UMSL Team Shootout: Top Teams

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri was in the house for the UMSL Team Shootout, which was held on Friday at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Several top programs in the St. Louis area participated in the team camp. Here are some of the top teams that were at UMSL.</p> <p>Cardinal Ritter: The Lions looked very strong in winning all three of their games, including double-digit victories over solid groups from CBC and Mt. Vernon (IL). Ritter features a strong front line with 6'7" 2020 forward Gary Clark, 6'6" 2020 Brandon Ellington and improving 6'8" 2021 Josh Robinson. Adding more size on the wing is 6'3" 2021 power guard Mario Fleming, who has improved his perimeter game to go along with his powerful inside game. 2020 point guard Glenn Valentine is a solid performer who defended well and knocked down open shots. The Lions will again be one of the top Class 3 teams in the state.</p> <p>CBC: The Cadets won't have a lot of experienced size, but they are loaded at the guard spots with 2020 All-State performer Caleb Love and 5'9" 2022 point guard Robert Martin having big days. The 6'3" Love played the facilitator role early on in the day, but found his scoring stroke as the day wore on. Martin was tough offensively from the outset as he hit one perimeter jumper after another as he created off the dribble. 6'3" 2021 guard Chevalier Brenson did an excellent job defensively as he blocked shots as well as his slashing on offense. Another steady guard is 5'10" 2020 point guard Justin Smith, who's quick and can hit a mid-range jumper. After finishing second in the Class 5 state tournament, the Cadets are poised for another big season.</p> <p>Trinity: The Titans have a talented group returning with its inside-outside dynamic duo of 7'0" 2020 center Ryan Kalkbrenner and 6'0" 2020 guard Rashad Weekly-McDaniels. Kalkbrenner was a shot blocking force as usual and he showcased his nice touch inside. He also knocked down a number of 3-pointers. Weekly-McDaniels looks very good after losing close to 20 pounds, which makes him quicker and more athletic. He scored from all three levels, including a huge offensive game against CBC. 2020 guard T.J. Rush was solid offensively as was 6'4" 2020 forward Jeremiah Jones. They will again be a factor in Class 3.</p> <p>Parkway South: The Patriots have to replace some solid senior players, but they have their top two players back in 6'3" 2020 guard Adam Sommer and 6'9" 2020 forward Isaiah Esker. Sommer was one of the top half-dozen players at the Shootout. He lit it up from 3-point range, ran the offense and constantly found open teammates. Esker continues to improve and become a big factor in the post with his big body and increased activity around the basket.</p> <p>University City: The Lions made big strides last year by winning a conference title and they should continue to improve. Bouncy 6'5" 2021 forward Jalen Hampton has the makings of a dominant player with his athleticism and skill set. 2022 point guard Larry Abbey is a pass-first floor general who can drop serious dimes while 6'3" 2021 forward Brandon Ming is a slasher who can really finish around the basket. A young player of the future to watch for is 6'5" 2023 forward Gerald Young, who showed some nice things.</p> <p>McCluer: The Comets have some good length and athleticism. 6'2" 2020 point guard Jeremiah Johnson did a nice job on both ends of the court. He's a four-year varsity performer. A couple of lengthy newcomers will definitely help the cause. The first is 6'6" 2020 wing Devon Barshow, who just moved over to McCluer from Rockwood Marquette. The second is 6'4" 2020 guard Anias Futrell-Yahwah who has a smooth and versatile game. Cam Hubbard and Devin Davis are a pair of athletic 6'5" forwards.</p> <p>Park Hills Central: The visitors from St. Francois County should be strong with 6'5" 2020 forward Breven McMullen leading the way. McMullen is a excellent shooter who can get buckets at all three levels. 6'3" 2020 guard Brenton Wagner shot the ball well from 3-point range while 5'11" 2023 point guard Mason Williams showed excellent poise and savvy for a young player in his first varsity action. 6'9" 2021 center Tyce Laubinger is a young big who is coming along gradually.</p>