Rib City Shootout: (Top Underclassmen)
Here is a look at some of the top underclassmen who were on hand at the Rib City Shootout in Dexter, Mo.
Isaac Spears 6’4″ Hazelwood East: A smooth Class of 2020 guard with good size and the ability to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. He has nice handles and the ability to create his own shot, especially a good mid-range jumper from 15-17 feet. He can knock down open 3-pointers and get to the basket. He will also give the ball up to an open teammate when he has a better shot. He is a very fluid player with the ball in his hands.
Brenton Wagner 6’2″ Park Hills Central: A solid all-around 2020 guard who does a little bit of everything for his team. He is an excellent 3-point shooter with deep range. He rebounds the ball well and has the ability to bring the ball up himself and set up the offense and get his teammates good shots. He did a good job of making sure his team was organized and on the same page.
Samuel Bledsoe 6’2″ Charleston: One of the top perimeter shooters that I watched during the event, the 2020 wing can knock down jumpers off the catch from deep range with a quick release. He gets it and it is out of his hands before the defense can really react. He should become an even bigger part of Charleston’s offense the next two seasons. He is working to improve his ball handling and driving ability to compliment his shooting.
Blessin Kimble 6’5″ Charleston: An athletic 2020 post player who plays with a tremendous motor at both ends of the court. His offensive game is a work in progress, but his ability to impact a game with great effort plays is right on point. He tries to grab every rebound he can get his hands on and he will challenge shots in the paint. He posts up in the lane strong and he loves to go on rim runs. If there was a “Mr. Effort” award for the shootout, he would get my vote.
Jordan Gilmore 6’2″ Hazelwood East: A good-sized 2020 wing who can knock down 3-pointers on a consistent basis. When given time and space, he displayed a pure stroke from long distance. He did a good job of moving to the open spots on offense. As he gains more strength, he should develop into a very nice prospect.
Jerrod Covington 5’7″ Hayti: A quick on quick 2020 point guard who seemed to be everywhere on the court. He is a catalyst on defense as the smaller Indians team employs full-court pressure at all times. When unleashed on a press, it seems as if there are two of him on the court. He also did a nice job of getting
Robert Lewis 6’6″ St. Louis College Prep: A very intriguing Class of 2022 wing player who I got to see for the first time. It is still very early in the game for this kid, but I saw a tall youngster with length and some nice perimeter skills. He ran the court and converted on the break and displayed a nice perimeter jumper. Looking forward to seeing how he progresses.