Mr. Basketball Updates
Here is a look at some of the top Class of 2018 candidates for Mr. Basketball and what they have been doing this season:
Jericole Hellems 6’7″ Chaminade: The North Carolina State signee has been strong in leading the Red Devils to a 15-2 record and a string of impressive victories over the likes of Vashon, St. Mary’s, Belleville West (IL) and Chicago area powers Morgan Park and Whitney Young. Hellems is averaging 23 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 53 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range.
Courtney Ramey 6’4″ Webster Groves: The five-star point guard has been on a rampage since returning from a wrist injury that cost him the first month of the season. In his nine games, Ramey is averaging 19.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 49 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free throw line. He recently surpassed the 1,500-point mark for his career while becoming the school’s all-time leader in assists.
Ochai Agbaji 6’4″ Oak Park: Agbaji has been tremendous this season as he has become the biggest in-season stock riser in the state. He is averaging 27 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 56 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line. He has also recorded 10 double-doubles. In the past week, Agbaji has received offers from Power 5 Conference programs Oregon, Wisconsin, Texas A&M and Nebraska.
Torrence Watson 6’4″ Whitfield: The University of Missouri recruit is averaging 30 points a game to lead the St. Louis area in scoring. He erupted for a career-high 58 points in a victory over DeSmet last weekend. He also had a 50-point outing earlier this season while eclipsing the 2,000-point mark in his career. Watson has led the Warriors to two tournament championships.
Christian Bishop 6’7″ Lee’s Summit West: The Creighton signee has been a leader for the Titans as they continue to be one of the top teams in the KC area. He enjoyed a huge performance of 24 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks in a victory over CBC at the 810 Varsity Shootout in early January.
Carte’are Gordon 6’8′ Webster Groves: The Saint Louis University signee has been a force for the Statesmen, who are currently ranked No. 1 in Class 5. Gordon is averaging 19 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 blocks while shooting 62 percent from the field.
Fred Thatch, Jr. 6’3″ Sikeston: The Saint Louis University signee recently surpassed the 2,000-point mark and became the school’s all-time leading scorer in the process. Thatch has also surpassed the 1,000-rebound mark during his stellar career. He is averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds a game for the Bulldogs, who are a prime contender in Class 4 once again.
Damien Daniels 5’8″ Hogan Prep: The speedy point guard has been on fire this season in leading Hogan Prep to a 14-3 record and Class 3, No. 5 state ranking. Daniels is averaging 21.8 points, 3.8 assists and 2.3 steals while shooting 52 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range. He had a season-high 40 points in a victory over Raytown at the Culver’s Classic.
Monty Johal 6’3″ Glendale: The smooth shooting guard recently became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Springfield Public Schools with well over 2,000 points. The smooth bucket-getter is averaging nearly 29 points a game. He was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the recent Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield.
Brandon Frederick 5’9″ Confluence Academy: The diminutive shooting guard has exploded this season as one of the top shooters in the state. He is currently averaging 28.1 points a game, while making 52 percent from 3-point range on 100 made 3-pointers. He is also averaging 3.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 4.9 steals a game.
Deandre Campbell 6’0″ Parkway Central: The stocky point guard is having another big season after leading the Colts to the Class 4 Final Four last season. He is currently averaging 24.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting 46 percent from the field for the 17-4 Colts.
Clay Gayman 6’6″ Nevada: The dominating senior forward is finishing a stellar career at Nevada. A tenacious double-double machine, Gayman has already surpassed 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds for his career. Gayman is averaging 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and five blocks a game.