Grassroots: Team Scouting (St. Louis Prospects 16U)
The St. Louis Prospects 16U fielded a very competitive unit during the grassroots season under the direction of coach Carlos Smith. The Prospects finished in third place at the Adidas All-American Tournament in St. Louis in April. They also advanced…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe St. Louis Prospects 16U fielded a very competitive unit during the grassroots season under the direction of coach Carlos Smith. The Prospects finished in third place at the Adidas All-American Tournament in St. Louis in April. They also advanced to the Elite Eight of the Adidas Three Stripes Alliance and the KC Hardwood Classic. Here is a look at the team’s personnel:
Tony Burks 6’2″ St. Mary’s: A scoring combo guard who could put the points up in a hurry when he was on his game. Burks was especially dominant during the spring when he got buckets against just about anyone who tried to guard him. Burks was very good at attacking the basket and scoring around the rim at all kinds of different angles. He really operated well in a transition game where he could create turnovers and finish on the break.
Dominic Mitchell 6’3″ St. Mary’s: A unique player who could play a number of positions with his ability to handle the ball, shoot and score in the low post. Has the ability to score from all types of angles that will keep opposing defenders off balance. He was really good at scoring on runners and floaters in the lane with his quick release. He will make enough jumpers to keep defenders honest. Has an old-school game.
Matt Lertitz 6’5″ SLUH: A very productive combo forward who was a match up problem for opposing defenders. He could play the Stretch 4 role with his ability to knock down 3-pointers and space the defense. He also has a nice post up game with his ability to score on turnaround jumpers and jump hooks around the basket. He could also finish in the lane strong with an emphatic dunk as well.
R.J. Lewis 5’11” Webster Groves: The young, slender combo guard was on fire during July, especially in the Hardwood Classic when he averaged more than 20 points a game. He shot the ball with tremendous accuracy off the catch throughout July. Lewis had several games where he made at least four of five 3-pointers.
Henry Gladson 6’5″ Chaminade: A big bodied post player who enjoyed a very productive summer with his solid post play and rebounding. Gladson did an excellent job of establishing position in the post and displayed a nice shooting touch around the basket. He could also step out and knock down open 15-17 foot jumpers with consistency.
Lavel Harris 5’10” St. Mary’s: After joining the team in July, Harris provided quickness and a lot of energy at the point guard position. He could really make things happen as increased the tempo of play whenever he entered the game. He is an very good ball handler and a tough on-ball defender who could also make an open 3-pointer.
Joe Bender 6’4″ DeSmet: A solid post player who played with a lot of effort and did positive things around the basket. He was good at operating along the weak side to collect offensive rebounds and put backs.
Nick Williams 6’7″ Ritenour: A big bodied post player who played with a high motor during the Hardwood Classic. His offensive game is limited to put-backs, but was a big factor as a rebounder and defensive player. His combination of size and effort made him a welcome addition to the team in July.