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OH MY GOD!!!!!! ITS HERE AGAIN!!!!!! My favorite event of the calendar year. Forget the Super Bowl. Forget the NBA Finals. The Blue and Gold is a close second but definitely second none the less. The Bass Pro Shoppes Tournament of Champions return to Springfield and this years event promises to be just as good as the past year’s events that has made us fall in love with this great event. This year features four first timers (Bartlett (TN), Staley (MO), Calvary Christian (FL), and Link (MO)) and the two leaders in tournament appearances (Christ the King (NY) and Kickapoo). Rounding out the field is two more teams making appearance number two in St. Rita out of Chicago and Sunrise Christian Academy. 35 players in this years field is currently committed, signed, or holds offers from DI schools with more surly to come.
This year’s field is unique because you have your two favorites in Link and Sunrise Christian, then I have no clue how the other six teams are going to shake out except in my eyes the third best team (St. Rita) will be competing for the 5th. While I know figuring out what to expect can be overwhelming, so I did it for you. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s tournament.
Quick Hitters
Favorite: Link Academy
Runner Up: Sunrise Christian
Dark Horse: St. Rita
Best Player: Ja’Kobe Walter (Link)
Best Shooter: Matas Buzelis
Best Big: James Brown (St. Rita)
Best Guard: Elliot Cadeau (Link)
Name you will learn: Kayden Fish (Staley)
SWMO’s Favorite Team: Calvary Christian
SWMO’s Favorite Player: Scotty Middleton (Sunrise Christian)
Most Underrated: Christ the King
Best Underclassman: Aaron Rowe (Link) and John Bol (Sunrise Christian)
Bronny Award (Who will garner the most attention): Kiyan Anthony (Christ the King – Son of Carmelo Anthony)
Team Breakdowns
Class 6 #8 Kickapoo Chiefs 8-2 (Springfield, MO)
Team TOC History
20th appearance (Tournament Leader) 23-34
3rd place finishes: 3
2nd place finishes: 0
Championships: 1
TEAM OVERVIEW
I was very excited for this squad to participate when it was announced back this summer. However, some of the luster disintegrated when 4 star Marquette commit Zaide Lowery announced that he was taking his talents onto the NIBC circuit at La Lumiere in Indiana. That being said, this team is still loaded with talent. They have everything a team needs to be dangerous in a tournament like this. They have lethal shooting ability from all three levels by nearly all five starters and have plus size by four of their five starters. This team is deep and is surly to be a factor come this postseason but we could see a sneak peak of it now. Brayden Shorter, Jackson Shorter, and Harrison Doenning provides three options 6’5 or taller with the athleticism to make things even tougher. Add in dead eye shooter Trae Oetting and shooting ability of Brayden Shorter and the defenses will be forced to defend the perimeter and the dribble drive possibility. This is a local team that will get overlooked because of the depth of talent coming to Springfield but look for them to compete no matter who is on the other side.
TOP PLAYERS
Brayden Shorter 6’5 Kickapoo 2023 (Washburn U Signee)
Shorter is what makes this Chiefs team run. His 6’5 frame along with his raw athleticism and ability to score on all three levels makes him a legitimate threat and matchup nightmare. He was a fantastic Robin to Zaide’s Batman a year ago but he has already shown that he can be just fine in a top guy role as well. He has a quick shot and hits the three ball well but is most comfortable in the transition game. His ability as a two way star will make him one of the more entertaining local guys in this year’s field. He has a knack of coming up with blocks out of nowhere and yes, he likes to throw down the occasional slam. Shorter will have to be remarkable for Kickapoo to avoid the 8th place designation but he has been for four years now and all signs point to him having a fantastic showing and really boosting his stock moving forward.
Trae Oetting 6’0 Kickapoo 2023
Trae is a lethal threat from everywhere on the court. He is an elite shooter but has done much better this year of becoming a true leader on this team. As the primary ballhandler, he is extremely smart with the ball and gets it to the right places. He has also added a very reliable dribble drive, mid range floater to his arsenal and that could be what puts him over the top. Oetting will likely be an overlooked commodity for the Chiefs, but when he gets cooking, there’s not much you can do. We have been high on Trae for three years now and now he has a shot to really become a household name.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Jackson Shorter 6’7 Kickapoo 2025
Harrison Doenning 6’7 Kickapoo 2023
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
They have a great combination of size, shooting, athleticism, and coaching. Coach Mitch McHenry has put together quite a resume in his short time after taking over for legendary coach Dick Rippee. He has done fantastic with the loads of talent that Kickapoo has put out on the court that has ultimately resulted in a state championship. This blend of excellent coaching and knowing how to use their stars combined with the talent of Doenning, Shorter, and Oetting along with other talented young players, just sit back and watch the show.
