5 Key Questions: Collinsville vs Mt. Vernon

<p>Now that is what we call a statement win early in the season!  Friday night at Carterville high school two of the best teams in southern Illinois for this year met at the Pyramid Plus Tournament.  Collinsville is expected to win the Southwestern Conference.  Mt. Vernon is the heavy favorite in the South Seven.  It wasn’t even close on Friday as Collinsville won 80-43.  Make sure you read our <strong>5 Key Questions: Mt. Vernon vs Collinsville</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>How Big was it for SIU-Edwardsville to Keep Ray’Sean Taylor Home?</strong></p> <p>After watching him for the first time as a senior there is no question that Collinsville point guard <strong>Ray’Sean</strong> <strong>Taylor</strong> will be the most dominant player this season in all of southern Illinois.  Even bigger for SIUE is that what he does well translates to the next level.  The combo guard went absolutely off in the first half scoring anyway he wanted.  Drilled several threes including running into passes in transition for triples.  Such a high level burst getting to the cup as he goes from 0 to 60 so fast!  One of the better layup makers in the class with his ability to finish with either hand.  Lived at the rim!  More than just a scorer he rebounds well for a lead guard and is a super underrated passer.  Made several college ready-made dishes in this contest for open shots or layups.  He had 30 points on the night.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What Makes Collinsville an Elite Team?</strong></p> <p>Having the best player on the floor and in the area will only take you so far.  What makes this Collinsville team so good is they have grown up together.  Their core three seniors of Taylor, <strong>Keydrian</strong> <strong>Jones</strong>, and <strong>Cawhan</strong> <strong>Smith</strong> grew up together.  They have played together both during the high school season and summer with Gateway Illinois.  This is their time.  Jones was the most dominant we have seen him in his career on Friday night.  He is a big bodied 6’6” five man that mauls on the interior both fighting for position offensively as well as on the boards.  Against a much smaller Mt. Vernon squad he just pushed them around inside getting whatever he wanted.  Got on the glass for put backs, deep post position, and threw down dunks for 18 points.  When motivated and playing hard like he did in this one he is one of the top posts in the area.  Smith is the ultimate unsung hero.  He plays next to Taylor in the backcourt, but much like Lawrence Brazil last year he might be the ultimate key for them to reach their full potential.  Pesky on ball defender that causes turnovers and pushes the other way with his speed.  Went for 9 points.  The best prospect on this team after Taylor is 6’6” 2021 power forward <strong>Nathan</strong> <strong>Hall</strong>.  We saw him at some camps this fall and became intrigued.  He runs the floor like a guard rim running for dunks.  Plays above the hoop on alley-oops.  Can also stretch the floor with his three point shooting.  Went for 13 points.  <strong>David Granger</strong> is a 6’6” junior with length that flashed at the end of the game recording 4 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Can Collinsville Continue the Metro East Dominance in March?</strong></p> <p>They will have a target on them all season as the team to beat in the area, but with the success East St. Louis and Belleville West have had they want it all.  Like state championship!  One thing is they will certainly get tested over the next few months at their holiday tournament, Highland Shootout, and O’Fallon Shootout.  This is the kind of team that if they are hitting on all cylinders like they were on Friday in March they can knock out a Chicago power.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Is Quani Rudd Still Ranked Too Low?</strong></p> <p>The short answer is YES!  I loved what we saw out of <strong>Quani Rudd</strong> during the summer with the Southwest Jets.  He has taken it to another level with what we saw in the fall and again on Friday.  The 6’6” wing is a freak show athlete and that was evident on one of the best dunks we have seen so far this year.  He has always been an elite athlete, but the skill set seems to be about to take him to the next level.  Hit an array of tough jump shots, one foot step backs, and turn around fadeaways.  Ball handling has gotten tighter which allows him to get to the rack and set up his jumper.  Went for 16 points.  He will fly up the board more than likely from his current spot in our mid-season rankings.  Mid-majors and low-majors should be all over him!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Where is the Help for Mt. Vernon?</strong></p> <p>Rudd did what he does, for the Rams to achieve what they are expected to he is going to need help.  <strong>Simon</strong> <strong>Wilson</strong> had a pretty solid game.  The 6’4” wing hit mid-range shots and put it on the deck a little for 10 points.  That was about it for the Rams.  They will need to get their star from last year Amir Spann back who is still recovering from an injury at the end of last season.</p>