It is not easy playing in the shadow of an older brother who is the No. 8 ranked player in the Rivals150 and headed to North Carolina, but 2006 prospect Ben Hansbrough is doing an excellent job providing some outside scoring punch and solid all around play on the perimeter for Poplar Bluff (Mo.) High School. One of the stronger mid-majors in the country has already offered the 6-foot-4, 200-pound shooting guard.

"Right now I like Southern Illinois, Dayton and Florida State," said Hansbrough. "Those are the ones recruiting me the hardest. Southern Illinois has offered and they have seen me play three games this year, either the head coach or one of the assistants."

With two of Poplar Bluff's losses coming against nationally prominent teams, the Mules are off to an impressive 11-3 start. Second on the team in scoring behind his brother, the younger Hansbrough is averaging 18 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds per game.

Tough, strong and competitive, Hansbrough is constantly working to improve both his skills and his strength.

"I'm trying to get more consistent with my play," he said. "At 6:30 every morning, I am in the gym working on my shot and then lifting weights."

Hansbrough plans to take the ACT in February and then begin to take some of his official visits. An opportunity for early playing time is at the top of his criteria for choosing a school.