Saturday’s District Championship Standouts
In this article:
The district playoffs concluded on Saturday with a host of championship games from around the state. Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the the top performers from Saturday’s district championship game action.
Father Tolton
Jevon Porter Jevon Porter 6'11" | SF Tolton Catholic | 2022 State #110 Nation MO : The 6’11” 2022 Pepperdine recruit had 22 points and 12 rebounds and was excellent at both ends of the court in the Trailblazers 61-58 victory over Blair Oaks in the Class 4, District 9 championship game. He came out strong with an aggressive mindset early with 10 points in the first quarter. He hit 3-pointers, scored in the post and threw down a pair of impressive dunks. In the second half, he had two game-changing plays on the defensive end in the final minute, including a big blocked shot that preserved a 56-56 tie. With future college coach Lorenzo Romar of Pepperdine in the house, he put on a show.
Evens Apollon: The 6’9″ 2023 center scored 10 points in the victory over Blair Oaks. The big lefty was very effective inside with his rebounding and defensive presence with his size. He scored on putbacks and knocked down a 10 foot jumper. His activity level was excellent throughout the game.
Blair Oaks
Luke Northweather Luke Northweather 6'9" | PF Blair Oaks | 2022 State MO : The 6’10” 2022 forward closed out his stellar career with a game-high 28 points. He was dominant in the first half with 20 points to stake the Falcons out to a 10-point halftime lead. As always, his post game was sound fundamentally and he consistently found the open man with a pinpoint pass. He also scored his 2,000th career point in the championship game.
Cardinal Ritter
Braxton Stacker Braxton Stacker 6'5" | SG Cardinal Ritter | 2022 State MO : The 6’5″ 2022 Murray State recruit had a game-high 16 points as the Lions’ upended top-seeded Westminster in the Class 5, District 3 championship game. He was outstanding in the second half as he scored 12 points. He slashed to the basket and hit a number of mid-range jumpers. He also had two game-changing defensive plays in the fourth quarter with a chase down block and a steal in the final seconds that sealed the victory.
Jordan Nichols Jordan Nichols 6'0" | PG Cardinal Ritter | 2022 State MO : The 6’0″ 2022 guard matched his teammate Stacker’s team-high 16 points in the victory over Westminster. He was at his best on dribble penetration, which netted layups and several trips to the free throw line. He had 12 points in the first half, included eight of eight from the free throw line. He handled the pressure well and attacked while staying under control.
SLUH
Nick Kramer Nick Kramer 6'4" | SG Sluh | 2022 State MO : The 6’4″ 2022 SLUH recruit scored a game-high 20 points in the Jr. Bills victory over Jackson in the Class 6, District 1 championship game. Kramer can hit the 3-point shot, but he has really emerged as a potent all-around scorer at the high school level. He puts it on the floor to hit short jumpers and can post up using his strong body. That helped him get to the free throw line, where he knocked down 11 charity tosses.
Jaden McClain: The 5’10” 2022 point guard scored 16 points in the victory over Jackson. The veteran lefty is quick and he provides a steady hand in the Jr. Bills’ backcourt. His basketball IQ is high and he’s very good on the dribble penetration with an effective pull up jumper.
Fort Zumwalt South
Peyton Blair Peyton Blair 6'1" | PG Fort Zumwalt South | 2022 MO : The 6’1″ 2022 guard put together a tremendous game in leading the Bulldogs to a 60-59 victory over Troy in the Class 6, District x championship game. He helped spark a stunning fourth-quarter comeback from a 13-point deficit. Baby Ginobili scored the game-winner on a coast to coast drive with 15 seconds left. He is always pushing the pace and always putting pressure on the defense. He finished with 21 points, six rebounds, eight assists, seven steals and two blocks, which was one of the most impressive lines of the postseason.
Webster Groves
Gianni Ferentinos: The 6’3″ 2024 guard put on an impressive shooting display in the Statesmen’s 76-47 victory over Vianney in the Class 5, District 2 championship game. He scored a team-high 18 points on the afternoon, with all of them coming on his six 3-pointers.
Ethan Chartrand Ethan Chartrand 6'2" | SG Webster Groves | 2022 State MO : The 6’3″ 2022 guard tied for team scoring honors with 18 points in the victory over Vianney. He is impressive bucket who can get his offense from a number of spots on the floor. He uses his athleticism to attack the basket and he can score over defenders. He can shoot it and he excels in the transition game.