Earl’s List of Talented Mighty Mites

A couple of weeks ago, I featured some of my favorite big low post players from around the state. Today, it's the little guy's turn in the spotlight as I put a spotlight on the "Mighty Mites of Missouri." These talented players are listed at 5'9" and under. They may be small in stature, but they have made a big impact at their respective schools and grassroots programs.   [player_tooltip player_id='2966405' first='Quincy' last='Mayfield'] (Monroe City): A 5'8" 2026 combo guard who is one of the top players in the Clarence Cannon Conference in the Northeast part of the state. He is solidly built and physically tough as he is also a standout running back in football. He is a three-level scorer who can attack the basket with strength or pull up to hit the mid-range jumper with good elevation. He can also knock down the open 3-pointer. He will be the leader of what should be one of state's top Class 3 squads in the upcoming season.     Aaron McIntosh (Lee's Summit North): A 5'6" 2027 little dynamo from Kansas City who impacts play at both ends of the floor with his speed and quickness. He has blow-by ability with his speed on dribble penetration in the lane. He can also be very patient when sizing up the defender before hitting him with a dribble escape move to set up his jumper. He can shoot it from distance off the catch and he also creates off the bounce. He can also get after opposing ball handlers with his on-ball pressure defense. He had a strong summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2119127' first='Missouri' last='Hawks'] 16U squad.     [player_tooltip player_id='2569198' first='De'Andre' last='Stewart'] (Whitfield): A dynamic 5'8" 2028 combo guard who was one of the top young guards in the St. Louis area. He averaged 17 points a game as a freshman and he continued that excellent play into the summer with a strong [program_tooltip program_id='2441120' first='Missouri' last='Phenom'] 15U team that won a 16U championship at the recent NY2LA Tournament. He is fearless and he can score in a multitude of ways. He attacks the paint as if he was a 6'5 guard and he finishes like one. His mid-range game is also on point as he can use his strength to create separation and knock down the jumper.     [player_tooltip player_id='2536464' first='Tricy' last='Collins'] (Chaminade): A 5'9" 2026 point guard who is an unsung player for the Red Devils, who have played for the Class 6 state championship the past two seasons. Whenever he enters the game, things start to happen in a positive way. He picks up the tempo at both ends with his defensive pressure and ability to penetrate and create offense for others. He is quick and he can also shoot it from the perimeter.     [player_tooltip player_id='2528216' first='Jordan' last='Sykes'] (Helias): A 5'8" 207 point guard from Mid-Missouri who comes from a family of dynamic point guards from his father to his older brothers, who were all excellent high school players. He has good speed and he can also change directions on the fly. He can penetrate and hit the runner, plus he can hit shots from 3-point range. He is also a solid defender who can be disruptive with his quickness.     Devin Rice (Cardinal Ritter): A 5'7" 2027 point guard who has the right combination of playmaking skills along with the ability to score. He sees the court well and will drop a nice dime to a teammate from just about anywhere on the court. He is also a talented scoring threat who can create off the dribble. He can blow by defenders with his speed and also pull up from 3-point range, which makes him a tough cover.     [player_tooltip player_id='2402433' first='Ethan' last='Anderson'] (Liberty): A 5'8" 2026 point guard from the Kansas City area who had a nice summer showing with the Sixers Supreme 17U squad. He has good quickness and he has shifty moves off the dribble to create his own shot. He can come off the pick and roll to hit the 3-pointer or turn the corner to get downhill. He will also refuse the screen and make a quick move for a layup. He can also play off the ball with his movement to get himself open for 3-pointers.     Calvin Nelson (Miller Career Academy): A 5'8" 2027 guard who should be one of the top backcourt players in the Public High League. He has excellent shooting range from beyond the 3-point line. He will let it rip from the volleyball line and it will be all nets. He also excels in the open court with his speed and ability to score in transition. He can also handle the offense and distribute the ball to compliment his scoring.     Joe Amisi (Ruskin): A 5'6" 2028 point guard whose speed and quickness is matched by a high basketball IQ. He is capable of being a one-man press breaker at times with his handles and elusiveness. He always has his head up looking for the open man. He finds his teammates open before they know they are open. He is a potent offensive player who has an excellent float game along with 3-point shooting range.

A couple of weeks ago, I featured some of my favorite big low post players from around the state. Today, it's the little guy's turn in the spotlight as I put a spotlight on the "Mighty Mites of Missouri." These talented players are listed at 5'9" and under. They may be small in stature, but they have made a big impact at their respective schools and grassroots programs.