2021 Yanders Law standouts (17u)

The Basketball Movement is highlighting several Yanders Law players that have stood out so far this season.

To this point, Yanders Law Basketball has had one of the most competitive AAU schedules in the Midwest. Composed entirely of in-state talent, YLB has competed with high-level Nike, Adidas, and Under Armor sponsored teams. However, as Robert Yanders puts it, his players “want all that smoke.”

“Playing these high-level teams, we win some and lose some,” Yanders says. “The thing is, we’re not looking for trophies. We are looking for scholarships. Going on to play in college leads to things that last forever. Trophies break.”

Almost all of Yanders’ 17U squad bost D1 offers already, but their stock continues to rise as they meet and compete with fierce competition. “We’ve beaten EYBL, UA, Adidas, and some of the best independent teams in the country,” Yanders says. “This spring, we played 40 guys from the ESPN Top 100 list. Our guys love it - we’re competitors.”

A few notable games this season include wins over George Hill All-Indy and Illinois Wolves. Yanders Law Blue Elite trumped All Ohio Red (EYBL), which boasts 12 AAU national championships. The squad played Mac Irvin Fire to a two-point game and Team Thad EYBL to a four-point game. Even from losses, the experience and exposure have resulted in continued buzz for these Yanders Law guys as they show what they can do.

Below, we highlight several standout players from Yanders Law. Get to know the guys repping your corner of the Midwest on the elite AAU scene:

Jonathan Dunn

6’7 Forward

Jonathan Dunn is a 6’7 forward boasting an offer from Mizzou. He has also heard from Purdue, Marquette, South Dakota, and K-State.

Always a threat to bully players inside, Dunn has recently seen his perimeter game takeoff as well. For his muscular frame, he has no issue keeping up with 2s and 3s on the perimeter, and he is evolving into a 3-and-D guy in addition to his rebounding and attacking style. One of the best rim-runners in the Midwest, he has developed the ability to put the ball on the deck and is an ever-evolving threat.

With a motor that just does not stop, Dunn has earned high praise from coach Robert Yanders. “J Dunn is a dawg,” Yanders says. “He has displayed so much growth on both ends of the floor.”

Dunn is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Cameron Liggins

6’4 Combo Guard

Cam Liggins is a 6’4 combo guard with offers from Western Illinois and Montana State. He has also heard from Oral Roberts, Furman, and recently took a call from Oklahoma State.

Liggins has evolved from a good shooter to a great scorer, displaying the ability to make baskets at all levels. He has become an intimidating downhill attacker but must be chased off the perimeter as he poses a deep threat as well.

“Cam is definitely a mid-major-plus guy,” Rob Yanders says. “One of his best qualities is that he can rebound the hell out of the ball. Elite rebounder at his position.”

Liggins is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Kanon Gipson

6’3 Guard

Kanon Gipson is a 6’3 guard that has drawn interest from UC Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, and UW Milwaukee.

Like another notable Santa Clara guard, Kanon Gipson is 6’3, crafty, and has a knack for winning. As steady as they come, Gipson has done a great job leading the club this spring and has drawn praise from coach Rob Yanders.

“Kanon has played against high-level guards all spring and has held his own on both ends of the floor,” Yanders says. “Three-star guys like Jaden Schutt and Sean Jones - Kanon defeated them. He isn’t flashy, but he consistently just gets the job done.”

Gipson is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Logan Applegate

6’2 Guard

Logan Applegate is a 6’2 guard with offers from Texas State and SIUe and has drawn interest from Drexel, Westpoint, Belmont, and Nebraska Omaha.

With Gipson assuming point guard duties, Logan Applegate has slid into the role of scoring guard seamlessly and has done a great job working off the ball. Applegate is an elite passer, giving Yanders Law the luxury of having multiple playmakers on the floor at once.

He has a pretty jump shot, a big motor on defense, and impressive athleticism. His stock is rising quickly and will likely not stop anytime soon.

Applegate is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Elijah Whitley

6’3 Guard

Elijah Whitley is a 6’3 guard with an offer from SIUe. He has taken calls from Eastern Illinois and Nebraska Omaha.

An explosive guard, Whitley has been opening eyes this spring with his bounce and ability in the open floor. Coach Rob Yanders says he would like to see Whitley be more aggressive this July but applauded his ever-developing, well-rounded game.

“He is a jack-of-all-trades,” Yanders says of Whitley. “He is good on the break, plays above the rim, can defend, and score.” Whitley is benefiting from big-game exposure and is likely to be hearing from more programs soon.

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Zach Howell

6’5 Guard/Forward

Zach Howell is a 6’5 guard/forward with an offer from SIUe and has drawn interest from Harvard and Mizzou. He will soon take an unofficial visit to Colorado State as well.

A gym rat of The Basketball Movement for years, the results of Zach Howell’s hard work are striking. As Rob Yanders put it: “Zach is one of the best shooters in the country.”

Howell will be a senior next season at Springfield Catholic but is already able to hang with top talent from around the country. A sound defender, elite shooter, and ever-improving attacker, Howell is poised for an explosive finish to his prep career.

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Tyler Harmon

6’2 Guard

Tyler Harmon is a 6’2 guard with high D2 to low D1 prospects.

Harmon has taken significant steps forward in his time with the Yanders Law program and at The Basketball Movement. He creates a presence on the floor that allows him to play beyond his size and guard multiple positions.

“He is going to be our defensive stopper,” Yanders says of Harmon. “He is good at turning D into O. If he is clicking on defense, then he’s good to go at the other end. He is tough, hard-nosed, and gets it done. We are excited for July as his role continues to grow with the team.”

Tracking interest, offers, and commitments

In what has likely been the strangest recruiting and scouting year ever, The Basketball Movement is keeping you up-to-speed on our athletes.

Different athletes naturally have different goals, all of which are respected at The Basketball Movement. Some young players just want to get a feel for the game, some may want to crack the varsity squad, and others may have dreams of going pro. While we work with players from every stage of the game, we have recently been fortunate to be a part of a large wave of high school players committing to play NCAA basketball.

Every player is responsible for their own destiny, so work with The Basketball Movement will only take individuals as far as they will let it. We are confident in saying that we know what it takes to help any player reach their next level if they let us.

Recently, many athletes that work with The Basketball Movement (most of which also participate in Yanders Law AAU basketball) have received offers to play Division 1 hoops. Some have already accepted those offers, and others are still deciding as they continue to elevate their level of play.

We track offers and commitments of our players on our social media platforms, so make sure that you are following The Basketball Movement.

Despite a challenging year for scouting and recruitment, this has been the strongest crop of young local talent in recent memory. Some players are choosing to reclassify and wait for more exposure as they continue to develop. Many of those players have committed to attending the new prep school, We Are United, this fall (more on that later).

For any parents or players - let us know if we are missing anything also. If you frequent The Basketball Movement or are part of #LawNation, DM us or shoot an email to basketballmovement@yahoo.com to tell us about any recruiting news you think we should know about.

In addition to news about recruitment, The Basketball Movement has been pumping out player highlights, news, and more on our social media sites. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook as we monitor all of the movement!

