Baby Backcourts (2023-2024)
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Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top “Baby Backcourts” around the state. These are guard tandems made up of 2023 and 2024 prospects. They are going to be tough to deal with in the future, but they are already making some noise early in their careers.
Courtland Simmons (pictured, No. 11) and Walker Gohring (pictured, left) Fulton: The talented 2023 duo has been a big part of the Hornets’ 1402 season so far. The 5’11″ Simmons is a bullish point guard who averages 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists a game. The 5’11 Gohring is an excellent 3-point shooter who averages 12 points and four rebounds a game. They started together as freshmen on a team that advanced to the district championship game.
Jobe Bryant and Caden Casey (Park Hills Central): This pair of 2024 guards are the new building blocks of an up and coming young Rebels team with a bright future. The 5’9″ Bryant is an electric point guard who has already displayed the ability to take over games with his scoring and playmaking abilities. The 5’10” Casey is a fearless player who loves to attack the basket and he can also shoot the ball. Class of 2023 guard Kendall Horton has also had his share of positive moments as well.
Nolan Simon Nolan Simon 5'10" | PG Whitfield | 2023 State MO and Jorden Williams Jorden Williams 6'0" | PG Whitfield | 2023 State MO (Whitfield): A quick and exciting pair of 5’11″ 2023 guards who have been starting together since they were freshmen. Simon is an aggressive penetrating guard that is always attacking the basket. He averages a team-high 15 points a game. Williams is a lefty point guard who can get into the lane or knock down the 3-pointers. He averages nine points a game.
Max Templeman and Justin Ray (Carthage): There should be some good times around Carthage for the next two years with these talented youngsters manning the guard positions. The 5’10″ Templeman is a savvy ball handler who plays with a lot of confidence. He can score and distribute very well. The 5’9″ can also play at the point or off the ball with his ability to shoot the ball from 3-point range.
DJ Long and Nikos Gannaway (Van-Far): A talented pair of 2024 guards who represent the future of Van-Far basketball. They are playing pretty well in the present. Long is an athletic 5’8″ combo guard who averages 14 points, four points and two assists a game. The 5’7″ Gannaway is a lefty poised lefty point guard who averages 13 points, four rebounds three assists and two steals.
Gage Johnson and Cooper Wilken (Weaubleau): I have watched this backcourt pair on two different occasions and have been very impressed both times. Johnson is a 5’10″ 2024 point guard who can handle it, pass it and shoot it from distance. The 5’6″ Wilken has scored 19 and 26 points in two two games that I witnessed. He is an excellent 3-point shooter who can also score on the drive. Class of 2024 guard Blane Durnell is also a very solid young player in the backcourt.
Isaac Danielson and Keaton Anderson (Kirksville): The future of the Bulldogs’ program is in good hands with this talented duo of 2023 guards. Both have good size and a good skill set. The 6’2″ Danielson is a nifty ball handler who can pass the ball and knock down perimeter shots. The 6’1″ Anderson is also a good 3-point shooter who can also get into the lane to score.
Jordan Fuemmeler and Derek Rockett (Higbee): A talented 2024 backcourt that has led the Tigers to a 15-5 record and the CCAA championship. Both are good ball handlers and 3-point shooters. The 5’11 Fuemmeler is averaging 17 points and six rebounds a game while the 5’11 Rockett averages 16 points and four rebounds. Both have hit 48 3-pointers this season.