COMO Shootout: Class of 2021 Standouts
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the top Class of 2021 standouts from Saturday’s action at the COMO Shootout at Columbia Hickman High: Guards/Wings Xavier Sykes 5’7″ Rock Bridge: The diminutive combo guard is a dynamic offensive player who…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the top Class of 2021 standouts from Saturday’s action at the COMO Shootout at Columbia Hickman High:
Guards/Wings
Xavier Sykes 5’7″ Rock Bridge: The diminutive combo guard is a dynamic offensive player who stays on a relentless quest to get buckets. He has quickness and a good burst to get to the basket and finish at all kinds of angles against bigger defenders. The little lefty can also change speeds and stop on the dime to sink a 3-pointer off the bounce. He is capable of getting points in bunches when he is on his game.
Nick Roper 6’5″ MICDS: The long and lean lefty sniper is starting to come into his own as a player to watch. His game is unassuming as he doesn’t try to do too much, but he has a very potent stroke from 3-point range. His dribble-drive game is also starting to take shape as he is starting to hit mid-range jumpers and get to the basket. He also moves well without the basketball., especially on the back door cuts.
Anthony Lewis 6’1″ St. Dominic: A very dangerous 3-point shooter who you almost have to face-guard on defense to keep from getting a good look because he is going to knock it down. He is very good off the catch I like how he moves without the ball and comes off screens ready to shoot the ball before the defense recovers. He does his work before he catches the ball. He is also a solid ball handler who stays within himself.
Forwards
Aaron Hendricks 6’6″ MICDS: The bouncy southpaw was very productive on Saturday as he scored in the post and rebounded and blocked shots very effectively. He is getting stronger physically, which enables him to finish in the lane better. He will get up and throw down a dunk in traffic as well. He also has a very effective dribble move off the bounce from the high post where he can take an opposing big to the basket.
Lucas Morrison 6’8″ Salem: At about 290 pounds (and I’m just estimating) this young big’n is a baby version of Big Country and I was impressed with his ability to operate around the basket. He uses his size and big body well; his drop steps were tough and he had a nice touch around the basket. He was also making his free throws, which was also impressive. I enjoyed watching him play.
Jack Pronger 6’6″ MICDS: A tall and long Stretch 4 who was one of the most impressive deep shooters in the event. He is an ideal pick and pop player with his ability to stretch the defense to its limits. He is starting to develop a dribble move to get to the middle area to compliment his 3-point stroke. He uses his length well on the offensive boards to get put-backs. He is a three-year varsity player, but he is still relatively new to the game and still learning.
Seth Larsen 6’5″ Hickman: A solidly built kid with good height and a big body who really excels on the perimeter. He could really handle that ball and free himself for some nice takes to the basket. He is very confident with the ball in his hands as a ball handler and passer. He was a good finisher in the lane as he could score at a variety of angles.
Damon Johanns 6’4″ Helias: The combo forward had a very productive day on Saturday as he helped the Crusaders to an undefeated record in the shootout. He played with a lot of activity and hustle. He put pressure on defenders with his driving ability and was in constant motion throughout the day. He was a good worker to make play consistently.
Collin Parker 6’6″ Montgomery County: The tall and lanky combo forward is the team’s primary ball handler and perimeter player. He uses his height well to get into the lane to get buckets and draw fouls. He does a good job of finding open teammates while also making his share of perimeter jumpers. He is a little stronger physically than when I saw him last year and it shows in how he finishes better around the basket.