One-on-One with Lyla, Ella, Ruthie, and Riley

The Basketball Movement catches up with some of our favorite ladies following the conclusion of their high school seasons.

The Basketball Movement’s affiliate AAU program, Yanders Law has helped some of the area’s finest hoopers elevate their game beyond what the competition of Southwest Missouri may otherwise allow. Playing for Yanders Law and working out right here at The Basketball Movement allows for bonds to be built and a competitive edge to be sharpened.

We caught up with a few girls that have been staples of the Yanders Law program as well as gym rats of The Basketball Movement to see how things are going with school ball in the rear-view for a while.

Lyla Watson, Ozark (Jr.)

With her junior season at Ozark completed, Lyla Watson is ready for the next chapter. “It wasn’t the best season,” Watson says. “ I had some mental battles for sure, but I overcame them by the end. I am really ready for summer ball and then my senior season.”

Asked what she will be focusing on this offseason, Lyla says that she wants to focus on being more than a shooter. “I need to focus on a drive-first mentality and work on aggression,” Watson says. “I know that I can shoot the ball, but I need to keep focusing on all aspects. I am strong and I need to take advantage of that.”

Lyla is “extremely confident” in her shot, but her drive on the defensive end is what can turn the tides of a game even when shots are not falling. “I love the satisfaction of locking someone up,” Watson says. “Stuff like forcing five-second calls - it motivates me. That is what fuels my offense.”

Her time with Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement has transcended beyond hoops. In Lyla’s eyes, it is all like family.

“They have given me confidence and hope,” Watson says. “They have seen me and believed in me all along. It is so much more than a gym. I’ve learned how to work hard here and never give up. I couldn’t even shoot a right-handed layup when I started - they get credit for everything.”

From winning the Nike Tournament of Champions in Chicago to teaching Coach Rob the newest dance moves, Lyla’s time with us has definitely been mutually beneficial and we are so excited to see where she goes from here.

Ella Lippelman, Springfield Catholic (Sr.)

Having finished what she considers her best team and individual season, Ella Lippelman has wrapped up a great high school career. However - she is not finished yet.

Ella committed to continuing her academic and athletic career at Colorado College last August and is ready for the next step. In fact, she was in our gym the day after her season ended. “It is a weird feeling,” Lippelman says of her high school career being over. “The other girls (at The Basketball Movement) still have another year. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

When asked why she selected Colorado College, she pointed out that the school and the program checked all of her boxes. “For me, it has everything I’ve wanted,” Lippelman says. “Academics is so important and it is one of the top liberal arts schools. The coaches are nice and supportive and honestly remind me of Rob (Yanders) and The Basketball Movement. I wanted to feel supported and invested in.”

A part of Yanders Law since 6th grade, Ella has had the chance to be around coaches and trainers that set great examples. “They really care and that makes them different,” Lippelman says. “They will push you every single time until you can’t move - slacking off is not allowed. I wasn’t very good when I started, but here I have improved every area of my game.”

“Practices prepare you for game situations. Basketball IQ has been one of my biggest takeaways. Beyond that, they are as awesome at being there for you as a person as a player. If I ever needed anything, I know they’d be there.”

As she ramps up lifting and prepares her conditioning for playing at a higher altitude, Ella is not done with The Basketball Movement. She will remain a regular through school and be here most mornings over the summer in preparation. When she finds time though, Rob and Craig are going to need those Colorado College T-shirts.

Ruthie Brown, Clever (Jr.)

Having wrapped up her junior season with Clever, Ruthie Brown says that he feels that she still has unfinished business. “It was a bit of a rough season,” Brown says. “I’ll definitely be making up for that next year and working extra hard this summer.”

Brown is already focusing on what she needs to work on to put her team in a better position next year. She will get plenty of opportunities to do so while playing AAU ball with Yanders Law this summer. “I’m going to focus on being more aggressive,” Brown says." “Playing at a higher tempo and getting stronger inside.”

Ruthie has been a member of #LawNation since about 5th grade and says she has come a long way personally in addition to her improvement on the court. “When I started, I didn’t really talk to anyone, didn’t know how to play,” Brown recalls. “Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement have completely built up my confidence and transformed my play. It’s like a family.”

Also a member of the team that won the national Nike Tournament of Champions, Ruthie is has been a cornerstone of the Yanders Law program over the years. Playing with many of the same girls for a long time, dinners and experiences on road trips, competing, and winning are all a part of what has made her time with the program special.

Already equipped with the needed work ethic, we are pleased to have been able to provide the tools to help Ruthie along her journey. She is a highly versatile player and absolutely has what it takes to help a team at the next level.

Riley Arnold, Blue Eye (Jr.)

Coming off of a third-place finish in Missouri Class 2, Riley Arnold and her Blue Eye teammates are feeling good. Not many teams get to end their season on a win. It wasn’t first though, and Arnold will be back again next season. “With the tie for third the last year, this means we’ve done it back-to-back,” Arnold says. “We will hopefully be back again next year.”

To make that happen, Riley will be spending the offseason working on everything that goes into being a floor general. “I’ll be focusing on continuing to improve my ball-handling and point guard skills,” Arnold says. “All of that will improve getting to play with Yanders Law as well.”

“(Yanders Law) is a really hard-working club,” Arnold says. “It has taught me a lot about basketball and life honestly. Always being pushed hard has helped me to develop my skills. Every workout I’ve been through here has been challenging and I’m always ready for the next.”

Riley is also active in cross country, track, and volleyball. Whatever path she chooses to pursue, coaches should know that she works hard, is aggressive, always fights to win, and has leadership qualities that are not easily taught.

Cam Liggins (2022) continues to dominate

Over the last few weeks, 2022 guard, Cameron Liggins has been lighting up the competition and opening eyes around the country.

6 foot 4 athletic wing, Cameron Liggins just finished up dropping a 40-piece on a Nike NYBL squad. If anyone is surprised, they have not been paying attention. Liggins has had big games this weekend against Illinois Wolves, All Ohio, and then the 40 point, 15 rebound game against Team Thad.

Cam Liggins has a great body for a perimeter player. He can drill the three, runs well, and has become a terrific downhill attacker.

He currently holds an offer from Western Illinois. Liggins has previously received interest from Oklahoma State, Montana State, and Texas State, but his Yanders Law coach, Rob Yanders has been taking calls from several new coaches this weekend following his impressive performances.

Liggins is presently slated to attend We Are United Prep this fall. His stock had been rising but is likely to spike with his current level of play. Stay tuned!

NY2LA Swish N Dish Spring Warm-Up

The Basketball Movement’s affiliate AAU program, Yanders Law is among premier high school talent at NY2LA’s Swish N Dish.

When Robert Yanders founded the Yanders Law AAU basketball program, he envisioned his teams playing at events like NY2LA’s Swish and Dish Spring Warm-Up. “No doubt, it is the best independent league in the country,” Yanders says. “We are beyond excited to be a part of it.”

Yanders Law boys and girls teams have been active with NY2LA for years, but the Swish N Dish has stepped up more than ever in 2021. “To have 30 to 40 top-100 guys here in one weekend is amazing,” Yanders says. “Curro has done it again.”

