MFA Oil Break Time Shootout Standouts
The MFA Oil Break Time Shootout brought together some excellent talent from around the state with big schools and small schools represented on the big stage of the Mizzou Arena. Here is a look at some of the top performers from Saturday’s six-game event:
The Game MVPs:
Gaven Pinkley 6’8″ Hillsboro: The 2018 forward scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the Hawks’ 78-69 victory over Helias. Pinkley is a force around the basket with his scoring, rebounding and shot blocking. He is also a versatile performer who can handle the ball and pass to make his teammates better. His stellar play has led the Hawks to an undefeated record.
Fred Thatch, Jr. 6’3″ Sikeston: The 2018 guard and Saint Louis University signee scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Bulldogs to a 74-72 victory over Whitfield in one of the most entertaining games of the event. The powerful wing player can scoring in the paint or outside with jumpers and aggressive drives to the basket. Earlier this week, he became Sikeston’s all-time leading scorer while surpassing the 2,000-point mark in the same night.
Cody Karl 5’11” Harrisburg: The 2018 guard had 30 points, four rebounds and five assists in the Bulldogs’ 74-60 over Mid Buchanan. Karl is enjoying an excellent senior season as he forms a potent tandem with fellow 2018 standout Cade Combs. He has the ability to get to the basket with his quickness, plus he can knock down jumpers to make his a double threat on offense. He is also very good in the transition game.
Colby Young 6’5″ Sacred Heart: The 2019 forward scored 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the Gremlins’ 73-71 victory over Wellington-Napoleon. Young was able to put his size advantage to good use throughout the game with good moves around the basket and dominant rebounding.
Coban Porter 6’3″ Father Tolton: The 2020 guard scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 54-50 victory over Battle in a contest featuring two local schools. Porter is a solidly built guard who is comfortable handling the ball at the point or moving to the wing to get buckets. He has solid handles and a nice jumper. He also nailed the victory down with some clutch free throws down the stretch.
Jack Mullen 6’6″ Parkway South: The 2018 forward had a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds in the Patriots victory over Columbia Hickman. Mullen is a high-energy performer who attacks the boards and runs the court with a high motor. Combine that with his size and you have a very productive player.
Other Top Performers
Torrence Watson 6’5″ Whitfield: The 2018 guard and University of Missouri recruit scored 37 points in the Warriors narrow loss to Sikeston. Watson put on an impressive offensive show on his future home court. Watson is very adept at attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. He has a complete offensive game with a perimeter shot, the drive and the ability to post up and get buckets.
Cade Combs 6’4″ Harrisburg: The 2018 guard scored 25 points in the Bulldogs victory over Mid Buchanan. He has good size and strong body, which enables him to go inside and get buckets to compliment his versatile perimeter game. Combs is also a good athlete, as evidenced by a couple of nice slam dunks.
Michael Brewer 6’5″ Hillsboro: The 6’5″ 2019 forward scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Hawks victory over Helias. Brewer teams with Gaven Pinkley to form a dominant 1-2 inside combination at Hillsboro. He is a perfect compliment to Pinkley with his strong post play and rebounding. He is just tough to handle around that basket with his size and aggressiveness.