Kansas City, Missouri — The Prep Hoops NEXT Midwest Kickoff was the start of grassroots basketball for most teams in attendance. This two-day tournament consisted of teams coming from Oklahoma, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nevada, Indiana, Minnesota, and all over Missouri, from age groups of 11U all the way up to 14U. Several players stood out from each class due to their scoring and dribbling abilities. Many players put up high-scoring performances that caught the attention of everyone watching. Here we’ll take a look at the First Team All-Tournament recruits from the class of 2025.
Brock Camp | Mid-Missouri, MO | Class of 2025
6-foot-4-inch, Brock Camp was a man amongst boys in this tournament. Camp has a wide, solid, build that completely outsized his opponents in each game, making him an absolute bully in the post. This big man showed the capability to do it all, very fundamentally sound, and can beat a defense from the mid-range with his spot-up jump shot, particularly the high post, as well as down low in the paint where he showed good footwork with his back to the basket and when driving the lane. Brock also showed that he could push the ball up the court and make smart decisions with it whether it’s a pass or a shot. Brock Camp was a major key to the undefeated success of PBA Elite this past weekend.
Keion Epps | Springfield, MO | Class of 2025
Good luck trying to stop Keion Epps from scoring. He proved to be an efficient bucket getter with undeniable footwork, Epps made a few defenders look silly when he pulled out his euro-steps on the way to the hoop. On day one, the Tar Heels guard put up back-to-back 20-point performances, having one of those days where every shot he took was falling, no matter how tightly he was guarded. Epps played with no fear, he wasn’t phased by tight defense or physical play, he just scored right through it, and picked up multiple and-one calls in every single game. You can try to beat him down all you want but he’s just going to keep coming at you and continuously attack the rim.
Xavier Wilson | Mid-Missouri, MO | Class of 2025
This heady ballplayer makes the game look simple and easy with the way he scores the rock. Wilson displayed impressive ways of beating a man off the bounce and getting all the way to the rack seemingly untouched. He often got his defenders off balance with hesitation moves before a quick blow-by with his smooth first step. There aren’t many limitations to Xavier’s game, he excelled at both guard positions as well the forward position. He plays winning basketball and doesn’t look to be the hero, but can and will take over the game when needed. Xavier Wilson’s potential and upside are through the roof, there’s no telling how great of a basketball player Xavier will become, but he will more than likely be one of the best prospects in the nation.
C.J. Brown | Topeka, KS | Class of 2025
Ultra-smooth point guard with a bag full of moves that could put his defenders on skates at any given moment. Brown can get a defender off balance in many ways, but he loves to get them leaning with between legs crossovers before blowing by them. In each game, C.J. was by far the best ball-handler on the floor. His ball skills were outstanding, super creative with his handles and passes, you would think he has eyes on the back of his head with some of the assists he made. His court vision, ability to zip a pass through tight windows, and get the ball out his hands quickly really stood out, the Gauchos guard did a great job of setting his guys up, leading his team in assist all weekend. Any time he saw a teammate open Brown made sure to put the ball right where they could get it and score, creating several quick and easy buckets. He can also impact the game without even scoring because he makes the players around him better and puts them in positions to succeed. A truly gifted playmaker that’s unselfish, always looking to facilitate first, and is willing to make the extra pass, giving up a good shot for a great one. Defensively, C.J. Brown can put the clamps on his opponent and slow down some of the most skilled guards. He has a motor that doesn’t quit, Brown was consistently the first player up the floor, saving his team from giving up open shots and free layups. This young man is one of the few players out there that gives the same amount of effort on defense as he does on offense.
Gardner Casey | Mid-Missouri, MO | Class of 2025
Floor general, Gardner Casey was the straw that stirred the drink, he orchestrated the offense and had it running like a well-oiled machine. This lefty was a dangerous offensive weapon, especially in one-on-one situations. If he wasn’t shooting the lights out he was beating his man off the dribble or creating for others, and once this kid got hot it was over for the competition, the basket became as big as the ocean for him. On championship day, Casey really came ready to play, he was on fire and feeling himself from the jump, crossing guys over left and right, hitting in-and-out step-back three-pointer from all around the arc with ease, even with a hand or defender in his face. Gardner Casey has a sneaky ability to change speeds, directions, and accelerate in a blink of an eye. This kid is a special talent with some terrific skills.
Second Team All-Tournament:
Xavior Wilson | Mid-Missouri, MO | Class of 2025
Zak Abdalla | Henderson, NV | Class of 2025
Reese Minnix | Mid-Missouri, MO | Class of 2025
Bryce Walker | Springfield, MO | Class of 2025
Jacorey Robinson | Topeka, KS | Class of 2025
Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!
