Previewing the Midwest Showcase, Part II — Saturday’s Slate

Action at the Midwest Showcase in Columbia continues on Saturday, bringing another full day of exciting matchups between teams and talented players from across the region. I'll highlight some of the games that stand out and take a closer look at a few of the players who should be on everyone's watch list throughout the day.   Solon (IA) vs. Hillcrest (MO)   Solon and Hillcrest will square off in one of the early games on Saturday, with both teams bringing experienced, well-connected rosters to the floor. Each program is led by a strong lead guard in Hillcrest's [player_tooltip player_id='2334926' first='Kyrese' last='Simpson'] and Solon's Tate McCollum, making the backcourt matchup a major storyline.   Simpson should have the ball in his hands frequently, using his ability to create space off the dribble to generate offense. This spring, he has also looked more physical on both ends of the floor while using a crafty approach to penetrate gaps, force defensive rotations, and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.   McCollum, meanwhile, may be putting together one of the strongest springs of any player on this list. He's scoring the ball at an impressive rate and has proven he can consistently knock down shots from long range. In addition to his scoring ability, McCollum takes pride in facilitating and making the right basketball play. Despite his production, he remains somewhat under the radar, and another strong weekend could help attract additional attention from next-level programs.   With two talented lead guards at the center of the action, the battle between Simpson and McCollum should be the defining storyline in a matchup featuring two competitive programs.   Chaminade (MO) vs. Omaha Westside (NE)   Chaminade makes the list again on Saturday thanks to another marquee matchup, this time against Westside out of Omaha. We know what Chaminade brings to the table with its deep and talented roster, but Westside may be just as loaded.   London Dada headlines the group as a 6-foot-8 wing with a versatile skill set who is already committed to Creighton. Darien Jenkins has also looked the part early this summer, combining a developing frame with the ability to attack the basket, finish through contact, and play above the rim. He has also shot the ball well from the perimeter.   Bryce Johnson and EJ Swindle are two more names to keep an eye on, as both project to be key pieces of the Westside attack this summer and beyond. For both programs, there may be no better way to gauge where they stand entering the summer than by matching up against one another in what should be one of the day's most anticipated games.   St. Thomas Aquinas (KS) vs. Dale (OK)   This should be a tough, rugged matchup between two teams that will play hard and be well coached. With [player_tooltip player_id='2820785' first='Kole' last='Browne'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2927101' first='Jacob' last='McCullough'] now leading the way, Aquinas enters the summer with a young but talented group. Browne has good positional size and plays with a high motor, particularly on the offensive glass. This spring, he's also taken strides with the ball in his hands, showing more comfort as an initiator on the offensive end. He'll need to embrace an even larger role this summer, and the Midwest Showcase presents a great opportunity to get that started.   McCullough is also one of the area's top rising young bigs. He already possesses a polished back-to-the-basket package that should allow the Saints to play through him inside, while also utilizing him in ball-screen actions where he can roll to the rim or step out and pop. His versatility gives Aquinas another weapon offensively.   Dale has been one of the region's most consistently impressive programs over the years, and while the Pirates lose some major talent, they have plenty of pieces in place to maintain the program standard. Keldan Meely, Jeremiah Skaggs, and Tryson Nash will be counted on heavily this summer. Meely's size and length around the rim allow him to finish through traffic effectively, and he continues to expand his offensive game with each passing month. Skaggs and Nash should both take on more ball-dominant roles this summer. Each is capable of attacking off the bounce and creating for others, while maintaining the unselfish approach that has long been a staple of the Dale program.   Webster Groves (MO) vs. St. Michael's Prep (TX)   Missouri's top prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'], will be in attendance as Webster Groves takes the floor on Saturday. The Statesmen may look as good as they ever have, coming off a recent win over Principia earlier this month. Everyone knows what Adkinson brings to the table, but it's the collection of pieces around him that makes this group feel so complete.   [player_tooltip player_id='2569194' first='Bryce' last='Millien'], [player_tooltip player_id='2339267' first='Jayden' last='Woods'], [player_tooltip player_id='2509009' first='Jackson' last='Tabash'], and Peter Oliver give Webster Groves one of the deepest and most talented rosters you will see all summer. Millien and Woods provide quickness, athleticism, and playmaking in the backcourt that complement Adkinson's game well, while Tabash and Oliver space the floor with their perimeter shooting and embrace the little things that often go unnoticed but play a major role in winning.   St. Michael's Prep should be led by Sun Jinkal and Nico Cajas, among others, as both players will be asked to take on larger roles this year. Filling key voids won't be easy, but their development will be critical as the program looks to continue the momentum and success it has built in recent years. Jinkal is a name to watch closely. Already holding multiple Division I offers, he has shown the talent and upside to continue elevating his game as he gains experience and takes on more responsibility.   The matchup with Webster Groves presents a difficult challenge, but it's also an excellent measuring stick early in the summer. Facing one of the region's premier programs should provide valuable insight into where the Warriors stand while also offering an opportunity to build confidence and momentum heading into the rest of the summer slate.   Shawnee Mission South (KS) vs. Bellevue West (NE)   Shawnee Mission South came close to capturing the elusive state title last season, and they may have one of the more impressive back-to-back runs in recent Kansas memory without bringing home a championship. The Raiders once again have pieces in place to be highly competitive, starting with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'].   