KEY WINS
12/8: 60-44 win over Father Tolton
12/17: 58-45 win over Christian Brothers
1/3: 70-38 win over Rolla
HOW WILL THEY FARE
For once it feels like a local school may have a punchers chance in the opening round of the tournament against a Sunrise Christian squad that does not have quite the firepower that we have seen in the past. Don’t get me wrong though Laden Blocker, Scotty Middleton, and CBC transfer John Bol will be a handful and should be able to outlast the Chiefs. Moving ahead a matchup with Staley or Calvary Christian should be fun but they should have a legit shot to finish anywhere from 5th– 8th. I would expect them to finish at the 6 slot.
#1 Link Academy Lions 15-0 (Branson, Missouri)
Team TOC History
1st appearance
TEAM OVERVIEW
What an introductory season for Link Academy. Coach Rodney Perry led the first year program to a 34-2 record with wins over national powers Oak Hill, AZ Compass Prep, Prolific Prep (three times), St. Rita, Dream City, must I go on? Their only two losses came to Sunrise Christian and Montverde in the Geico Nationals championship for a 2nd place finish. Well gone are Julian Phillips (Tennessee), Omaha Billew (Transfer), Jordan Walsh (Arkansas), Felix Okpara (Ohio State) and Tarris Reed (Michigan) and in is a whole new slew of future Power 5 contenders. Like 11 guys are looking to be playing power 5 ball here in the next three years including six commits. They are led by 2023 Baylor signee Ja’kobe Walter and 2024 UNC commit Elliot Cadeau who sits at #10 in the junior class. The top 8-10 guys on the roster can all play and it is obvious why the Lions are considered the top team in the country. They will get up and down the court. They can shoot well and yes; they love to punish the rim. This is about to be a TOC favorite and I expect them to play for the championship.
TOP PLAYERS
Ja’kobe Walter 6’5 Link 2023 (5-Star – #17 Senior Max Preps – Baylor Signee)
Walters lives up to the tremendous hype. He comes into the tournament at the #17 ranked senior in the country and in the utter dismantlement of Lang Academy earlier this year, he shone bright being responsible for the first 7 points of the game. He is an athletic freak that reminds me a lot of when I watched Jordan Walsh last year. His giddy up is un matched once he gets going and will blow past his defender on a regular basis. He is also a knock down three point shooter that will light up the arc. Walter signed with the Baylor Bears over the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Gonzaga, UCLA, and Kentucky, among others. He won’t be the top ranked guy at the tournament but he will be a name that SWMO fans won’t forget.
Elliot Cadeau 6’1 Link 2024 (5-Star – #10 Junior MaxPreps – North Carolina Commit)
Cadeau plays with a swagger about him that just makes him fun to watch. He is constantly making highlight reel caliber passes and letting everyone know about it. Some may call it showboating, I call it entertainment. Cadeau chose to commit to the UNC Tar Heels over the likes of Louisville, Texas Tech, and Baylor, among others. Cadeau is the starter in what has got to be the best ball handling tandem with sophomore and Father Tolton transfer Aaron Rowe coming off the bench. Cadeau has a high basketball IQ and will look to be a pass first playmaker with the ability to get to the hoop. In the opening minutes in the game, I saw against an admittedly overmatched Lang Academy, he opened the game off with a between the leg’s alley-oop to Ja’kobe Walter and I would expect some more fireworks like that come this weekend.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Corey Chest 6’8 Link 2023 (4-Star – #89 Senior – LSU Signee over Houston and Kansas among others)
Jacolb Cole 6’8 Link 2023 (4-Star – #99 Senior – OU Signee over Houston, USC, and LSU among others)
Tyler McKinley 6’8 Link 2024 (4-Star #59 Junior – Offers from Alabama, K-State and Michigan St. among others)
R’Chaun King 6’6 Link 2024 (4-Star #170 Junior – Offers from St. Johns, Ole Miss, and Florida)
Aaron Rowe 6’2 Link 2025 (4-Star #14 Sophomore – Offers from Missouri State, Tennessee, and K-State among others)
BJ Davis-Ray 6’6 Link 2025(4-Star #13 Sophomore – Offers from K-State, LSU, and Illinois among others)
