April evaluation period standouts (A few new names)
There were several players from the Show-Me State who put in work during the two weeks of the April Evaluation Period. Here are a few new names of players who played well the past two weekends:
Mekei Ray 5’8″ St. Louis Majestics 17U: The speedy point guard from McCluer North has enjoyed an excellent spring as the floor leader and catalyst for a talented Majestics team that has already won two grassroots tournaments. His ability to push the tempo on both ends keeps the pace hot and his athletic teammates playing at a high level.
Mikel Henderson 6’0″ KC Spurs 17U: The point guard from Lee’s Summit North has been excellent for the Spurs, who won the Prep Hoops Proving Ground Platinum Division championship last weekend. He has been a productive player on both ends of the court, getting buckets and facilitating for his teammates while being a force on the defensive end.
Erick Slack 6’4″ NdaGym 17U: The talented wing from North Kansas City has enjoyed a strong series of games in April and especially last weekend when he led NdaGym to the championship of the Midwest Live in Lawrence, KS. He displayed excellent scoring ability in averaging 20 points a game in Lawrence.
Cade Berg 6’6″ Missouri Team Carroll 16U: The athletic combo forward from Blue Springs South led Team Carroll to the 16U championship at the Midwest Live in Lawrence, KS. His high motor and activity are his best attributes as he put up a number of double-doubles. He was tough in the post and he had several impressive rim-runs for buckets and dunks.
Daniel Abreu 6’5″ Missouri Flight 16U: An excellent young combo forward from Willard who can be a matchup problem with his versatile skill set. He is an active scorer around the basket and he combines it with his ability to pass and make plays on the perimeter.
Blake Busateri 6’3″ Missouri Impact 17U: A talented wing player from Timberland High who has been putting up some impressive numbers during the grassroots season. He has good size and a versatile skill set. He can shoot the perimeter shot and move well without the basketball to get buckets.
Cohl Vaden 5’9″ Victory Basketball 15U: Talented young 2022 guard from Webb City who has been playing at a high level during the grassroots season in leading his team to a couple of tournament wins. He has excellent shooting range from 3-point territory, plus the ability to get to the basket off the dribble.
Xavier Sykes 5’9″ Missouri Team Carroll 16U: Young 2021 point guard from Helias who has been doing a nice job playing up at the 16U level. He averaged 11 points, five assists and two steals a game in last weekend’s Midwest Live in Lawrence in helping Team Carroll to the championship.