Five Takeaways: A look at Confluence Academy
A new contender has emerged in the crowd of talented teams in Class 4. Confluence Academy began the season under the radar, but the Titans have made a strong case that they are a team that must be watched come postseason time next month. The Titans are currently 15-4 while playing against an upgraded schedule.
Here are five takeaways from what we’ve seen from Confluence Academy:
Brandon Frederick and Leon Perry are a dynamic 1-2 punch
The pair of 2018 performers are really lighting up the scoreboard this season. The 6’7″ Perry is averaging 25 points and eight rebounds a game, which is somewhat expected since that is what he did last year. The big story this season is the emergence of the 5’9″ Frederick as a prime-time scorer. “L’il Buckets” averaged 18 a game last season, but he has gone off the charts this year as he leads the St. Louis area in scoring at nearly 30 points a game. He has been a prolific 3-point shooter with the green light to let it fly from anywhere.
Mike Clark and Jermaine Bell are solid additions
While Perry and Frederick are top returning players, the Titans have been bolstered by transfers Clark and Bell from Miller Career Academy and Fort Zumwalt North, respectively. Clark is a 5’10” 2018 point guard who is averaging 12 points a game while taking over a lot of the ball-handling responsibilities, which enables Frederick to hunt more scoring opportunities. Bell is an athletic 6’3″ wing who excels on both ends of the court. He is averaging nearly 10 points a game.
Upgraded Schedule
With a more talented roster and high goals for the season, coach Brian Karvinen upgraded the schedule considerably. The Titans started the season at the Tournament of Champions in Washington (IL) against some national competition. They also competed in the Centralia (IL) Holiday Tournament, where they took metro east Illinois power Belleville East to the final buzzer. Confluence will also take on Class 5 CBC at the Cardinal Ritter Classic this weekend.
Titans have size
The 6’7″ Perry is the anchor up front for the Titans, but he has help in 6’8″ wide-body Ahmad Hodges, who takes up a lot of space in the middle. The 6’3″ Bell brings more size and athleticism to the wing while 6’3″ 215-pound 2018 forward William Howard brings hustle and offensive rebounding off the bench.
Outlook
The Titans have the talent and experience to really make some noise in Class 4, but the task is still daunting as their side of the bracket is loaded. Sitting in their district is a powerful St. Mary’s team that is one of the best in the state. Also on that side of the bracket are two-state state champion Vashon and perennial power Sikeston.