Antonio Curro is the Swish N Dish event director and is instrumental in keeping NY2LA humming as one of the top national grassroots organizations.

“I’ve known him for probably 12 years or so,” Yanders says of Curro. “He is professional, he cares about the players, and he is one of the best in the business. We are excited to be a part of what he does once again. We are putting our guys in a position to play the best of the best.”

The amount of talent in the Swish N Dish is off the charts in 2021. This past weekend alone, Yanders Law athletes faced off against 16 players with power 5 collegiate offers. Top players like Cam Kroft, Ausar Thompson (ranked #36 nationally), Amen Thompson (#34), Jalen Washington (#12), Andre Casey Jr. (#18), and Nick Martinelli faced off with Yanders Law Basketball over the weekend’s three games.

Swish N Dish includes EYBL squads Brad Beal Elite, EG 10, High Major AZ, Mac Irvin Fire, Meanstreets, Phenom University, Illinois Wolves… many national, shoe-sponsored brands.

Yanders Law brings plenty of talent as well. Some big names recently graduated from the program, but some of the area’s best remain.

Logan Applegate holds offers from SIUE and Texas St. and has drawn interest from Drexel, Belmont, and Chicago Loyola. Zach Howell also holds an offer from SIUE and has heard from Lipscomb, Mizzou, and Purdue. Jonathan Dunn has heard from Mizzou, Iowa State, Maryland, Montana State, Purdue.. and more to come. Kanon Gipson has heard from UW Milwaukee and Lipscomb.

Applegate, Dunn, and Gipson are all heading to We Are United this fall - Rob Yanders’ new post-grad prep school. This core is going to continue to grow and undoubtedly develop into impactful D1 collegiate athletes.

If you haven’t already, make sure you are following us on Instagram and Twitter. Part of what we provide for athletes that we work with is media exposure. We are proud of our media team, coaches, players, parents, and everyone else that makes these events possible. Follow the movement and check out what’s good!

McDonald's All-American nominees announced

The McDonald’s All-American nominees have been announced and several familiar names are included, headlined by Anton Brookshire.

One of the most prestigious accolades that high school basketball players can garner is the title of McDonald’s All-American. Specifically, North American, as the players selected can come from the United States or Canada. Held since the late 1970s, the game has included names from Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan to LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

For the second straight year, the actual game will not be played, but players can be recognized regardless. Via social media, the lists of boy and girl nominees have been released:

Several names from our neck of the woods appear on the list: Makaiya Brooks (Central, committed to Memphis), Aminu Mohammed (Greenwood Laboratory, committed to Georgetown), and our own Anton Brookshire (Kickapoo, committed to Mizzou).

Brookshire is from Milwaukee, WI originally, but has been a Springfield, MO resident for a while now. His impact on his school and his teammates has been tremendous, but it has come through work in the trenches that we at The Basketball Movement have been very fortunate to witness.

Congratulations, Anton on this nomination! Mizzou will be fortunate to have a driven young player that has not reached this level by accident. As he continues to work, we are excited to witness the heights he can achieve.

Joining Anton in the Midwest nominations are some other players we were fortunate to host during The Invitational last year: Tyrese Hunter (Iowa State commit), Kobe Johnson (USC commit), and David Joplin (Texas commit). All pure hoopers.

We are proud of the above players and will be watching to see the final selections! For more high school, NCAA, and professional hoops, keep it locked to The Basketball Movement.

The Basketball Movement ranks area high school players

Southwest Missouri currently has a large talent pool of high school boy basketball players. The Basketball Movement is letting you know who is the best.

The Basketball Movement and Rob Yanders are presenting a new ranking list on our site’s front page. Southwest Missouri is currently sporting one of the most talented fields of high school players the area has ever seen. To stay on top of things (and add fuel to these player’s fire), we now have a list of the top-25 high school boys in the area.

Our list is of course subject to change as we see more (or less) out of each of these players. For example, we had to do some editing to move Zach Howell (Springfield Catholic) up the list after his recent scoring and rebounding tear. Cam Liggins (Kickapoo) lost his spot to Collin Ruffin (Nixa) after having to miss time with an injury. You get the idea.

We hope that in addition to keeping basketball enthusiasts informed about the area’s top ballers, this list will motivate players and raise competition to even greater heights.

Remember also to keep up with our Instagram as our media crew captures many of these young men in action. The Basketball Movement is a hub for some of the top athletes around and we are always adding new ways to provide exposure for many hopeful players in our community.

To the players, if you do not see yourself on the list, or if you are on it and think you should be higher - do something about it. Not have your guardian write us an angry letter - we’re saying ball out. Make so much noise on the hardwood that no one can ignore you. We will be watching.

Jonathan Dunn and Kanon Gipson reclassify to 2022

The impressive duo out of Logan-Rogersville, Kanon Gipson and Jonathan Dunn have chosen to reclassify to the class of 2022.

Following a strange year in high school sports, Logan-Rogersville’s Jonathan Dunn and Kanon Gipson have both decided to not let COVID-19 be a factor in their recruitment. Both originally slated for a 2021 graduation, the young men are opting to try their hand at a year of prep school and boost their stock.

Kanon Gipson says that he was a bit of a late bloomer, and he does not want that to impact his ability to be noticed by basketball programs. “I didn’t really mature until my junior year,” Gipson says. “Then, COVID screwed everything up. I’m in no hurry and always looking for bigger things.”

Jonathan Dunn echoes Gipson’s sentiments about COVID throwing a wrench in things and adds that he is excited about additional opportunities. “This gives me a whole other year to prep, raise grades, and get more opportunities,” Dunn says.

Originally verbally committed to hoops at Western Illinois University, Dunn has already proven he has Division I talent. With COVID on track to impact prep basketball less and less, he anticipates having many more choices. We have seen what Dunn can do - once others do too… look for his stock to skyrocket.

Now attending Logan-Rogersville, Dunn says that the current school season is going very well. According to Gipson, the squad is on an eight-game winning streak. “We started slow, but that isn’t unusual; we have a lot of football players on our team,” Gipson says. “Adding Jonathan took us to another level. He has taken a lot of attention off of me and we are rolling through Class 5 right now.”

Gipson says that with another year of work, he will focus on getting stronger and becoming a dependable sharpshooter. “I will be working on my consistency from three,” Gipson says. “That and taking care of the ball.” He adds that recruiters/scouts need to know that he is willing to work every single day.

“You can hold me accountable and I can hold my teammates accountable,” Gipson says. “I am vocal and a good leader. I am good in school and will be one of the hardest workers on any squad.”

For Dunn, the extra time will be spent getting bigger, working on a consistent jumper, and ball handling. His tenacity covers up any skill gaps, but those gaps are quickly being filled in regardless. “These programs will see how hard I play,” Dunn says. I’m a good person off the court, I have a high motor defensively… I get after it.”

At The Basketball Movement or with Yanders Law, Gipson and Dunn consistently take large strides forward. The move to reclassify to 2022 will undoubtedly raise their stock and help them find themselves in great fits collegiately.

