Rib City Shootout: Top Teams
Prep Hoops was in attendance at the Rib City Shootout in Dexter, Mo on Friday afternoon. It was an opportunity to see some of the top players and teams from the Southeast Missouri region. Here is a look at some of the top teams at the Shootout:
Sikeston: After finishing fourth in the state tournament in 2018, the Bulldogs will be a contender in Class 4 once again with the returning talent on hand. All-State guard Fred Thatch is now at Saint Louis U., but the Bulldogs are loaded at the guards spots with 5’10” 2019 Kevin Jones and 6’2″ 2019 twins Parker and Owen Long. All three are tough competitors who can score and pass the ball. Anchoring the inside play is 6’7″ 2019 forward Trey Jenkins, who can score in the paint and block shots. He also has an improved stroke from 3-point range.
Charleston: The Class 3 state runners-up have to replace a dynamic duo in Mardareyon Clark and Demarcus Sharp. Their top offensive weapon is 6’2″ 2020 guard Samuel Bledsoe, who is a knock-down 3-point shooter. 6’2″ 2019 guard Latrell Porter is an athletic slashing guard who defends well and does a little bit of everything. There is size inside in 6’5″ high motor 2020 forward Blessin Kimble and 6’5″ 2019 post Delontre Gillespie.
Hazelwood East: The Spartans feature a lot of quickness and talent at the perimeter positions. Isaac Spears, a 6’4″ 2020 transfer from Nevada, is a smooth offensive player who can score at three levels. Jordan Gilmore, a 6’2″ 2020 guard, is a knock down shooter from 3-point range.
Thayer: The Bobcats have been a consistent contender in Class 2 and that should continue based on what we saw on Friday. They are led by 6’5″ 2019 forward Ayden Stone, who is a tough inside player that is started to expand his game a little bit. He gets help up front from 6’4″ 2019 forward Dylan Spencer. I was also impressed with 6’1″ 2019 guard Braden Hufstedler and 5’11” 2021 guard Jayce Haven.
Hayti: The Class 2 state runners up will have to get along without graduated stars Darius Jones and Kobe Cooper. The Indians are still quick and will pick up you full court. Leading the up-tempo attack is 5’7″ 2020 guard Jerrod Covington. 6’1″ 2019 forward Ivory Winters is also a high-level football prospect. Also playing well are 2019s Chrivante Moore and Nakwon Harris.
Park Hills Central: The Rebels should be contenders in Class 3 again after winning yet another district championship. They have a strong 2020 dynamic duo in 6’5″ forward Breven McMullen and 6’2″ guard Brenton Wagner. Unfortunately, McMullen was injured while playing just before the tournament and will probably miss the rest of the summer. Wagner was very good on Friday with his perimeter shooting, ball handling and overall team leadership.