Unsung Standouts on Winning Teams
In this article:
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of unsung players who have playing key roles on teams that are having a great deal of success this season.
DJ Prater DJ Prater 6'3" | SG South Iron | 2022 State MO (South Iron): The 6’2″ 2022 guard has been an unsung standout for the Panthers throughout his career. The athletic lefty has been an excellent slasher, defender and rebounder for the Panthers for four seasons. He has been an important part of the Panthers in their run to a Class 1 state championship last season and this year’s 20-2 record and current No. 1 ranking. He has really had a chance to blossom as a senior.
Luke Mcdonald Luke Mcdonald 6'3" | SG Lee's Summit | 2022 State MO and Caden McGuire Caden McGuire 6'2" | SG Lee's Summit | 2022 State MO (Lee’s Summit): On a team full of talented perimeter players, these two 2022s may get overlooked at times, but they have been vital in the Tigers’ 17-1 season. the 6’2″ McGuire is averaging nearly 10 points and three assists a game. The 6’3″ McDonald is a versatile wing who averages 8.5 points, five rebounds a two assists a game.
Mason Mosely (Vashon): Several players can fit into this category as the Wolverines 18-2 record has clearly been a team effort. We went with the 5’10” 2023 point guard as he has stepped in as the Wolverines most experienced guard on a team full of talented youngster in the backcourt. He made the All-Tournament Team at the Tournament of Champions in Central Illinois in November. He has good burst and he has made 44 percent from his 3-pointers.
CJ Lang CJ Lang 6'1" | CG Webster Groves | 2023 State MO (Webster Groves): The Class 5, No. 1-ranked Statesmen have a strong group of offensive weapons such as Matt Enright Matt Enright 5'10" | PG Webster Groves | 2022 State MO , Ethan Chartrand Ethan Chartrand 6'2" | SG Webster Groves | 2022 State MO and Iziah Purvey Iziah Purvey 6'5" | PF Webster Groves | 2024 State MO . On the defensive side, this 6’0″ 2023 really sets the pace with his on-ball pressure and ball hawking. He really gets after folks on defense, which is the bedrock of Webster Groves basketball. He also averages eight points, three assists and two steals a game.
Gaige Pitts (Thayer): The 6’0″ 2022 point guard has been running the show at Thayer since very early in his career. He is the straw that stirs the drink of the current No. 1 ranked team in Class 3. He is an excellent ball handler who distributes the ball wherever it needs to go and he is capable of getting a bucket when you need it.
Jordyn Turner Jordyn Turner 6'2" | SG Nixa | 2022 State MO (Nixa): On a team with the stellar backcourt of Colin Ruffin Colin Ruffin 6'3" | PG Nixa | 2022 State MO and Kael Combs Kael Combs 6'4" | SG Nixa | 2023 State MO , this 6’3 2022 keeps the floor well spaced with his consistent 3-point shooting. He has good size on the perimeter to go along with his excellent shooting range.
Marcus Coleman Marcus Coleman 6'3" | PG Micds | 2023 State MO (MICDS): A 6’2 2023 guard who has been an excellent secondary scorer and all-around player for the 18-3 Rams. He hits big shots while handling the ball and playing solid defense. He is averaging 11 points a game while shooting 50 percent from 3-point range. If there is a big basketball to be made, he will make it. He is a perfect compliment to 6’8″ standout forward Brandon Mitchell-Day Brandon Mitchell-Day 6'8" | SF MICDS | 2022 State MO .