Robert Yanders says that both have great potential. “This is the single best thing they could have done for their recruitment,” Yanders says. “These have been strange times and another season can only mean more opportunity.”

Both are set to rejoin Yanders Law on the AAU circuit this summer. The sky is the limit for both of these young men. We will be watching!

Anton Brookshire rewrites record books

After a pair of recent games, Anton Brookshire has set records for both Kickapoo High and Springfield, MO.

Already signed to SEC powerhouse, Mizzou, Anton Brookshire is not done breaking records at Kickapoo High School or even Springfield, MO for that matter. We have had many opportunities to see Brookshire grow through the years. He is a gym rat of The Basketball Movement and is one of the most impressive athletes ever to come through our affiliate Yanders Law AAU program.

There is little Anton can do to surprise any of us here at The Basketball Movement, but we are still prideful when one of our hardest workers hits a milestone, breaks records, or achieves goals.

During the Nixa Invitational Tournament, Anton completed a three-point play that made him the leading scorer in Kickapoo High School history. To those that don’t know, Kickapoo is a historically strong basketball school that has turned out professionals and numerous Division I athletes. Kickapoo won the tournament for good measure.

Brookshire’s other record came a day before when he knocked down a trio of threes that made him Springfield, Missouri’s all-time leading three-point shooter. For everything else Anton provides on the floor; ball security, distribution, scrappy defense, and penetration, this is a really impressive achievement.

Perhaps the most impressive part of these achievements is that there is still plenty of ball to be played. Kickapoo is rolling right now, lead by Brookshire and other big-time athletes of The Basketball Movement such as Isaac Haney, Trevon Brazile, and (when he returns from a minor injury) Cam Liggins. We are excited to see how the team fares in addition to what Anton can continue to achieve on a personal level.

Kickapoo is clicking at the right time and a slow-down does not seem likely. The highlights are flowing on our Instagram as always and there is more on the way.

Congratulations are in order for Anton for his individual achievements. As I’m sure he would tell you, Districts and beyond are where the legacy can flourish. Good luck to Anton and his Kickapoo Chiefs!

Norwood Pirates at The Basketball Movement

Several junior high players from Norwood, MO are working with trainers at The Basketball Movement and the results are starting to show.

At what can be a pivotal stage of basketball development, the young men of Norwood Junior High are rolling through their competition. There is much to be said about the squad, but we would be remiss to not brag about one common denominator among the athletes responsible - their work right here at The Basketball Movement.

The lights are bright this season for all of the Division I prospects over at Kickapoo High that workout with us. However, it needs to be made loud and clear that no matter the school or program size, big leaps forward can be taken on the court. It takes hard work, and that is exactly what the young Norwood Pirates have been putting in… Work.

Levi McDaris, who does a bit of coaching and has coached their traveling teams says that seven of their eight “A-Team” players have been coming in for workouts. “They’ve been at it for about 20 months,” McDaris says. “After about six months in, there was a huge difference in each of their personal development.” McDaris continues by saying that after about a year and a half, their skills far exceed average players from the area.

Norwood is about 56 miles from The Basketball Movement facility. Someone that knows a thing or two about making the trip from that direction is Missouri State signee, Isaac Haney and his family who lived in Dora, MO for a long time. That was where the contact came from.

After becoming a MSHSAA affiliate three years ago, 5th and 6th graders in Norwood can play up to junior high. For such a small school, this can be a big help since there may be less than a dozen seventh and eighth graders willing to play. 7th and 8th make up the A-Team, while 5th and 6th make up the B. This also means that Norwood gets to play more games each season.

The ability to gain more experience in addition to the work with The Basketball Movement has helped Norwood hoops to explode on the scene.

“We are 22 and 1 right now,” McDaris says. “The one loss was to Ava after we were coming off an extended break. We have been averaging about 65 points per game and have held all local schools to about 32 points on average.”

As is often the case with smaller schools, Norwood’s only issue is size. “We have all guards,” McDaris says. “We can’t afford to take any games off because we have to scrap and play hard all the time. We really rely on outside shooting and some nights, the shots aren’t falling.”

Those shots have been getting prettier and prettier as the young athletes’ time at The Basketball Movement has grown. “Even the kids you may not expect - working at The Basketball Movement has made each player’s fundamentals so sound,” McDaris says. “Each kid gets it.”

“The way I would explain The Basketball Movement is that it is 100 percent basketball,” McDaris continues. “Everything is based on the fundamentals with an emphasis on each player playing to their strengths, no matter the role. They use repetition done right. It is pure basketball.”

The Norwood Pirates are having a strong season and the pipeline for Norwood High is going to mean a bright future for the little town’s hoop hopes. Any player, any team can take leaps forward on the court if they understand what it takes and are willing to get better. The Basketball Movement can help.

Good luck to these young men finishing up their season - Go Pirates!

Highlights on The Basketball Movement Instagram

The Basketball Movement has been tracking some of the top high school talent in Southwest Missouri and cranking out highlights.

Working out with The Basketball Movement has multiple immediate benefits. Our trainers are equipped to offer some of the best skill development work in this part of the country. Beyond that, the establishment of mental toughness is a benefit that trickles down from the top, where Rob Yanders’ competitive fire shines on all that step foot on our courts.

Another benefit that is unique to our region is that once an athlete is all-in with us, so are we all in with the athlete, offering media exposure and intangible benefits that aid players in their playing career. Look good, feel good, and show others what you can do.

This has been a year unlike any other in recent memory, offering hurdles not only for players but for scouts and media teams. Gaining exposure has been more difficult, and The Basketball Movement is dedicated to helping its athletes shine through the difficult circumstances.

Our Instagram has recently been largely dedicated to spotlighting many high school athletes that work with The Basketball Movement. It is no coincidence that many such athletes are also among the very best around.

Creating these highlight videos has been a fun way to help these athletes out as they focus on school ball and continuing to make names for themselves.

Playing for their high school teams and keeping up with school makes for full-time schedules - we are proud of all the athletes we highlight as their dedication and improvement surface on a daily basis. Shoutout especially to the ones that make time to come see us and continue taking strides to be the best players on the court.

Follow us on Instagram for a steady dose of highlights from some of the area’s top prospects. Naturally, there is plenty more where these clips come from, as Rob Yanders drops workout quick hits, behind-the-scenes work, and glimpses inside The Basketball Movement; modeled after professional facilities.

The movement is going strong and we hope you join us on the ride.

The Invitational - First, Second, and Third All-Camp Teams

Robert Yanders has made his selections for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020’s All-Camp Teams.

With another successful Invitational Camp in the books, Robert Yanders is releasing his selections for the weekend’s First, Second, and Third All-Camp Teams. The selections are weighted most heavily by game action, but effort given throughout the course of the entire weekend was taken into consideration.

Once again, the level of talent, competition, and effort were high all weekend long, making these picks difficult. Below are Yanders’ selections, starting with the First Team:

First Team All-Camp

Anton Brookshire - The camp’s MVP, Mizzou commit, Anton Brookshire lit it up when the lights were brightest. He came alive when the games started and was the driving force of the weekend’s winningest team. His scoring always impresses, but his playmaking ability has taken notable strides and he looks like a complete PG.

