FIVE TAKEAWAYS: Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.)-Hazelwood Central (Mo.)
FIVE TAKEAWAYS: Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.)-Hazelwood Central (Mo.)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Two of the top teams in Kansas and Missouri met on Saturday as part of the Ozark Mountain Shootout at Glendale High School in Springfield, Mo. as Hazelwood Central rallied to defeat the Hustkies 55-50.
The game featured several players who currently hold Division I offers or have committed to Division I programs.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at five things that stood out in the contest.
Parker Braun emerging as a rim protector/stretch 4
There aren’t many players who combine size, length bounce in their step and the ability to step out and knock down open 3-pointers — but Parker Braun is emerging as that kind of player. At 6’8 he has good size and length for a forward and also is a highlight reel shot blocker and dunker. Braun has an emerging offensive skill set as well as he has developed a jump hook in the paint and can also step out and knock down open 3-pointers. He is drawing Division I interest and we see that continuing to grow in the future.
Shaun Williams an impressive passer
An athletic guard, Williams drew significant Division I interest late in the summer after a strong showing playing for Brad Beal Elite and committed to Kansas State. Williams has the ability to get to the basket and shoot from deep but on Saturday he impressed with his passing ability as he dropped off several passes for easy baskets.
Joe Pleasant a strong post
An Abilene Christian commit, Pleasant is a strong, physical forward who can post up on the low block or step out and play on the high post. He finished with 14 points and seven rebounds against Hazelwood Central and showed the ability to control the glass.
Xavier Ball finishes strong
Hazelwood Central 2018 forward Xavier Ball is a tough, physical forward who at 6’7 gets on the boards finishes around the basket and defends at a high level. On Saturday, he threw down a dunk and scored eight of his team-high 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Hawks rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Huskies.