Standout Performers: Trinity vs Chaminade
Prep Hoops was on hand as a pair of St. Louis powerhouses squared off Saturday night at Maryville University. Trinity came into the game red hot, on a six game winning streak, boasting a top five ranking in Class 3. …
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops was on hand as a pair of St. Louis powerhouses squared off Saturday night at Maryville University. Trinity came into the game red hot, on a six game winning streak, boasting a top five ranking in Class 3. Chaminade, #1 Class 5, entered the contest very battle tested as of late and eager to snap a two game losing skid albeit without star guard Luke Kasubke.
After a slow start for the Red Devils, it was no Kasubke, no problem for Chaminade who used a balanced attack to build up a cushion and led 53-38 heading into the fourth quarter. However, Trinity had no intentions of going down quietly. The Titans went on a furious and spirited rally, cutting their deficit to just 63-60 with 1:42 remaining. Chaminade locked in from there, keeping the Titans off the scoreboard and knocking down key free throws to survive a scare and come away with a hard-fought 67-60 win. Here is a look at the standout performers from this exciting battle of top teams:
Senior Star Power:
6’0 PG Rashad Weekly | Trinity
Rashad dazzled a large crowd Saturday night to the tune of a game high 27 points and 6 assists, and he nearly led the Titans to an improbably comeback win. He is such a fun player to watch. Strength and physicality complimented by a killer crossover, tight and elusive spin dribble, and polished euro footwork make him an incredibly tough guard for defenders. He is a very crafty finisher around the basket and his shot has improved drastically. He knocked down some tough long range jumpers pulling up in transition, quick release off the catch, and creating great separation with step-back and side-step footwork. Very impressive performance.
7’0 C Ryan Kalkbrenner | Trinity
Kalkbrenner is the best rim protector in the state. His wingspan is never-ending and no shot around the rim is out of his reach. It was almost as if his arms stretched beyond their limitations at times a la Michael Jordan in Space Jam. He does a great job of blocking and altering shots straight up without fouling and rebounding the ball at its high point. He is a constant dunk threat on the offensive end. Did a nice job as a rim runner, lob receiver, and trash man with put backs. He also showed improved ability to put the ball on the floor and had some nice attacks from the high post and wing. He had back to back two hand slams in the fourth quarter rally that nearly blew the roof off the gym. He finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
6’5 G Matteus Case | Chaminade
Chaminade needed someone to step up offensively in the absence of their star guard Luke Kasubke, and Matteus came up with a big 13 point outing that included an SC Top 10 worthy poster dunk. He plays with toughness and intensity. Drove the ball strong to the rim. Hit a nice turnaround jumper in the post over the 7-footer. Knocked down a big three pointer. He also sit down and played tough on ball defense.
6’4 G/F Harrison Vickers | Chaminade
The versatile wing pitched in 11 points in Chaminade’s win Saturday. He has a smooth jumper with range beyond the arc and knocked down a catch and shoot three-pointer, but for the most part in this game he made his mark as a slasher. He is strong to his left from the wing and has the ability to secure the defensive rebound and then weave his way coast to coast in transition for a finish. Plays hard on the defensive end where he can be an on ball stopper or get in the passing lanes for steals.
Stud Sophomores:
6’8 C Tarris Reed Jr | Chaminade
This young man is a rising star in the area. He already has a college frame and plays with more polish and skill than you would imagine for a sophomore. Going up against one of the state’s top forwards, Tarris was up to the challenge and had a big game. He went toe to toe with Kalkbrenner and finished with a team high 14 points in the win. He has nice touch over his left shoulder with the jump hook. Did a nice job on both the offensive and defensive glass. Put it on the floor for a driving score from the wing. Knocked down a three and a deep short corner jumper. Good post defender that can challenge shots but impressed most with his instincts and quick hands. He was able to pick the pocket of a Trinity guard while hedging a ballscreen and also slipped around a seal on a post entry for a steal. Very promising prospect.
6’2 PG Damien Mayo | Chaminade
Damien is another youngster who is going to be a household name before it’s all said and done. He is a slick ball-handler with strong instincts on and off the ball that make him a vital play-maker for the team. He showed some tools last night that project him as someone who could develop into a dangerous shooter. He is very quick into his shot, almost before the ball even touches his hands. His pull-up jumper is smooth, did a very nice job of reading his defender on the ball-screen and if they went underneath he would pull up and burn them.