Missouri Names, Part II — Who Else Is Poised for a Big Summer?

We continue our look at rising names across Missouri with five more players who are primed for a big summer, building on winters that saw them push toward the top of some recruiting rankings in the state. Let's take a look at where they're at right now and what they could do this summer to elevate themselves into an even higher category.    It's hard to believe that, from a physical standpoint, Buchanan already looks capable of holding up at the next level. With his strong frame and length, Jesiah made the most of his sophomore season, emerging as one of the best wings in the state. He was a force around the rim all year, using his body well, playing off two feet, and creating space through contact. An above-the-rim finisher, he can throw it down in traffic or in the open floor with authority. Averaging nearly 12 points and four rebounds per game on 63% shooting speaks to the high-percentage looks he consistently created. He's already shown a much-improved handle, and if he can add a reliable perimeter shot this summer, Buchanan could take the next step as both a player and a prospect.     A shooter in every sense of the word, Long burst onto the scene this winter as a key piece for a Vianney squad loaded with talent. Showing a strong basketball IQ and an ability to pick and choose his spots alongside other high-level players, Omar quickly made his presence felt with his long-range shooting. His numbers from deep were lethal, shooting over 51% while knocking down 80 threes on the season. Averaging just under 11 points per game, there's no question he'll take on more of the load next winter and should see the ball in his hands more often. Expect Omar to begin that transition this summer as he looks to build on his shooting success while adding more layers to his game.     Burnett's rise this year pushes Lee's Summit North into its next phase as the program moves on from [player_tooltip player_id='2111114' first='Tre' last='Paulding']. Antonio's length and athleticism stand out as his biggest assets right now, and he showed throughout the season that he can take over in stretches with his ability to run the floor, play above the rim, and outwork opposing players. While he finishes above the rim consistently, he also flashed the ability to create off the dribble and knock down shots from deep. Another summer of growth — especially in his offensive skill set and overall consistency — will be key, and if everything clicks, you could see him operating with the ball in his hands much more next year. He's definitely a recruiting name to know as the summer heats up.     Continually flying under the radar, Nixon is a name that hasn't drawn a lot of notoriety yet — but it definitely should. Jude is an athletic forward who plays much bigger than his 6'4" frame, consistently getting above the rim and finishing as a face-up option or creating space with his back to the basket when he finds mismatches. Leading Kirkwood this winter, he averaged nearly 11 points and three rebounds per game while shooting just under 50% from the field. If he can continue to develop and extend his game to the perimeter more consistently, he should be one of the top players to keep an eye on next season in the St. Louis metro.     An all-around lead guard with great feel, Reutzel led the way for Fredericktown this winter, dominating games and putting up well-rounded numbers that stack up with any player in the region. Tucker played with great pace and consistently controlled the action on the floor. As a guard who can score, facilitate, rebound, and defend, he's the true epitome of a player who impacts every part of the game, and his presence is crucial to his team's success. This summer will be pivotal for Reutzel as he faces some of the top competition in the country, pushing himself to elevate his game to an even higher level. If he can add strength and explosiveness, it should help him take that next step.

We continue our look at rising names across Missouri with five more players who are primed for a big summer, building on winters that saw them push toward the top of some recruiting rankings in the state. Let's take a look at where they're at right now and what they could do this summer to elevate themselves into an even higher category.