Illinois Scouting: Salem Invitational Day 3 Standouts
Friday night was the semis at the Salem Invitational Tournament. Centralia and Mt Vernon met in a rivalry game and battle of two of the best southern Illinois senior point guards. That was followed by Edwardsville’s star studded lineup against…
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Continue ReadingFriday night was the semis at the Salem Invitational Tournament. Centralia and Mt Vernon met in a rivalry game and battle of two of the best southern Illinois senior point guards. That was followed by Edwardsville’s star studded lineup against a tough TF North team. Here are the standouts from day 3 at the SIT!
PG D’Aaron Owens (Centralia – 2016)
Once again the 5’9” senior point guard made great decisions with the basketball finding cutters and shooters throughout the game. He also moved well without the ball himself getting open on back cuts time after time. Knocked down a pair of threes. Jump shot has really improved over the last year. Rebounded well for his size. Played tough defense on his friend Fitzjerrells getting a couple steals and even blocked his shot a twice. Owens had 12 points and 5 assists in the win. Low D2 or high D3/NAIA prospect. True leader!
SG Tyriq Billberry (Centralia – 2016)
Billberry is a thick bodied 6’2” wing that is very crafty. He knows how to be in the right spot at the right time. Makes sound decisions passing the ball and cuts strong to receive passes toward the hoop. Can hit a three every now and then, but most points were on toughness inside. He had 13 points. D3/NAIA prospect.
PG Braden Fitzjerrells (Mt. Vernon – 2016)
The Lindenwood Belleville commit tried to put his team on his back, but the shots weren’t falling as consistently as they usually do. He did hit a sick step back three early in the game along with several other pull up triples. Nice offensive rebound put back. Fitz had 14 points in the loss to Centralia.
PF Malcolm Ruff (Mt. Vernon – 2016)
The athletic 6’6” power forward displayed more versatility in his game knocking down three mid-range jumpers showing good form and a lot of arc on the shot. Ruff is agile in the lane and quick to the glass. Not a real back to the basket scorer so if he can add a mid-range threat that will be valuable. Ruff had 10 points. Projects as a D3/NAIA/JUCO guy with upside.
PF AJ Epenesa (Edwardsville – 2017)
The elite football recruit who is headed to Iowa was completely dominant despite that he was in foul trouble most of the night. The 6’6” power forward is so physical around the hoop, but at the same time has nimble footwork and agility to finish with ease. Knows how to position his body seal off his man and can score in a variety of ways with the ball on the block. Plus rebounder that snatches them out of the air. Sound passer for a post including a sweet tip pass out of the post to a shooter for three. Runs the floor with ease and is a tough defender. He had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. No doubt D1 hoops prospect, but he has committed to the Hawkeyes already as the #1 defensive lineman in the nation.
PG Mark Smith (Edwardsville – 2017)
Like Epenesa this Missouri baseball commit won’t be playing college hoops, but he is still a D1 talent on the hardwood. The 6’3” powerful guard has a strong and wide shouldered frame. He got in the lane consistently where he scored through contact or got to the charity stripe. Moves well away from the ball to get open. Against TF North’s pressure he was under control at all times and strong with the ball. Did a great job on the glass all night. He finished with 29 points.
SF Tim Bankston (TF North – 2016)
Bankston is a 6’5” long and lanky small forward. He is best slashing to the hoop where he gets in the lane to score. Knocked it in several times off the glass. Hit a wing three and a baseline runner to mix up his scoring game. Finished with 15 points. Small school prospect.