Talented Kiddos at Current River Challenge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri had a chance to get on the stream to watch all of the games from the Current River Challenge at Van Buren High. I saw a lot of talented youngsters in the Classes 2029 and 2028 get a lot of varsity run at the event. Here is a look at some of those kiddos who stood out last weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaac Mendoza (Clarkton): A 5'11" wing player who scored 23 points in a victory over Winona. He is a solidly built youngster who has a very good skill set and good feel for the game. He is very effective off the dribble and he also made multiple 3-pointers with his smooth release off the catch. He also scored in the lane with good body control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2907663' first='Justin' last='Castro'] (Clarkton): A 5'9" point guard who is another member of Clarkton's very talented freshman group. His feel for the game is very good and he can really shoot it from long distance. He hit a number of high-arching 3-point shots. He moved without the ball and also relocated well to get open. His float game in the lane was also on point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason Foster (Eminence): A 6'1" guard who plays a nice easy-going game with a nice feel. I was highly impressed with his ability to pass the ball. He was handling the ball in the middle of the press and dropping off some nice dimes in the open court. He was also looking for the open teammate and making the right pass at the right time. He also had some very good drives from the high post area. He scored with a smooth Euro-step in the lane in tight quarters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jett Spurgin (Eminence): A 5'8" southpaw point guard who displayed some good speed and quickness in the open court. He got comfortable as the game wore on and he made some impressive plays. He made great pass when he threaded the needle through Bunker's zone defense for a bucket. He also hit a couple of straight-on 3-pointers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keaton Jameson (East Carter): A 6'3" forward who had an excellent game against Alton with 18 points. He has good length and athleticism and he is very skilled around the basket. His shooting touch from 10 to 12 feet off the glass is excellent. He could also drive it from the high post area to score. He was also getting deflections and steals on the defensive end. He bears watching for the future because he is all arms and legs with his length, so I wouldn't be surprised if he will grow even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sergio Juarez (Clarkton): A 6'0" forward who is a good athlete who rebounded the ball very well. He was getting out of his area to grab boards. He was operating well in the paint with good moves and the ability to draw contact. His turnaround jumper was very effective. I also liked how he played the game at his own pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nolan Henry (Seymour): A 6'1 guard who is a solid young player in the SWMO area. He is fearless as he made some nice drives to the basket to score. He used a quick first step to score on a baseline drive and he also has a smooth spin move in the lane to get a bucket. He can also hit an open 3-pointer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drew Miley (Winona): A 6'0" forward who is a very solid player on the inside. He is strong and he enjoyed seeking contact in the lane. He attacked the basket well and he used pump fakes inside to draw contact and get to the free throw line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>(Isaac Mendoza photo courtesy of Big 3 Athletics)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->