The Young’ins: Final Four 2023-2024 Standouts
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Some of the youngest players in this weekend’s MSHSAA Final Four have been able to shine on the state’s biggest stage. Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top Class of 2023 and 2024 standouts from this…
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Continue ReadingSome of the youngest players in this weekend’s MSHSAA Final Four have been able to shine on the state’s biggest stage. Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top Class of 2023 and 2024 standouts from this weekend’s action in Springfield.
Kyle Pock Kyle Pock 6'7" | SF Bolivar | 2023 State #286 Nation MO (Bolivar): The 6’7″ 2023 forward was one of the top individual players at the Final Four as he led the Liberators to a state runner-up finish in the Class 5 tournament. He played all five positions and did it all well. In the state championship game against Cardinal Ritter, he had 30 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks; all while playing the point guard role for his team. It was a tremendous all-around performance. He scored from all three levels while also facilitating the offense as a point forward, who handled the ball against Ritter’s pressure defense effectively.
Zaide Lowery Zaide Lowery 6'4" | SG La Lumiere | 2023 #127 Nation IN (Kickapoo): The athletic 6’3″ 2023 guard gave a preview of what is to come in the future as he had a big game off the bench in the Chiefs’ victory over Chaminade in the state semifinals. He had 13 points and seven rebounds while making several explosive plays to pump up his team. He blocked a 3-pointer and scored on a swooping layup and later threw down a one-handed tomahawk dunk and made it look easy. When Poo’s talented senior class moves on, he’s ready to step in and blossom into a prime-time player.
Kennard Davis Kennard Davis 6'5" | PG Vashon | 2023 MO (Vashon): The big-bodied 6’5″ 2023 forward enjoyed a big performance in the Wolverines’ victory over Blair Oaks in the Class 4 state semifinals. He had 13 points, four rebounds and four steals. He showcased his versatility by knocking down a 3-pointer as well as his toughness inside as he battled with Blair Oaks’ 6’9″ standout Luke Northweather Luke Northweather 6'9" | PF Blair Oaks | 2022 State MO . He has fit in well as a youngster with Vashon’s senior-laden lineup. He followed up with 14 points in the state championship game victory over Westminster.
Kobi Williams Kobi Williams 6'4" | SG Westminster | 2023 State MO 6’2 Westminster: The athletic 6’2″ 2023 combo guard had 12 points, three rebounds and two steals in the Wildcats’ competitive loss to Vashon in the Class 4 state championship game. He displayed a nice stroke from distance with a pair of 3-pointers. He has nice form and elevation on his shot. He has good quickness and athleticism and a high basketball IQ, which enables him to impact a game at both ends of the floor.
Nilavan Daniels 6’2 Chaminade: The 6’2″ 2023 guard was on fire from 3-point range in the Red Devils’ victory over Fort Zumwalt North in the third-place game on Saturday. He scored 15 points on five of six shooting from long distance. He also had five rebounds and three steals. He is a high-energy performer who is always in the middle of the action with his high motor. With a full year of varsity experience, expect him to really come into his own in the next two seasons.
Za’Corrie Kerr (Van Horn): The 6’2″ 2024 guard gave a brief glimpse of coming attractions during the Falcons’ exciting overtime loss to Cardinal Ritter in the Class 5 semifinals. He scored five points in five minutes and displayed a lot of confidence and poise in such a big game. He scored on a very difficult baseline floater in the first half and then he confidently knocked down a Corner 3 in the second half during a key juncture of the game. The moment was not to big for the youngster, who has good length and mobility on the wing.