Show Me Showdown: My Saturday Observations
I spent the second day of the Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown parked at MICDS for the action in the 16U Division. Here are some observations on some of the top games that I witnessed during a long and competitive…
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Continue ReadingI spent the second day of the Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown parked at MICDS for the action in the 16U Division. Here are some observations on some of the top games that I witnessed during a long and competitive day of basketball.
Gateway vs. Knights Basketball Academy
This game had one of the most probable endings of the day as Gateway rallied from a double-digit deficit in the last three minutes to take a 69-61 victory. The Knights dominated for virtually the entire game behind its tremendous 3-point shooting. Leading the way was 2021 point guard Kyle Conkright of Ellington, who made four consecutive 3-pointers late in the first half to get the Knights really rolling to its advantage. Joining Conkright in the 3-point hit parade were 6’6″ 2021 wing Jack Pronger of MICDS, who has excellent length and ability to go along with his long distance shooting, 6’1″ 2021 Brycen King of Ellington, 6’2″ 2021 guard Carter Hoog of St. Genevieve Valle and 6’2″ 2021 guard Isaiah Williams of Lutheran North, who can also slash and get buckets in addition to making 3-pointers.
Just when it looked like Gateway’s chances to win were bleak as they were down by 14 points in the final three minutes, they unleashed a full-court press that forced turnover after turnover. A conventional three-point play by 6’2″ guard Brock Wakefield of South Iron gave Gateway the lead to stay with 1:30 to go in the game. Wakefield is a three-level scorer with great range, but he got tough buckets down the stretch on this day. Point guard Recko Bailey of Vashon sparked the late-game pressure defense with his quickness and tenacity, but he hit a huge 3-pointer in the final minute to seal the day. 6’5″ forward Jalen Hampton of University City is bouncy and very active around the basket. He can also put in on the floor and get buckets off the bounce.
Team Ramey CCM-White vs. B.C. Swag
One of the most entertaining games of the day was a bracket game in which Team Ramey 83-76 in an high-scoring, up-tempo affair. The lead changed hands throughout the entire game as both teams scored on fast breaks and traded 3-pointers in a fast and furious affair.
Team Ramey was led by 2021 guard Chris Porter, who scored a game-high 26 points and made six 3-pointers. The O’Fallon, IL High standout made back to back 3-pointers in late game stretch to give Ramey the breathing room it needed. Porter was supported by 6’1″ guard Hasani Spann of MICDS, who scored 18 points and made four 3-pointers. Spann is a mini-microwave who can light it up from 3-point range and get points in bunches. 6’6″ forward Quentin Hall of McCluer North has been a double-double machine throughout the tournament. He had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. He is a hard-working power forward who attacks the boards and scores in the post. Guard Dajuan Fields is small, but he attacks the basket with aggression and quickness and he gets the results.
B.C. Swag out of Milwaukee matched Team Ramey bucket for bucket for much of the game. They got excellent performances from its 6’1″ dynamic duo of Rashad Kelly and Ronja Kelly. Both can score from all three levels and knock down three pointers from distance with confidence. Ronja is left-handed while Rashard is right-handed. 2021 point guard Ron Johnson was also impressive with his ability to push the pace.
Missouri Flight vs. Chicago Demons
A very competitive Platinum Division game that was close from start to finish with the Missouri Flight coming away with a 60-53 victory. The Flight was led by 5’11” guard Mason Bailey of Mt. Vernon and 6’3″ Tyler Harrison of West Plains, who both scored 14 points. Bailey was impressive in both games I watched on Saturday with his ability to handle pressure, attack the basket and hit open 3-pointers. He was tough with the ball and very poised. Harrison is a resourceful scorer who knows how to get buckets in close with his ability to use pump fakes and use his body to draw fouls and get three-point plays. I was also impressed with 6’8″ 2022 forward Aaron Ledgerwood of Glendale, a true post player who knows how to get position and score around the basket with good footwork and a nice touch. As he gets stronger, he will be a problem. 5’11” guard T.J. Sorgenfrei of Nixa is a 3-point shooter who handles the ball well and moves extremely well without the basketball.
The Demons had a very nice backcourt in 5’10” Peter Higginbottom of St. Ignatius and Jabari Sawyer of DePaul Prep. Higginbottom is a long distance shooter who will also put it on the floor and get to the basket if a defender presses up on him. He scored a game-high 15 points. Sawyer did most of his damage in the lane as he was very good with his one dribble and pull up jump shot over a bigger defender. He has a quick first step. Also very impressive was 6’6″ forward Tyrese Shannon of Noble Street. He is long and athletic and he did a nice job rebounding and blocking shots. He knocked down a corner 3-pointer and had a few nice takes to the basket.
St. Louis Blazers vs. SW IL Jets- Orange
This Platinum Division game was one of the most hotly contested of the day and a great way to end a long day of basketball. The two teams battled to a standstill for the entire game as they took turns trading big runs. The Blazers led 29-28 at halftime, but the Jets opened the second half with an 8-0 run to take a 36-28 game. The Blazers responded with a 13-0 run of its own to take a 41-36 lead. It was that kind of game. The game was tied 53-53 with six minutes left and it looked like the final outcome would be decided by whoever had the ball last. Instead, the Blazers took control with a final surge and came away with a 71-61 victory.
The Blazers were led by 6’2″ guard Demarcus Sanford, Jr., of Lift for Life who had 17 points and handed out five assists. He is a long and athletic point guard who can score the ball and get his teammates involved. He is gradually emerging as one of the top point guards in the 2021 Class in Missouri. He is athletic and has a high-basketball IQ. 6’6″ post player Aaron Hendricks of MICDS has provided some size and athleticism on the front line. Hendricks had eight points and 16 rebounds. The lefty is thin, but very long and active around the basket. 6’2″ forward Cleveland Washington of Lutheran North had 13 points. He epitomizes the Blazers style of play as a bunch of undersized warriors that bring the fight to the opposition. Rico Singleton is a 6’2″ combo guard who plays much bigger than his size and 6’1″ guard Barcus Jackson is a smooth combo guard who can score and pass. They both attend Lift for Life.
The Jets have plenty of size and athleticism on the front line. I was impressed with 6’7″ forward Shawn Riley of O’Fallon and 6’6″ Quani Rudd of Mt. Vernon, IL. Riley is a versatile post player who can score inside or go outside and face up his man and put it on the floor. Rudd is an explosive athlete from Southern Illinois who can throw down a crowd-pleasing dunk and run the floor. 6’2″ point guard Ethyn Brown is a rock-solid floor leader who keeps things under control. He is also an excellent defender with a strong set of hands. 6’6″ forward A.J. Smith is a bid-bodied combo forward with a versatile skill set.
Other impressive performers of note:
Dre Doyne 6’7″ Hoop Smart (AR): A very athletic and very skilled combo forward who was just as comfortable scoring in the post or stepping outside and knocking down jumpers.
Michael Ousley 6’2″ Capital City Teamwork (IL) – Athletic and quick guard from Springfield Lanphier who scored 21 points in his team’s victory over The Work Foundation in Platinum bracket play.
Nickhai Howard 6’0″ Victory MInistry Blue: A strong and competitive lead guard with a big body, handles and 3-point shooting range.
Hamahrie Bowers 6’4″ The Work Foundation (IL): An explosive combo forward who really excelled in his team’s up-tempo pressing style. He attacked the basket well and had several entertaining dunks.
Jamari Ward 5’10” RWA (IL): A pass-first point guard who was quick and knew how to lead a team. He dropped several nice dimes on offense and provided excellent on-ball pressure on the defensive end.