Top Performers: O’Fallon vs East St. Louis
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The Southwestern Conference is always one of the most competitive in the state. Just look at all the D1 prospects and top teams it has produced over the last decade. Only comes second to the Chicago Public League. The crown…
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Continue ReadingThe Southwestern Conference is always one of the most competitive in the state. Just look at all the D1 prospects and top teams it has produced over the last decade. Only comes second to the Chicago Public League. The crown was on the line Tuesday night as East St. Louis traveled to O’Fallon looking to avenge an earlier loss. It was close throughout, but O’Fallon held serve on their home floor taking the conference championship with a 51-45 victory. Read all about it in Top Performers: O’Fallon vs East St. Louis!
Koby Wilmoth Koby Wilmoth 6'8" | PF O'Fallon | 2023 State IL (O’Fallon – 2023)
The transfer from Centralia was a prospect that when he made the move opened up the possibility of this happening and he played a huge role in the win. Wilmoth is a skilled face up four man that is very effective in the mid-range from 15-18 feet shooting the ball. He was on fire from his hot spot Tuesday night recording 14 points despite a hard fall and foul trouble. Solid rebounder and has mobility defensively. JUCOs and small colleges get in on this big man!
Jalen Smith Jalen Smith 6'1" | SG O'Fallon | 2021 State KS (O’Fallon – 2023)
Smith is a Lindenwood football commit who is a key player for the hoops squad. Struggled early in the game at the free throw line, but played through it getting to the line more hitting key ones in the second half. Plays well in transition and slashing as he had 8 points plus outstanding defense.
Rini Harris Rini Harris 6'3" | SG O'Fallon | 2024 State IL (O’Fallon – 2024)
This was probably the most complete game we have seen from Harris. Athletic and strong wing is a stat sheet stuffer that brings plus athleticism to the table. He finishes with acrobatics at the cup on straight line takes and in transition. Drained a pair of momentum threes back to back. Consistency in this will open up a lot of opportunities for him. Rebounds well, defends, and passes for a wing especially off the bounce. Went for 19 points.
Jaeden Rush Jaeden Rush 6'0" | PG O'Fallon | 2024 State IL (O’Fallon – 2024)
Rush is a flashy lead guard who had his moments. The lead guard had an out of control layup along with a three from the corner that he got the home bounce to fall. Slick ball handler that gets in the heart of the defense creating for others. He had 11 points.
Macaleab Rich Macaleab Rich 6'5" | SF East St. Louis | 2023 State #261 Nation IL (East St. Louis – 2023)
Rich is a high-motor wing that is headed to Kansas State next season. He is such a physical and athletic prospect which was on display when he snatched a defensive rebound and went coast to coast for an and-1. Had a couple grown man takes off the bounce along with a power jump stop for a finish. In the loss Rich had 11 points and 7 rebounds.
Antwan Robinson Antwan Robinson 6'5" | SF Vashon | 2023 State MO (East St. Louis – 2023)
Cal State Fullerton commit didn’t really get involved throughout the game on the offensive end. Never got loose for open threes and wasn’t overly assertive finishing with 6 points. What we did like was what we saw defensively as he had a handful of blocks in both the half court and chase downs. Active hands on that end and rebounded very well all night with 6 points and 7 rebounds.
Davis Bynum Davis Bynum 6'7" | PF East St. Louis | 2024 State IL (East St. Louis – 2024)
Bynum opened our eyes even more with a strong performance. The 6’7” forward recently jumped in the rankings, but could continue to move up with upside. Very projectable prospect that threw down a nasty dunk, hit a spot up three from the corner, and had a sweeping layup on his way to 10 points.
Dainen Rucker (East St. Louis – 2024)
Rucker had a solid game for the Flyers as he knocked in a pair from beyond the arc off the catch and had a sick dump off pass for a dime. Went for 8 points.