SPRINGFIELD — Here the staff of SWMOBasketball selects its all-tournament team for this year’s Blue & Gold tournament.
The all-tournament team is not official and is not affiliated with the tournament and was selected by the SWMOBasketball staff.
12 — Luke Vandersnick, 6’5, F, 2019, Rogersville (pictured)
Vandersnick brings consistency to the floor and a willingness to do a little bit of everything at a high level. He combines good size, strength and athleticism and the ability to score in the paint and around the basket, as well as the ability to play on the perimeter. He can handle the ball and help run an offense, passes the ball well and plays an unselfish game.
35 — Daniel Abreu, 6’5, F, 2020, WIllard
Abreu set a new tournament scoring record with 125 points putting together several big performances throughout the week, including a 38-point game on the second day in a win over Fair Grove. He is among the area’s most skilled players, featuring good size, athleticism and the ability to able to put the ball in the basket from all over the floor. He is terrific in the low post or high post, featuring a quick first step, a soft touch and an array of short shots. He has improved his outside shooting stroke and can step away from the basket and knock down 3-pointers or create off the dribble from the perimeter as well.
10 — Ace Akers, 6’0, G, 2020, Nixa
Another strong and competitive player for Nixa who runs the floor and can create problems for opponents while playing defense. Akers is a smart player who has put in the time and is now one of the Eagles most important players on the floor. He makes good decisions with the ball and does not force plays to happen. He shoots when he is open and can cut back and find easy points because of it. He moves his feet well on defense and can come away with rebounds and kick off a fast break opportunity.
20 — Clay Butler, 6’0, G, 2019, West Plains
West Plains is easily among the area’s most improved teams this season and the performance of Butler and others this season has been a big part of the Zizzers success. Butler is an athletic, well rounded wing player, capable of defending, rebounding and scoring at multiple levels. West Plains has a host of players that stood out throughout the tournament, but Butler brought a consistent effort and versatility to the court throughout the tournament.
4 — Maurice Grayer, 6’1, G, 2020, Willard
One of the area’s better guards, Grayer brings good size, athleticism and the ability to create offense off the dribble. He works well with fellow 2020 Daniel Abreu as the two form a terrific 1-2 punch for the Tigers. He went for 19 in a first round win over Crane, added 11 in a second round win over Fair Grove and helped provide scoring punch throughout the tournament. Grayer is especially tough for opposing teams to contain in the open floor as he shows the ability to get to the basket and finish tough chances.
4 — Riley Oberbeck, 6’3, G, 2019, Strafford
A lethal scorer both inside and out, Oberbeck has established himself as one of the premier player in the area who come up big game after game. He has a great 3-point shot from the wing and his height and length help him get his shot off. Oberbeck also has a good mid-range, a player who can take two dribbles inside and knock down a pull-up jumper around the free throw line.
5 — Ryker Strong, 6’3, G/F, 2019, Rogersville
Strong is a skilled forward who put together a strong tournament, leading the Wildcats in scoring on multiple occasions. He can handle the ball, passes it well and makes plays for himself and others. He can score around the basket, gets to the free throw line often and is a competitor who can defend multiple positions.
1 — Dontae Taylor, 6’0, G, 2020, Parkview
Taylor took over a leading role with Missouri State recruit Tyem Freeman out with a knee injury, He is a varsity regular since his freshman season, can handle the point, score off the ball and has tightened up his outside shot. Taylor can get to the basket off the bounce and score in the lane against bigger players.
