Biggest Takeaways: Mehlville vs Father Tolton
The Norm Stewart Classic took place over the weekend in Columbia, Missouri under the lights in Mizzou Arena. The 48 hour/24 game marathon featured some of the top teams and talent that the region has to offer. The 9am Saturday…
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Continue ReadingThe Norm Stewart Classic took place over the weekend in Columbia, Missouri under the lights in Mizzou Arena. The 48 hour/24 game marathon featured some of the top teams and talent that the region has to offer.
The 9am Saturday game featured a big time match-up between Mehlville and Father Tolton. The Mehlville Panthers were ranked #3 in Class 5 while Father Tolton came in holding down the #2 overall spot in Class 3. The hype surrounding the game was well warranted. After being tied at the half, Tolton opened up a 54-46 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Mehlville stormed back to tie the game at 67, but a last second tip-in for Tolton gave the Trailblazers a huge resume building win here early in the season. Here are our “5 Takeaways” from this heavyweight bout.
Coban Porter has the “IT” factor:
The 6’5 senior wing finished with a team high 20 points and was clutch down the stretch for Tolton. He hit some tough threes and showed off elite range. He is a very polished player that does a nice job of rejecting screens or splitting defenders to find a crease. Changes speeds well and doesn’t shy away from the big moment. Coban put the game on ice with his buzzer-beating tip-in and was named the game’s MVP.
Dylan Branson’s motivation is on a new level:
Branson was visibly frustrated after picking up his third foul mid-way through the 1st quarter, and he subsequently had to sit out the rest of the half. With his team trailing down the stretch, he went on a run where he essentially took over the game. The physical, crafty wing bullied his way to the basket and finished time after time through contact, willing the Panthers back into the game. He was fired up and his team fed off that energy. He finished with a game high 21 points despite playing limited minutes due to foul trouble.
Jevon Porter is the best sophomore in the state:
The lanky, versatile 6’10 forward for Father Tolton was phenomenal against a Mehlville front-court loaded with upperclassman D1 talent. He did a tremendous job of using his ball skills and athleticism to drive by his larger defender from the perimeter and get to the rack. He proved to be a legit pick and pop or drive and kick threat from beyond the arc, and he used his length to overcome a strength deficit and alter shots around the basket. There were periods of time where Mehlville had no answer for him. Jevon fouled out late with 15 points. His ceiling is extremely high.
Lamontay Daughtery is MUCH improved:
Lamontay has always had a high level build and athleticism, and it appears he is really beginning to blossom and put it all together. He had a very strong game Saturday. He has embraced playing around the rim more and showed off a polished game inside. He has good footwork and soft touch with his back to the basket game and can face-up and attack or knock down the jumper. He played at max effort from tip to final horn. He was relentless on the offensive glass, got on the floor for loose balls, and showed good anticipation that led to multiple steals or deflections.
Mehlville is HUGE:
This is an obvious statement to anyone who has watched the Panthers the last couple years, but it really stood out to me on Saturday. Playing in Mizzou Arena, Mehlville looked the part of a D-1 team. 7’0 Kansas State signee Davion Bradford is an absolute tank that can bully anyone around the rim. He is anchored by 6’7 athlete Lamontay Daughtery and thick, physical 6’5 wing Dylan Branson. That trio makes up one of the largest, most imposing frontcourts in the state.
Both teams supporting casts are critical:
The star power was on full display in this match-up, but both teams boast solid supporting casts that will be critical to how deep of a run either team makes this season.
- 6’2 Sr King Waller (Mehlville) is a perfect fit at the point guard position for the Panthers. Strong, athletic, and does a nice job of setting up his teammates and taking scoring opportunities when he gets the chance. Strong communicator on the floor, tenacious defender.
- 6’4 So Christian Branson (Mehlville) did a very nice job coming off the bench and providing crucial minutes due to some foul trouble of teammates. He brings some size, hustle, and energy to the Panthers’ second unit.
- 6’3 Sr Nate Schwartze (Tolton) is a crafty driver that handles the ball well and can knock down the open three.
- 6’3 Sr Johnny Berndt (Tolton) came off the bench letting it fly. Big spark to the second unit that can stroke it from long range.