The Basketball Invitational presented by Robert Yanders and The Basketball Movement hit the hardwood in Springfield, Missouri this past weekend and a talented group of attendees impressed front start to finish with the effort, energy, and production. Here’s a quick look at some of the standouts…
TOP PERFORMERS
(Note – Listed in alphabetical order)
Trevon Brazile – 2021 – F – Kickapoo HS (MO)
The Missouri bound big man continued his trend upward with a high quality weekend that saw improved perimeter play and an elevated skill set. He’s an explosive leaper with plus length and this past weekend he displayed an ability to knock down the perimeter jumper with range that extends beyond the arc. He was exceptional throughout the weekend.
Anton Brookshire – 2021 – PG – Kickapoo HS (MO)
The Missouri bound standout captured MVP honors on the weekend after a stellar final day showing. Brookshire displayed solid playmaking ability and an ability to score at multiple levels while also finishing consistently from beyond the arc on the final day of action.
Kobe Johnson – 2021 – G – Nicolet (WI)
The USC bound Johnson continues to trend upwards and his play this past week was another step in that direction. He showcased an ability to fill the box score as he collected rebounds, kicked out assists, and scored with a high level of consistency while also delivering some quality defense in the process.
David Joplin – 2021 – F – Brookfield Central (WI)
The Texas bound forward was at his best this past weekend as he showcased an advanced skill set at the mid-range level, he cleaned the glass, and he consistently scored and rebounded at a high level. A multi-dimensional forward, Joplin put together a high quality weekend of work in Missouri.
Nick Kern – 2021 – SF – Vashon (MO)
Still on the board, Kern was outstanding on Saturday as he lit up the camp from start to finish with athleticism, perimeter shooting, and overall effort. He displayed more of the same on Sunday and really wrapped up a high quality performance that opened a lot of eyes in the process.
STOCK BOOSTERS
(Note – Listed in alphabetical order)
Amari Jedkins – 2022 – F – Racine Case (WI)
Jedkins continued to attack the glass and finish with authority, two things he does very well. This past weekend he also knocked down an occasional jumper but his athleticism and desire to attack the glass on both ends was impressive as always.
Danilo Jovanovich – 2022 – F – Whitnall (WI)
A skilled and talented forward, Jovanovich is really trending into the elite scoring prospect world. An exceptional scoring forward at the mid-range level, Jovanovich also displayed a perimeter stroke that extended beyond the arc. He’s as good as there is in the 2022 class at staying within himself and playing to his strengths. He was outstanding.
Tre’von Love – 2021 – PG – Vashon (MO)
A quick skilled lead guard, Love was outstanding this past weekend as he showed a little bit of everything on both ends of the court. He handles it, he finishes off the bounce, and he has range beyond the arc. Most importantly he competes every possession.
Jackson Paveletzke – 2022 – G – Kimberly (WI)
He was a model of consistency as he continued to display a high caliber floor game that offers up playmaking, scoring, and a load of intangibles. He’s generally in the right spot at all times and his IQ on the floor is advanced. He was very good once again.
Donavan Short – 2022 – F/C – Denmark (WI)
His work on Saturday was outstanding as he displayed bounce, range, skill, and versatility for a young big. He has athleticism that is impressive at times with his ability to finish above the rim and his skill set and effort took a step forward as well. A high major big on the rise, Short was solid this past weekend.
NAMES OF NOTE
(Note – Listed in alphabetical order)
Jeffrey Brazziel – 2022 – G/F – Martin Luther (WI)
He struggled on Saturday but bounced back Sunday to deliver a solid performance on the final day with a game that featured a handful of easy finishes around the rim and an occasional jumper. A solid athlete vertically, Brazziel displayed solid instincts in transition and an ability to finish in the open court.
Steven Clay – 2022 – G/F – Menomonee Falls (WI)
Clay showed his full game in flashes both days as he knocked down a number of jumpers at the mid-range level and beyond the arc while also scoring at the rim both in transition and in half court sets. His defensive effort was solid as well each day and overall he delivered a quality weekend of work from start to finish.
Johnathan Dunn – 2021 – F/C – Hazelwood Central (MO)
The Western Illinois bound forward brought tons of energy to each game and his overall floor impact matched that energy. He attacks the rim relentlessly and he showed an occasional jumper although his strength at this time is in attacking the rim. He’s strong and bouncy and he could be a potential steal for Coach Jeter and Western Illinois.
Keshon Gilbert – 2021 – SG – Vashon (MO)
The UNLV bound guard was everywhere at times finding ways to disrupt things on the defensive end with his activity. Offensively he slashed to the rim, collected rebounds and put backs, and he showed range that extended beyond the arc. Really liked his overall ability to impact the floor and fill the box score this past weekend.
Isaac Haney – 2021 – G – Kickapoo (MO)
A talented guard with range and handles, Haney was solid throughout the weekend as the Missouri State bound guard displayed solid instincts and feel to go along with a tough competitive spirit. He shoots the ball very well and his ability to create off dribble penetration is solid as well.
Tyrese Hunter – 2021 – PG – Racine St. Catherines (WI)
The Iowa State bound lead guard was explosive at times Saturday while showcasing an ability to score at all levels. His handles and quickness are difficult for opposing guards to cover and his ability to elevate is next level. He had to leave early on Sunday but not before he impressed everyone in attendance with what he’s able to do on the floor.
Jordan Nesbitt – 2021 – SF – St. Louis Christian (MO)
A tough physical athletic forward, Nesbitt is headed to Memphis and he seems like a perfect fit on multiple levels. He attacks the rim, he cleans the glass, he embraces physicality, and he has a dominant desire to be the best player in the gym. When locked in on moving the ball and filling the box score he’s a special player with all the physical tools. At times he was unstoppable this past weekend.