Norm Stewart Classic Under the Radar Standouts

The three-day Norm Stewart Classic got underway on Wednesday at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The event features many of the top players and teams in the state. Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the fine under the radar talents who caught our eye on the first day of the Classic.    The 6'5" 2025 guard took over the game down the stretch of the Bulldogs 57-54 victory over Van Buren in the opening boys game of the event. He finished the game with 24 points, six rebounds, six steals and four blocks. In the fourth quarter with the game in the balance, the long lefty made every big play as he either got to the basket to score or he dropped off a pass to a teammate for a layup. His height enables him to see over the defense with out much difficulty. He covers so much space with his long stride when he looks to attack the basket.     It was my first time seeing this 5'11" 2027 point guard in action and I was impressed with his performance. He had 15 points, six rebounds and two assists against School of Osage. He is solidly built with good quickness to go along with his strength. He knocked down a couple of 3-pointers off the high ball screen. He did a good job of getting downhill and making things happen on the drive. He is also a stout defensive player.      A 6'5" 2025 forward who scored 13 points in Osage's victory over Dixon. He is an efficient offensive player in the lane with a nice shooting touch. He was six of eight from the field. He used his mobility to score on some solid moves around the basket. He was very effective at scoring on the reverse layup. He ran the court well in transition.     A 6'7" 2026 power forward who had a very productive game against Oak Park. He is big and strong and he plays a meat-and-potatoes game that is very effective around the basket. I like the physicality that he plays with inside. His strength is rebounding, which was evident with the 13 boards that he grabbed. He gets good position and he also attacks the rebound with tenacity. He also scored 14 points to give him a double-double.     The 2027 guard made a bit of a name for himself in the victory over Dixon. When he came off the bench, he understood his assignment, which was to shoot the ball. He scored a team-high 14 points, which much of his damage coming from 3-point range. He hit four triples to earn Most Valuable Player honors for the game.     The 5'11" 2025 guard scored 17 points to lead the Bruins to a thrilling double-overtime victory over North Kansas City. He knocked down multiple 3-point shots, with his sweet spot being from the head of the key on this night. He plays with a lot of energy, but he puts himself in the right spot to make a play, whether it is for a steal or an offensive rebound and putback. He is an unselfish player who finds the open teammate with a pass and who is also a willing screener.     A 6'2" 2025 guard who transferred over to NKC from Belton and has already been a big asset for the Hornets. He scored 19 points in the double-overtime loss to Rock Bridge. He has good quickness and he can score from all three levels. He was also getting out in the open court and getting buckets in the transition game. With the event using a shot clock, he was able to create offense and get a good shot late in the clock with his speed and smooth handles.

The three-day Norm Stewart Classic got underway on Wednesday at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The event features many of the top players and teams in the state.
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the fine under the radar talents who caught our eye on the first day of the Classic.