Cade Phillips 6’9 Link 2023 (3-Star – #133 Senior – Tennessee signee over Alabama, Florida St., and Georgia among others)
Cameron Carr 6’5 Link 2023 (3-Star – #159 Senior – Tennessee Signee over K-State, Louisville, and Virginia among others)
Ryan Forrest 6’3 Link 2023 (3-Star – #215 senior – Memphis Signee over MSU, Oral Roberts and Illinois-Chicago)
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
They can do everything. They are the best team in the nation for a reason and the depth of talent is a big reason why. It is reflecting that Montverde team that came through with 11 D-1 Commits a few years ago on the Ben Simmons Team. What makes them special is the fact they don’t have a weak spot in their top 10 in the rotation and you can expect a show
KEY Results
12/3: 67-51 win over Calvary Christian
!2/15: 46-41 win over Southern California Academy
1/7: 80-54 win over The Rock (City of Palms Classic)
HOW WILL THEY FARE
For most teams, you can come into the tournament and not win it to consider it a successful week, especially when the program is still in its infancy. Link is not one of those teams. They have the talent to join Christ the King (NY), White Station (TN), Paul VI (VA), Oak Hill (VA), and 7 others to win the championship in their first tournament appearance. And being considered the 2nd “Local” team, I expect SWMO to hoist their first ToC Championship trophy since Shane Laurie’s Kickapoo team did it in 2005 and first Missouri team to win since Vashon did it in 2006.
#41 Christ the King Royals 9-2 (Middle Village, New York)
Team TOC History
19th appearance (2nd All-Time) 35-19
3rd place finishes: 3
2nd place finishes: 2
Championships: 5
TEAM OVERVIEW
Hey TOC fans……THEY’RE BACK!!!!!!! Christ the King makes their 19th appearance in the tournament which is second only behind Kickapoo. However, CTK does come in with a 35-19 TOC record with 5 titles. This team is big and they are tough. With several guys over the 6’7 mark this team will be a mismatch for most of these squads. They are led by ToC Hall of Fame coach Joe Arbitello who is very familiar with the tournament and what it takes to compete. They are fundamentally sound and play great defense. What makes them unique is they know what it takes to play at a high level. Brandon Gardner and Brandon Williams will be the best players on the court but you can expect a bit of the “Bronny” Treatment from SWMO fans as Kiyan Anthony will be at Great Southern Bank Arena. Kiyan is the son of NBA legend with the Nuggets and Knicks Carmelo Anthony. This will be a fun team to watch and could end up being one of SWMO’s favorites.
TOP PLAYERS
Brandon Gardner 6’7 Christ the King 2023 (4-Star – #66 Senior – St. Johns Commit)
Brandon Gardner is a great athlete. He may not be the best shooter, but he does everything else. He will be at his best as he drives the lane as a slasher. Gardner has all of the pieces to run the team as the emotional leader starting on the defensive side. This Royals team is a very good defensively and this was highlighted in an ESPN game against TOC Alum Bronny James and Sierra Canyon. Garner will bang with anyone he is matched up against and will compete. Garner committed to stay in New York with his commitment to St. John’s over Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, among others.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Brandon Williams 6’7 CTK 2023 (4-Star – #86 Senior – UCLA Signee over Mizzou, OK ST, LSU, and K-State among others)
Dwayne Pierce 6’5 CTK 2024 (4-Star – #70 Junior – Offers from Memphis, Florida St., and Illinois among others)
Kiyan Anthony 6’3 CTK 2025 (4-Star – #62 Sophomore – Offers from Memphis, Syracuse, and Bryant among others – Son of NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony)
Quingfang Pang 6’9 CTK 2024 (3-Star Offers from Michigan, Oregon, Mizzou, and UCLA among others)
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
They have an aura about them. They are the Toc’s first champion and you can almost see the legends they have produced. They have sent 7 players to the league including Jayson Williams, Lamar Odom and Khalid Reeves and you can feel the tradition when they are on the court. This is special in the age of teams coming once and never hearing from them again. Sit back and enjoy.
