Mid Missouri Freshmen of Influence

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is some good young up and coming talent in the middle of the state. Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some very talented Class of 2029 prospects to watch this season and also in the future. There are many good players, but here are a few names to get you started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2889728,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3633_63a29a.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3633_63a29a.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2889728" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2767899' first='Bronx' last='Ganaway'] (Boonville): A 6'7" small forward who will be making his long-awaited debut for the Pirates this season. He is a very skilled offensive player who can score from all three levels. He also has good playmaking skills with his ball handling and passing ability. He also has a nice shooting touch around the basket. He has already received an offer from the University of Missouri after a strong showing at the Midwest Showcase in Kansas City in June.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2889732,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3720_4e3aaa.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3720_4e3aaa.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2889732" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2731305' first='Beckett' last='Bruns'] (Rock Bridge): A 6'7" power forward who is big and strong and who checks in at about 270 pounds. He knows how to use his size and strength to his advantage in the low post. He seals defenders well to get great position and he can also back them down off the dribble. He also has good footwork to score on drop steps and spin moves in the paint. He finishes well with a nice touch inside and he can also step out and hit an open perimeter jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3044967,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/Matthew-Oyewole.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/Matthew-Oyewole.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3044967" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2703199' first='Matthew' last='Oyewole'] (Southern Boone): A 6'4" shooting guard who is already one of the most impressive athletes in the Mid Missouri area. He is a high motor player who is tough to stop when he wants to get downhill to the basket. He is an impressive finisher at the rim and he will also dunk on somebody's head. His pull up game from the mid-range is on point and he will also knock down the open 3-pointer. He has a chance to be a high-impact player as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2889028,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3462.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3462.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2889028" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2918951' first='Max' last='Lyles'] (Smith-Cotton): A 6'1" point guard who really impressed me when I saw him at the Midwest Showcase in June. He is a good athlete who also had some juice to his game with how dynamic he played. He can really run the pick and roll well as he could turn the corner and get downhill or knock down the 3-pointer off the high ball screen. He should be an exciting player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2994194,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/IMG_6333.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/IMG_6333.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2994194" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2747261' first='Heath' last='Turner-Diaz'] (Columbia Independent): A 6'0" point guard who will have a big impact right away for his CIS team this winter. He is very skilled with a little swag to his game as he handles the ball like its on a string. His court vision is excellent as he can pass his teammates open. He changes speeds well and he can score in a variety of ways. He attacks the basket well with his left or right hand with equal effectiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3034933' first='Clay' last='Busch'] (Father Tolton): A 6'6" forward who has a solid body and a good skill set to go along with hit. He is an active rebounder and he can also grab the board and go coast to coast the dribble. He has a nice shooting touch around the basket and he can also step out and hit the 3-pointer off the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2889032,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3635.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3635.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2889032" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2918955' first='Zhitavion' last='Shelby Jr']. (Boonville): A 6'1" point guard who is an impressive athlete with good speed and quickness. He has a quick first step and a nice burst to beat defenders off the dribble. He is a good finisher in the lane as well as a reliable jump shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2872756' first='Bryce' last='Means'] (Helias): A 6'5" forward who I had a chance to watch at our Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown in late May and was very impressed. He has good length and athleticism and a strong skill set around the basket. He can score with either hand in the paint. He is also a capable ball handler who can grab a rebound and go coast to coast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Callen Putnam (Battle): A 6'3" guard who has a bright future in the Battle program as he continues to develop. He has good length and athleticism and a quick first step which enables him to score on slashing drives in the lane. He also has a good feel for the game as he can handle the ball and pass it well. He can also use his length to be an active defender with the ability to get deflections and steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->