UMSL Team Shootout (Top Teams)
Here is a look at some of the top teams were present at last Friday’s University of Missouri-St. Louis Team Shootout:
The Top Five
Trinity: The Titans should be one of the contenders in Class 3 next season with its deep and athletic squad. They were led by smooth 6’5″ 2019 guard Jaron Thames, who can score from anywhere. Protecting the paint is improving 6’10” 2020 center Ryan Kalkbrenner while physical 6’0″ 2020 guard Rashad McDaniel can provide buckets and good passing. Dajuan Young is a 6’4″ 2019 jumping jack who can cause problems at the rim while 2020 guard Terrell Rush is always on the attack offensively and 2019 guard Rashaud Johnson can shoot it. Major college football prospect Marcus Washington brings athleticism on both sides of the ball.
Webster Groves: Despite the graduation of stars Courtney Ramey and Carte’are Gordon, the Statesmen look to be every bit the part of a contender once again. They got good good play from experienced 2019 guards in 6’3″ shooter Ray Adams, 6’0″ scorer Amorey Womack and 6’1″ all-around threat Dallas King. Up front, 6’5″ 2019 Stevie Wright and 6’7″ 2019 Malachy Simpson have continued to show improvement.
CBC: The Cadets were without 6’3″ 2020 standout guard Caleb Love, who was participating in the Nike Elite 100 at SLU. Leading them at UMSL’s camp was 6’6″ 2019 forward Josh Wallace, who was an absolute beast, at 6’4″ 2019 wing Ari Jackson, who has a smooth offensive game. The Cadets also unleashed some nice young talent in athletic 2021 guard Damarrion Shanklin and talented 2022 point guard Rob Martin.
McCluer North: The Stars are loaded with athleticism and experience. The dynamic duo of 6’2″ 2019 A’Tavian Butler and 6’3″ 2019 Patrick Evans is tough to matchup with while 5’8″ 2019 point guard Mekai Ray keeps things moving. 6’2″ 2019 Steven Lee and and 5’10” guard Aaron Daniels can knock down open 3-pointers. 6’4″ 2020 wing Sylvon Mosley-Mull can fill different roles.
Helias: The Crusaders should be one of the top teams in Mid-Missouri next season with an excellent trio of guards leading the way in 6’2″ 2019 Ben Cooper, 6’1″ 2020 Marcus Anthony and 5’6″ 2021 Xavier Sykes. Cooper had a tremendous day of scoring while Anthony is an athletic combo guard and the dynamic Sykes is one of the top 2021s in the state. They are supported by some good 3-point shooters and solid inside players.
Others of Note
Parkway South: The Patriots will field another very solid unit as they will be led by 6’3″ 2020 guard Adam Sommer, who had an excellent day as did 2019 guard Josh Skidmore, who does a little bit of everything. Two more 2019s who will be solid are 6’5″ forward Mitchell Englebrecht and 6’1″ forward Greg Rollins, who always seemed to be around the ball.
Riverview Gardens: The Rams did a nice job in winning three games in the early session of games. 6’1″ 2020 guard Schuyler Pimentel is a talented lefty to got plenty of buckets. 6’2″ 2019 guard Davion Williford is a nice wing who is coming off an ACL surgery and trying to round into form. 6’7″ 2019 forward Chris Robinson is a solid rebounder while 2021 guard Darnay McDonald can run the show.
Kirkwood: The Pioneers have a very talented point guard in 5’10” 2019 Damien Loyd, who can facilitate the offense and get his own buckets. A recipient of many of Loyd’s fine passes is 6’4″ 2019 lefty Jonah McDowell, who can fill it up from long distance. 5’11” 2021 Jaylen Phipps is a talented young guard.
The Youngstas
Chaminade: The Red Devils sent a crew of young players to UMSL and they held their own against the varsity competition. Diminutive 2022 point guard Ryan Grimmitt is quick and can make plays for himself and his teammates while 6’2″ 2022 Nate Straughter is a slim wing player who can get to the basket. 2021 guard Mark Jackson can shoot it and 6’4″ 2022 post player Jimmy Lansing is a solid passer and inside scorer.
Westminster: The Wildcats have a promising group of 2022 players, so the future is indeed bright. Austin Vick is a 6’4″ forward who with good inside moves and a 3-point stroke. His partner inside is 6’4″ Sam Vestal, who is a traditional post player. Guard Matt Buchanan is a smooth lefty who can shoot and handle it while fellow guard Cason Lawrence has an old school feel to his game and a nice 3-point stroke.