Adidas Three Stripes (Class of 2021 Forwards)
Here is a look at the top Class of 2021 forwards from last weekend’s Adidas Three Stripes at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo:
Yaya Keita 6’9″ Gateway 16U
The young big from DeSmet had a limited run during the weekend when he went down with a knee injury. Before getting hurt, Yaya looked dominant at both ends as he scored, rebounded and blocked shots at a high rate. His motor was always high, but you can see vast improvement in his skills and production as he continues to learn about the game. He also had a big first evaluation week in Atlanta.
Sam Thompson 6’9″ Larry Hughes Basketball Academy
A very skilled young big from Francis Howell who has continued to get better offensively. He has a soft touch around the basket and he will throw down a strong dunk in traffic. I like it when he finishes with authority like that. He is an excellent passer who will find the open man out of the double team. His game is also expanding to the perimeter as he made a number of 3-pointers over the weekend.
Jonathan Dunn 6’5″ Brad Beal Elite 15U
The hard-working combo forward from Chaminade had a very productive weekend. One of his best attributes was his offensive rebounding. He attacked the offensive boards with tenacity and had several buckets on put-backs. He has good mobility and he runs the court at every opportunity to sniff out transition buckets. He is a potential match-up problem.
Sekou Gassama 6’10” Gateway 16U
A long and lanky post player from DeSmet who is an imposing presence in the lane on the defensive end with his length and shot blocking ability. He is very active in challenging shots at the rim. He is still a work in progress on offense, but he does have some solid post moves and a nice turnaround jumper in the lane.
Mario Fleming 6’3″ Brad Beal Elite 15U
A high energy combo forward who plays much bigger than his size. He is an excellent finisher around the basket with his strength and athleticism. He can maneuver the ball and his body in traffic to score with great accuracy. He can draw the contact and convert the three-point play. He is tough on the drive.
Donald Brown III 6’6″ Semo Bulls 15U
The beefy young post from New Madrid Central was very impressive over the weekend with his very sound low post game. He uses that big body to establish excellent post position. He has good hands, very good footwork and he can finish around the basket. He can also knock down 15 footers on the baseline and he also stepped out and made a few 3-pointers off the pick and pop. I look forward to seeing this youngster develop.
Karl Moore 6’3″ Ramey-Jets United 15U
A physical young power forward from Jennings, Moore is a tough, blue collar worker who did an excellent job as a rebounder and shot blocker. He is a tenacious performer who will battle bigger players for every rebound that he can get his hands on.
Logan Wich 6’6″ Gateway 15
A young Stretch 4 from DeSmet who had a solid weekend in helping his team to the 15U championship game. He did an excellent job of knocking down corner 3-pointers and keeping the floor spaced.
Ryan Hoerstkamp 6’3″ Mid Mo Rebels 15U
A physical young combo forward from Washington High who can really get buckets in the low post. He’s strong and can score inside against bigger players. He is starting to make the transition to the perimeter as he showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and score on the drive.