5 Key Questions: Orr vs Cardinal Ritter
The consolation championship game at the Abe’s Roundball Classic was an epic contest between two perennial powers in their states. Chicago Orr has won back to back 2A state championships and Cardinal Ritter is a very consistent program in St. Louis. At the half Orr held a 13 point lead. Ritter would cut into that during the fourth quarter to tie it. Ultimately the game went to double overtime where Orr would get the win 73-70. Here are our 5 Key Questions: Orr vs Cardinal Ritter.
Is Tujautae Williams primed for a monster season?
Absolutely! Williams is a 6’6” small forward that played mostly a complimentary role last season. He has great measurable with his size for position, length, and athleticism. Over the summer he showed flashes that he was ready to take the next step with the Chicago Demons. In our first look at him as “the guy” for the Spartans he is more than ready. He opened the contest up with three aggressive takes off the bounce two of which he flushed home with ferocity! Long strides attacking the cup. Several times he took the ball off the glass and went coast to coast for a score. After the game went to double OT he had enough and on two possessions in a row Williams went right through the entire defense for scores. That would ultimately be the difference in the contest. He had 26 points (10-13 FG). Williams was also good at the foul line converting 6-8 from the stripe. There is no doubt he is a high-major type athlete. From a college standpoint he will need to improve the perimeter jumper as he didn’t take a single one in this contest. One of the best unsigned seniors in the state. Very impressive performance.
What are colleges waiting on with Greg Outlaw?
Bogan transfer Greg Outlaw is now at Orr and is starting to settle into his role as a key player. Over the summer with Chicago Select he displayed an ability to play above the rim with regularity. Did that again on Saturday with a few impressive dunks. Powerful two guard with big time athleticism. He is physical on his takes and isn’t afraid to take the contact. In this contest he suffered a hip pointer that looked like it would sideline him for the remainder of the contest, but he came back to make several key plays in OT. What intrigues us about Outlaw is his potential as a shooter. He was only 1-4 from deep, but hit another sweet baseline one dribble pull up. Good mechanically. Should be able to check multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor. Low-major programs and D2’s need to be monitoring him.
What does the Orr supporting cast look like?
What has made Orr so tough over the last few years is their immense depth. That was tested in this game with several players going down with injuries. They already had top 20 2020 small forward Demarius Splunge out. The name most will know is senior combo guard Terry Williams. He struggled shooting it on the afternoon which is usually his strength. Finished with just 5 points on 1-7 from three, but we expect him to be the third leading scorer on this squad. Starting guards Michael Taylor and Tyler Bullock recorded two points each. William Thomas came off the bench contributing 7 big points in limited minutes connecting on a couple jumpers. Utility man Robert Sanford is a senior that will do a little bit of everything for this team. He played a ton in this contest going for 11 points (5-6 FG) and 6 boards.
How big of a get is Malek Davis for Drury?
It was a slow start for Cardinal Ritter senior standout Malek Davis. The Drury commit was more of a volume shooter in this one. He couldn’t find his usual magic in the first three quarters. In the fourth he took over and was the main reason this game went to overtime. Davis is such a tough and hard-nosed guard that plays the game the right way. He is a scoring point guard that when he gets rolling can carry a team. Hit a couple big shots and was aggressive getting to the rim as the game went on. Also an active defender including a huge steal then throwing it ahead for an assist. He is at his best getting downhill and to the line where he is automatic (10-10 FT). Davis had 21 points (5-17 FG). Will be an impact player at Drury. Type of kid players want to follow.
What is the future for Cardinal Ritter?
Davis is a senior, but the future is very bright for this program. Their best prospect Luther Burden wasn’t even there because he was playing in the state football playoffs. One of the best 2022s in the Midwest. Sophomore Rasean Pate was extremely efficient with his touches. Scored on an array of runners/floaters. Good driver. He had 12 points (6-7 FG). Another sophomore that has gotten a little more pub is Mario Fleming. This guard is a solid shooter that is active on the glass. He had 13 points (5-10 FG). Really liked what junior post Gary Clark brought to the table. Probably about 6’6” this big man has length. He rebounds well on both ends of the floor and is efficient with his touches in the paint. Even flashed a mid-range shot. Went for 11 points (5-6 FG) and 10 rebounds.