David Joplin - David Joplin has committed to the storied program at Texas and proved why he belongs on the high-profile team. Joplin is a bruiser that was getting everything he wanted down low during The Invitational, but he also showed the quickness and outside touch necessary to thrive at the next level.

Jordan Nesbitt - Every player on the First Team had an argument to garner MVP honors. For Nesbitt, it was his complete lack of fear and punishing offensive play that pushed him into the conversation. Nesbitt has committed to continue playing at Memphis. Yanders and The Basketball Movement are proud to have hosted such a tough, hard-nosed competitor.

Nicholas Kern - Another intense competitor, Nick Kern of Vashon has not committed to a university yet, but will be a big get for any major program as his stock rapidly climbs. Kern has great length and can keep the ball on a string until he spies his moment to attack the cup or pull up for a fader that spells pro potential.

Tyrese Hunter - Iowa State commit, Tyrese Hunter was easily one of the most impressive athletes at The Invitational this year. At 6’1”, he nearly stole the dunk contest crown. He dazzled all weekend long by showing off his speed and bounce, all while knocking down perimeter looks with the best of them.

Second Team All-Camp

Isaac Haney - In previous years, Missouri State commit, Isaac Haney would catch defenders off-guard at this camp and rack up points in a hurry. This year, everyone knew he was coming, but he still got buckets. One of the most underrated scoring guards in the Midwest, Haney puts his flawless jumper to use from NBA range all the way to the paint.

Keshon Gilbert - Keshon Gilbert is a UNLV commit from Las Vegas with an explosive approach to scoring the basketball. Quickness and excellent body control allow him the ability to finish in creative ways around the hoop to compliment his nice jumper.

Trevon Brazile - If you didn’t know, now you know. The cat is out of the bag - Mizzou-bound, Trevon Brazile is one of the most exciting prospects in this part of the country, recently growing to 6’8” while maintaining his touch, athleticism, and drive to improve. He won The Invitational’s Dunk Contest and continued playing above everyone else all weekend. Kid’s scary.

Jonathan Dunn - Western Illinois has locked up a player with huge upside in Jonathan Dunn. Taking big jumps recently, Dunn is beginning to really shine on the court with his great size and athleticism. He punished the rims at The Invitational but also showed that he had other ways to get it going - displaying a soft touch in the paint.

Kobe Johnson - Committed to play at USC next year, Kobe Johnson was one of the most complete guards at The Invitational this year. Johnson is already able to shoot, pass, handle, and defend at a level necessary for college ball. He has the potential to be special.

Third Team All-Camp

Cameron Liggins - Recently announcing that he would be reclassifying into the 2022 class, Cam Liggins was a raw prospect a couple of years ago. He has already begun to turn into a player that can take control of games on the offensive end and his defense is coming along too, as he continues to sharpen his skills and take advantage of his athletic frame.

Tre’Von Love - Tre’Von Love is another Vashon stand-out with a deep bag. He has a tough nature and is solid as can be with the rock in his hands. A quick first step and a gamer mentality helped him shine over the weekend in our dog-eat-dog atmosphere.

Zach Howell - The winner of The Invitational’s Three-Point Contest, Zach Howell was lights out from the get-go. He had one of the most consistent outside shots all weekend, but also kept defenders honest by flashing his ability to put the ball on the floor and drive. His arrow is pointed straight up.

Jeffery Brazziel - 2022 Jefferey Brazziel is another player that has added great size and displays all the tools needed to compete at the next level. He boasts offers from Auburn, Georgetown, Arizona State, and more. At The Invitational, he showed prowess at both ends of the floor and has no glaring weakness.

Danilo Jovanovich - 2022 Phenom University - Team Herro’s Danilo Jovanovich was one of the most pleasant surprises at The Invitational. He has a mature offensive game that reminds a bit of a young Dirk Nowitzki. His bag is deep in the paint, but he also displayed the ability to stretch the floor. He is another player that is definitely on the rise.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 recap

A wild weekend of hoops has concluded at The Basketball Movement with the 2020 Invitational in the books.

You may stop believing us, but as it does every year, the intensity reached a whole new level at this year’s Invitational camp. Anyone in attendance can vouch for this indisputable fact. As he always does, The Basketball Movement’s Robert Yanders set the tone right from opening night and had the elite group of high schoolers ready to leave it all on the hardwood.

“This camp has a culture,” Yanders says. “That culture is based on toughness and old school, blue-color hard work.” This year’s Invitational had the most player jawing in recent memory, but we thank them all for keeping things good-natured and displaying sportsmanship throughout.

Things started off with a bang, as the camp hosted its first-ever official Three-Point Contest. One round was played with classic NBA rules and the three high scorers moved on to compete in a final round. All three finalists were from the Yanders Law AAU family: Isaac Haney, Drew McMillin, and Zach Howell.

All three knocked down shots at an impressive clip throughout, but Zach Howell was built for this contest. His quick, minimal effort release allowed him to hum along quickly and consistently. Haney put up a great fight, but once Howell was locked in, it was over.

Another first for The Basketball Movement Invitational was a Slam Dunk Contest. We have let the participating athletes show off their slams in the past, but this time, we had a panel of judges to add a level of seriousness. Alize Johnson, Forward for the Indiana Pacers acted as a guest judge for the contest.

We had multiple high-flyers in the building, but a few separated themselves clearly from the rest. Nicholas Kern had some slick dunks, but Tyrese Hunter and Trevon Brazile stood out immediately. Brazile leaped over a fellow competitor, 6’8” Jonathan Dunn and later windmilled an Isaac Haney lob off the side of the backboard.

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Tyrese Hunter was whipping out Vince Carter-esque slams that impressed in a big way with his 6’1” frame. Unfortunately, he could not get his final attempts to stick, allowing Brazile to bring another contest title to the Yanders Law family.

After the dunk contest, some 1v1 king of the court action started. The competition was fierce and the matchups did not disappoint. From there, the camp moved to 3v3 and 4v4 contests, and multiple rivalries were immediately formed. The next day, some more king of the court, including full-court 1v1 pushed the competition to the limit.

“Of everything we did, king of the court, particularly full court was my favorite,” Rob Yanders says. “As a competitor, I love it. There is nowhere to hide.”

Rob says that this was the fiercest camp to date. “Every one on one, contest and game was close,” Yanders says. “Every game was within seven points at the buzzer. This was the most competitive atmosphere we have ever created in this gym.”

Naturally, this made for some incredible basketball games over the final two days. Players committed to D1 schools, nationally ranked talent, and unknowns with little interest laced up and clashed in epic fashion with incredible results.

“We look for certain kinds of players and pit them against each other,” Yanders says. “Our games are great because we reward the competitors. We don’t care if you’re ranked - If you are complacent, you aren’t a competitor. If you’re a ‘21, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24 grad, it doesn’t matter. You show up and prove you’re good, THEN you belong.”

For all of the talent and impressive performances, there could be only one MVP.

