SLUH MLK Classic: Top Performers (Jr’s & Soph)
We have highlighted the seniors who performed well at the MLK Classic hosted by SLUH this week, but there were certainly some underclassmen who made their presence known. Here is a look at the juniors and sophomores who stood apart…
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Continue ReadingWe have highlighted the seniors who performed well at the MLK Classic hosted by SLUH this week, but there were certainly some underclassmen who made their presence known. Here is a look at the juniors and sophomores who stood apart from the rest.
The Juniors:
Elijah Bishop – Soldan
Elijah is a load to handle in the paint for Soldan. While it wasn’t his best performance against Alton, his presence was absolutely felt on the floor. He is a powerful, thick-bodied forward who has the ability to dominate on the block when he is on. Given his size, he has some polish to his footwork and some sneaky bounce and athleticism. He also stepped out on the wing and knocked down a three-pointer showing signs of versatility. Averaging 11.2 points per game so far this year, he is a key cog for the Tigers.
Moory Woods – Alton
Sometimes lost in the shadows of star seniors Donovan Clay and Malik Smith, Moory is a vital piece for the Redbirds averaging 11 points per game on the year and gives Alton a lethal trifecta on the perimeter. He was huge in the overtime win over Soldan, pumping in 17 points.
Antwan Baker – Cahokia
Antwan has not put up eye popping numbers so far this year, but he posted a season high 15 points and showed flashes of impressive offensive capability in a tough loss to U-City. The lefty is a capable drive and kick threat from three but excels as a slasher that can elevate and use his length. One particular play really caught my eye as he blew by his defender with a nasty crossover, hit a euro-step and finished with his left hand. The potential is there for the production to increase.
Elliot Johnson – DuBourg
DuBourg has a young team full of talented freshman. Elliot is making his case to be a terrific leader of that group going into his senior season next year. He can fill it up from beyond the arc. He knocked down 3 of 4 attempts from range in the win over Ritenour and finished with a team high 13 points.
The Sophomores:
Jordan Nesbitt – St. Louis Christian Academy
Jordan is our #2 overall ’21 prospect in Missouri and will find a home at a high major program in a couple of years. He already possesses great size, length and athleticism that gives him some coveted intangibles. While he did not have his shot falling from deep against Granite City, his combination of athleticism and smooth handles made him impossible to stop when he was in attack mode. In a tight game down the stretch, Jordan closed the door on Granite City’s upset bid and finished with a team high 16 points.
Freddie Cooper – SLUH
The 1st half of SLUH and Hazelwood East was a bit dull, to put it mildly. Neither team could find any rhythm offensively and the Jr Billikens trailed 17-12 at the break. Enter sophomore Freddie Cooper (who had scored in double figures once this season) to start the second half and the flood gates opened up big time. He completely took over the game, scoring 24 points in the half alone and leading SLUH to a big come from behind victory. He was unguardable, hitting a pair of step back threes, multiple AND-1 finishes, and two highlight reel dunks that sent a buzz through the crowd. It appears a sleeping bear may have been poked, Freddie followed up Monday night’s performance with 23 more points tonight against Vianney.
Jalen Hampton – U-City
At 6’6 with a long wingspan and some serious bounce, Jalen has the tools to become a household name in the area over the next couple years. He averages 11.2 points per game, on a mind-blowing 80% from the field, and nearly 8 rebounds a night for the young Lions. He can finish above the rim, boards everything in his reach, and protects the rim as a shot blocking threat defensively. He finished with a team high 13 points in the win over Cahokia.
Justin Holland – U-City
Justin is one of 4 starters for U-City who is a frosh or sophomore, which should have Lions fans excited for what the future holds. Defenders can’t afford to lose the sharpshooting wing who lead the team in three-pointers made at nearly a 40% clip. He got loose for three big triples against Cahokia that went a long way in deciding the tight contest.