Kerrigan is in the middle of a strong spring and has more than held his own against high-level UAA competition. Much of the responsibility will fall on his shoulders this winter, and this weekend should provide an early glimpse of just how large that role could be. His ability to lead, produce consistently, and elevate those around him will be a major factor in South's success moving forward.   While the Raiders lost significant production from last year's roster, the emergence of [player_tooltip player_id='2917221' first='Croix' last='Garcia'] could help soften that blow. Garcia appears poised to take over the lead guard role, and there's a lot to like about his game. He plays with confidence, has the ability to create for himself and others, and should see a major jump in responsibility. The way he and Kerrigan complement each other will likely tell the story for this group throughout the year.   With Bryce Johnson now at Westside, Keaton Melcher and Brayden Mauro become two additional names to watch in Columbia. Melcher is one of the area's better perimeter shooters, capable of getting hot in a hurry and stretching defenses well beyond the three-point line with his deep range. Mauro can also knock down shots from the perimeter and consistently plays with a high IQ on both ends of the floor. Already committed to Midland University, he brings experience, versatility, and a steady presence to the lineup.   Jackson (MO) vs. Blue Valley North (KS)   Blue Valley North opens its summer campaign this weekend in Columbia with a familiar face leading the way in [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis']. The talented forward and reigning Eastern Kansas League Player of the Year will be hard to miss. Davis continues to showcase a versatile inside-outside game, but this spring he has looked more comfortable attacking off the bounce and creating opportunities for himself. His length impacts the game on both ends of the floor, and defensively he has the ability to take over stretches by disrupting passing lanes, contesting shots, and covering ground.   [player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'] will also be back for the Mustangs, providing another experienced and proven piece. Nichols has long been a known commodity around the Kansas City metro, bringing craftiness, toughness, and production to the lineup. However, one of the most intriguing names to watch may be [player_tooltip player_id='2925520' first='Elijah' last='Pendergrass']. The young but highly talented 6-foot-8 forward continues to generate attention with his size, potential, and overall skill set. This weekend should provide a good opportunity to see just how much progress he has made this spring and what his role could look like heading into the winter season.   Blue Valley North will be tested by Jackson, one of Missouri's top teams from a year ago and a program that mirrors the Mustangs in several ways. The Indians possess size and physicality up front with [player_tooltip player_id='2564266' first='Jon' last='Ernst'] anchoring the interior, while Jory Thoma and Blayne Reagan headline a talented group of guards capable of scoring and keeping the tempo high. After an impressive season a year ago, Jackson enters the summer looking to take another step toward its goal of competing for a state championship.   The matchup with Blue Valley North should serve as an excellent early test for both programs. With talent, experience, and expectations on each side, this has all the makings of one of the better games of the weekend.   Lincoln North Star (NE) vs. De Smet Jesuit (MO)   North Star and De Smet will feature plenty of regional talent on both sides, making this another matchup worth circling if you plan on attending. With high-level players throughout both rosters, there should be no shortage of intrigue.   For North Star, it starts with Jordan Castor. This is his team, and he'll be counted on to create and lead on both ends of the floor. Castor is competitive, tough, and quick, bringing qualities that allow him to play bigger than his frame. He's also fearless when attacking the basket and consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses.   Playing alongside Castor will be JaKeyce Fowler, Myles Parker, and Goay Gatwech. Fowler brings an old-school style to the game, playing under control, picking his spots, and finding success as a perimeter shooter throughout the spring. Parker and Gatwech add length and mobility on the wing and in the frontcourt, giving the Gators the flexibility to play a variety of styles on both ends of the floor.   De Smet will undoubtedly reload and learn a lot about itself over the weekend as it works to replace several key contributors. One thing that is certain, however, is that [player_tooltip player_id='2334929' first='Will' last='Foulk'] is back. Foulk provides a high basketball IQ, strong feel for the game, and the type of leadership that allows a team to build around him. Another lead guard coming off a productive spring, Foulk should be heavily involved in everything De Smet does offensively.   Bishop Miege (KS) vs. Thayer (MO)   With so many strong programs in attendance, there are always a few teams and players who can get overlooked at an event like the Midwest Showcase. I would put both Bishop Miege and Thayer in that category.   While Bishop Miege has a long history of success, the program has experienced more ups and downs in recent years, though it took a significant step forward last winter. Thayer, meanwhile, continues to be one of the more competitive smaller-school programs in Missouri. I mentioned last summer that Miege was probably a year or two away from really turning the corner, and I believe this summer could be the beginning of a big season for the Stags.   Miege is led by the confident and skilled [player_tooltip player_id='2820764' first='Keenan' last='Poulsen'], one of the top true point guards in Kansas. He headlines a group of athletic and emerging talent that includes Jayden McDaniel, [player_tooltip player_id='2205719' first='Liam' last='Tesmer'], and Wesley Walsh, among others. The talent and depth are certainly there; the only real question is whether this is the year the Stags step back into the spotlight.   As for Thayer, expect the Bobcats to compete and hold their own. They return two of their top players from a year ago in [player_tooltip player_id='2698458' first='Jayden' last='Belcher'] and Hunter Trinkler. Both players enter the summer with another year of experience under their belts and continue to develop well-rounded games built on basketball IQ and competitiveness. If Thayer is going to make noise this weekend, Belcher and Trinkler will likely be at the center of it.

Action at the Midwest Showcase in Columbia continues on Saturday, bringing another full day of exciting matchups between teams and talented players from across the region. I'll highlight some of the games that stand out and take a closer look at a few of the players who should be on everyone's watch list throughout the day.