In his fourth and final time participating in The Basketball Movement Invitational, Anton Brookshire fittingly took home his first MVP in the gym he practically considers home.

Brookshire’s team (Team One Day One Life) was the winningest one at the 2020 Invitational. There were multiple key players, but Brookshire’s perimeter prowess and improved playmaking stood out as a steadying force for the squad. “He is a big-time kind of player,” Yanders says of Brookshire. “He has a great feel for the game and knows when to get his own or get others involved. He worked hard all weekend.”

Yanders says that the way the camp consistently elevates each year means that everyone should be very excited about where the event is headed. “We want to thank absolutely everyone who participated,” Yanders says. “Coaches, trainers, staff, refs… we couldn’t do it without you.” We are already excited to see you again next year!

2020 Invitational Slam Dunk Contest

Another first for The Basketball Movement Invitational - an official dunk contest takes place tonight!

What goes up will come down strong as we kick off The Basketball Movement 2020 in epic fashion tonight with our first official Slam Dunk Contest. We always have high fliers and we let them strut their stuff a bit last year. This time around, there will be an official contest to highlight one of the game’s most exciting aspects.

Names such as Tyrese Hunter, Jonathan Dunn, Trevon Brazil, Logan Applegate, and Jeffery Brazziel are a few we expect to see taking flight. We suspect a few more may throw their hat in the ring as well.

The format will be laid out for participants tonight. There will be a panel of judges that will include a special guest judge - Indiana Pacers Forward, Alize Johnson.

Expect all the action to be blasted on our Instagram first, but do not neglect our Twitter as there will also be special shoutouts and notes from not only the contest but all of the action all weekend. The games are where the real fireworks happen, but the Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest will kick things off in a more explosive style than ever before.

We are pumped to see what these special athletes come up with. Planned slams or mid-air creativity - not many things in sports can compete with witnessing a graceful or powerful slam.

Stay tuned for all the action!

The Basketball Movement Invitational Three Point Contest

Friday night of The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 will see the camp’s first three-point contest.

As if an official dunk contest was not enough, The Basketball Movement Invitational will start the upcoming weekend with a bang, having its first Three-Point Contest Friday night. Slated for approximately 7:30 on the first night of action, a three-point competition will be a fun way to ease into the competitive atmosphere the camp is famous for.

The contest will mirror a typical NBA three-point contest (hold some of the gimmicks from the most recent All-Star event). There will be five racks of five balls and only 60 seconds for competitors to make their way around the arc. Players must exhaust the ball racks in order before moving on to the next shooting location.

Each made basket will be worth one point, save for the final ball of each rack - those will be “money balls,” worth two points. This means there will be 25 balls and a maximum of 34 points will be possible. In the event of a tie, 30-second rounds will be played as tiebreakers.

The top three performers will compete once more in a championship round. The winner earns respect, a champion title, and the right to talk smack for the rest of the weekend. Trust us, smack talk ammo will come in handy as the weekend heats up.

Below are the players set to compete in the three-point contest on Friday:

Zach Howell
Isaac Haney
Danilo Jovanovich
David Hill
Keshon Gilbert
Anton Brookshire
Jackson Paveletzke
Drew McMillin
Damien Mayo Jr.
Cam Liggins
Jordan Nesbitt
Andrew Robinson

This year’s Invitational is absolutely loaded with shooters. We could not squeeze everyone into one contest. For those players that are confident that they were snubbed - we are excited to give you an opportunity to prove it on the court all weekend long. The real action comes in the games, so everyone gets their chance. Let’s light it up this weekend.

Invitational matchups to watch for

Robert Yanders has highlighted eight potential matchups to watch for at The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020.

The Invitational maybe a camp, but at its core, fierce competition and showcase-style game action is what it is all about. Year after year, we see ferocious matchups born out of elite players from all over going head to head. 2020 will be no different, with more talent than we have ever assembled coming together to test their mettle.

In speaking with The Basketball Movement’s Rob Yanders, he pointed out a few potential matchups that should be a feast for basketball connoisseurs. He pointed out eight to start, but we will be highlighting more in the very near future.

Here are a few of the matchups we are excited to see at The Basketball Movement Invitational this weekend:

David Joplin vs. Tarris Reed

Already committed to Texas, 6’7” David Joplin is a problem. With the ability to finish strong or soft, inside or out, and erase opponents’ shots at the rim, Joplin has the tools necessary to be Invitational MVP. A great matchup for Joplin is Tarris Reed, a 6’10” 2022 player with star potential. Reed has the tools to be a defensive force and the size to go up and over defenders with devastating results.

Keshon Gilbert vs. Anton Brookshire

6’3” guard, Keshon Gilbert is a special kind of player. The UNLV commit is someone that you cannot afford to lose on defense - he has the quickness, handles, and ability to finish from anywhere on the floor and make defenders look silly. Mizzou commit Anton Brookshire is similarly lethal. Brookshire keeps the ball on a string and has NBA range, an untouchable mid-range game, and has a knack for putting defenders on skates, which we saw on display last year.

Kobe Johnson vs. Nicholas Kern

Kobe! Kobe Johnson is a 6’5” USC commit with a grown man game. A willing defender with springy athleticism, Johnson has great basketball instincts and can be as dangerous distributing as scoring. Vashon standout, Nick Kern has the length and skill to match Johnson. Last year’s Invitational MVP, now Kentucky Wildcat Cam’Ron Fletcher drew a lot of attention for Vashon. Everyone that showed up to those games walked away impressed by Kern as well. He has game-script flipping potential on both sides due to his length and knack for getting to the rim.

Tyrese Hunter vs. Isaac Haney

Iowa State commit, Tyrese Hunter gets buckets. Missouri State commit, Isaac Haney gets buckets. Honestly, this matchup just comes down to who is gonna get the most buckets? Hunter has exceptional athleticism and basketball IQ. Haney has one of the prettiest jumpers in high school hoops and a knack for getting his shot anywhere he wants it on the floor. This could be fireworks.

Trevon Brazile vs. Jordan Nesbitt

6’8” Mizzou commit, Trevon Brazile vs. anyone would be a show. Growing around six inches in the last year, Brazile maintained his athleticism and ball skills to become one of the most devastating rim runners we will have at The Invitational. If anyone can match Brazile’s length and athleticism, it’s St. Louis’ own Jordan Nesbitt. The Memphis commit’s ability to stretch the floor makes his well-rounded game another one to watch for in The Invitational’s MVP race.

Seth Trimble vs. Damien Mayo Jr.

2022 guard, Seth Trimble is a standout from Phenom-U’s Team Herro that has all the traits you want in a floor general. Patience, a feathery touch, and a sick cross mean defenders can be in trouble before they even realize it. Chaminade’s Damien Mayo Jr. plays a more aggressive style of guard. Mayo Jr. attacks with confidence - confidence that is well-founded. His bunnies and handle alone should make defenders very, very nervous.

Kanon Gipson vs. Jackson Paveletzke

Two players that rely on a deep bag, Kanon Gipson and Jackson Paveletzke can both make you double-take when looking at the stat sheet once the final buzzer sounds. Yanders says Gipson has “great promise and has been playing well recently.” Yanders says he has gotten stronger and is one to watch as he considers reclassifying this season. Paveletzke is another Team Herro scorer that can rain from deep or catch you off guard and take it to the hole.

