Section Scout: Columbia Heights over St. Paul Johnson in 4AAA
Best prospect we didn’t know about
Tonight it’s Quentin Hardrict. The 5-8 junior probably weighs about 130, but he’s all energy and can distribute as well as score the ball. Great around the rim with body control and patience. 17 points at half, 31 total.
Also under-appreciated
We also have to shout out a couple more guys. Johnson’s Shemar Tucker-Adams shares about the same height with Hardrict as well as on-court energy. He had a great sequence in the open floor where he went between the defender’s legs. Justin Yang is another good part for the Governors. He was good in the second half from mid-range and around the rim… he led Johnson with 16.
You know it’s a ____ team when…
You know it’s a St. Paul Johnson team when you see how well they hustle and finish year in and year out. That’s Vern Simmons. For more than a decade he’s instilled his hard-nosed playing style in his players, and this team is no different. They may not be the biggest or most skilled, but they grind and have a nose for the hoop.
Biggest moment
After floundering early and coach Braziel calling a timeout to organize, Columbia Heights had a 20-4 run that put them up by double digits. A great turnaround.
Most upside
I think this one has to be Wendell Matthews, a 6-foot-5 forward who has long arms and nice timing around the rim. He used a collection of moves near the hoop to total 17 points in the first half. It sounds like he is likely to play another summer with Heat Reese. 19 pts tonight.
Best underclassman
Jarvis Wright is about a 6-foot-3 forward with good hands and instincts. He totaled 11 points today and had some nice passes as well. As a sophomore and already very confident, he should develop into a nice consistent piece for Columbia Heights.
Lock it in
Even facing Johnson’s second-half press, Columbia Heights matched the hustle and maintained the strong lead. Johnson never got closer than 10 points down after halftime.
Best defensive performance
Wendell Matthews had a handful of blocks and kept Johnson from converting several takes at the rim. He was by far the game’s longest player and used his wingspan well defensively.
Best celebrity appearances
Jalen Mobley, a great Johnson player from a few years back, made an appearance as well as Jordair Jett (formerly of St. Bernard’s and St. Louis U). Two names who made their mark on St. Paul hoops. No shortage of daps and high-fives for them from the crowd.