Jayhawk Summer Finale (Class of 2019 Wings)
Here is a look at the top Missouri Class of 2019 wings from last weekend’s Jayhawk Summer Finale in Overland Park, KS.
Erick Slack 6’4″ Nda Gym (North Kansas City)
This young man is poised to have a breakout senior season at North Kansas City. He has the size and the overall skill set to score at all three levels, which he did throughout the weekend. He attacks the basket and can score easily with either hand. He has a strong body who can play through contact and he also has a nice mid-range game off the dribble plus he can shoot the 3-pointer.
Jamonta Black 6’4″ MO Team Carroll (Rock Bridge)
The Missouri State commit is one of the smoothest bucket getters in the state. He has good size, athleticism and a feathery shooting touch from 3-point range. He displayed his ability to make plays off the dribble to score on drives and short jumpers while also dropping a few dimes to open teammates. He will be one of the main cogs for a Rock Bridge team that has Class 5 state championship aspirations in 2019.
Avery Taggart 6’4″ TEM Select (Eureka)
The talented wing player was one of the biggest stock risers during the last few weeks. After a big weekend at the Three Stripes in St. Louis, Taggart earned three Division II offers. He was even better at the Jayhawk, culminating with a 27-point performance against KC Run GMC where he was matched up against high-level prospect Zach Harvey. He scored from everywhere. He earned a scholarship offer from Southern Illinois, where he committed during the week.
Broc Smith 6’4″ MO Team Carroll (Republic)
The good sized wing player concluded his summer in pretty much the same manner in which he started it; as one of the most consistent perimeter shooters around. Smith proved to be a force from beyond the 3-point line with his high-arching rainbows that brought buckets. He is also a fundamentally sound player who always seems to make the right play. He has already earned several Division II offers.
A’Tavian Butler 6’2″ St. Louis Majestics (McCluer North)
After an up and down performance at the Adidas Three Stripes, Butler rebounded with a strong performance at the Jayhawk, where he was back to finishing strong around the basket and playing above the rim. He does most of his best work within 10 feet of the basket where his explosiveness and tenacity makes up for his lack of height. He had 21 points and 10 rebounds in a big win over Team Rush.
Braedan Wetrich 6’2″ Knights Basketball Academy (Moberly)
The talented wing from Mid-Missouri proved to be a consistent bucket during the weekend. He has a smooth stroke from 3-point range, but he compliments it with a nice one or two dribble pull up jumper from the middle area. It’s an excellent counter move to combat those defenders who close out to hard on him. He will get plenty of buckets as a senior.
Sam Stichnote 6’4″ TEM Select (Southern Boone)
Sam was one of the most aggressive players at the tournament in terms of attacking the rim off the dribble. He was fearless when getting to the basket and it didn’t matter if the top shot blockers were waiting for him at the rim. He is bringing it hard to the hoop. His toughness and athleticism also enables him to snare his share of rebounds from the guard position. He is one of the top perimeter rebounders in the state.
JaRon Thames 6’6″ MO Team Carroll (Trinity)
The big wing guard joined Team Carroll in July and was a nice fit on a team full of good perimeter players with size. His versatile skill set was very compatible as he can pass the ball, handle it and knock down 3-pointers. His improved 3-point stroke and growth of a couple of inches over the past year has made him a definite Division I prospect. He will lead Trinity as one of the top teams to watch in Class 3 in 2019.
Luke Hicks 6’2″ TEM Select (Hallsville)
The Mid-Missouri Marksman had a couple of games in which he really lit it up from 3-point range, including a game against Marcus Denmon Elite in which he hit five of seven 3-pointers in a pool play victory. He is also a solid ball handler, passer and a sneaky explosive athlete when you are not playing attention. They throw alley-oops to him where he finishes easily over the rim.
Andrew Mitchell 6’4″ Storm Elite (Blue Eye)
After watching him for the past two weeks at the Adidas Three Stripes and Jayhawk, I can conclude that this youngster is on the short list of top 3-point shooters in the state. He was consistently hitting four to six 3-pointers a game and he wasn’t shooting a high volume of them. His percentages were very good. He also has good size and a versatile skill set, which enables him to dominate at the Class 2 level. Already committed to College of the Ozarks.
Rico Sutton 6’2″ Knights Basketball Academy (Hancock)
One of the more pleasant finds of the weekend, Sutton was playing summer ball for the first time and he made quite a first impression. After spending a game to get his feet wet, he became a force for the rest of the tournament with his explosiveness and ability to get to the basket. Defenders were backing off of him and he was still getting to the basket and scoring at the rim without much trouble. A likely junior college prospect who has a chance to blossom in the future.
Dawson Meinders 6’1″ All Missouri Attack (Walnut Grove)
The Class 1 All-State performer is a solid all-around player who can really shoot the ball from 3-point range. He is very good off the catch. He is a good ball handler and passer who makes good decisions with the ball. He puts in a strong effort at both ends of the court.
Dareon Graham 6’5″ St. Louis Majestics (McCluer)
The big wing player displayed his scoring chops once again in helping lead the Majestics to a nice run to the quarterfinals of the 17U division. He has a nice combination of 3-point shooting prowess and the ability to put it on the floor and create offense off the dribble. He is very smooth in his offensive exploits to the point where it looks almost effortless.
Hunter Burks 6’2″ All Missouri Attack (Fordland)
A talented small-school guard who has mastered the lost art of the mid-range game. He is cash money when he pulls up for the 15 to 17 foot jumper off the dribble. He is a solid ball handler that has also worked to extend his range beyond the 3-point line.
Ryan Torrey 5’11” St. Louis Majestics (Soldan)
Ryan proved to be instant offense for the Majestics off the bench for the weekend and he played the role perfectly. As soon as he entered the game, he started raining down 3-pointers to help change the temperature of the game, which is exactly what you want from your key reserves. He’s quick with good handles, but his 3-point stroke is his greatest strength.