is a handful when he's able to get downhill on the drive to the basket. He can also create his own shot off the dribble. He also knocked down a big game-tying 3-pointer in the closing seconds in the game that I watched. He can also be a strong defender with his wingspan and athletic ability</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2449474,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2928.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2928.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2449474" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Donovan Paris (573 Elite): A 6'2" guard from Rock Bridge who scored on some very slick moves in the lane off the dribble. He does a good job of playing off of two feet and getting buckets in traffic. He is also very good when he is moving without the ball and making things happen on the offensive end. His game is fundamentally sound.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2449477,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2932.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2932.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2449477" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marcus Driver (JC Elite): A 5'11" point guard from Capital City who plays an aggressive and fearless style that I like. He drove in the lane and took a couple of hits and was knocked down, but he kept attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. He made a lot of hustle plays with his motor as he was getting on the floor for loose balls and rebounding from the guard position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->