The SEMO Bigs

<p style="text-align: left;">Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of talented forwards and post players from the Southeast part of the state. They are impact players and quality college prospects.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984947" first="Nick" last="Wasilewski"] 6’6" Jackson: The 2022 forward is the most athletic of this group as he loves to play above the rim to throw down dunks and block shots. He is also strong and plays with a lot of toughness around the basket. He has a very effective jump hook in the post and he will step out to hit a baseline jumper. He is a solid ball handler who can also pass the ball.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824145" first="Caleb" last="Legrand"] 6’6" Cape Notre Dame: The 2021 Legrand is the best defensive player of the group as he is one of the best shot blockers in the region. He has good timing and length and rarely fouls when he challenges shot. He has also ascended to the role of go-to guy in the Bulldogs offense and he has responded quite well with his variety of moves in the post to score. He also passes well out of the double-teams to open shooters.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1042410" first="Cameron" last="Williams"] 6’8" Cape Girardeau Central: The 2023 Williams is the best collegiate prospect out of the group with his combination of size and overall skill set. He can step out and knock down 3-pointers off the pick and pop. He can score inside with the jump hook and drop step, plus he has a nice turnaround jumper over the left shoulder. Cam can also put the ball on the floor and make a play off the dribble with finesse.</p> <p>Donnie Ray Brown 6’7" New Madrid Central: A versatile big-bodied forward who goes at about 240-pounds, but he can excel inside or on the perimeter. He is one of the top 3-point shooting bigs in the state as he can really stretch the defense. He knocked down four big 3-pointers in the Eagles’ overtime victory over Dexter in a big showdown game a couple of weeks back. He also uses his size to be an effective player in the low post as he has a nice shooting touch inside as well.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070095" first="Clayton" last="Ernst"] 6’8" Jackson: The 2023 forward is a solid all-around performer with a big body and a solid skill set. He was a big factor as a freshman for the Indians’ during their district championship run last season. He really knows how to post up and establish a good base inside with the ability to finish. He plays good position defense and he will block his share of shots. Colleges should be getting a good look at this emerging young post as well.</p> <p>Orie Owen 6’6" Doniphan: A 2021 lefty who has an excellent turn and face game in the post. He can hit that short jumper off the reverse pivot or wheel and deal inside with his good footwork and shot fakes. He is also a solid shot blocker. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="986531" first="Levi" last="Boyer"] 6’5" East Carter: A hard working 2021 forward who is capable of posting a double-double each time he takes the floor. He’s good on second effort plays around the basket and he will run the floor.</p>