Jeffery Brazziel vs. Trevon Love

A mature 2022 player, Jeffery Brazziel is a 6’5” guard with a high basketball IQ and a nice lefty stroke. He can change gears in a hurry and has developed a strong above and below the rim game. Trevon Love is another Vashon hooper with a high ceiling. All Love needs is a platform to raise his stock in a hurry - this is the perfect chance and we are excited to see him match up with players like Brazziel.

Check back again soon for more big-time matchups to keep an eye on this weekend at The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020!

Antonio Curro at The Basketball Movement Invitational

The Basketball Movement Invitational Camp will be more than a hub for elite players in 2020, with professional-level spectators in attendance such as Antonio Curro.

National media brands, NBA talent, and big names in the grassroots world will be in attendance this year for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020. For years, the level of players has been climbing at Robert Yanders’ annual elite camp for high school boys. That continues this year, with big names from around the sport taking notice.

Antonio Curro, National Recruiting Editor of NY2LA, is one big wheel in the basketball world that we are excited to welcome to The Basketball Movement. Curro is the Founder & Director of Basketball Scouting and Grassroots Basketball Platform Initiatives for NY2LA Sports based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Antonio Curro is truly an NBA-caliber guy,” says Rob Yanders. “He evaluates all levels of talent around the country and we are so excited he is coming to our facility.” The Basketball Movement Invitational draws multiple athletes from the Yanders Law AAU program, which plays in the NY2LA grassroots hoops leagues. This year, Yanders extended invites to a few members of Phenom University - Team Herro and Indy Premier, both of which also participate in NY2LA leagues.

Curro has worked with multiple top 100 players across the country. Several players have hit the NBA scene that he has mentored. It comes as no surprise that sources have told The Basketball Movement that Curro is highly sought after by NBA organizations.

We are honored to have Antonio Curro come to our facility to observe our Invitational Camp. The Basketball Movement Invitational is one of our favorite events of the year and 2020 should be the best one to date. Stay tuned as we continue filling you in on the happenings leading into the start of the action Friday the 16th.

The Invitational - Rounding out the invites

With The Basketball Movement Invitational drawing closer, Rob Yanders has put out a list of invitees not previously mentioned.

Robert Yanders is the mastermind behind everything that goes on at The Basketball Movement. So, when it comes time for The Basketball Movement Invitational Camp, all invites go through Rob. We call it a camp, but the reality is that it is much more than that.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 is designed to bring together elite high school talent. Everything happens in a camp atmosphere, with drills and fundamentals being paramount through much of the day. During the evenings, it becomes a showcase of what it is that got these young men invited. Tournament-style games will be played pitting fierce competitors against each other. We will be pumping out media of the whole thing.

Keep scrolling through our blog to see who has already been announced as invitees. Below are most of the names that we had not previously mentioned. The list is still subject to additions, so if you do not see your name but have been invited to compete, it is up to you to make that name for yourself and earn a shoutout.

Here we go.

  • Xavier Sykes
  • Brennan Watkins
  • Taj Manning
  • Roddy Alexander
  • Ryan Kalkbrenner
  • Grishham Aleshire
  • Jeffery Brazziel
  • Stevie Strong
  • Andrew Dalton
  • Liam O’reilly
  • Grant Harper
  • David Joplin
  • Jack Johnson
  • Sterling Chapman
  • Lonell Lane
  • Christian Sanson
  • Dekwon Brown
  • Isaiah Green
  • Jordan Woods
  • Davione Doty
  • Andrew Robinson
  • Gabe Sisk
  • Maker Bar
  • Trevor Love
  • Kennard Davis
  • Jordan Williams
  • Barry Howard
  • Cameron Stovall
  • Damien Mayo
  • Robert Lewis
  • Amari Jenkins
  • Danilo Jovanovich
  • Andrew Rohde
  • Jackson Paveletzke
  • Donovan Short
  • Jake Martin
  • Carter Harrell

There you have it! Again, there are still some invites floating out, so do not be discouraged if you have not seen your name on our lists. If you think you deserve an invite, shoot an email to basketballmovement@yahoo.com or DM us or Rob on Instagram. Do it quickly though - we are getting this thing wrapped up.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 is October 16-18th. Over the next week, we will be flashing back to some of the action from 2019 and prepping you for what to expect from our bigger, better 2020 event. Stay tuned and get ready for some of the most elite high school hoops action in the country.

The Invitational - Yanders adds more big names

As we continue our invites to The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020, more big-name high schoolers make appearances.

The Basketball Movement’s Robert Yanders has another wave of names for his annual Invitational Camp. Nationally ranked players, big name Missouri and Kansas standouts, and more are being invited to the most explosive camp for high school boys in the Midwest.

Let’s dive right into the next batch of invitees for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020:

Chet Holmgren, Minnehaha Academy (MN): Regarded as one of the best high school players in the nation, Chet Holmgren is a 7’0” center with the game of a guard. Holmgren is currently not travelling due to personal reasons, but if that changes by mid-October, our doors will absolutely be open to him.

Chris Livingston, Akron Buchtel High: Kids from Akron know a thing or two about hoops, and Chris Livingston has the size, skill, and POWER to go with that basketball I.Q. At 6’6”, the SF is currently ranked number four in the nation by ESPN for 2022 players. His arrow is pointed straight up.

Grady Dick, Collegiate (Wichita): Another nationally ranked 2022 player, Grady Dick is a 6’7” forward that is as comfortable throwing down a windmill jam in the open court as he is making defenders pay by showing off his outside stroke. Dick holds offers from numerous Midwest D1 programs including Kansas, K-State, and Creighton.

Kanon Gipson, Logan-Rogersville: A veteran of The Basketball Movement Invitational, Kanon Gipson is a known sniper that can make it rain on opponents. Gipson is always a threat with the rock in hands; he has the ability to distribute as well as score from anywhere on the floor.

Connor Killion, East Newton: Another vet of The Invitational, Connor Killion has the size and skill to complement any team he plays on. Currently boasting a full-ride offer to play for Navy, the dangerous scorer and competitor only needs opportunity to continue to raise his stock.

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Jack Chapman, Blue Valley NW (Overland Park): A 6’7” guard, Jack Chapman is one of the top players in the state of Kansas. Chapman uses his size to punish smaller players down low or to shoot over them from deep. His versatility makes him a threat to score from anywhere and his high-motor playstyle makes him a nightmare on the offensive glass.

Matt Cleveland, Pace Academy (GA): A Florida State commit, 6’6” Matt Cleveland is ranked number 35 on ESPN’s Top 100. Cleveland earns his ranking with his combination of size and skill. Already boasting a pro frame, you don’t want to jump with this kid. He is a big-time scorer and willing defender.

Zach Clemence, Sunrise Christian Academy (KS): A 6’10” forward out of Kansas, Zach Clemence is ranked number 43 on ESPN’s Top 100. He is able to go to work in the paint, but his ability to stretch the floor and distribute make him special. Verbally committed to continue hooping at Kansas, the future is bright for the young star.

