Category: TEAM PREVIEWS

by Mike Enright

Team Look: Team USC

We first came across Team Unleashed South Carolina (USC) last spring and summer on the RecruitLook Hoops circuit. Team USC 16u made a splash early at our Kansas City event in April by knocking off a couple shoe sponsored teams and hanging close with a couple of others.

The 17u Team USC 2023 group will be a team that college coaches set their eyes on. A few of their top guys:

Avantae Parker, 2023, 6’8, Forward. A long and bouncy small forward that is attracting the high major college coaches right now. His highlight reel putback dunks show off his athleticism.

Justin “Doobie” Daniels, 2023, 6’2, PG. One of the most explosive guards in his class. Not afraid to attack the rim and put a defender in it with his leaping ability. Daniels holds a Jacksonville University offer and others schools getting in the mix.

Mychael Mitchell, 2023, 6’1, PG. A nasty on-ball defender with quick lateral movement. Also, defensive back-like instincts jumping passing lanes. Crafty and efficient using his quickness to score at the rim.

Tyveon Burch, 2023, 6’4, SG. Efficient scorer from the perimeter and has good size. A glue guy that can guard 1-4 on the floor.

by Mike Enright

Program Look: Vashon Basketball

Vashon came into the Highland Shootout with a 12-0 record. They left with their first loss but learned a lot about themselves in the process. Imhotep (PA) is one of the best teams in the country and the Wolverines were in it till the end. There were many positives for this young squad to take home. Tony Irons has built a powerhouse program on Cass Avenue in the northside of St. Louis. His team is young, but there are many intriguing prospects. 

Kennard Davis appears to be among the elite in Missouri. The 6’5 wing has a motor that never stops. He’s a relentless defender and plays at an intensity level matched by few. This season the team relies upon him heavily. His game has evolved because of this. The 2023 prospect has always been a great slasher, but he’s now showcasing a smooth shooting stroke and a much-improved handle. His game has become more well-rounded each time we see him and he’s an exciting prospect to watch in person. 

Freshman guards Dierre Hill and Trey Wiliams have been thrown into the fire. With that being said, both are ready for the big stage. Hill is an incredible defender for a young player. He’s similar to Kennard Davis but in a smaller frame. Trey Williams on the other hand is a sniper from deep with a good feel for the game. He spaces the floor for his teammates and is not afraid to take on a challenge on the defensive end. He’s very nonchalant but steps up in big moments. These two guards have a bright future. 

Anthoni Sandford is a presence in the paint. The 6’5 big has a strong and wide frame. He’s a great screen setter, uses his body to dominate the glass, and is an enforcer near the rim. He’s the ultimate team guy who Tony Irons trusts. Sandford shows elite toughness and a desire to win. He’ll be a key player as Vashon sets their sights on another state title. 

by Mike Enright

An early look at the Missouri Hawks

The Missouri Hawks, led by Coach Mike Lawson, are putting together a talented roster of players that are having success at the varsity level. There are a few more pieces still to add, but his current group are all deep into the state playoffs and earning athletic accolades along the way.

Alex Benassi | Lee’s Summit HS | 6’2″| Guard | 2022

Ranked in top 40 in 2022 class in Missouri. Holds an offer from William Jewell and serious interest from Missouri S&T and other D2 programs. Young for his grade and still growing. Really taking off athletically. Holds 3.9 GPA. 1st team all-district in Missouri Class 6.


Brycen Larue | Lee’s Summit HS | 6’2″ | Guard | 2022

Early interest by D2 and NAIA schools. Blossomed into a really good scorer as a junior. A tremendous finisher in transition. The leading scorer on a district championship team. 1st team all-district in Missouri Class 6.


Luke McDonald | Lee’s Summit HS | 6’3″ | Guard | 2022

Early interest by D2 and NAIA schools. A big physical point guard that takes care of the ball, can score around the rim, tough defender on the perimeter, and leading rebounder among guards in the Kansas City area. Holds a 3.8 GPA. 1st team all-district in Missouri Class 6.


Corde Brown | Capital City HS (MO) | 6’1″ | Guard | 2022

Early interest from multiple schools at various division levels. An athletic, strong combo guard. Strong to the rim and a good passer. Holds a 3.6 GPA. 1st team all-district Missouri Class 6.


Owen Graham | North Andrew HS (MO) | 6’8″ | Power Forward |2022

Recruitment just starting to get going after growing 2 inches over the last year. Very skilled big that is strong around the rim, a great passer, and has the range to be effective on the three-point line. 1st team all-conference, 1st team-all district and soon to be all-state in Missouri class 2. Has team in final four this coming weekend.  

by Avery Quad

Hoops Roundup: Iowa Edition 1

We’ll take some trips around the state as the playoffs start to look at some impact players on different teams. Our first stop is at: Des Moines Hoover, Des Moines Lincoln, and Iowa City Liberty.

Des Moines Hoover

Chase Henderson is a 6’0 Sophomore point guard developing into an elite decision-maker. He can shoot off the dribble or catch. His offensive versatility keeps the defense on its heels. Chase makes his teammates better and already shows tremendous leadership capability. He is currently averaging 17 points and 5 assists per game.

Manny Austin is a 6’3” shooting guard who competes on both ends of the court. Manny is as an aggressive a guard as you can find. He relentlessly attacks the basket. His efforts do put him in foul trouble at times which can cause major trouble for Hoover as he is their best defender. He has improved as a shooter with current splits of 44/41/80. 

Jaden Loveless is a 6’3” Senior stretch four. He excels in catch-and-shoot situations. Jaden has a strong frame which helps him be a great defensive rebounder. He can guard the 3-5. He is a player that can spark a team back in the game. 

Des Moines Lincoln

Trovary Cavil is a 5’9” freshman floor general that can shoot from 28 ft out. He had a ton of assists in the games we watched but failed to get much scoring momentum. Trovary is quick but can struggle with guards with huge wingspans as he lacks the size right now as a freshman. He should overcome this as he grows and develops over his HS career. He is averaging 14.7 PPG which is good for first on the team. His development will be fun to watch as 4 years of CIML ball usually irons out a star.

Ja’Vion Bell is a 6’4” Freshman forward with crazy upside. He has been developing a post game and is already great at finishing from anywhere off the catch. He’s currently averaging 7 points and 6 rebounds a game.

Jaryen Graham is a 6’0” Senior Combo Guard. He is one of the vets on the team that provides hustle plays all game long. Jaryen has the ability to bring the ball up the court and can switch to the 3 to attack from the wing. He currently shoots 48% from the field. This team lacks shooting and if Jaryen could hit a couple threes each game that would be a major help. 

Iowa City Liberty

Ethan Odonell is a 6’5” power forward who is very versatile offensively. He is able to get the defense off their feet with fakes and finishes through contact. One way Liberty may look to win games is by Ethan getting opposing bigs in foul trouble. A college weight program could really make a difference for him. 

Ira Hazeltine is a 6’0 shooting guard. He is an elite shooter that hits threes at a 40% clip. He is a shifty player that can make players miss on the way to the basket. His quick release makes it hard for defenders to close out in time. 

Basil Aldoss is a 6’3” point guard that always makes the right play. He has the ability to score more than he does, but Liberty’s offense has been slow as of late. He leads the team in assists and steals. He’s also averaging 9 points a game. Basil has the tools to play college basketball.