Adidas Three Striples (2019 Wings)
Here is a look at the top Class of 2019 wings from the Adidas Three Stripes at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO:
Marcedus Leech 6’5″ Semo Bulls 17U
A one-time top 50 prospect at Poplar Bluff, Leech is now at Jonesboro, AR. After battling a series of injuries in the past year, the long wing player gave a reminder of just how talented he is as he dropped an easy 20 points with a dazzling array of creative moves off the dribble and a feathery touch from 3-point range. He can still yo-yo with the basketball and create his own shot at any time. Leech just gave a commitment to Iowa State.
Avery Taggart 6’4″ TEM Select 17U
The stocky wing from Eureka was one of the big stock risers from the tournament as he came away with three Division II offers from Lindenwood, Maryville and Quincy. He was a bucket all weekend long as he led his team to the Final Four of the 17U Division. He displayed good handles and the ability to score at all three levels. In addition to the new offers, he had a lot of coaches talking about him after the weekend.
E.J. Bellinger 6’4″ Gateway 17U
The lanky shooting guard from Fort Zumwalt West had a very impressive stretch during the second half of Gateway’s game against Brad Beal Elite when he and BBE’s Caleb Love matched bucket for bucket for a couple of minutes. When he is fully engaged offensively, Bellinger is very tough to defend because he can get buckets from all three levels and also get out in transition to score quickly. He has three Division I offers from Southern Illinois, SEMO and Louisiana-Monroe.
Andrew Mitchell 6’4″ Storm Elite 17U
It was my first time seeing this Class 2 standout from Blue Eye and was very impressed with his perimeter shooting, where he was one of the best in the event. He hit six 3-pointers in one game during pool play. He has a solid set of fundamentals with good handles and passing ability. He has already give a commitment to College of the Ozarks which is close to home.
Hayden Thomas 6’2″ Semo Bulls 17U
Fresh of helping his SI Select team to an AAU National Championship last weekend, the Twin Rivers guard enjoyed a very productive weekend with the Bulls. He averaged more than 20 points a game, including a 34-point outburst against the Jets-Ramey United. His use of ball fakes and shot fakes on the perimeter are textbook and he really shot the ball well from the mid-range and 3-point territory. The kid can play.
Patrick Evans 6’3″ Jets-Ramey United 17U
The athletic wing from McCluer North had a very productive weekend, including a 21-point performance against eventual 17U tournament champion Team Rose. His combination of size and athleticism make him a difficult matchup problem. He finished well around the rim and got to the basket with ease when he was determined to do so.
Steve Lee 6’2″ St. Louis Majestics 17U
The shooting guard from McCluer North put together a nice weekend as he consistently knocked down 3-pointers and played very active defense. He shot the ball well off the catch and didn’t try to force too many plays. He handled the ball well and stayed under control.
Sam Stichnote 6’3″ TEM Select
The athletic wing from Southern Boone was excellent in helping his team to the Final Four of the 17U Division. Sam was fearless and relentless as he attacked the basket throughout the weekend and had a lot of success scoring at the rim. He was also an excellent rebounder from the guard position.