Grind Region Preview: Missouri Flight
We may be in the middle of high school basketball season but it’s not too early to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at the teams that will be participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Grind Region and here’s a look at Missouri Flight.
Missouri Flight will have teams in the 17U, 16U, and 15U divisions of the Grind Region. They will be participating in the #GrindSzn Kickoff, Midwest Grind Session, and Grind Region Finals.
Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with coach Dale Lamberth.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
We started the flight program 10 years ago with one team and a good group of boys. We used the slogan to help out youth take flight through the game of basketball. Using basketball as an outlet to help kids achieve their goals of going to college. In this 10 year history we have sent 107 kids to college both boys and girls.
What is the goal of your program for 2019? What is your program’s mission each year?
Our program goal for 2019 is is the same mission every year, to provide kids with an opportunity to play the game of basketball outside of our area. Hope to maximize the coverage and exposure for kids to get a chance to play at the next level.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
Daniel Aberu 6’6 Combo Forward Holds offers from Drury University, Southwest Baptist University, Missouri S&T. Being recruited by Missouri Southern, Northwest Missouri, Missouri State, Southern Illinois, Central Michigan, East Central (in Ada) Ouachita in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Dontae Taylor 6’1 PG Recruited by d2 schools, such as MO S&T, Drury , solid 3 yer starter at a class 5 school. High IQ, doesn’t turn it over.
Maurice Grayer 6’2 Combo Guard, athletic wing and shooter. Finishes above the rim.
David Oplotnik 6’6 Stretch 4, Plays inside out.
Garrett Simmerman 6’9 Rim Protector, Stretches his range beyond the 3 point line.
Class of 2021
Mason Ballay Shooter with deep range
Chrishawn Haggard combo guard, scorer at all three levels.
Taylor Harrison SF Slasher
Class of 2022
Mikai Blakeney
Haden Brown
Gavin Davis
Trey Pulford
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We chose the prep hoops circuit because we thought it was a great opportunity to get our players more exposure. We play in prep hoops events and they are the best around the midwest.