Bass Pro tourney: Trio of stars stand out in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – There isn’t any shortage of events that can bring in talent like the annual Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. However, there aren’t many that can pack in crowds like the annual eight-team tournament held on the campus of Missouri State. On opening night, top 25 junior Cody Riley, five-star senior Jayson Tatum and four-star junior guard Lindell Wiggington thrilled a crowd that swelled to around 7,000 people.

It has been an interesting couple of weeks at Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon. First the nation’s top sophomore, Marvin Bagley, who is still awaiting word from the state of California on his eligibility, transferred into the school The day Bagley arrived, four-star junior power forward Ira Lee left for Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep. Through it all, 6-foot-7 power forward Cody Riley, who ranks No. 25 overall in the class of 2017 has remained rock steady.

On Thursday night, the powerful lefty was dominant as he racked up 30 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Springfield (Mo.) Kickapoo. He set up shop and scored with physicality in the post, he hit mid-range jumpers and took one trip after another to the free throw line while leading his team to victory.

The object of many high major programs affection, Riley said that one program continues to lead.

“UCLA, they are still the favorite,” said Riley, who was watched by Bruins boss, Steve Alford. “It’s the relationship that I have with them. I feel like it’s more than basketball and that it’s family with them.

Also, combo guard Lindell Wiggington, a four-star junior who bided his time behind upperclassmen a year ago, has had a monster year for powerful Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill. Thursday night, he drained four three-pointers, was strong with the dribble and showed that he can play either on or off the ball.

Currently ranked No. 98 overall in 2017, Wiggington deserves consideration for the national top 50. His most recent offers have come from Oregon and Georgia, and he said that USC and Connecticut are close to offering. Duke, Louisville, California and Texas Tech are others who have recently jumped into what is becoming a crowded recruitment.

Headed to Arizona State, four-star senior Sam Cunliffe has been looked at as more of a finesse player in the past. He is a smooth athlete with 6-foot-6 size and a crisp jumper. Thursday, the Seattle (Wash.) Rainier Beach star led his team to a win with 26 points but it was how he did it that surprised. Rather than settle for jumpers, Cunliffe was aggressive off the dribble and made himself a fixture at the free throw line where he made 16-19 attempts.

Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman dug a 17-point hole to Rainier Beach and came up just short with a furious comeback attempt. Top 50 junior shooting guard Charles O'Bannon Jr. (No. 44 overall) showed once again that he’s on his way to a bump in the rankings while scoring 31 points and grabbing eight rebounds. UCLA’s Alford was eyeing him along with assistants from N.C. State and Texas. From the class of 2016, O’Bannon’s teammate Zach Collins is headed to Gonzaga. After a slow start, Collins dominated on the interior to the tune of 24 points and 14 rebounds. Already ranked No. 32 overall, the 6-foot-11 center has been terrific during his senior season.

He isn’t yet overly productive, but top 25 sophomore Kenneth Nwuba of Oak Hill has all of the physical tools. At 6-foot-10 and 235 pounds, Nwuba is an impressive-looking interior player with athleticism and strength. As the year has gone on, he’s earned more and more playing time.

Keep an eye on three-star wing Jared Ridder of Springfield (Mo.) Kickapoo. An athletic 6-foot-6 junior with good athleticism, Ridder has a pretty jumper and lots of range. He holds offers from Saint Louis, Missouri State, Air Force, IUPUI and Stetson among others. Thursday, he had assistants from Missouri and Wichita State watching very close.

Sierra Canyon junior Adam Seiko doesn’t put up huge offensive numbers but the 6-foot-4 junior does a lot of things that can’t be measured. A powerful kid with athleticism, Seiko is a big-time defender, sets crushing screens and seems to have a knack for making timely plays. He’s a grinder who helps his team get wins.

Middle Village (N.Y.) Christ the King was never really in it against St. Louis (Mo.) Chaminade, but point guard Jose Alvarado impressed. The Rivals150 junior showed quickness, leadership and toughness in a 12-point, four-rebound and four-assist effort that was more impressive than those numbers might sound.

Iowa-bound four-star power forward Tyler Cook looks to be in the best shape of his high school career. The No. 81 player in the 2016 Rivals150, Cook has shed his baby fat and is rebuilding his body with muscle. The SChaminade standout was quick off his feet, physical and efficient while racking up 15 points and seven rebounds in Chaminade’s blowout win over Christ the King.

Speaking of Chaminade, we’ll end the night’s coverage with a mention of 2016’s No. 3 player Jayson Tatum. The 6-foot-8 wing continues to add strength and his already scary mid-range game just gets better and better. The Duke-bound senior’s offensive polish is impressive to say the least and he scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds while hardly breaking a sweat. Future teammate Harry Giles and wing Josh Jackson are the only players ahead of him and Tatum is making a pretty convincing case that he’s every bit as good as either of those guys.