The Bigs
The game of basketball has increasing become more of a perimeter-oriented game which is dominated by the guards. However, that doesn’t mean that there are a lot of quality players of the taller persuasion roaming the Show-Me State. Here is look at some of those top bigs (6’9″ and taller) around the state:
Davion Bradford 7’0″ Mehlville (’20) – A transfer from Hillcrest (AZ) who returns to St. Louis after spending his freshman year at CBC. A much improved offensive player who has already received offers from Kansas State, Saint Louis, Oklahoma State, Tulsa among others.
Roman Wilson 6’10” Park Hill (’19) – A very skilled big who showed enough as a youngster to receive offers from Kansas State and Wichita State as a sophomore. He is an excellent rim-protector who can score inside and handle the ball.
Ryan Kalkbrenner 6’11” Trinity (’20) – An emerging young post player who is an excellent shot blocker. He had 12 blocks in a victory over Lutheran North in a district playoff game last season. His offensive skill set has been expanding over the summer as well.
Erik Lahm 6’10” Lindbergh (’19) – A long and lanky forward who returns to lead the Flyers after averaging 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks a game as a junior. He has received offers from Division II schools Maryville and Quincy.
Yaya Keita 6’9″ DeSmet (’21): Emerging young big who has a big summer playing for the Gateway Basketball 16U team. He averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game as a freshman. Plays with a high motor on both ends. Loves to run the court and block shots.
Sekou Gassama 6’10” DeSmet (’21) – Athletic big with excellent mobility and a solid skill set in the low post. He is also a very good rim protector. He has already received offers from LSU and Indiana State during the fall.
Sam Thompson 6’9″ Francis Howell (’21) – A rising sophomore who averaged six points and four rebounds as a freshman on a district-championship team. He enjoyed an excellent summer with the Larry Hughes Basketball Association 15U team where he looked dominant at times.
Dylan Caruso 6’9″ Mansfield (’19) – Small school big who has enjoyed a very productive career at Mansfield. Averaged 15 points, 7.6 rebounds and three blocks as a junior. He is very skilled around the basket.
Seth Beussink 6’9″ Jackson (’19) – Solid power forward who played quality minutes behind an experienced group of seniors, averaging five points and three rebounds. He will be counted on for big production this season as he assumes a full-time role for the Indians.
Tre Morrison 6’9″ Parkview (’19) – An athletic big with a good body who excels on the defensive side of the floor with his shot blocking. A key returning member of a Parkview team that advanced to the Class 5 state quarterfinals last season.