Dynamic Backcourts (Part Il)

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some more of the top guard tandems around the state.<br /> <br /> </p> <p>Kian Evans and Kendrick Stone (Staley): The talented tandem has been a big part of Staley's 16-2 season and No. 1 seed in the upcoming Class 6, District 16 tournament. They were also key components in a Final Four run last season. The 6'2" Stone is an explosive guard who has had some highlight-reel moments combined with his consistent all-around play. He is averaging 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals a game. The 6'1" Evans is one of the top young point guards in the state. He is a potent offensive player with the ability to facilitate and make his teammates better. He is averaging 15 points, four rebounds and four assists a game. </p> <p>Collin Ruffin and [player_tooltip player_id="1070087" first="Kael" last="Combs"] (Nixa): This pair of 6'3" underclassmen form one of the most athletic and dynamic tandems in the state. Both have excellent size, talent and big upsides. Ruffin is a smooth 2022 lefty floor leader who can penetrate in the lane, knock down long 3-pointers and drop dimes of the no-look variety. Combs is one of the top 2023 prospects in the state with his athleticism and three-level scoring ability. Nixa has one of the top Class 6 teams in the state with these two manning the perimeter.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824154" first="Roddy" last="Alexander"] and [player_tooltip player_id="984513" first="Kristian" last="Davis"] (O’Fallon-Christian): These two standout guards have been a strong duo for the past three seasons, including last year's run to the Class 3 state quarterfinals and this year's 17-5 record. Alexander is a 6'0" 2021 combo guard who plays the game in attack mode. He loves to get downhill and he has a nice mid-range jumper. The 6'3" Davis is a skilled shooting guard who can score from three levels. Alexander is averaging 17 points, three assists and two steals a game while Davis averages 18 points, and six rebounds while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070119" first="Nate" last="Brandt"] and Lee Verslues (Fatima): A talented pair of underclassmen in Mid-Missouri that have led the Comets to a 17-5 record and a current eight-game winning streak. The 5'11" Verslues is an excellent 2022 point guard who is dangerous on the drive and can also drop dimes and make plays for others. He was the MVP of the Owensville Tournament. The 6'2" Brandt is an excellent perimeter shooter who can dial it up from well beyond the 3-point line. He can also wheel and deal to the basket off the dribble. </p> <p>Kamaren Bevel and [player_tooltip player_id="1045829" first="Tresean" last="White"] (Confluence): A potent backcourt on a team full of talented perimeter players, these two really compliment each other with their different skill sets. The 6'2" Bevel is a straight bucket who can knock down 3-pointers and create his own shot off the dribble. White is a 6'1" 2023 point guard with excellent quickness, court vision and defensive ability. Bevel is averaging 20 points a game while shooting 35 percent from 3-point range while White averages 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals a game.</p> <p>Stacian Livingston-Cameron Gunter (Bayless): The Bronchos won their first conference championship in more than 40 years thanks to the play of this excellent 2021 backcourt. Both are built like running backs and they use that physical strength to their advantage on the basketball court, especially when it comes to getting downhill on the drive. They also combine to grab nearly 15 rebounds a game. The 6'0" Gunter averages 17 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game while the 5'11" Livingston averages 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists a game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>