Grassroots: Mullen’s High Profile Tournament (2017 Wings)
Here is a look at some of the top Missouri Class of 2017 wings who stood out in last weekend’s Mullen’s High Profile Basketball Tournament in Overland Park, KS. Caleb Bennett 6’4″ Oklahoma Run PWP (St. Joe Lafayette): The talented…
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Continue ReadingHere is a look at some of the top Missouri Class of 2017 wings who stood out in last weekend’s Mullen’s High Profile Basketball Tournament in Overland Park, KS.
Caleb Bennett 6’4″ Oklahoma Run PWP (St. Joe Lafayette): The talented swing was excellent all weekend in helping lead his team to the 17U championship game. Bennett’s size and skill level enable him to impact the game in so many ways. He is an excellent rebounder and he can really attack the rim with his size and athleticism. He can score off the bounce and from the perimeter, plus he dropped several nice dimes. Already holds a few Division I offers and can expect to get more.
Sterling Hicks 6’2″KC Pacers Blue (St. Joe Lafayette): A big, physical wing player who uses his strength to his advantage. Plays through contact with ease as he sheds defenders like bumper cars on his way to the basket. Displayed the ability to score in traffic as well as the ability to knock down mid-range jumpers. He is also a good passer who makes his teammates better. Capable of defending multiple positions.
Dru Smith 6’2″ Team Rush (Park Hill): A long, athletic wing player who was one of the top defensive players in the tournament. He was a tenacious and willing on-ball defender who was also excellent in his team’s trapping defensive schemes. He works his tail off to play denial defense and he will dart into the passing lanes for steals. On offense, he is more of a slasher than a shooter, but he is very good in transition in a fast-paced game.
Garrett Kesterson 6’4″ Missouri Gym Rats (Fair Grove): One of the top perimeter shooters in the tournament, Kesterson is really good off the catch with his quick release. He moves well without the ball and comes off screens ready to shoot. There’s not a lot of wasted motion. He is always running hard to get to his spots. Will also pick off his share of offensive rebounds.
Jake Messer 6’0″ St. Louis Gym Rats (Lafayette): He comes from a family of shooters and he is no different as he can knock down the 3-pointers. He is also a physically built guard who is very strong with the ball and has the ability to get to the basket and finish. Did a good job of drawing defenders and finding open teammates.
Deonte Johnson 6’3″ Missouri Gym Rats (Springfield Central): An athletic wing player who is in constant motion on both ends of the floor. He plays hard and without fear. He attacks the rim and has the ability to finish well, especially in transition. He also dropped some nice dimes, especially a couple no-looks that were beautiful. Love the energy that he plays with, which epitomizes how hard the Gym Rats play.
Saxton Thurston 6’2″ KC Pacers Blue (St. Joe Benton): A unique player in that he is the size of a guard, but plays very effectively in the post. He has the ability to post up strong inside and score in the paint on a consistent basis. He battles bigger players for post position and rebounds. He knocked down a number of mid-range jumpers off the bounce.
Tre Flowers 6’1″ KC Pacers Blue (St. Joe Benton): Very capable guard who could really shoot the ball off the catch from 3-point range. A solid ball handler who was strong with the ball and can play through contact.