5 Stars: Rock Bridge vs Raytown South (Norm Stewart Classic)
The highly anticipated finale of the Norm Stewart Classic featured Rock Bridge and Raytown South, and there was some big time talent on display in this one. Rock Bridge got off to a fast start and took a 21-13 lead…
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Continue ReadingThe highly anticipated finale of the Norm Stewart Classic featured Rock Bridge and Raytown South, and there was some big time talent on display in this one. Rock Bridge got off to a fast start and took a 21-13 lead into the end of the 1st quarter. Raytown South made a run early in the 2nd quarter on the backs of their talented backcourt to trim into the deficit, but Rock Bridge closed the half with a strong run capped off by a Jamonta Black buzzer beating three to give the Bruins a comfortable 40-24 lead. In the second half, Rock Bridge’s impressive senior trio of Isiaih Mosley, Jamonta Black, and DaJuan Harris put on a show and rolled to a 74-41 victory.
Here are the 5 Stars from this big match-up at Columbia College:
1 Star – The Rock Bridge supporting cast
The Bruins have 3 big time players that dominate headlines, but they also boast an impressive supporting class and a deep bench. 6’2 Sr Noah Patrick is critical to spacing with his outside shooting ability and does the dirty work on both ends. 6’6 Jr Jacob Ungles is an underrated post presence for the Bruins. He is tough on the boards, protects the rim, and is skilled inside. He is also a critical piece to the pick and roll game with Missouri State signee DaJuan Harris and cashes in regularly on his dimes. Rock Bridge has a pair of key bench pieces in athletic wing-forward 6’5 Sr Quinton Brown and 6’1 Jr Charles Wilson.
2 Stars – Raytown South Back-court
The Cardinals have the potential for an elite scoring backcourt. They are led by 6’1 Jr Dezmond McKinney who despite having an off night in this one has the ability to fill it up. 6’0 Jr Kobe Campbell is a tough, athletic guard who knocked down 4 three pointers. 6’3 Jr Raevon Carter showed off some DEEP range burying three from beyond the arc himself. All three are versatile, athletic, and very talented.
3 Stars – Jamonta Black
Missouri State is getting a good one in 6’4 Sr Jamonta Black. The versatile wing had a quiet game by his standards, but showed flashes of his takeover abilities. He hit a big buzzer-beating three to close the first half. He has blow-by ballhandling skills and finishes above the rim. He had a jaw-dropping, acrobatic, finish with contact that literally defied the laws of physics.
4 Stars – DaJuan Harris
6’2 Sr Dajuan Harris is likely the best point guard in the state. The other Missouri State signee is far and away the best passer that I have seen so far this year. He has elite court vision and can thread the needle with the very best. If you are open, whether you know it or not, he is putting the ball right where it needs to be for you to finish. He is absolutely unstoppable in the open floor and operating out of the pick and roll. He is such a threat to dime a teammate for a lay-up that defenders hesitate to help on his drives. But, if you don’t he will go all the way to the cup and finish with authority.
5 Stars – Isiaih Mosely
It is an absolute treat to watch 6’5 Sr Isiaih Mosley. The Rock Bridge standout put on a clinic from start to finish and was named game MVP with a 32 point performance. He’s the real deal. Great elevation and range on the jumper. Flashy ballhandler and athlete who is nearly impossible to defend at this level. And he has the uncanny ability to suspend in the air and make whatever move he needs to in order to finish. It’s almost as if he waits in mid-air for everyone else to come back down so he can cash in. He uses his length defensively to jump passing lanes for steal and deflections and if he gets out in transition LOOK OUT! There’s a reason he is the #1 player in the state in our Prep Hoops rankings.