Review: Francis Howell Jamboree
Prep Hoops Missouri was in at Francis Howell on Wednesday night for its preseason Jamboree, which included St. Francis Borgia, Hazelwood East, Ritenour and the host Francis Howell Vikings.
Here is a at the four teams who participated in the Jamboree:
Francis Howell
The Vikings were without 6’9″ 2021 forward Sam Thompson and 6’1″ 2019 guard Matt Simmons, who were held out with injuries. Still, they looked the part of a team that will enjoy a big season in 2019. Veteran guard Daylan Dalton has been running the show for the past four years and he is one of the best at his position. 6’4″ 2020 forward Matt Schark is a matchup problem with his low post scoring skills and ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooing. Patrick Schulte, a 6’4″ 2019 guard is a soccer standout, with a versatile skill set on the basketball court. I was also impressed with the 2021 backcourt tandem of Preston Fortner and Sam Maddox. The Vikings are capable of making a deep postseason run.
Borgia
The Knights will be solid again after playing for a Class 4 district championship last season. The top player back is 6’7″ 2019 post Brendan Smith, a blue-collar performer who scores and rebounds in the lane. The guards are young with 6’1″ 2020 slashing wing Alex Brinkman, 5’7″ 2020 point guard Trent Strubberg and 5’8″ 2021 guard Max Myers. Cole Weber, a 6’3″ 2020 wing, can knock down the 3-pointer.
Hazelwood East
The Spartans won 16 games a year ago and they return much of their backcourt firepower, many who played a lot of minutes as underclassmen. Jonathan Brown is a slick lefty combo guard while Terry Lowe is a slashing wing who attacks the basket. Both were very productive as freshmen last season. Smooth 2020 wing Jordan Gilmore is a knock-down shooter from long distance while 6’2″ 2019 guard Michael Terry is a transfer from Arkansas with a fine all-around game. The top frontcourt player back is 6’3″ versatile wing Javon Fultz, who was held out of the jamboree with an ankle injury. 2021 post player Moses Yates is a up and coming 6’8″ forward who is coming along gradually.
Ritenour
The Huskies graduated some talented players, including high-scoring wing Kobe Smith and 6’8″ football standoutNick Williams. They are small, but they are quick and will push the tempo at every opportunity. I was impressed with the backcourt duo of 2019 DaMon Sanders and 2020 Isaiah Holcomb, who are quick and can get to the basket. 2019 guard Jordan Holmes is a physical 6’1″ player who can make perimeter shots and get to the rim with strength. 2020 guard Brandon Clark will also be a key figure for Huskies this season.