KEY WINS
12/2: 56-31 loss to Paul VI
12/12: 62-51 loss to Sierra Canyon
12/3: 63-56 win over Pace Academy
12/29: 75-42 win over St. Raymond’s
HOW WILL THEY FARE
Christ the King will have a chip on their shoulder after disappointing the last couple trips to Springfield and have a good Matchup with Bartlett (TN) I think they take care of business there before falling to Link. After that we will have to see more than likely Calvary Christian who have struggled a bit in their high caliber matchups this season. I expect a 3rd place finish for the Royals this time around.
#39 (FL) Calvary Christian Academy Eagles 5-7 (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Team TOC History
1st appearance
TEAM OVERVIEW
This team is a lot of fun. They may not wow everyone with how the scores turn out as I anticipate see the Eagles finishing fourth, However they may become SWMO’s favorite team with two guards that will fill up the highlight reel. Carl Cherenfant and Jaylen Curry will be worth the price of admission and worth the stay for the 9:00 Thursday night. Cherenfant is averaging 18 and 7 while shooting a lights out 91% from the charity stripe. They will play a fast paced game and want to beat their opponents in transition and have done so in their wins thus far. What they will bring is the experience in these high caliber games already having results against Prolific Prep (CA), Link (MO), and Mater Dei (CA) with a tough remaining schedule after the ToC. Shoot their next four games are all road games against Combine Academy (NC), IMG Academy (FL), Montverde (FL), and McEachern (GA). They know what its like to play in the spotlight and I don’t expect them to back down.
TOP PLAYERS
Carl Cherenfant 6’5 Calvary Christian 2023 (4-Star – #90 senior – Memphis Signee)
Carl is a do it all guard that excels with the ball in his hands. He has a high IQ and leads his team on both sides of the ball. He is a prolific scorer that can absolutely stroke it from downtown but is just as effective driving downhill. Defensively he heads up a tough full court pressure and his on ball defense is sure cause some issues. He has a high motor and is sure to be some one the area fans will end up really appreciating. He reminds of Milton’s Bruce Thorton for those who remember his takeover of the tournament last year. Cherenfant will join coach Penny Hardaway at Memphis next season as he signed with the Tigers over the likes of K-State, LSU, Mississippi State and South Carolina among others.
Jaylen Curry 6’0 Calvary 2023 (4-Star #95 senior – offers from Alabama, Pitt, A&M, and Ole Miss among others)
Curry is a lot of fun to watch. He has got a special blend of talent that Springfield is going to love! He is a score first guard that can legitimately beat you from anywhere on the court. He can beat you off the drive. He can beat you from three. He can beat you with a filthy mid-range pullup from the elbow. He can beat you from anywhere. He reminds of a little bit of James Harden and will be very popular among the younger fans. He dominated the EYBL circuit on Boo Williams elite which may sound familiar from Aminu Mohammed’s time in Springfield. Curry is currently uncommitted but holds offers from Alabama, Pitt, A&M, and Ole Miss, among others.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Ethan Lathan 6’10 Calvary 2024 (3-star – #114 junior)
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
They are athletic as can be. To go along with that, they have near 7 footer that likes to punish the rim. They will definitely have their hands full with a loaded field this year but they have the experience against teams of this caliber. Despite their losses against teams like this, just being on the court against the likes of Link and Mater Dei already will be an advantage. Mix in their athleticism and size, I wouldn’t count these guys out just yet.
KEY Results
11/26: 66-52 loss to Prolific Prep
12/3: 67-51 loss to Link Academy
12/19: 79-63 win over Bishop O’Connell
12/20: 70-62 loss to Mater Dei
HOW WILL THEY FARE
I think they will have a shot to look very good in the opening round game against Staley but the rest of the tournament will be tough likely seeing Sunrise Christian and Christ the King. I see them finishing a respectable 4th in their ToC debut.
#6 Sunrise Christian Academy Bison 10-3 (Bel-Aire, Kansas)
Team TOC History
2nd appearance (2-1)
3rd place finishes: 0
2nd place finishes: 1
Championships: 0
TEAM OVERVIEW
What a team Luke Barnwell is bringing to the ToC this year. Three years removed from bringing N’Faly Dante (who is averaging 15 ppg at Oregon), and current Oklahoma Sooner Grant Sherfield. They finished second to just a McEachern squad that featured Isaac Okoro (who was a top 5 pick for the Cleveland Cavs) and Shariffe Cooper (drafted by Atlanta Hawks, signed last year by the Cavs). This year, they are looking for revenge. They have a deep roster with at least 7 guys likely to go play power 5 ball or pro ball in the next couple years. They will be led by Layden Blocker, Matas Buzelis, Scotty Middleton and CBC transfer John Bol. They will be another team that will be competing for a championship and they have the tools to get there. If there is one thing you can expect from a Barnwell coached team, is they are going to play hard and hustle. This will lead to plenty of transition opportunities and yes, rim rattling dunks.
TOP PLAYERS
Layden Blocker 6’2 Sunrise 2023 (5-Star – #26 senior – Arkansas signee over OU, Kansas, Baylor and Ole Miss among others)
Blocker is one of the primary ball handlers for this Bison squad and what a playmaker he is. He is a high IQ pass first guy who is on his way to coach Musselman at Arkansas next year but he is playing like he has unfinished business this year. He is smart and skilled and can get it done from anywhere on the court. He is best while he is driving downhill but can cause issues spotting up as well. He is the emotional leader of this team and expect him to lead this team to the championship game.
Matas Buzelis 6’9 Sunrise 2023 (5-Star – #7 senior – G-League over UNC, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and others)
Matas is the highest ranked player in this year’s field coming in at #7 in the senior class. He is also the first player to play in the ToC to skip college ball and go straight to the G-League and when you can play like Buzelis, why not? He can do everything on the court starting with being a dead eye shooter and it doesn’t matter if its off the dribble, spotting up, open, or heavily contested, he is going to make you pay. He has great eyes and is a fantastic passer that can bite you for trying to close out hard on him. He is athletic and can get to the bucket and throw down some earth rattling dunks. He is another future NBA guy and you wont want to miss the Matas Fiesta.
John Bol 7’2 Sunrise 2024 (5-Star – #23 Junior – Offers from Mizzou, Michigan, Clemson, Iowa, and Texas among others)
Do you recognize this name? Yes, this is the same 7’2 phenom that spent the last two years at CBC in St. Louis. But despite the name and, size and Sudanese background, he is not related to Manute. Don’t get it twisted though, John can play. He will be the tallest player in the tournament this year but he can really play. He is athletic enough to be a threat from beyond the paint but his coordination leaves a little room for some improvement. Where he is going to be a lot of fun will be on the defensive side where if you are in the first 15 rows, you are in danger of getting a block sent your way. His 9’7 reach makes him nearly impossible to shoot over. With as high profile Bronny was through social media last year, John Bol may be just as well known and if you haven’t seen him at CBC, get ready for the John Bol experience.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Scotty Middleton 6’6 Sunrise 2023 (4-Star – #37 – Ohio State Signee over UCONN, Kansas, Michigan State among others)
Miro Little 6’4 Sunrise 2023 (4-Star – #104 senior – Baylor Signee over Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Gonzaga among others – Member of Finland’s 18U FIBA Team)
Zacharie Perrin 6’10 Sunrise 2023 (3-Star – #218 senior – Illinois signee over Florida, UCLA, and Texas
Mikel Brown 5’11 Sunrise 2025 (5-Star – #8 Sophomore – Offers from Kansas, Florida, Indiana, and Baylor among others)
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
If you are a NIBC program, there is no need to explain what makes them special. However, while you are here, lets talk about them. They are a consensus top 10 team in the nation with plenty of talent. They have great guard play, they can shoot the lights out, oh and when in doubt, they can toss it up to a guy who can nearly touch the rim flat footed with some athleticism. They have went toe to toe with some of the best the country has to offer and end up on top more times than not. This is one of the best teams in the nation. This is why they are special.
KEY RESULTS
11/23: 53-47 Loss to AZ Compass Prep
12/1: 54-52 win over Oak Hill
12/9: 58-56 win over La Lumiere (and former Kickapoo standout Zaide Lowery)
12/17: 73-62 win over Roselle Catholic
1/5: 66-62 loss to Montverde
1/7: 77-61 win over IMG
HOW WILL THEY FARE
Sunrise and Link are on a warpath for a ToC title this year. I think that will be your championship matchup and I don’t think there will be much standing in the way either. I expect a solid victory over Kickapoo before what could be an interesting one against Calvary Christian but I expect Sunrise vs Link. Who wins? Your guess is as good as mine, just expect all eyes to be on Great Southern Bank Arena Saturday night.
