Tournament Championship Day (2023 Standouts)
Through the Prep Hoops Missouri Magical Stream Machine, we were able to watch close to two dozen tournament championship games from around the state over the weekend, along with a few exciting third-place games as well. Here is a look…
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Continue ReadingThrough the Prep Hoops Missouri Magical Stream Machine, we were able to watch close to two dozen tournament championship games from around the state over the weekend, along with a few exciting third-place games as well. Here is a look at the top Class of 2023 standouts from those championship games. I like to call them the “Prime Cuts.”
Parker Anderson 6’3″ Hermann: The young wing put together the most dramatic five second stretch of basketball during the weekend to close out the championship game of the Hermann Tournament against Linn. He scored on a driving layup with three seconds left to tie the score at 44-44. He then stole the ensuing inbounds pass and hit a layup as time expired to give the Bearcats an incredible 46-44 victory for the championship. He finished with a game-high 20 points. In the semifinals, he had 27 points and 11 rebounds in a victory over Montgomery County. He is a solidly build player who thrives on attacking the basket and scoring around the rim. He scores on tough takes and gets himself to the free throw line quite often.
Nate Brandt Nate Brandt 6'3" | SG Fatima | 2023 State MO 6’2″ Fatima: The talented wing guard scored 21 points to lead the Comets to a 51-47 victory over Iberia in the championship game of the Eldon Tournament. Nate is one of the most impressive perimeter shooters in the Class of 2023. He hit three 3-pointers, including a couple from way downtown. You had better get out on him when he catches the ball. He also showcased some excellent moves off the dribble as he changed directions while still going at full speed to get to the bucket.
Caden Stoecklin 5’11″ Maryville: The young lefty point guard came up with a big performance in the Spoofhounds’ hard-fought 49-43 victory over Smithville in the championship game of the Cameron Tournament. He had a big impact on both ends of the court as he scored a game-high 21 points. He knocked down 3-pointers and had some nice takes to the basket. On the defensive end, he was also a big factor with multiple steals, which led to a couple of transition layups. He brings toughness and poise to go along with his skills and leadership to the point guard position. It’s very impressive for a young player at such a vital position.
Joe Clark 6’3″ Mid-Buchanan: The athletic wing player was the selected the Most Valuable Player of the North Platte Tournament after he helped lead the Dragons to a 56-54 victory over previously unbeaten Mound City in the championship game. Joe is an impressive athlete who can really slash to the basket and score on some explosive finishes. He has the length and ability to also be a standout performer on the defensive end. When the Dragons employ full-court pressure, he is usually at the top of the press and he can be very disruptive.
Isaac Bird 6’3″ Gallatin: An impressive young guard who scored 24 points in the Bulldogs loss to Lafayette County in the championship game of the Hamilton Tournament. Not only is he the team’s top scoring threat, but he is also their primary ball handler. He has smooth handles and a high basketball IQ to go along with it. He has that long stride that covers a lot of ground and he can get to the basket quite easily, whether he’s going left or right. If he doesn’t get all the way to the basket, he has this nice flip shot in the lane. He can also hit you with a slight hesitation move to keep the defenders off balance. He also knocked down three 3-pointers on the day.
Kyle Poch 6’7″ Bolivar: Although Kyle’s team did not play in a championship game, I did catch his act in the third-place game of the Liberator Tournament against West Plains and was thoroughly entertained. The versatile combo forward scored a game-high 29 points to lead Bolivar to the victory. He is one of the most impressive young buckets in the state and he can get his points from anywhere. He displayed the shooting range by making five 3-pointers. His low post game is also money as he showcased his moves and his shooting touch inside, taking advantage of his size. He can also handle and pass the ball. Just a tough cover.