Standout Kiddos at the GoL1VE Fall League

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri was in Columbia on Wednesday night to check out the final playoff session of the GoL1VE Fall League. Here is a look at a group of talented kiddos from the Classes of 2028, 2029 and 2030, who were in action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2747261' first='Heath' last='Turner-Diaz'] (Columbia Independent): It was my first time seeing this talented 6'0" 2029 point guard in person and I was very impressed with his overall skill set and floor game. He runs the pick-and-roll very well as he can turn the corner, hit the jumper or slip a nice dime to the roller. His handles are excellent and he can really pass it from multiple angles. He does a good job of keeping the defender on his hip when he attacks the paint. He was also using his strength to back down a smaller defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tatum Braman (Hallsville): A 5'9" 2028 point guard who always plays an exciting and energetic game every time I see him. He got everyone's attention when he threw down a transition dunk. He is a tough cover with his quickness and three-level scoring ability. He was getting downhill to score at the rim and he gets to the mid-range area and elevates well on his jumper. He also hit a couple of 3-pointers off the bounce. He is always going a full speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2920398' first='Theo' last='Wilson'] (Hickman): A 6'2" 2028 guard who is an up and coming young talent for the Kewpies. He is a talented offensive player with a strong floor game. He comes off the high ball screen raising up to hit the 3-pointer off the dribble. He gets into the paint very well with two feet and maneuvers well inside to get a bucket. He is one who seems to make the right play. He makes the right pass of the penetrate and kick to an open teammate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jashear Horsley (Battle): An exciting 6'2" 2028 guard who they tell me is now at Battle after playing his freshman year at Hickman. He is a dynamic athlete who scored on some acrobatic layups at the rim in addition to a few dunks. He has excellent body control when he is hanging in mid-air. He has a quick first step and he elevates well on the pull up jumper. He also hit a nice 3-pointer off the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2617709' first='Max' last='Minnix'] (Rock Bridge): A 6'7" 2028 forward who did some very nice things on offense. I like his fundamentals as he made some good catches in traffic and he kept the ball high to finish around the basket. Even when they were bumping his thin frame, he showed good concentration to score the basket. He had a nice jump hook over the left shoulder and he also used the glass well. He also scored on some good rim-runs in the transition game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scotty Simpson (Middle School): A 6'2" 2028 guard who gave a glimpse of what is coming in the future with an impressive performance in the opening game. He has good length and athleticism along with excellent fundamentals. He is a three-level scorer who can create his own shot off the dribble. He also made some very nice passes off the dribble to cutting teammates. To top it off, he threw down a couple of transition dunks that had folks coming out of their seats. We'll definitely be watching this youngster for down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2725754' first='Tarik' last='Memic'] (Rock Bridge): A 5'10" 2029 point guard who quietly had a big game to help his team win in the semifinals. He looked very poised for a young player as he played at his own pace. He used the shot fake to lift defenders and get to the basket. He had a nice hard dribble which led to a pull up jumper in the mid range area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Callen Putnam (Battle): A 6'3" 2029 forward who has a long, slender frame and a good skill set. The first big play I saw him make was an impressive blocked shot in transition. On offense, he is a good ball handler with a quick first step to beat defenders on the drive. He was also grabbing defensive rebounds and taking off to lead the break with his confident handles. He has a bright future with the Spartans has he continues to grown and develop in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->