Show-Me standouts on the mend
The 2018 portion of the schedule has begun this week and the landscape could change in the next couple of months with the return of some of the state’s top players from injuries. There are three of the top 10 ranked players from the Prep Hoops Missouri Class of 2018 rankings who are expected to return from the injured list just in time to help their teams make challenge for those deep postseason runs that are expected.
Here is a look at those players:
Courtney Ramey (Webster Groves): The No. 1 player in the Class of 2018 in Missouri, the 6’4″ Ramey has missed every game after suffering a broken wrist during a preseason jamboree in November. Ramey’s absence was clearly evident as the Statesmen struggled against a national schedule. The good news is that Ramey has been cleared to practice and he has been working out with his team this week. There is the possibility that Ramey could make his return at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions, which begins next week in Springfield.
With a healthy Ramey: The Statesmen have a chance to repeat as Class 5 state champions. In addition to being an elite point guard, Ramey does everything for the Statesmen with his scoring, rebounding, stellar defense, team leadership and his ability to make big shots in clutch situations.
Update: Ramey returned to the lineup on Thursday night and led the Statesmen to a 73-43 victory over Marquette. Ramey scored 15 points and handed out 11 assists in his first appearance. Webster Groves will travel to West Virginia this weekend to take on Wheeler (GA) in the Cancer Research Classic.
Fred Thatch, Jr. (Sikeston): The 6’3″ Saint Louis University signee was rolling during the first weeks of the season before being felled with a foot injury after leading the Bulldogs to the championship of the SEMO Conference Tournament in early December. Fortunately for Sikeston, they have been able to continue their winning ways in his absence as they won the championship of the St. Dominic Holiday Tournament. Even better for Sikeston is that Thatch has been cleared to practice this week and should return to action soon.
With a healthy Thatch: The Bulldogs are one of the contenders for the Class 4 state championship. As good as Sikeston has performed without him, winning in the post season will be very difficult without his 25 points and 10 rebounds a game. The Bulldogs are on the loaded side of the Class 4 bracket with an excellent Cape Girardeau Central team in its district, undefeated Hillsboro in the sectional and the possibility of defending state champion Vashon or a loaded St. Mary’s team in the state quarterfinals.
Update: Thatch will return to the lineup on Friday night for Sikeston’s game against SEMO Conference rival Charleston.
Jordan Lathon (Grandview): The 6’4″ Northwestern University signee has missed the bulk of the season with a stress fracture in his foot. He said he is gradually making his way back and should be with his team very soon. Without Lathon, Grandview fields a talented team led by 6’4″ 2018 teammate Mason Taylor, who led them to a third-place finish in the William Jewell Classic.
With a healthy Lathon: Grandview becomes a prime-time contender in Class 4. They advanced to the state quarterfinals a year ago and lost a heartbreaker to Bolivar in overtime. Lathon is a excellent all-around guard with top-flight athleticism and the ability to dominate a game on both ends of the court.