Fab 5: Edwardsville vs Centralia
“Scott, I’m the #1 Player in the State!” Best quote EVER and it was during a game. That is exactly what Edwardsville 2017 PG Mark Smith said after going right through the Centralia defense again for and-1 while I was…
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Continue Reading“Scott, I’m the #1 Player in the State!” Best quote EVER and it was during a game. That is exactly what Edwardsville 2017 PG Mark Smith said after going right through the Centralia defense again for and-1 while I was directly under the basket. He has without a doubt played like a Mr. Basketball Candidate. Smith has been the hottest recruit in the state over the last two months and that continued with an MVP performance at the Salem Invitational Tournament leading his team to the title over Centralia 50-46. Read our Fab 5: Edwardsville vs Centralia to see how Smith faired along with all the prospects from both Edwardsville and Centralia.
MVP
PG Mark Smith (Edwardsville – 2017)
The 6’4” point guard put on a show in the title game. Smith hit a pair of deep pull up threes to start the game. The most impressive aspect of this performance was he didn’t fall in love with it. He attacked! There are two players in the state that cannot be stopped going downhill. Jordan Goodwin and Smith. That was on full display. He went to the rack with force. At one point he scored on four or five straight possessions including the and-1 with the quote above. He is so powerful downhill and has the ability to finish through contact at the rim. As a passer he made some great dishes including several finds out of the post across the court. Late in the game he got a couple key steals that he took the other way. Smith had 27 points and 5 boards. He played like one of the best players in the state.
Best passer
PG Jamie Long (Centralia – 2020)
Long is only a freshman, but he played well on the big stage. The Orphans point guard is an outstanding passer especially in the half court. In this game he shot the ball tremendously well from the perimeter. Drilled shots off the catch from three. He had 9 points.
Best catch and shoot guy
SF Oliver Stephen (Edwardsville – 2017)
Stephen is a 6’4” small forward that can really shoot the basketball. He did that again hitting some clutch shots throughout the contest including a dagger three from the corner late. I have been looking for him to show something else. He did that in this game coming up big on the defensive end blocking multiple jump shots with his length and anticipation. This kid needs to be a priority D2 kid. Schools are sleeping on him. He had 13 points.
Best intangibles
PF Caleb Strohmeier (Edwardsville – 2018)
Strohmeier does the dirty work inside. The 6’7” power forward has strength and toughness around the hoop. Fights hard on the interior. Scored on a couple short shots and layups on back cuts. 6 points. Low-major prospect.
Best under-the-radar performance
SF Dawson Berry (Centralia – 2017)
Berry is the go to guy for the Orphans. Usually most of his points come on threes, but in this game he got his buckets on backcuts, turnaround fadeaways, and as well as a few of his traditional jumpers. Also passed it well. He had 13 points. Projects as a D3/NAIA prospect.