The Finale: Earl’s Class of 2021 Starting Five

<p>In the final series of write-ups and evaluations from the Prep Hoops "The Finale" in Kansas City, here is a look at my starting five of Missouri players from the Class of 2021. These players showed up and showed out in KC.</p> <p>G - [player_tooltip player_id="583730" first="Cachao" last="Gianquinto"] 6’3" Carroll GoL1ve 17U: The combo guard from Battle enjoyed a big weekend in leading his team to the 17U championship. He displayed excellent fundamentals and was proficient in all aspects of the game. He shot the 3-pointer well, handled the ball and facilitated offense while playing spirited defense. He scored 18 points in the semifinals and 24 in the championship game. His size and physical strength enabled him to get to his spots throughout the weekend.</p> <p>G - Animu Mohammed 6’5" Mission Minded 17U: The No. 1 player in the PHM Class of 2021 rankings made his first appearance on the local grassroots circuit in KC and he more than lived up to the hype with his versatility and explosiveness. He showed his playmaking skills as he worked to get his teammates involved in the game. When it was time to get buckets, there wasn't anybody who couldn't keep him from getting into the lane when he went on the attack. He complimented his downhill drives with a nice step-back jumper from 3-point range. Attends Greenwood.</p> <p>G - [player_tooltip player_id="824117" first="Brock" last="Wakefield"] 6’4" Gateway Basketball Club 17U: The shooting guard from South Iron was one of the top perimeter scoring threats during the entire weekend. He has downtown shooting range on his 3-pointers, but he can also create his own shot with his handles and series of escape moves. He has already picked up a couple of Division I offers from Elon and UMKC.</p> <p>F - [player_tooltip player_id="994434" first="Sekou" last="Gassama"] 6’10" Gateway Basketball Club 17U: The 2021 power forward from DeSmet was a big factor as a two-way performer in the post. His offensive game is pretty diverse as he can power it up with dunks inside, score on nice turnaround jumpers while also stepping outside to knock down 15 footers. Defensively, he is a formidable with his length and shot blocking ability. He is a big who loves to go on rim-runs.</p> <p>F - [player_tooltip player_id="824124" first="Jalen" last="Hampton"] 6’6" Carroll GoL1ve 17U: The athletic combo forward from University City finished off an excellent summer with another big weekend in helping his team to the 17U championship. He averaged close to a double-double for the tournament as he played with great athleticism and energy. He was a force on the offensive boards and he has added a very reliable 15-footer off the catch which makes him even more effective.</p> <p>Sixth Man: [player_tooltip player_id="994440" first="Jaden" last="Monday"] 6’0" SSA Elite Black 17U: The speedy combo guard from Van Horn knows how to get a bucket. His combination of quickness and creative ball handle ability enables him to get a shot and virtually any time. He can break off defenders off the dribble and stop and pop from 3-point range</p>