A Dandy Dozen (SEMO 2019 Prospects)
Here is a look at a dozen of the top prospects from Southeast Missouri in the Class of 2019
Trey Jenkins 6’7″ Sikeston: The young power forward’s game has evolved over the past four seasons. He came in as an excellent shot blocker and has continued his development as a dependable low post scorer who finishes well in traffic. During the summer, he displayed a newly found stroke from 3-point range off the catch. Very athletic and mobile as well.
Dominique Hardimon 6’3″ Poplar Bluff: The powerful wing player led Poplar Bluff to a district championship as well as the championship of their own Christmas Tournament. He is one of the toughest players in the state to defend off the dribble. When he puts his head down and goes downhill, he’s going to score. He is also developing his perimeter jumper to compliment his bull rushes to the basket.
Kevin Jones 5’11” Sikeston: An energizer bunny combo guard who has been a fixture in Sikeston’s lineup since his freshman year, Jones becomes a senior leader after the graduation of all-everything player Fred Thatch, Jr. Jones is a relentless end to end defender who has the knack of making big shots in big moments.
Chauncey Hughes 6’0″ Cape Girardeau Central: Talented combo guard who led the Tigers to a 20-victory season and near upset of Sikeston in the district championship game. Hughes is a slashing guard who gets to the bucket with ease and also excels in the transition game.
Derez Tipler 6’0″ East Prairie: A four-year starter at point guard for East Prairie, Tipler is a pass-first point guard who can also get buckets and play excellent defense. He has a strong body and he plays through the contact well. He is a tough competitor who will not back down from any player, regardless of size.
Parker Long 6’2″ Sikeston: A tough point guard who plays a nice all-around game for the Bulldogs. He is a solid perimeter shooter, but he is an excellent passer, ball handler and he will get his share of rebounds. He is also an 80 percent free throw shooter and he will battle you on the defensive end.
Owen Long 6’2″ Sikeston: The other half of the talented twin duo, Owen is an excellent 3-point threat who made 53 of them last season while shooting 38 percent from long distance. Like his brother, he is tough and he doesn’t mind getting in the middle of the action. Their father was a former collegiate standout at UAB in the mid-1990’s.
Hayden Thomas 6’2″ Twin Rivers: A very skilled shooting guard who helped lead his SI Select team to the AAU National Championship during the summer. He is a very good 3-point shooter with an excellent set of fundamentals. He uses ball fakes and shot fakes as well as any player I’ve seen around the state. Very tight and no wasted motion, which makes it so effective.
Kinyon Hodges 6’2″ Cape Girardeau Central: A bouncy wing player who plays the four position on a small Cape Girardeau team, but is a very difficult matchup problem with is athleticism and skill set. He is an excellent slashing threat who can get to the rim and dunk on people at a moment’s notice.
Trent Lippoldt 6’7″ Doniphan: A very capable post player who is ready to assume a bigger role with the the graduation of shooting guard standout Klay Barton. Trent has good strength and good post moves around the basket with the ability to finish. He also displayed the ability to handle the ball and facilitate the offense when needed during the summer team camp action.
Jacob Shoemaker 6’0″ Oran: Talented small-school standout who has been a four-year standout at Oran. As a sophomore, he led the Eagles to the Class 2 state championship. A fine all-around talent who can make perimeter shots, handle the ball and pass it as well. He’s a coach’s son who knows how to play the game.
Nathan Burnett 5’10” Risco: A Class 1 standout who is one of the best shooters in the Southeast part of the state. His 3-point shooting led Risco to a near-district championship in 2017. A four-year starter who averaged more than 20 points a game last season while making 60 3-pointers.