Recapping 2020-2021 boys’ action (Part I)

Aaron Jennings breaks down the standouts from each team from Sunday’s event.

Recapping 2020-2021 boys’ action (Part I)

Aaron Jennings recaps the action at the second annual Future50 Camp&Showcase.

LEBANON, Mo. — The second annuall SWMO Basketball Future 50 Showcase brought together many of the region’s top players last Sunday at Lebanon High. Here is a look at the Class of 2020-2021 boys’ basketball players at the event. The players are listed by the team they played on and their jersey number.

Team A Charley Dryer
(PLAYER, CLASS,  SCHOOL, HT, NUMBER)

PLAYER                     CLASS  SCHOOL      HT    NUMBER

Bode Abraham        2021 Buffalo                     5’11 149

Abraham has good strength for a guard and likes to stick his nose in the paint and gets tough rebounds — especially at the defensive end of the court. A solid, all-around player, Gaw is terrific off the bounce and is a good creator for himself and others. He looks to push the tempo and has good ball control.

Carter Chilton         2020 Salem           6’4    171

A skilled big man is a terrific high post game. He is a fine passer who looks to distribute and can make a defense guess. He can also put the ball on the floor and make something happen for himself. A player with great post moves.

Cannon Cox           2021 Ozark            6’0    153

A standout 3-point shooter with deep range, Cox can knock down outside shots while spotting up, or off the bounce. He is also a creative finisher around the basket and has the potential to lead a team as a point. He plays smart and he knows how to zip around while keeping the ball protected.

Hayden Fender        2021 Billings         6’8    154

Fender is a long interior player with a lot of bounce in his step who can protect the basket at a high level. He does a good job of standing his ground and challenging shots without getting into foul trouble and was among the better all-around shot blockers and interior finishers around the glass we saw.

Zayne Gale               2021 Spokane       6’5    155

Armed with good size and a big frame at 6’5, Gale continues to show nimble feet, good hands and a well-rounded skill set. He can bang in the post and score in the paint, but can also step away from the basket and knock down outside shots as well, making him a tough match-up for opponents.

Joel Kleeman           2021 Miller           6’0    160

Kleeman has good size and surprisingly great hops around the basket. It all comes easily when he’s in the zone. He can pick an opposing player apart. He can float to the basket and shoot mid-way through the air off the glass. Kleeman has a high release, but he also jumps well when he shoots. A deadly combination when he’s feeling it.

Zach Stretch             2020 Liberty          6’2    187

Stretch is a confident guard with good instincts and quick misdirection as he looks to create space. He has a big frame and a diverse, well-rounded skill set for a point guard with bright intuition and a solid deep ball from NBA land when he has things dialed in. An enjoyable player to watch.

Elijah Whitley          2022 Parkview     6’0    111

A strong guard with good size and strength who got varsity time as a freshman. Whitley has great instincts with the ball and can do a lot to help his team without having to score. He’s athletic, intelligent and can find paths to the basket that few players can find. A player who could easily take his game up a notch his sophomore season. 

Team B Ryan Toombs
(PLAYER, CLASS,  SCHOOL, HT, NUMBER)

PLAYER                     CLASS  SCHOOL     HT NUMBER

Kadeon Broome      2021 Clever           6’0    152

A player with good size, width, strength and energy. He makes smart decisions with the ball and can force his way inside and score, clean up plays and rebound and even block shots. A tough kid who is going to get opportunities on the floor.

Bryson Crowell        2020 Lebanon       5’8    174

A skilled player with a high basketball IQ. He plays smart at all times. He looks to find the open man and can connect with his bigs. Crowell had the assist of the day with a slick lob pass to Trevon Price for the two-handed slam.

Jackson Henson     2021 Clearwater   6’3    158

A strong player with a lot of heart and hustle. He competes hard. He runs the floor and dives on the floor to save the ball. He does a lot of the little things at a high level.

 

Taylor Hicks           2020 Clearwater   6’0    177  

A smart player who can handle it but plays off the ball a lot. He can handle himself inside and cleans up plays and does well when the game is physical and a lot of bodies are inside. He hustles a lot and can score when he has a look. Also showed some athleticism.

Zane Hodges            2020 Stoutland     5’7    178

Hodges is a strong, tough point guard who is capable of scoring the ball, but also brings a pass-first, pass-second mentality to the floor. He is a good defender, strong rebounder and looks to attack the basket, draw-and-kick to open shooters.

Jordan Lewis            2020 Lebanon       6’3    182

A strong and physical inside-outside forward, Lewis has improved his outside shot with a lot of hard work. He remains a tough match-up with the ability to drive to the bucket and finish in traffic and over and around players. He’s a match-up problem for most opponents, too strong, skilled and physical for many who defend him.

Michael Lewis        2021 Waynesville 5’9    161

Lewis is a mobile player who stays low as he weaves through a defense. He protects the ball and can score if needed. He attacks players on defense and can swipe the ball and finish plays in transition. He has a lot of potential as a spot up shooter and point guard. A smart lefty with great rhythm.

Peyton McBride      2022 Marshfield   6’2    120

McBride is a tall, athletic wing /forward who can do anything on the court. He can rebound, score inside and out and play around the basket. An athletic player who creates and plays off the ball and can put his head down and get somewhere in a hurry.

Michael Misner     2021 Sarcoxie       6’5    165

A player on the rise who plays hard on both ends. He fights for position and is a good rebounder, defender who can score when he has an opening and put back shots off a miss. He stretches the floor with his outside shot has a solid mid-range.

Jackson Osborne     2020 Glendale      5’11 184

A nice player who’s quick on his feet and knows how to get an open look. Osborne moves off the ball well, can shoot quickly after the catch and he follows his shot and works inside to collect rebounds. He likes to poke at the ball and can force turnovers and pass ahead to his teammates.

Trevon Price            2020 Monett        6’2    186

A bouncy player who can hang around the rim and make plays. And by make plays we mean two-handed power jams. Price is a great rebounder and can score when he’s in the zone. He just doesn’t always look to score as much as he should.