Mark Mitchell, Bishop Miege High (KS): Another Kansas standout, Mark Mitchell is ranked 20th by ESPN among 2022 players. At 6’8”, he already boasts scholarship offers from North Carolina, Kansas, and K-State among others. If Mitchell is on the court, he’s dunking. The sky is the limit for the 2022 stud.

David Hill, St. John Neumann (PA): Brother of Alize Johnson of the Indiana Pacers, David Hill is a 6’1” combo guard with the skills and basketball I.Q. to make big strides this year. Handles, vision, and a smooth shot mean that he can blend seamlessly into any scheme and be an impact player with or without the ball.

Javonte “JJ” Taylor, Kentwood High (Chicago): One of the top 2023 players in the nation, JJ Taylor is a versatile 6’7” player with star potential. Already able to score at all three levels, his athleticism is what will soon be bringing him to highlight reels near you. With proper guidance, this kid could go all the way to the top.

Omarion Henry, Normandy High (StL): A willing defender and and crazy athlete in a 6’7” frame, Omarion Henry has all the tools to be a D1 impact player. Currently a bit underrated, Henry is exactly the kind of player that needs to head over to The Basketball Movement Invitational. Lets boost some stock.

Joshua Minott, St. Andrews School (FL): Memphis commit, Josh Minott is 6’8” 195lbs of pure hooper. If he catches a defender with a crossover, it is time for everyone else to get out of the way. Memphis landed a sleeper with a chip on his shoulder.

Tommy Pinegar, Greenwood Academy: An excellent compliment to nationally ranked teammate, Aminu Mohhamed, Tommy Pinegar has the ability to stretch the floor like few other players in the Springfield, MO area. Defenders cannot afford to help off when Pinegar is looming beyond the perimeter.

Steven Clay, Menomonee Falls (WI): One of the top prospects out of Wisconsin, Steven Clay is a 6’4” shooting guard with D1 offers from Maryland and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A 2022 standout from Phenom University-Team Herro, Clay has a great jumper and the ability to finish around the rim with finesse beyond his years.

Logan Landers, Cedarburg (WI): Another Phenom U-Team Herro player, Logan Landers is a 6’10” big man with the athleticism to switch and remain largely positionless on the floor. Landers has been recruited by Bill Self and Kansas in addition to multiple other D1 programs. He has the size to bang down low and the touch to score from anywhere.

Stay tuned as we continue to reveal Rob Yanders’ invitees as The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 nears its October 16th start date. Follow along on all platforms and keep checking back here for updates!

The Invitational - Rob's second wave

Robert Yanders is ready to release the second wave of invitees for The Basketball Movement Invitational. Here are the next 15.

With The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 drawing closer (October 16-18th), The Baksetball Movement’s Rob Yanders is revealing the players that are receiving invites. The first 15 names have already been released. Today, we have an additional 15 and more will be coming soon.

Check out the below for a few more of the top names invited to this elite camp:

Cam Liggins, Kickapoo High: Joining his Kickapoo teammates we mentioned previously, Cam Liggins is an up-and-comer looking to show off his well-rounded game. Liggins’ ability to put the ball in the hole at all three levels will quickly be apparent at The Invitational when it comes to game time.

Tamar Bates, Piper (KC): A Texas commit, Tamar Bates is 6’5” shooting guard with a sweet lefty stroke and knack for getting all the way to the cup. He has the size to guard multiple positions and is primed to grow his game even more at the next level.

Michael Foster, Hillcrest Prep (MIL): At 6’9” 220lbs, Mike Foster is ready for the pro game. A Milwaukee native like our own Rob Yanders, he is ranked number six on ESPN’s Top 100. Kansas, Michigan, Florida… Foster has his pick of many schools and is NBA-bound as he continues to hone the finer parts of the game.

Patrick Baldwin, Hamilton High (WI): Recruited by essentially every major program in the country, Patrick Baldwin Jr. is a 6’9” force on the basketball court. Ranked number 2 on ESPN’s Top 100, Baldwin is another likely pro-bound big that has all the tools to make an impact at either end of the floor.

Jonathan Dunn, Hazelwood Central: Recently committed to Western Illinois, Jonathan Dunn is a 6’7” aggressive rebounder and defender. He is also more than capable of putting the ball in the hole in a variety of ways.

Seth Trimble, Menomonee Falls (WI): Heavily recruited in the Wisconsin area, Seth Trimble is a 6’2” point guard from the class of 2022. A capable scorer and distributor, Trimble is a willing defender as well - able to contribute for his teams in any way necessary.

Brandon Miller, Cane Ridge (Nashville): Currently number five on ESPN’s 2022 player rankings, Brandon Miller is a 6’6” small forward that has all the tools to be a truly elite talent. Miller is crazy athletic and capable of setting off fireworks above the rim.

Nick Smith, Sylvan Hills (AR): Another class of 2022 stud, Nick Smith is a 6’3” guard out of Arkansas. Smith is ranked 52nd in the class of 2022 on ESPN. He boasts offers from some major Midwest programs and is only likely to receive more as he keeps banging home triples and elevating his team.

Tyrese Hunter, Saint Catherines (WI): Already committed to Iowa State, Tyrese Hunter is a big time player for his 6’1” frame. Ranked 62nd in ESPN’s top 100, he has no problem finishing around the rim and is one of the most explosive point guards in the country.

Drew McMillan, Republic High: A veteran of The Basketball Movement Invitational, Drew McMillan has tremendous feel for the game and can lend his offensive skillset to any squad he is a part of. Defenders must respect his shot-making ability.

Jason Jones, Nixa High: Another vet of The Invitational, Jason Jones a a 6’6” forward out of Nixa with an impressive post game. In addition to his ability to go to work down low, Jones is an excellent ball handler and is a threat in transition. He exploded for 40 points and 16 boards in one of The Invitational contests last year.

Kaleb Wofford, Nixa High: Our other Nixa invitee is Kaleb Wofford, a 6’2” guard with a solid all-around skillset. Wofford must be respected from deep, giving him the ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays for his teammates or himself.

Keshon Gilbert, Durango High (Vegas): UNLV commit, Keshon Gilbert is a 6’2” point guard out Las Vegas that has no problem scoring the basketball. He also distributes nicely and brings intangibles and defense beyond his size.

Coen Brown, Sacred Heart Sedalia: 6’2” guard Coen Brown is an impressive 2022 player that can do a lot of damage on the offensive end. He is an aggressive scorer, able to put the ball on the floor or launch from deep.

Learic Davis, Bradley Tech High, (MIL): Learic David is another Milwaukee standout. 6’6” from the class of 2022, Davis is a high-flyer that can turn defense into offense in eye-popping ways. His jumper has a high release point, making him a difficult cover inside and out.

The invites are beginning to stack up, but we are not done yet. Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement as we continue seeking out elite talent and preparing to continue our tradition of putting on the most elite basketball camp in the Midwest. Part camp, part showcase, part tournament - iron sharpens iron here and we cannot wait to light the fire.