Havoc in the Heartland: Top Saturday Standouts
The first day of action was held on Saturday at the Prep Hoops Havoc in the Heartland in Fishers, IN. The Missouri-based teams in the tournament include the Gateway Basketball Club, Gateway-Knights Club and the St. Louis Blazers. Here is…
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Continue ReadingThe first day of action was held on Saturday at the Prep Hoops Havoc in the Heartland in Fishers, IN. The Missouri-based teams in the tournament include the Gateway Basketball Club, Gateway-Knights Club and the St. Louis Blazers. Here is a look at some of the standout performers from Saturday’s first day of competiton.
Sekou Gassama Sekou Gassama 6'10" | PF DeSmet | 2021 State #166 Nation MO 6’10″ Gateway 17U: The skilled big from DeSmet was a dominant figure in Saturday evening’s bracket play game with his scoring and shot blocking in the paint. He is athletic and runs the court like a gazelle. He got buckets in traffic and displayed his nice shooting touch from 15 feet. He protected the rim well with his length and timing around the basket.
Brian Taylor Brian Taylor 6'4" | PG DeSmet | 2022 State MO 6’3″ Gateway 16U: The 2022 point guard from DeSmet is a formidable defender, both on the ball and with his quickness, athleticism and anticipation on the perimeter. He had about a half-dozen steals in the first game. He is also an explosive athlete who had the dunk of the day when he threw one down over a defender off a backdoor cut and got the And 1. He also has good handles and nice mid-range jumper.
Eric Calicutt Eric Calicutt 6'6" | SF Miller Career Academy | 2022 State MO 6’5″ St. Louis Blazers 17U: A 2022 forward from Miller Career Academy who was a workhorse on the offensive glass. His constant effort, combined with a quick second and third jump made it virtually impossible to stop him in his pursuit of offensive rebounds. He will also challenge shots on the defensive end.
Ryan Schwendeman Ryan Schwendeman 6'4" | SF St. Dominic | 2022 State MO 6’4″ Gateway-Knights 16U: A very physical 2022 combo forward from St. Dominic who used his strength to play bully-ball on his way to the basket. He loved the contact and can score through traffic. He could also stepped out and knock down a 3-pointer.
Brennan Lovette Brennan Lovette 6'5" | SF De Smet | 2022 State MO 6’5″ Gateway 16U: A versatile wing player from DeSmet who is a tough matchup and he displayed it with 11 points in the first five minutes in the opening game. He scored on some nice drives to the basket, including an excellent baseline move that led to a left-handed layup. He then stepped out and hit a corner 3-pointer. He is also a very effective player without the ball on offense.
Kobi Williams 6’1″ Gateway 15U: A smooth 2023 combo guard from Westminster Christian who has a nice blend of athleticism and poise. He had a big second half in a bracket-play victory on Saturday evening with 13 second half points. He knocked down a trio of 3-pointers and also had some nice takes to the basket. He is very fluid and always under control.