Stellar Sophomores at the Webster Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of talented Class of 2028 prospects who caught our attention during our visit to the Webster Classic, which was held at historic Roberts Gym at Webster Groves High.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3231969,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/Bryce-Millien-II.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/Bryce-Millien-II.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3231969" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2569194' first='Bryce' last='Millien'] (Webster Groves): The 6'0" 2028 guard had an excellent tournament as he helped the Statesmen win the championship. He averaged 15 points a game and shot 50 percent from 3-point range. He is a very potent offensive player who has many ways that he can get a bucket. He can sit in the corner and hit no-dip 3-pointers off the catch with his very quick release. But, he is a talented scorer who creates well off the dribble and can make shots from a number of angles. He can break defenders down to score in the lane or hit pull up jumpers. He's very elusive with the ball and he knows where he wants to go. I witnessed his best game of the tournament in the semifinals against CBC where he scored 18 points and was nearly perfect from the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3231972,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7529.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7529.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3231972" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jace Bateman (Lutheran North): The 6'6" 2028 has already shown to be one of the most improved players that I've seen this year. Last season, he was 6'3" and just getting his feet wet at the varsity level. Now, he's three inches taller and a real force around the basket. In the game I watched him, they opened with an alley-oop play over the top of the zone and he threw down a two-handed dunk. He's long and athletic and he also protects the rim well with his shot blocking. He attacks the offensive boards hard, which resulted in multiple putbacks. He also made some nice passes over the top of the defense. He finished with 20 points against Lift for Life. He is just getting started in his development as a player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3231975,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7609.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7609.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3231975" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2833574' first='Triston' last='Howard'] (CBC): A 6'0" 2028 combo guard who had a breakout performance against host Webster Groves in the semifinals. He scored 25 points and looked very comfortable getting buckets at all three levels. He did a great job of keeping the Cadets competitive in the game. He displayed an impressive bag. He had a couple of nice blow by drives on the straight line and his mid-range jumper was on point. He did a nice job of getting two feet in the paint with good balance to shoot the runner or find the open teammate. He also hit a pair of 3-pointers in the first half when he was given a step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3231978,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7571.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7571.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3231978" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2675265' first='Chase' last='Williams'] (John Burroughs): A 6'3" 2028 point guard who has been given the keys to the programs as the Bombers retool this year and he has shown that he has the ability to make it happen. He has a thick body to go along with his height, which makes him a very difficult cover. He can go into the low post and overpower smaller guards with his physicality. He can score or pass it out if he draws a double team. He also has the ability to score from three levels. He has the power drive and the mid-range jumper in his bag. He also hit a couple of Corner 3-pointers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3231979,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7526.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7526.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3231979" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2637336' first='Derrick' last='Murray'] (Lift for Life): A 5'9" 2028 point guard who is a big addition to the Hawks program after transferring over from Normandy. He has good quickness and it is matched with his toughness and offensive skills. He runs the pick-and-roll very well as he can turn the corner to get downhill while also being able to hit the 3-pointer off the high ball screen. He had a few acrobatic finishes in the paint off of his dribble penetration. He doesn't know that he's 5'9" because he is so fearless.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2891703,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3487.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3487.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2891703" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A.J. Burnett (Lee's Summit North): A 6'4" 2028 forward who routinely plays above the rim with his excellent athleticism. He also has a strong motor to accompany his leaping ability which makes him a tough player to defend. He is always running the court and crashing the offensive boards with great effort and tenacity. He can also push up on the defensive end to apply pressure with his length. He also hit a Corner 3-pointer in the game that I watched in the semifinals. He had an excellent all-around game in the semifinals against St. Mary's with eight points, 11 rebounds and three steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> ******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3231980,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7569.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7569.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3231980" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2920401' first='Shane' last='Rhodes'] (John Burroughs): A 6'4" 2028 forward who is ooozing with athleticism and potential to be a future standout. He started off the consolation game I watched against Jennings with a blocked shot on defense and an athletic finger roll for a bucket at the other end. When he catches the ball at the wing, he gets to the basket with a long stride that covers up a lot of space. He is also excellent in the transition game where he can get out and showcase his athletic ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->