Affton Tournament: Wednesday Standouts
Prep Hoops Missouri was on the South Side of St. Louis on Wednesday afternoon to take in the semifinal action at the Affton Invitational. In the first game, Lift for Life Academy defeated DuBourg 52-39. In the second game, Mehlville defeated Priory 47-42. Lift for Life and Mehlville will play for the championship this afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
Here is a look at some of the standouts from Wednesday’s action:
King Waller 6’2″ Mehlville: The 2020 guard scored a game-high 14 points in the win over Priory. He is a whirling dervish of a player whose motor never stops. At times, it looks like there are three of him on the floor as he seems to be everywhere on defense. He gets the ball and he’s looking to push the pace at all times. He’s strong and physical, which enables him to get where he wants on the floor.
Desmond Singleton 6’3″ Lift for Life: The 2018 forward scored 14 points and grabbed a bunch of rebounds in the victory over DuBourg. He is an athletic player who finished well around the basket. His activity on the glass was very impressive as he got out of his area to board on both ends of the floor.
A.J. Sanford 6’0″ DuBourg: The 2019 guard scored a game-high 18 points in the loss to Lift for Life. Sanford was very good at getting to the rim, which he did on a regular basis. He had some nifty handles and shifty moves to elude defenders on his way to the basket, where he had several nice finishes.
Jaylan Valentine 6’3″ Mehlville: A strong athletic 2018 forward who scored 10 points in the victory over Priory. He is a very player who plays with a lot of activity. He guarded the low post well and finished well around the basket. He had one nice defensive player where he converted a steal into a transition dunk.
Charlie Berns 6’0″ Priory: A 2018 guard who scored a team-high 10 points in the loss to Mehlville. He is a strong perimeter shooter who lets fly with a high-arching jumper. I like how he moves without the basketball and comes off screens ready to shoot.
Harrison Wismsen 6’5″ Priory: A 2021 post player who scored seven points in the loss to Mehlville. This youngster caught my eye with some good work in the lane. He used his size well and got some good seals for post up and scores. Always looking for those young ones with potential and he has a lot of it.
Demarcus Sanford 5’11” Lift for Life: A 2021 combo guard who scored eight points in the win over DuBourg. Another young lad with a lot of potential who is getting to play a lot of varsity ball right way. He has some nice offensive skills from ball handling to shooting and he is not shy on the court. He has pretty good quickness as well on the full court press.