A Scout’s Take: St. Anthony vs St. Paul
A Scout’s Take: St. Anthony vs St. Paul
LONG BEACH, CA— Tuesday night offered a bevy of terrific match ups and the Prephoops staff scattered throughout the So-Cal landscape to check out the most intriguing match up. Considering I was only a quick 15-minute drive to the Saints gymnasium the decision came easy for me—St. Anthony versus another Catholic school standout St. Paul. The action was fast and furious, but at the end St. Anthony would have too much firepower and size for St. Paul as the Saints would prevail 63-39.
MVP
Frank Staine (St. Anthony)
2019, WF, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Staine impacted the game at both ends of the floor. He has that prototypical wing-type frame and a nice dose of quickness and bounce. Offensively, he knocked in a couple of 3s , posted up on the block, and finished in transition. Defensively, he showed a bulldog mentality and used his length and quick hands to cause havoc.
Biggest revelations
Bradley Ezewiro (St. Anthony)
2020, PF, 6-foot-8, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: Ezewiro has turned out to be one of the more impactful 30-day sit out transfers (Bishop Montgomery) this season. The bulky lefty with soft hands, long arms, and quick leaping ability was a force to be reckoned with in this match up. He converted buckets over his right shoulder, rebounded in traffic, and showed tremendous timing as a rim protector. He needs to polish his face-up skills and ball skills, but he’s a definite D1 prospect.
Cedric Sobers (St. Paul)
2018, CG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: The skilled lefty pushed it hard in transition and was slippery as he maneuvered to the rim many times. He has a nice pull-up jump shot and he delivered some timely assists as well. Defensively he has the speed (help and recover) and mindset to be a lock down defender. Definitely a Division 1 prospect and the JUCO route may be the answer.
Best Defender
Malik Jones (St. Paul)
2018, PG, 5-foot-10, 145 pounds
Joel’s Take: The blinding quick Jones tossed in 12-points in a number of ways due to his speed and moxie. However, as the Saints we’re pulling away early on in the 1st quarter, Jones sparked a comeback with his defensive prowess. Due to his active hands, superior lateral quickness, and competitive mindset he was a menace at that side of the floor.
The Glue Guys
Gordon Boykins (St. Anthony)
2019, WF, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: When evaluating it’s easier to spot the shooters/scorers, but what about the players that impact the game in other areas. With the Saints, there “glue-guy” is Boykins. The chiseled lefty plays with energy and power. He muscled his way to a number of rebounds and finished through contact. He handed out some timely assists and defended his position. What will his position be at the next level? Not sure, but he’s a winner.
Nathan Kasongo (St. Paul)
2018, WF, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Blessed with a solidly built frame and good length, Kasongo was definitely one of the catalysts for keeping the Swordsmen close early on (lead was cut to 10 late in the 2nd quarter). He slashed his way to the rim and his jump shot looks solid albeit he didn’t convert in that area. He’ll rebound, defend inside and out, and can score, one area that needs attention is improving his off hand (left) while attacking the defense.
Mr. Motor
Marquise Nellom (St. Anthony)
2019, PF, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Nellom is one of those modern day position-less prospects. He has a high motor, possesses excellent length, and he has a nose for the ball. He can defend multiple positions and s consistently active on the glass at both ends. His offensive game (other than tip-ins and an occasional post-up) is still quite raw. He needs to improve his ball skills and shooting touch, but he’s productive.