STOCK RISERS AT OZARK MOUNTAIN SHOOTOUT
STOCK RISERS AT OZARK MOUNTAIN SHOOTOUT
Several players put together strong performances at this year’s Ozark Mountain Shootout held at Glendale High School in Springfield (Mo.). The two-day event drew several of the top teams from the midwest, including Blue Valley Northwest, Hazelwood Central among others, as well as several future Division I players.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at some of the individual standouts.
Parker Braun, 6’8, PF/C, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest
A jumping jack interior player, Braun defended the rim, blocked shots and drew oohs and awes with several spectacular slams. He had 11 points and 10 rebounds in a hard fought loss on Saturday to Hazelwood Central.
Michael Clark, 5’11, G, 2018, Confluence
His teammate, Brandon Fredrick, gets a lot of attention and rightfully so, but Clark is a talented player who has brought back the mid-range game with a vengeance. He is quick enough to beat most defenders off the dribble, then can stop and shoot from 17 feet, or get all the way in the lane and pull up for jumpers. He had 21 against Catholic on Saturday after scoring 13 against Nixa on Friday.
Dajuan Harris, 6’2, PG, 2019, Rock Bridge
There aren’t many better guards around than Harris who combines speed, quickness and athleticism with the ability to run a team and orchestrate an offense. He has the ability to get to the basket and finish in traffic and make tough chances in the paint look easy. Harris went for 26 in a high scoring game in which everyone scored against Glendale and showed the skills that have made him a Division I recruit.
Damien Loyd, 5’10, G, 2019, Kirkwood
Fans who stuck. around for Saturday’s nightcap got a chance to see one of the St. Louis area’s most unheralded guards as Loyd went for 31 points against Willard and helped lead Kirkwood back from a big early deficit. He is a smooth guard who can create shots for himself off the bounce and shoot from the outside.
Brandon Fredrick, 5’10, G, 2018, Confluence Prep
Fredrick is arguably one of the most underrated players in the state, a player who stayed off the summer circuit and probably hasn’t drawn the attention he deserves as a result. He’s not very big, but is quick and can flat shoot the basket. He can handle it and creates separation with ease off the bounce. He had a pair of big scoring games on Friday and Saturday, going for 33 on Friday and 22 on Saturday.
Isaiah Mosely, 6’6, F, 2019, Rock Bridge
Arguably the state’s best prospect in the 2019 class, Mosely holds an offer from Mizzou and showed why in a win over Glendale as he powered his way to 34 points and 13 rebounds. He knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, got to the free throw line and was tough to stop around the basket.
Shaun Williams, 6’4, G, 2018, Hazelwood Central
Williams committed to Kansas State after a big summer running with Brad Beal Elite and he has helped the Hawks open the season 5-0, including a big win over Blue Valley Northwest on Saturday. He has sacrificed some of his offense this season in favor of helping Hazelwood Central put together a well-rounded offensive squad as the team features five players averaging in double figures.
Cameron VanLeer, 6’4, G, 2018, Pacific
VanLeer is putting together a strong season for the Indians, averaging 23.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game through the team’s first six games. He has the ability to take his game into the paint and post up and was a disruptive presence at both ends of the court on Saturday in a 50-36 win over Kickapoo.