June Scholastic Previews: De Smet

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri will be doing team previews on some of the top in-state programs during the scholastic period. Due to recent NCAA calendar changes, June has become vital to recruiting and the high school game. There's two live periods so this is a great time to evaluate prospects and gain insight into teams for the upcoming season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>De Smet are the reigning Class 5 champions and have the unique circumstance of returning their entire roster the following season. Kent Williams found the perfect balance with his team and coached them to a perfect postseason. The shooting, toughness, and creation ability of his guards makes them a difficult out every night. Spacing and defense are principles of their success.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1715259' first='Riley' last='Massey']</strong> is naturally the first name who will come up in conversation. He's one of their top prospects, has played multiple seasons, and is a senior. He makes a major impact on both sides of the ball. Capable of playing the 1-4 in an interchangeable high school offense. His off the ball movement paired with excellent shooting makes him a key scoring threat. Massey is also a top defender in the program. The Division 2 level and higher is his fit as a prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1850530' first='Ian' last='Thomas']</strong> does everything you want from a pass first point guard. He sets the table and makes sure his teammates are fed. Everything he does looks effortless. A junior guard that will run the show at an elite level. He absorbs contact well as a driver and isn't easy to knock off his path. A through the roof basketball IQ helps him on not just offense, but defense. A consistent producer every night. Thomas is the type of player you see win tons of games during his prep career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dillon Duff</strong> is set to play football at the next level but don't be surprised to see him play in a live period or two. He's their best shooter and dominated during the final two games of last season. A marksman that hits plenty of threes with great efficiency. His frame is strong and allows him to mix up the offense with timely drives. When Duff is playing, this team raises their ceiling to the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557460' first='Owen' last='Duff']</strong> is the other brother and brings many of the same qualities to the floor. An excellent three point shooter that led the team in scoring much of last season. His game is versatile and allows him to adapt in any system. There will be schools who see his skillset and start recruiting him over the next few months. A plug &amp; play guard that will generate tons of great looks on the offensive end. Duff is the type of player who can make 80-100 threes in a full season's worth of work. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No team would be complete with a forward to do the little things. That's exactly what they have in <strong>Liam Russo</strong> who's set to play football at the next level. He's a well built 6'6 prospect that rebounds and sets screens. Scrappy and tough. He brings everything together. Russo is the guy who occupies the middle of the floor and defends skilled post players. He's very good in his role and accepts the task.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->