Evaluations: Wabash Valley vs Kaskaskia
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Saturday PrepHoopsIllinois was in the house for some more JUCO action. This time we saw Wabash Valley against Kaskaskia. Both teams feature an array of prospects from the state of Illinois including Wabash Valley sophomore post Austin Trice who is the nation’s leading rebounder. Wabash led for the majority of the contest capturing an 88-72 win. We break down the prospects in this contest in our Evaluations: Wabash Valley vs Kaskaskia.
PG Marcus Garrett (Wabash Valley – Freshman)
Garrett who played for the Mac Irvin Fire on the circuit and was a standout for Hillcrest is making the transition nicely to the JUCO level. The 6’1” guard is a strong and athletic scoring point guard. He really can put the ball in the hoop. Sound perimeter shooter from three off the catch. He drilled six triples in this game. Best we have seen him shoot it. Garrett has a burst with the ball and toughness scoring around the hoop. Made a couple nice passes, but also missed a few opportunities as a passer in the open floor. Very good game for Garrett! Projects as a mid-major to low-major prospect after another year at Wabash. He had 26 points.
PF Austin Trice (Wabash Valley – Sophomore)
Trice was the major reason we attended this game. The former Hales prep standout is now leading the nation in rebounding at the junior college level. At 6’7” Trice has great strength in his arms along with big time athleticism. Kaskaskia packed the defense in and it was clear they were not going to let him beat them. Trice fought hard for position all night long and brings a lot of energy to the table. He had a couple bad fouls called on him and sat portions of the game because of it. While on the bench he was very encouraging and engaged in the game. Runs the floor outstanding! As soon as the rebound his secured he outlets and sprints down the middle of the floor creating an angle where he can get the ball while putting his hand up for the pass. Trice had quite a few monster dunks in transition including a windmill that brought the house down. His other points came on dunks off dump off passes and caught an alley-oop. Only skilled post move was a baseline spin with the shot clock running down for a slam. Went 3 of 4 from the free throw line. The lefty has his guide hand a bit too much in his shot. Rebounded well which is what he does best. Snatches it with two hands at its highest point. Got on the offensive glass for a put back early. Rebounds well in traffic. Had a couple times where he was in position for it, but went off his hands. Solid defender that knows how to use his length to change shots defensively. Only had one block, but altered several others. Couple times his opponent got deep post position on him. Trice ended with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block. Tough, high-motor, athletic, plus rebounder, but lacks a high skill level at this stage. Projects as a mid-major plus prospect that could play at a high-major as an energy junk yard dog.
PG Tyresse Williford (Wabash Valley – Sophomore)
Williford is a sophomore 5’11” point guard. He got to the rim on a few occasions where he finished with an and-1 on one attempt. At times he can over dribble and struggled shooting it from deep. He had 8 points. Committed to SIU-Edwardsville.
PF Anthony Christian (Wabash Valley – Freshman)
Christian is an undersized and crafty 6’4” power forward. Strong body that plays with a high activity level around hoop. The lefty has a motor and finishes with crafty moves around the hoop. Below the rim athlete. He had 10 points.
G Josh Thomas (Wabash Valley – Freshman)
Thomas is a former Simeon guard that attended prep school last year and now is at Wabash Valley. The power combo guard stands at 6’3” and 205 pounds. Tough as nails guard that is a great glue guy. He does the little things well making bullet passes in the lane and gets on the glass well for a guard. Solid on ball defender that can get in passing lanes. Thomas is a player that is garnering low-major interest.
PG Marcel Cherry (Wabash Valley – Sophomore)
Cherry opened eyes in the second half with his perimeter shooting. The 6’1” guard drilled several threes both pulling up and off the catch.
SF Justin Shaw (Kaskaskia – Sophomore)
Shaw continues to be a prospect we are intrigued by. He has been the best prospect for Kaskaskia in two of the three games we have seen them this year. The 6’4” small forward loves to shoot it pulling up off the bounce. Hits one dribble and two dribble pull ups for days. Excels in the mid-range. Can hit a three off the catch. Quality athlete. Projects as a D2 prospect. Finished with 14 points.
SG Logan Kohrmann (Kaskaskia – Sophomore)
This was the best we have seen Kohrmann this season. He struggled against Vincennes and John A Logan in earlier evals. The 6’3” shooting guard from Breese Central High School had his shot falling more consistently in this game. Connected on an array of jumpers off the catch and pulling up from three. He had 16 points. Solid D3/NAIA plug and play shooter.
PF Jaylen Johnson (Kaskaskia – Sophomore)
Johnson stands at 6’7” with a big body. He flashes inside, but struggles finishing. Flashed with quick moves including a nice spin. Quality area rebounder. D3/NAIA prospect had 9 points.
PG Jamal Thomas (Kaskaskia – Freshman)
Thomas had it cooking in the second half. The 5’11” point guard is quick off the dribble that gets to the rim. Consistently won off the dribble and can score pulling up from the mid-range. He had 14 points.
PG Arthur Carter (Kaskaskia – Freshman)
Carter is a scoring point guard that likes to attack downhill. He drives to the hoop with strength. Carter also rebounds well for a guard. He had 8 points in the loss for Kaskaskia.