ALL-TOURNAMENT: OZARK MOUNTAIN SHOOTOUT 

SPRINGFIELD — Several local players put together strong performances at this year’s Ozark Mountain Shootout, a two-day event held at Glendale High School that featured several of the top teams and players from around the midwest.

Here, SWMOBasketball takes a look at some of the top performers from our area.

Quinn Nelson, 6’3, SG, 2018, Ozark (pictured)

Nelson might have had the single best individual quarter in the two-day event as he lit up the scoreboard in the third quarter against Blue Valley Northwest, knocking down four 3-pointers, including three straight, and finishing with 16 points in the frame. He is a knock down shooter who can put up points in a hurry.

Daniel Abreu, 6’5, F, 2020, Willard

Abreu put together a terrific individual performance in the Tigers’ 70-60 loss in the nightcap against Kirkwood. He is a skilled forward with some bounce in his game and does a lot of different things well. Definitely one of the better young interior players in the area.

Jake Branham, 6’2, PG, 2019, Catholic

Branham showed why is among the area’s premier guards on Saturday as he didn’t back down from a challenge against Confluence, a team with some terrific guards in its own right. He went for 23 and scored in all manners, and distributed the ball. He was 7 for 7 at the free throw line, knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and got to the basket.

Anton Brookshire, 6’0, PG, 2021, Kickapoo

One of the state’s better young guards, Brookshire had it all working on Friday despite a tough loss to Pacific as he scored 22 of his teams 36 points in a 50-36 defeat. Brookshire is a smooth ball handler who gets to the basket, can knock down the outside shot and runs a team like a seasoned vet.

Jaxon Davis, 5’11, G, 2018, Glendale

A year ago, Davis showed he was among the area’s premier outside shooters, and this year he has taken his game to another level, able to get to the basket off the bounce and take a tough charge under the basket. On Saturday, he knocked down five 3-pointers, drew fouls while shooting the 3, and took defenders to the basket for layups. He finished with 24 points for the Falcons and showed an all-around game.

Monty Johal, 6’3, SG, 2018, Glendale

One of the state’s premier offensive players, Johal put together a big first quarter, scoring nine quick points for Glendale and showed off some improved bounce around the basket, throwing down a two-handed dunk in transition. He remains one of the better mid-range players you’ll see, capable of creating space and knocking down mid-range shots with ease.

Trent McBride, 6’7, PF, 2019, Eminence

McBride had the day’s best individual performance as an undersized Clever team had no answer for the 6’7 forward. McBride opened the game with seven points and seven rebounds in the first half, then went for 25 and 13 in the second half and had it all working. He scored in the block, he shot the 3, he faced up in the high post and took defenders off the bounce. And he was all over the offensive glass. He’s one of the better young players in the area and will help lead the Red Wings to a big season.

Broc Smith, 6’4, G/F, 2019, Republic

Smith helped Republic cruise to a 60-24 win over Forsyth on Saturday, scoring 12 points and showing an all-around game. He has been big for Republic this season on the boards and in the post as well as showing the ability to step out and play on the perimeter where he displays a smooth outside shooting touch.

Kaleb Wofford, 6’2, G, 2021, Nixa

Wofford drew the attention of Confluence head coach  Brian Karvinen for his abilities and despite being the focal point of the team’s defense managed to put up a team-high 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Wofford has had a strong start to the season and has emerged as one of the area’s top freshman.