Grind Region Preview: Saint Louis Blazers
We may be in the middle of high school basketball season but it’s not too early to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at the teams that will be participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Grind Region and here’s a look at Saint Louis Blazers.
Saint Louis Blazers will a team in the 16U division of the Grind Region and will be at the Midwest Grind Session, Mayhem in the Plex, Show Me Showdown, and Grind Region Finals.
Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with founder and coach DeMarcus Sanford.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
I started the program to give more kids a chance to play at a high level that are not a part of a shoe club team. I started the program in 2013-2014 season when my guys where in the 6th grade and basically have the same squad with a few new faces.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
The goal is to teach/council and coach basketball at a high level incorporating prayer, with a high standard of academics which also includes players as well as parents to sign contracts.
(Contracts – grades, behavior and knowing no playing time is guaranteed.)
What is your program’s mission each year?
To develop players into confident young men by providing a positive meaningful athletic experience. Players will grow physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally by committing to a basketball program that practices selflessness, ownership, accountability, and sportsmanship. Meaningful lifelong relationships will be the result of the commitment and dedication all participants (coaches, players, managers, youth players, etc.) Overall to get all of my kids a free education.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
DJ sanford 6’2 pg. that avg 14ppg 4 rpg 4 apg 2 spg 1 bpg lift for life academy
Rico singleton 6’1 sg that avg. 15ppg 5rpg 2spg lift for life academy
BJ Jackson 6’1 sg that avg 10ppg 5rpg lift for life academy
Cleveland Washington 6’2 sf that avg 9ppg 3rpg Lutheran north high
Willie Davis III 6’2 sf and Nyjahl Vaughn 5’11 pg. cardinal Ritter College Prep
Marcus Pepper pg. 5’9 Oakville high
Jalen Pace 6’4 pf MICDS high (son of HOF Orlando Pace)
The 2 players that have stayed in the sports section and social media this year due to their play are Rico Singleton a gritty shooter and slasher and DeMarcus Sanford Jr. A point guard that is long with a high basketball IQ and has deep range and can get to the basket at any time and has incorporated finishing with dunks to repertoire. A dynamic duo that are Sophomores that have led their varsity in scoring this season all but one game and along with BJ Jackson another player on that team that is a legitimate bucket getter. But this entire team will surprise you because every kid has the ability to play at a high level on defense and including they all can score.
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We chose the Prep Hoops Circuit mainly because of the high character and knowledge of the game from one of your Missouri writers/Scout in Earl Austin. And plus know one else is putting on a circuit like this without being on a shoe circuit. We will definitely get a chance to play in front of college coaches and that is all we can ask for.