Show Me Showdown: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook

Show Me Showdown has become one of the top annual events in St. Louis.  It was back again starting on Friday night.  We were in Chesterfield for the first evening of games.  Let’s dive into it in Show Me Showdown: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook!

Illinois Bears 16U Top Capital City Teamwork in 2OT Thriller

What a game to begin the event.  Two of the better 16u teams in the event started it off with a classic that was tight throughout the game.  Jayden McCoo took it coast to coast to send the game to OT for the Bears and then they took home the win in the second OT 68-63.  The Mascoutah point guard McCoo was the story.  Angular and athletic lead guard that can really score it.  Slick ball handler that got to the rim and knocked in mid-range jumpers for 20 points.  His backcourt mate Drew Barrington Drew Barrington 6'0" | PG Carterville | 2025 State IL was excellent running the show with his passing and playmaking.  Also diving all over the floor and scoring on cuts for 13 points.  It took a bit for Benton power forward Docker Tedeschi Docker Tedeschi 6'8" | PF Benton | 2025 State IL to get it going offensively but the skilled four man was active all night on the glass and had several blocks.  Hit a big three to start double OT and got to the line throughout the night for 13 points.  Keep tabs on Aidan Anderson Aidan Anderson 6'8" | C Okawville | 2025 State IL from Okawville as the 6’9” five man has nice size and cleans up on the offensive glass.  Massac County wing Kris Garnett also was effective with a crisp jumper which helped him record 9 points.

For Capital City Teamwork it was all about Springfield Lanphier small forward Shaunassey Hatchett.  Strong and physical wing that plays with a high-motor and was in attack mode including a pair of poster dunks.  Takes it to the rim with force.  Finished out of the ducker spot and flashed his jumper in a 20 point outing.  His high school teammate Torioun Rice is a 6’1” lead guard with length that handles it well and gets to the cup in transition.  Nasir Leverson from Decatur MacArthur is a smaller lead guard that has a good pull up game and dished to teammates when drawing defenders in the paint.

Team Illinois 15U Wins Central IL Clash vs Illinois Predators

Came away very impressed with Team Illinois 15U having several prospects really emerge in their 69-58 win against Illinois Predators.  They have three wings who popped to us.  Peoria Manual shooting guard Joshua Humbles Joshua Humbles 6'1" | SG Peoria Manual | 2026 State IL is a 6’1” two guard that brings big time athleticism slashing to the rim where he finished twice with explosiveness through shot blockers at the cup.  Decatur MacArthur 6’3” wing Sean Lee Sean Lee 6'3" | SF Decatur MacArthur | 2026 State IL is a strong bodied small forward that did his damage cleaning up the offensive glass and finishing out of the dunker spot.  MICDS (MO) wing Keshon Mims is a wing with length and projectability.  He had a nasty tip dunk, hit the offensive glass, and played with athleticism.  Keep an eye on Alton 6’7” five man Jerry Brandon.  The wide bodied five was a presence on the defensive end with his shot blocking and rebounding in his area.  Normal Community 6’0” guard Trey Birdtt is a lefty that had an innate knack for making the most difficult layups putting spin on them to convert.

Luke Blackford Luke Blackford 6'3" | SF Calvary Academy | 2026 IL from Calvary Academy was the standout for the Illinois Predators.  At 6’3” he has a strong frame and can really shoot the basketball.  Plus shot maker with a quick release that drained an array of threes and was fouled on one.  Excellent free throw shooter.  Franklin 6’3” guard Michael Cumby is a crafty two guard that did his damage at the rim and getting to the line.  Aydin Willis is a 6’0” PG from Decatur MacArthur that brings athleticism and shot making.

Guards Duel in Drive5 Select vs Illinois Bears 15U

Last game of the night saw a couple guards go at it.  We were super impressed with what we saw from Blue Valley (KS) 6’2” point guard Enoch Rodriguez.  He was stellar with his feel for the game as a playmaker with his smooth handles and passing.  Also made it look easy with his perimeter shot making.  One to track!

Nashville guard Maddox Ritzel Maddox Ritzel 6'3" | SF Nashville | 2026 IL showed in both the 15u and 16u games he can score the rock in a number of ways with runners, put backs, finishing dump offs, pull ups, and crafty finishes.