Freshmen of Influence
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top Class of 2023 players who came in and made an immediate impact around the Show-Me State: Starting Five G – Kyan Evans 5’9″ Staley: The talented point guard played…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top Class of 2023 players who came in and made an immediate impact around the Show-Me State:
Starting Five
G – Kyan Evans 5’9″ Staley: The talented point guard played a big role in helping Staley to the Final Four of the Class 5 state tournament, averaging 8.6 points, four assists and two steals a game while shooting 42 percent from 3-point range. He scored 14 points and made four 3-pointers in a 60-59 victory over Raymore-Peculiar in the state quarterfinals.
G – Jorden Williams 5’9″ Whitfield: An electric quick point guard who stepped in right away and led a young Whitfield team to a berth in the Class 3, District 6 championship game. In his first game, he scored 22 points against a very talented Trinity Catholic team. He can attack the basket with his speed and make 3-pointers as he averaged 11 points a game.
G – Jayden Nicholson 6’4″ Hazelwood Central: A physically strong and robust wing player who was an impact player on a very talented Hawks team that won a Class 5 district championship. The physical southpaw has a feathery touch from the perimeter to go along with his muscular drives to the basket. He is also an explosive athlete who will dunk in traffic. He averaged nine points and nearly six rebounds a game.
F- Kyle Pock 6’5″ Bolivar: A very skilled young post player who emerged as an impact player in helping the Liberators to a 22-victory season and a berth in a district championship game. He can score around the basket with both hands, but he can also step outside and create offense off the dribble and find open teammates with his passing.
F – Clayton Ernst 6’8″ Jackson: A solid young post player who played a big role in the Indians winning a Class 5 district championship and a berth in the sectionals. He is a skilled post player who can score around the basket and step outside and hit 3-pointers. He was also a presence on the defensive end with his length as a shot-blocker.
More Talented Freshmen
Mason Williams 5’10” Park Hills Central: An exciting point guard who helped the Rebels to a Class 3 district championship. He is an aggressive guard who plays with a lot of pace and who loves to attack the basket. He also has a solid mid-range jumper.
Cameron Williams 6’6″ Cape Girardeau Central: A versatile post player who is primed to be one of the top prospects in the SEMO region in short order. He has a big body and he uses it well to create space and get buckets in the post, but he can also knock down 3-pointers off the catch.
Nolan Simon 5’9″ Whitfield: A tough combo guard who averaged 10 points a game in helping the Warriors to a berth in the Class 3, District 6 championship game. He attacks the basket well and can really finish in traffic.
Kaden Stuckey 6’5″ Greenwood: The young lefty post player became a big factor for Greenwood’s talented team that advanced to the Class 2 state quarterfinals. He continued to get better and better as the season progressed.
Courtland Simmons 5’11” and Walker Gohring 5’9″ Fulton: An impressive pair of young guards who were impact players as freshmen. Simmons is an athletic point guard who can get to the basket, hit 3-pointers and play ball-hawking defense. Gohring is an excellent 3-point shooter who moves well without the ball.
Devin and Darin Conley (Pembroke Hill): The future is bright at Pembroke Hill with the 6’1 Devin and 6’3 Darin in the lineup for the next three years. Devin is a talented guard who can shoot while Darin is a very athletic wing forward.
Kael Combs 6’3″ Nixa: A very athletic young wing player who plays with a high motor at both ends of the court. He can generate excitement with steals and transition dunks. He has a big upside.
Wil Carlton 5’11” Marionville: An impressive guard who made a big impact with his perimeter shooting in his first varsity year. His range extends well beyond the 3-point line. He earned second-team All-Conference honors for his efforts.
Ahlante Askew 6’0″ Republic: Talented young guard who made plenty of positive contributions on both ends of the court for Republic.