TN #5 Bartlett Panthers 15-5 (Bartlett, Tennessee)
Team TOC History
1st appearance
TEAM OVERVIEW
Here’s another team making their first trip to Springfield. The Bartlett Panthers come in as one of the best public schools in the country. They will bring a sense of pride to SWMO as they try to become just the second public school to win the tournament since fellow Tennessee school White Station hoisted the trophy in 2010. They will bring a tough and gritty bunch out led by junior shooting guard Christian Alston who already has several small D1 offers. Javar Daniel is another name to look out for as the 6’7 big man is a legitimate double-double threat every night. They come into he tournament 15-5 but their losses have come against some very good teams and one of them being to arguably the best team in the nation in Duncanville. This Panthers team is going to be one that the fans will be able to get behind.
TOP PLAYERS
Christian Alston 6’5 Bartlett 2024 (3-Star – Offers from Alabama St. Arkansas Pine Bluff, and East Tennessee State)
Alston is a lights out shooter that has in the gym range. Meaning if he’s in the gym, he’s in range. At 6’5 he could be a matchup issue for some of the other guards in the tournament. He has a quick release that is silky smooth and his touch really is a thing of beauty. I know SWMO really enjoys elite shooters like the area has seen recently with Tommy Pinegar and Isaac Haney and Alston could be the best shooting junior in this year’s tournament. He leads the team averaging 15 points per game and with plenty of coaching staffs He will be fun to watch.
Javar Daniel 6’10 Bartlett 2023
Despite not having the pedigree of some of these other prospects, Daniel is an athletic 6’10 who is sure to have an impact in this tournament. He is a 6’10 center that dominates the paint. His athleticism makes his 7 rebounds a game a breeze and makes him a threat for double-doubles every night. Javar has a shot to really build some momentum for some college interest. Keep an eye out for Daniel.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Matthew Stokes 6’7 Bartlett 2023
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
They are a public school. There is no doubt that there is a little bias in this writer’s heart for a good ole public school run. That is why I was pulling so heavily for the Shariffe Cooper and Isaac Okoro led McEachern team over one of my favorite academies in Sunrise Christian back in 2019. This may have something to do with the underdog effect and knowing that these guys have been playing with or against each other for years and years instead of a college like roster consisting of High Schoolers. Either way, Public schools have shown repeatedly that despite oftentimes being overmatched talentwise, their grit and grind makes up for that. I expect to see that again here from Bartlett.
KEY Results
11/17: 70-49 win over Tennessee Prep Academy
11/21: 84-74 win over Little Rock Central
12/2: 66-51 loss to #1 Duncanville
12/9: 69-66 loss to Memphis East
1/6: 65-30 win over Archbishop Shaw (Tournament Championship)
HOW WILL THEY FARE
As much as I love a good public school underdog story much like Milton was last year, I’m afraid that this team is going to struggle a bit with the plethora of talent some of these other squads possess. I do think they have a chance to compete with Christ the King at 4:30 Thursday but then they are staring at either St. Rita or Link. I hope that the grit and grind of this team comes through but I see this team finishing anywhere from 4-8.
#7 (IL) St. Rita Mustangs 9-6 (Chicago, Illinois)
Team TOC History
2nd appearance (7th in 2012)
TEAM OVERVIEW
The Mustangs return for their 2nd ToC as the youngest team here. Their first trip here was a series of unfortunate events as they opened against the favorite to win the 2012 tournament in Miller Grove before running into arguably the best athlete to ever come from SWMO in Dorial Green-Beckham and Hillcrest. However, this year they will be better equipped to compete with some of the big boys as they feature four stars 6’5 or taller including 6’9 Morrez Johnson and 6’10 James Brown. They play with a lot of the high tempo and urgency you often see from teams from Chicago with the defensive prowess to be a real contender. This looks to be a redemption story for St. Rita after a disappointing showing last time here and they have the pieces and play style to be successful this time around.
TOP PLAYERS
James Brown 6’10 St. Rita 2024 (5-Star – #27 junior – Committed to UNC over OU, Duke, UCLA, Mizzou, and Michigan among others)
Brown is going to be a STAR! There is nothing that he cant do proficiently on either side of the ball. Coming in at 6’10, he has a good base to control the paint on both ends and has plenty of moves to thrive offensively starting with an excellent jump hook and up and under moves. He sees the floor well and can deliver smart passes to his teammates. What is really impressive is his finishing ability with both hands around the rim and his ability to drop back to a two level scorer. Coach Hubert Davis really got a great commit out of Chicago and SWMO is about to learn all about him.
