MAC Summer Shootout (Top Teams)
Prep Hoops Missouri spent Saturday afternoon at the MAC Summer Shootout, which was held at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, MO. Here is a look at the top teams at the shootout:
Poplar Bluff: The Mules looked strong in winning the tournament, defeating DeSmet, Jennings and St. Mary’s in succession. They have a veteran team returning that won a district championship in 2018, led by 6’3″ 2019 forward Dominique Hardimon, who dominated the tournament with his physicality and skill set. Hardimon gets plenty of support from 2019 guards Tyler Cline, Xander Martin and Carlton McDonald, who can all shoot the 3-pointer. 2021 point guard Joseph Hardimon is a physical performer who can get in the lane, like his older brother. Holding down the inside is solid 6’5″ 2019 forward Nick Roland.
Jennings: The Warriors have an athletic team full of interchangeable parts, led by physical 6’3″ 2019 wing Elijah Hicks and 6’2″ 2019 guard Michael Terry. They have a crew of solid athletes up front in 6’4″ 2019 forward Donnell Carter, 6’5″ 2019 forward Donzell Carter and 6’3″ 2020 forward Vernell Sims, who is an excellent offensive rebounder. 2021 guard Trevon Love is a talented young player who made a game-winning shot in the Warriors’ opening victory over Farmington.
DeSmet: The Spartans are a young team on the come with a lot of size and depth. They boast a couple of capable 6’9″ 2021 forwards in Yaya Keita and Aladji Gasama, who both have huge upsides. Joining them up front is versatile 6’4″ 2020 forward Michael Skoff and 6’7″ 2021 Logan Wich. There is also youth in the backcourt with 2021 guards Jeremiah Walker and Thomas Redmond. Coming back from a knee injury is 6’1″ 2019 Evan Aslesen, who can knock down 3-pointers. DeSmet should be a factor for the next few seasons with all of the young talent.
Farmington: The Knights will be without top scorer Brendan Hardy, who is now at Missouri Baptist. They will continue to be a solid team capable of winning a district championship. Farmington will be led by its experienced 2019 front court duo of 6’4″ Tycen Gray and 6’7″ Cole Laurence, who will be starting for the third consecutive year. 2019 point guard Bryce Saucegrow can make things happen while 2021s Brent Gray and Isaiah Robinson have potential.
South Iron: The young and talented Panthers will win a lot of games in Class 1 with its crew of freshmen and sophomores. They are led by 6’2″ 2021 guard Brock Wakefield, who can score from many places on the floor. Fellow 2021 Marco Burse is a 6’0″ athlete with a high motor around the basket. Joining them are talented 2022 guards Drenin Dinkins and D.J. Prater. Dinkins is a nice point guard while Prater is an athletic slashing guard.
St. Mary’s: The rebuilding Dragons were very competitive in getting to the championship game. They are inexperienced, but they have gotten better during the month of June. Standout 2019 point guard Yuri Collins has displayed excellent leadership in bringing his younger teammates along. Also playing well on Saturday was 6’4″ 2020 slashing wing Sofara Rasas and 6’5″ 2019 forward Donovan Parker. 2020 guard Noah Hamilton also made some positive strides.