Show-Me Showdown (Saturday Standouts)
Here is a look at some of Saturday’s top standouts from the Prep Hoops Show-Me Showdown in St. Louis:
Eli Dowis 6’1″ KC Pacers Blue 17U: The dynamic guard from Maryville is one of the most explosive players in the state. His leaping ability was on full display as he dunked, rebounded and blocked a few shots while playing well above the rim on a regular basis. He handled the ball quite a bit and displayed a nice 3-point stroke off the catch to compliment that athleticism.
Avery Taggert 6’3″ T.E.M. Select 17U: The smooth big-bodied wing from Eureka showcased his skill set on many fronts as he handled the ball and got to the basket with full confidence. He has a nifty spin move that is tight and quick and it gets him plenty of buckets. His mid range game is on point and he does a good job of passing off the dribble to open teammates.
Zach Nelson 6’0″ Marcus Denmon Elite 16U: A high-energy point guard from Shawnee Mission, KS had a big game in his team’s early morning pool play victory. He was constantly pushing the tempo and got his team many transition buckets, whether by himself or his teammates. His passing ability and penetrating moves to the basket were very good.
Grant Western 5’11” Machine Elite 17U: A small, yet stout shooting guard from DeSmet who plays the game with a lot of energy. He was excellent in his team’s early morning pool-play victory. He scored 19 points and made five 3-pointers on the day. He’s physical and plays a fearless style, which enables him to get positive results offensively.
Dalton Gayman 6’5″ KC Pacers Blue 16U: Seeing his first action after a successful baseball season at Nevada, Dalton showcased his bumper-car style of play which netted him many buckets and rebounds. He can also finesse you around the basket with some good footwork and a nice shooting touch. He is also a capable ball-handler who can make plays off the dribble.
Daeton McGaughy 6’2″ Dominators 16U: it was my first look at this young power guard from St. Joe Lafayette and I was impressed with what I saw. He could either bull-moose his way to the basket off the dribble or drop you off with a spin move or cross over to get a bucket. He had a 20-point first half in which he got whatever he wanted in getting to the basket.