Central Methodist Team Shootout (Top 2019s)
Prep Hoops Missouri was in Fayette, Mo. on Thursday to take in the action at the Central Methodist University Team Shootout. Here is a look at the top Class of 2019 standouts at the event.
E.J. Bellinger 6’4″ Fort Zumwalt South
The smooth shooting guard was easily the best player at the camp. He is a three-level scorer who gets it done in an efficient manner. He was at his best during a hotly contested game against Springfield Catholic when he erupted for 30 points. When Catholic players tried to challenge him and get under his skin, he went off with an offensive display full of mid-range jumpers, 3-pointers off the down screen, transition dunks and post ups off duck downs in the paint. When he’s fully engaged like that, he is tough to stop. He already holds a Division I offer from Louisiana-Monroe.
Luke Hicks 6’2″ Hallsville:
A very smooth combo guard who moves at his own pace and his deterred from getting to his spots on the floor. He was one of the most impressive 3-point shooters in the event with range that extends well beyond the 3-point line. He can shoot it off the catch or let it fly off the dribble after creating a little space. He a nice set of handles and he can pass it to well. He did a nice job of breaking in a whole new set of teammates.
Jake Branham 6’2″ Springfield Catholic
A very nice combo guard who can facilitate the offense while getting buckets and keeping things moving. He was one of the hottest players in the state during the final weeks of the regular season with some big scoring nights. He has a very good 3-point stroke, but he also has the ability to get in the lane and get tough buckets through contact. He plays with an extreme amount of confidence.
Tyrek Coleman 6’1″ Francis Howell Central
An all-purpose athlete who gets things done in all facets of the game for his team. He plays bigger than his actual height when it comes to slashing to the basket and attacking the offensive boards. He can get buckets without having the offense designed for him to score. He can get out in transition and score, plus he will hit a corner 3-pointer off the catch. He plays with tremendous energy.
Clayton Gochenour 6’3″ Boonville
The talented wing player was without a doubt one of the best shooters in the event. He made seven 3-pointers in a game against Excelsior Springs. In the opening game against Warrenton, he scored his team’s first 20 points. He shoots a high arching ball that brings rain and buckets alike. He also moves well without the basketball and scores on cuts to the basket.
Jake Tonioli 5’10” Warrenton
A tough point guard who is in charge of leading a very young team after heavy graduation losses from a strong team. He did a good job of keeping his team organized as they got better with each game during day. He is a very unselfish player with good passing, but he has the ability to score, especially from 3-point range. He is strong enough to get to the bucket and they also use him to post up on occasion.
Braedan Wetrich 6’2″ Moberly
A talented shooting guard who will be starting his fourth year on the varsity next season. He came into high school as a very good 3-point shooter off the catch. He has continued to evolve as a all-around scoring threat. I am very impressed with his hard-dribble pull up jumper, which is a big part of his offensive game. His ball handling has improved with makes it easier to add more elements to his game.
Kaleb Anderson 6’1″ Francis Howell Central
The thin point guard was excellent for his team throughout the three games on Thursday. Even when his team was well behind in the first game against Fort Zumwalt South, he was working hard and making plays to try to bring his team back. He puts in a strong effort on the defensive end and can create turnovers. He pushes the ball in transition and knocks down 3-pointers in the half court offense.
Ben Miller 6’5″ Westran
A beefy post player who did a nice job of handling his business in the paint. There isn’t much flash to his game. He doesn’t need it. He just seals his man, catches it, then goes up and scores. And he repeats it over and over until the other team double-teams him, then he does a nice job of kicking it out to open shooters. He’s a problem in Class 2, for sure.