Illinois Scouting: Althoff vs Mt. Vernon
In their final trip to Mt. Vernon’s classic gym Belleville Althoff displayed why they are among the elite teams in the state of Illinois with their top six all contributing. Althoff took home the win 88-54. Here is a look…
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Continue ReadingIn their final trip to Mt. Vernon’s classic gym Belleville Althoff displayed why they are among the elite teams in the state of Illinois with their top six all contributing. Althoff took home the win 88-54. Here is a look at the standout prospects in the game.
SF Marvin Bateman (Altoff – 2017)
On a team full of stars and offensive weapons it was this 6’5” small forward who stole the show! Bateman is a lethal catch and shoot weapon. He might be one of the best pure shooters regardless of class in the state. Bateman has a free flowing release with smooth mechanics and a quick release. He loves to let it fly from the corners and wings. Also hit a nice pull up three in this game. Mixed in a couple scores around the hoop off passes. Solid defender with his length. Next step in development will be showing more off the bounce. He needs to be on the mid-major and low-major radar for sure! Bateman had 23 points.
SG Jordan Goodwin (Althoff – 2017)
The powerful Althoff 6’3” shooting guard is one of the premier 2017 prospects in Illinois. In the first half the junior was looking to dish and get his other teammates involved. This might be his most underrated quality. Plus passer with a great feel for the game and can find teammates on the opposite side of the floor. In the second half he was more assertive scoring taking it to the basket where he finished through contact including a nice and-1. With his loss of 15-20 pounds since July his athleticism has improved which has enhanced his shake off the bounce. Also it has helped him defensively where he stayed with the quick Braden Fitzjerrells laterally which was quite impressive. Goodwin did hit one three point attempt, but overall was 1-5 with the jump shot. It has good form and elevation just doesn’t go down consistently. Rebounded well crashing the glass and snatching rebounds. He had 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. High major prospect.
SF Brendon Gooch (Althoff – 2016)
Versatile and long 6’6” small forward that does a little bit of everything. He is an active defender with his long arms getting in horizontal passing lanes and making it tough for opponents to move the ball. Gooch did a nice job on the glass clearing the defensive boards. The SIU commit hit a corner three and made a few tough plays on the interior on his way to 9 points.
PG Tarkus Ferguson (Althoff – 2016)
At 6’4” Ferguson is a rangy combo guard that has improved quite a bit since July. His jumper is becoming a more consistent weapon from three as he drilled a pair in this game. Smooth ball handler that makes quick moves off the bounce including a hesitation and blow by on the perimeter. Caught a sweet half court alley-oop pass. Defensively he is a monster with his quickness, lateral mobility, and length. Plays off the ball mostly, but has potential as a point guard at the next level which is where his biggest value is. The UIC commit had 13 points.
PG CJ Coldon (Althoff – 2017)
Coldon is a prospect that continues to grow on you! The lead guard had some turnovers early, but as he got into the flow of the game he made things happen. Coldon is great at pushing the tempo and getting others involved with his speed and vision. Rebounded very well in this contest high pointing defensive rebounds and going the other way. Hit a nice looking three. Best though as a scorer off the bounce using his quickness and in transition. Pesky defender at the point of attack. Coldon had 12 points. Low-major schools need to be looking at this two sport standout.
SG Keenan Young (Althoff – 2016)
Speaking of two sport stars Young will be playing D1 football at the college level, but he is still a very good basketball prospect. The thick bodied wing is a plus shooter off the catch that also shows a flare for passing the ball. He had 12 points.
PG Braden Fitzjerrells (Mt. Vernon – 2016)
The Lindenwood-Belleville commit is one of the most exciting players to watch in southern Illinois. Standing at 5’7” Fitz is super quick and plays with a never ending motor. He is constantly trying to make things happen. He pushes it end to end with tremendous speed. Many of his scooping spin shots around the hoop were not falling like they usually do. Jump shot wasn’t dropping early either, but he got it going as the game went on hitting some deep threes and step backs. For his team to win he has to be a volume scorer. Solid passer that is good at drawing defenders and kicking to shooters. He had 20 points. Will be a great four year contributor at Lindenwood-Belleville.
PF Malcolm Ruff (Mt. Vernon – 2016)
Came away very impressed with this 6’6” four man who didn’t see much varsity action last season. He has good length, strength, and athleticism. Ruff has mobility around the hoop with fluid movements. Could improve his hands and finishing ability. Runs the floor like a guard. Rebounded well going outside of his area to grab several and is quick to the offensive glass. Ruff had the play of the day where he faked a pass, his defender spinned 180, and blew past him for a dunk. The junior showed ability as a weakside shot blocker. Worth a look for D3/NAIA/JUCO schools. He finished with 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks.