Small School Standouts on the Circuit
One of the benefits of the grassroots circuit is that it gives players from the small schools around the state a chance to showcase their games against top players from around the country. Here is a look at some of the players that I watched from Missouri Class 1 and 2 schools who did a nice job during the grassroots season. Look for them to have big years during the high school season.
Ethan Kilgore 6’6″ KC Run GMC 15U (East Buchanan ’20): A versatile combo forward who did an excellent job for KC Run GMC while playing on the Under Armour circuit as one of the team’s leading scorers and rebounders. He performed well in the paint, but could also take his game on the perimeter as a good shooter, ball handler and passer. He’s one of the top players in the Class of 2020.
Brad Hailey 6’6″ KC Premiere 17U (Stanberry ’18): A strong, bodied player who was an excellent playmaking forward for KC Premiere. He could handle the ball and can really hit the open man with his pinpoint passing. Has a nice shooting touch in the lane, which includes a nice step back turnaround jumper off one leg.
Cade Combs 6’4″ Ramey-Jets United 17U (Harrisburg ’18): A Class 2 All-State who took his game to the big stage to play with the Ramey-Jets United in the Adidas Uprising Gauntlet. He was a solid addition to the team with his ball handling and perimeter shooting. Experience should help him have an even bigger senior year after leading Harrisburg to a third-place finish in the state tournament.
Trent Lyles 6’0″ MO Team Carroll 17U (Sacred Heart ’18): A talented point guard who has the ability to get buckets and facilitate the offense with his handles and shooting ability. Can shoot the 3-pointer, but also has a nice stop-and-pop jumper from 15 feet. Has a lot of interest from Division II schools, including an offer from Nebraska-Kearney. Led Gremlins to the Class 2 Final Four last season.
Trent McBride 6’6″ xx Elite (Eminence ’19”): A versatile lefty big who is one of the top Class 1 players in the state. He has a soft touch around the basket and will also take his game outside to knock down 3-pointers and high post jumpers. He’s also an excellent passer out of the double team. Led Eminence to the Class 1 quarterfinals in 2017.
Zach Bond 6’7″ Missouri Combat 17U (Eugene ’18): An improving big with a lot of athletic ability and plenty of upside. He runs the court well and plays with a lot of energy. Has continued to improved his offensive game around the basket. Will return to a loaded Eugene team that should be a Class 2 state contender.
Levi Woods 5’10” SEMO Bulls 17U (Puxico ’18): A small combo guard who can really get buckets. He is a downtown shooter who can knock down a bunch of 3-pointers in a hurry, but he can also get to the basket as he plays very aggressive and fearless.
Tanner Thuvenot 6’8″ MO Team Carroll 15U (Lighthouse Christian ’20): A big, physical post player who continued to get better as the summer progressed. He knew how to use his size to get good position and have a big presence around the basket. By the end of July, he was commanding the ball and getting buckets as he became a go-to guy in the paint.