5 Takeaways: St. Joseph vs Montini

<p>There were a lot of quality games on Friday night across the state, but we traveled to St. Joseph’s to check out their star sophomore center [player_tooltip player_id="925178" first="Kyle" last="Thomas"] against Montini!  It was definitely a fun game with prospects on both sides emerging in a variety of classes.  The game was back and forth for most of the contest.  St. Joseph ran away with it late winning 77-65.  Here are our <strong>5 Takeaways: St. Joseph vs Montini</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925178" first="Kyle" last="Thomas"] Continues Development</strong></p> <p>The primary reason we checked out this one was St. Joseph’s 2022 center <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925178" first="Kyle" last="Thomas"]</strong> who currently checks in at #4 overall in the sophomore class and the top center.  He has tremendous size and a great frame.  At first we were a little confused as when we arrived he was playing in the sophomore game during third quarter.  Thomas is coming back from an injury.  Said he and his coach just want to get his stamina back up playing more.  He was really good in one quarter of the sophomore game scoring 8 points on a variety of low post moves and swatted a shot like a volleyball into the first row.  Let’s get to his varsity action.  He came off the bench, but was without question the best player on the floor.  As a scorer he was very efficient with his touches showing feel around the hoop with a soft touch.  Better mobility and fluid moves than we had seen even during the summer where he was a bit mechanical.  Caught an alley-oop running the floor hard.  He showed a solid shooting stroke from the free throw line.  Dominant rebounder on both ends grabbing them at their high point.  Multiple put backs.  Defensively he is at his best.  Elite level shot blocker that has such an advanced feel for swatting shots both inside and contesting threes.  Also recorded a couple steals guarding on the perimeter a little.  His final line was 17 points, 10 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 2 steals.  High-major prospect!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925191" first="Andrew" last="Stokes"] Puts Name on Map in 2022</strong></p> <p>Another sophomore had a big game in this contest.  Montini 6’3” shooting guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925191" first="Andrew" last="Stokes"]</strong> had a breakout performance in our eyes.  The smooth and fluid two guard was excellent in the first half.  He came out aggressive looking to score.  Slick handle on a straight line drive where he converted with a scoop shot.  Got on the offensive glass a couple times.  Showed a free and easy release on his three point shot.  Rangy defender that should continue to improve on that end of the floor.  He had 17 points.  One we will continue to monitor going forward.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>St. Joseph Has Solid Depth</strong></p> <p>The Chargers were more than just Thomas.  Senior 6’0” guard <strong>Jon Robinson</strong> is a tough scoring point guard that was straight money from mid-range all night hitting pull ups over and over along with a pair of corner threes.  He had 17 points.  Another senior standout was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916819" first="Marcus" last="Becton"]</strong>.  He is a little more projectable at 6’5” with good length.  Mostly a slasher that loves to get to the rim in the half court and transition.  Scored 12 points.  Junior <strong>Anthony Martin</strong> is a tough combo forward that was most effective hitting 15 foot jumpers en route to 12 points.  <strong>J.</strong> <strong>Caleb Slawinski</strong> is a 6’6” junior that with quick on the boards and has some developmental upside.  Their best long term prospect outside of Thomas is 2023 shooting guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939056" first="Bryce" last="Coleman"]</strong>.  The 6’3” freshman has a good frame and the ability to slash to the rim with ease.  Went for 10 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Small College Gems at Montini</strong></p> <p>Several small college players to watch in both the 2020 and 2021 classes at Montini.  Senior <b>Michael Koszewski</b> is a 5’11” crafty left handed guard that scores on tough layups at the rim.  Bit of a streaky shooter. Went for 11 points.  A trio of juniors intrigued.  <strong>Antoine Harris</strong> is a 5’11” point guard that can shoot the basketball going for 9 points.  <strong>AJ Ashford</strong> is a plus shooter from three that was also effective on the defensive end getting steals for his 10 points.  <strong>Jemari Moore</strong> has solid size and athleticism at 6’2”.  Nice looking jump shot and has a bit of a floater game.  Went for 11 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>St. Joseph History</strong></p> <p>This was my first time back to St. Joseph in a while.  For those that have never been it is like stepping back into the 1980’s with the feel in the gym.  Lighting is different than any gym I have ever been in.  One of the score boards has malfunction that has been there for years.  It is part of the charm of St. Joe’s.  This was also my first time seeing them play without legendary coach Gene Pingatore.  The coaching great passed away over the summer after coaching for decades.  He was a true legend and will be missed.</p>