Five Takeaways: Thanksgiving Week action
Here are five takeaways from the first week of the season and the Thanksgiving holiday action:
McCluer North is young a talented: McCluer North looked impressive in winning the championship of the Borgia Turkey Tournament last week. The Stars defeated Pacific for the championship, but their most impressive game came in the semifinals when they defeated host Borgia 62-42. 2019 guard Atavian Butler was the MVP of the tournament. The 6’2″ Butler is a dynamic athlete who makes plays on both ends of the court.
Confluence Emerges: Confluence Academy made some early waves in winning two games at the Washington Tournament of Champions in Illinois last week. 2018 guard Brandon Frederick averaged 27 points and made a tourney record 22 3-pointers in four games while 6’7″ 2018 forward Leon Perry averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds. This is a team that bears watching this season.
Dora: A new team on the small-school horizon this season and in the future will be the Dora Falcons. They have one of the most talented freshman classes around and they have made an immediate impact. Dora defeated Risco 75-59 in the Current River Shootout at Van Buren last weekend. The freshman class of Isaac Haney, Mason Luna, Auston Luna and Bryson Luna combined to score 64 of the team’s 75 points. They should be a factor in Class 1 for years to come.
Vashon-Charleston Shootout: The biggest game of the weekend came between these two perennial powers at the River Bend Shootout at New Madrid. The folks got their money’s worth as Vashon defeated Charleston 92-91 in an entertaining affair in front of a packed house. Talented 2019 guard Mario McKinney led Vashon with 29 points while 6’4″ 2018 forward Mardareyon Clark led Charleston with a game-high 31 points,
Jason Montgomery: The 6’4″ 2019 forward is ready for a breakout season for the Mustangs. He got things started on the right foot with a 37-point performance in a victory over Troy in the season opener. Montgomery is an excellent inside scorer and offensive rebounder who has also improved his perimeter skills during the summer. Look for him to have a big season.