MICDS Tip-Off Tournament Preview
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The MICDS Tip-Off Tournament is a yearly tradition following Thanksgiving. It features a combination of both public and private schools bringing out great competition early in the season. This is a preview of the 2023 field and games to follow.…
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Continue ReadingThe MICDS Tip-Off Tournament is a yearly tradition following Thanksgiving. It features a combination of both public and private schools bringing out great competition early in the season. This is a preview of the 2023 field and games to follow.
Game 1: University City vs. Whitfield (November 27th at 3:45pm)
A unique game with two teams who have flipped over the past calendar year. Whitfield goes from a veteran squad to a younger one while University City has kept a core intact and looks to compete deep into the playoffs this season. Chris Pitts still has 6’6 forward Holden Souter Holden Souter 6'6" | PF Whitfield | 2024 State MO who will be huge for Whitfield. Outside of the senior, there’ll be a lot of younger players given major opportunities. As for University City, they’re coming off a competitive game vs. Cardinal Ritter where they looked solid. Jayden Creighton Jayden Creighton 6'6" | PF University City | 2025 State MO is likely to draw the matchup with Souter and the guard play is advantage for University City, at least on paper.
Game 2: Confluence Academy vs. Westminster (November 27th at 5:15pm)
Confluence has productive forward play and will look to run while Westminster plays a slower pace and has an abundance of shooters. This game is a total contrast of styles. Yabsa N’Diaye has emerged early this season for Confluence. The longer wing prospect is averaging better than 15 points per contest. Westminster is led by JD Robertson JD Robertson 6'3" | SG Westminster | 2025 State MO who scored 24 points in an opening game victory. Dale Ribble is a great coach and trusts some younger players to make plays. Among those younger players is Will Powers who looked good in Game 1. The team who sets the tone and plays their style will win.
MICDS vs. Francis Howell Central (November 27th at 6:45pm)
MICDS is the host and a potential favorite among this field. Travis Wallace has a squad that will hang their hat on the defensive end. Excited to see his younger talent in the 2026 class. Jayden Banks Jayden Banks 5'10" | PG MICDS | 2024 State MO is a productive PG who will get everybody in place. Keep an eye on Brandon Clemens as a guard to break out at this event. He did so as a freshman last season. Francis Howell Central has a lot of younger players and size on their roster. Senior guard Asthon Matthews is a quick lefty who can get in the paint. This game will have a bunch of new faces who are getting their first action at the varsity level.
Lift for Life vs. Miller Career (November 27th at 8:15pm)
An up and down game is what can be expected in this one. Both teams have a lot of speed on the floor and can cause turnovers. Lajuan Johnson Lajuan Johnson 6'7" | PF Lift for Life | 2024 State MO enters his senior season as a nice prospect. The 6’7 bouncy forward shows flashes and brings a lot to the game with his activity around the rim. Antoine Franklin is stepping into a bigger role for Miller Career. The 6’4 senior is a legit scorer in his current role. Carluan Nelson is another player who will turn some heads this season. Miller Career is always going to play hard and they’re a well coached group with athletes.