Jayhawk Summer Finale (Class of 2020 Wings)
Here is a look at the top Missouri Class of 2020 wings from last weekend’s Jayhawk Summer Finale in Overland Park, KS.
D’Anthony Pennington 6’2″ NdaGym (North Kansas City)
The slender sniper established himself as a top scoring threat moving forward throughout the grassroots season. He has the ability to score from many spots on the floor, but his biggest weapon is his 3-point shooting. His high-arching jumper off the catch is very accurate and he does well on the move or in transition. He was also very good when it came to getting into the lane and dropping floaters in for buckets. A very talented scorer who will emerge over the next two seasons.
Dylan Branson 6’5″ Brad Beal Elite (Mehlville)
The big-bodied guard displayed all of his versatility in helping Brad Beal Elite to the 16U championship. He did a little of everything from playing a lot of point guard to even posting up in the lane to take advantage of his size. His passing was on point throughout the tournament as he either dropped dimes to open teammates or kept the ball moving for hockey assists. His is also a versatile scoring threat with his ability to bully his way to the basket or knock down perimeter jumpers off the screen. A high IQ player.
Evan Guillory 6’2″ MO Team Carroll (Joplin)
A strong, tough competitive guard who I finally had the chance to see in person for the first time. His strength and physicality make him a very difficult player to defend, especially when he’s going to the basket. That was when he was at his best of offense. He will also attack the offensive boards to get more buckets on put backs. He also has very good athleticism as well. His presence will keep Joplin among the Class 5 teams to watch over the next two seasons.
Jayce Catchings 6’3″ Brad Beal Elite (Wentzville Liberty)
The talented wing enjoyed a productive weekend in helping his team to the 16U championship. Jayce has made his bones as an excellent 3-point shooter and that was on display throughout the weekend. His game has continued to evolve over the course of a year. His ball handling and decision making has improved after playing point guard for much of his sophomore season at Liberty. He rebounds the ball and gets after it on defense. He also had a knack of making a key play when his team needed it during a crucial part of the game. He also picked up an offer from Southeast Missouri State after the tournament.
Ben Palacios 6’4″ Marcus Denmon Elite (St. Michael)
A versatile scoring threat who I always enjoy watching because he knows how to get buckets in a multitude of ways. He has been taught the game well because he can score a lot of points without wasting a lot of time and effort. He can get you buckets off the dribble with escape moves and drives to the rack, plus he has a nice stroke from 3-point range. He is just as good without the ball as he can set screens to get himself open and make hard cuts to the basket for easy layups.
Harrison Vickers 6’4″ Brad Beal Elite (Chaminade)
A true “junkyard dog” whose game is not defined by a position, but you put him out there on the court and he just make plays and helps the team win. He’s a long, wiry athlete, who handles the ball, plays solid defense, rebounds on both ends and attacks the rim on the drive. He was active and always in the middle of the action. He was a vital piece to the team’s run to the 16U championship.
Jadon Gilpin 6’4″ Missouri Flight (Glendale)
A very skilled wing player with good size, athleticism and the ability to play anywhere on the court. He was very comfortable playing with the ball in his hands as someone who can facilitate offense of make plays for himself. He also showed some toughness during the tournament as he took a hard shot to the nose in the first game and came back with a mask and continued to play throughout the tournament. He has a nice upside.