Stepping Into Bigger Roles in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of players that have a chance to step into bigger roles during the upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2277008' first='Kale' last='Mortimer'] (Liberty): A 5'11" 2025 point guard who had a productive junior season at nine points a game, but could really emerge as a prime scorer with the Bluejays graduating their other top four scorers. He is a very talented bucket-getter with 3-point shooting range and the ability to score at all three levels. He had a very good summer while playing with the MoKan 17U EYCL team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2099601' first='Aden' last='Jeffries'] (Cardinal Ritter): A 6'8" small forward who displayed a lot of promise in limited minutes for a senior-laden Lions' team that won a Class 6 state championship. With the graduation of a big senior class, look for Jeffries to become one of the players to watch with his smooth shooting stroke from 3-point range. He can also put the ball on the floor and hit the pull up jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2383765' first='Ra'Mond' last='Brooks'] (New Madrid Central): A 6'6" 2025 forward who was a solid player for the Eagles' Class 3 state championship team. He has good length and athleticism, which made him a very effective rebounder and shot blocker. He runs the court well and he can score around the basket. With the graduation of the dynamic duo of Jadis Jones and BJ Williamson, look for increased production from Brooks as he becomes a veteran leader on what will be a young team in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2429228' first='Hudson' last='Bock'] (Palmyra): A 5'11" 2027 guard who got an opportunity to play alongside his All-State older brother Bear Bock on a team that won a district championship and enjoyed a 26-1 record. Bear Bock is now playing at the collegiate level, but Hudson looks ready to take the reins. He is an excellent ball handler with a good feel for the game and he can also knock down the deep ball. He was impressive this summer while playing for the Tri State Select 15U squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*********</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boone Garrison (Hartville): A 6'2" 2026 point guard who was very impressive when I watched him at the Class 2 Final Four, which ended up in the Eagles winning another state championship. With a few injuries in the backcourt, Garrison stepped up and played with excellent poise as he distributed the ball and got timely buckets. He looks like somebody who has a chance to really blossom over the next two years with more full-time duty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2381378' first='Taylor' last='Anderson'] (Warrenton): A 6'5" 2026 power forward who showed me some good things when I watched him during the summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2075691' first='Missouri' last='Mavericks'] 16U team. He saw limited duty last season, but he looks much improved from when I saw him last season. He is a physical player who can rebound out of his area very well. He has also developed a few reliable moves in the low post, including a nice jump hook. I think he has a chance to elevate his game this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2539661' first='Alex' last='Hessler'] (Lindbergh): A 6'3" 2026 guard who had some bright moments during the Flyers' excellent 22-6 season in 2024. He was very good in a victory over Eureka in the championship game of the Lindbergh Tournament. The Flyers were built around a strong senior duo of guard Alex Goss and 6'10" forward Quinn Sunderland. With their graduation, Hessler will step into a prominent role this season with his perimeter skills and explosive athleticism. He had a strong summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2075283' first='Arsenal' last='Hoops'] 16U squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2344218' first='Nolan' last='Struckman'] (St. Dominic): The Crusaders have fielded some very solid teams the past two seasons with its strong Class of 2024 group. This season, they will retool around a talented group of young players with the centerpiece being this 6'5" 2027 forward. He's a very athletic and skilled young player who got his feet wet at the varsity level as a freshman. He is very comfortable on the perimeter with his ability to handle the ball, shoot it and facilitate offense with his passing. He has a bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->