SPRINGFIELD — Here SWMOBasketball takes a look at several of the top outside shooters who raised their profile during action at the Pink & White tournament.
13 — Madie Braden, 5’4, PG, 2021, Ozark @madibradenn (pictured)
One of southwest Missouri’s premier outside shooters, Braden has the ability to get hot and knock down multiple 3-pointers in a hurry. She has terrific range, capable of shooting well beyond the college arc, moves well off the ball, capable of setting up screens and shooting off the catch,. She is also a tough defender who came up with five steals in the Lady Tigers’ opening round win over Hillcrest.
30 — Lexi Berry, 5’6, G, 2021, Bolivar
A smart guard from Bolivar who handles the ball and can step back for a 3-pointer. Berry is the primary ball handler for her team and a good one at that. She stops and starts, changes directions and works the ball inside and up the sideline. She isn’t easily rattled and stays mostly composed with the ball as a passer, handler and shooter.
23 — Makaiya Brooks, 5’8, G, 2021, Central
Possibly the most active shooter in area girls’ basketball. Brooks has proved she is willing to shoot from a few feet inside half court. She has elite range and can mix things up with her mid-range and play a few feet from the basket. It helps that she creates her own shots, both inside the 3-point line out. Look for her to continue this band of scoring. This sophomore shows no signs of stopping.
52 — Maddison Chittenden, 5’7, G/F, 2019, Strafford
Chittenden is a well-rounded and versatile inside-out guard who can play inside a little at both ends of the floor, handle the ball, and is a knock down perimeter shooter. She has established herself as one of the area’s most reliable 3-point shooters and helps Strafford spread the floor and open things up for Hayley Frank and others. She can defend multiple positions, rebounds well and brings a high basketball IQ to the floor as well.
21 — Jade Kirby, G, 2020, Republic
A knock down shooter, Kirby is deadly from behind the arc when she has her feet set. She also dazzled with her passing abilities, creating scoring opportunities for teammates. Kirby’s outside shooting and high basketball IQ were a big part of the Lady Tigers’ success throughout the week in Springfield.
23 — Kenedi Larson, 5’6, G, 2019, Blue Eye
Known for her outside shooting stroke, Larson is showing this season she is more than just a shooter. An athletic 5’6 guard, Larson can put the ball and get to the basket, get to the free throw line and score in transition. She is a knock down shooter from behind the 3-point arc and moves well off the ball to get open. Like the rest of her Blue Eye teammates, Larson is a scrappy, tough defender who really gets after it at that end of the floor.
0 — Ella Lippleman, 5’6, G, 2021, Catholic
A smooth 2-guard for Catholic who looks to distribute and knock down deep 3-pointers. Lippleman has range and a high release. It can prove difficult for opponents to get a hand on her shot. She has the athleticism and skill to take her defenders in one-on-one situations, but she doesn’t always look to go inside. She shows potential in her game. She looks to contest shots and trap opponents.
10 — Kamari Ouck, 5’9, G/F, 2021, Parkview
At 5’9, Ouck has good size and has emerged this season as one of the Vikings’ top outside shooters. She plays a smart, steady game, doesn’t force things and shoots when open. She went for 11 points and knock down three 3-pointers in an opening round win over Branson. She is shooting 46 percent from behind the arc this season through the Vikings’ first 10 games.
13 — Emily Rice, 5’6, G, 2019, Buffalo
Rice is a standout perimeter shooter, capable of getting hot and knock down several outside shots in a hurry. She is a tough defensive player who can also get on the boards and help her team in the paint a little. Rice knocked down several outside shots throughout the tournament, helping Buffalo spread the floor and open things up for other players.