Morrez Johnson 6’9 St Rita 2024 (4-Star – #46 Junior – Committed to Illinois over Florida, Iowa, and Texas among others)
Here is another long lengthy big man for the Mustangs that will be a handful for all comers. The kicker with Johnson is his superior athleticism and physicality that is going to be an absolute gamechanger for St. Rita. He fills the lane very well on both sides of the ball and can absolutely punish the ball, the rim, and weak opponents. His game reminds me a lot of fellow Illinois standout EJ Liddell from Belleville West but just add on five inches. Still just a junior with plenty of talent to continue to pick up key offers very soon; Johnson is going to be a must see.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Nojus Inorusaltis 6’6 St. Rita 2024 (4-Star – #76 Junior – Committed to Iowa State over Mizzou, Illinois, Iowa, and Marquette among others)
Melvin Bell 6’5 St Rita 2025 (4-Star – #59 Sophomore – Offers from Mizzou, Illinois, Eastern Michigan, and Toledo)
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
As odd as it sounds, I think their youth is what makes them dangerous. They have plenty of talent which is a big part of a tournament like this, but they are also too young to realize that they aren’t supposed to compete with the likes of Link and Sunrise. James Brown and Morrez Johnson don’t care about what is supposed to happen and will be ready to compete from the jump. After talking with Brown, He is focused and neither him or the coaching staff sees themselves as the underdog and that mentality is dangerous to everyone else.
KEY RESULTS
11/25: 71-66 OT Loss to Cardinal Ritter
12/9: 57-51 win over Brother Rice
12/28: 68-66 loss to Whitney Young
1/7: 60-57 loss to Chaminade
HOW WILL THEY FARE
St. Rita is very impressive. And their walkthrough impressed me even more. I think they are the third best team in this year’s field behind only Link and Sunrise Christian. Unfortunately for the Mustangs they draw Link in their opening round. A tough draw for St. Rita will move them left in the bracket. I still think they will finish win the consolation side knocking off Bartlett and Calvary Christian.
C6 #1 Staley Falcons 10-0 (North Kansas City, MO)
Team TOC History
1st appearance
TEAM OVERVIEW
The Falcons are the fourth 1st timer in this year field and this is one that SWMO will likely see again in the Final Four. Staley is arguably the best public school in the state and will look to prove as much this week. They are led by Iowa State Commit Kayden Fish and Colorado St. Commit Kyan Evans. What they lack in size, they more than make up for with elite athleticism and skill. They are led by future Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Coach Chris Neff and you can expect them to be ready to roll.
TOP PLAYERS
Kayden Fish 6’6 Staley 2023 (3-Star #176 senior – Committed to Iowa State)
Fish anyone? Kayden Fish’s name may make a seafood lover hungry, but after this weekend, you will not forget it. Fish is a PF for a Staley team for a state third place team that fell to Nixa in the Semis before pummeled Chaminade the next night. Fish was the heart and soul of that team and he is once again. To go along with his 6’6, He is pure muscle that will be very difficult for anyone push around in the paint. He is freakishly athletic and uses that to his advantage in the paint. He is not afraid of contact and can finish through it as well. What makes Fish dangerous is his ability to score on all three levels. Fish is going to be a treat for SWMO to watch and may even entice some to make the trek to North Kansas City to catch another Falcons game.
OTHER GUYS TO WATCH
Kyan Evans 6’2 Staley 2023 (Colorado State Signee – Peach Jam Champion with MOKAN)
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
They will do all of the little things perfect. They are going to outhustle and outwork you. Paired with coach Neff, they will probably outcoach you too. The only question is will that paired with the talent of Fish and Evans be enough to pull an upset or two? I don’t know the answer to that but it’s a pretty good recipe for chaos.
KEY WINS
12/10: 69-46 win over Bentonville (AR) – Blue Springs Tournament Championship
12/30: 60-37 win over Liberty – William Jewell Tournament Championship
1/7: 67-48 win over East St. Louis
1/10: 71-39 win over Park Hill South
HOW WILL THEY FARE
The Falcons have a decent road to a potential upset or two. It all starts with a Calvary Christian team that could be looking ahead to an ESPN+ showdown with Sunrise Christian in the semifinals. Unfortunately, I think Calvary holds on late. I see Staley finishing 6th after giving a very very good St. Rita squad all they want in the consolation game. While I see Staley getting their first two losses of the season, They will come in close defeats to some of the absolute best the country has to offer.