3 Takeaways: Vashon vs. Cape Central
In this article:
These two teams faced off in the final game of the night at Vashon during their Saturday shootout. It was a game with much anticipation that Vashon took control off from the jump. The game was never close and that’s…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThese two teams faced off in the final game of the night at Vashon during their Saturday shootout. It was a game with much anticipation that Vashon took control off from the jump. The game was never close and that’s a testament to the talent and coaching of Vashon. Their players looked outstanding and there was a lot to learn from many top performers. Here are 3 takeaways.
Vashon is clicking on all cylinders.
The Wolverines dominated like no other team on the day. They play 5 as 1 on the defensive end and their depth played a major factor in fatiguing Cape Central’s key players. Nicholas Randall Nicholas Randall 6'8" | PF Vashon | 2025 State #96 Nation MO dominated in the paint, wings such as Nassir Binion Nassir Binion 6'4" | SG Vashon | 2024 State MO and Jordiyn Richard attacked the rim with intent, and Trey Williams made early shots. Their entire rotation could do no wrong. They simply competed at a higher level and played with much more desperation. Class 4 will run through the team on Cass Avenue until someone else proves they deserve to be viewed as favorites. Vashon simply has too much athletic prowess, defensive ability, and quality depth for teams they play to compete. Look for the freshman Jimmy McKinney Jr. Jimmy McKinney Jr. 6'2" | SG Vashon | 2027 State MO to be a player who excels in the playoffs. He’s only a 2027 but meshes well with the older talent and competes at a high level.
Marquel Murray Marquel Murray 6'3" | CG Cape Girardeau Central | 2026 State MO is getting back to full speed.
Murray, a 2026 guard, missed a portion of the season due to a lower body injury, however, he’s getting back to full speed and was by far and away the best player on the floor for Cape Central. At 6’3 he’s an explosive athlete who can hang in the air for long periods of time. Quite possibly the best athlete in the entire class. He showed great ability to beat pressure before the catch and get downhill when the defense wasn’t set. His three point shot also looked good when he connected on a pull-up from the wing. Nobody has ever doubted Murray’s talent. It’s just a matter of if he’s playing at 100% and displaying all the tools that make him special. He’s set to explode while playing grassroots this spring where his ability in the open floor truly shines.
Vashon’s Future.
This is a program that expects to win every year. Those hopes continue to hold strong as their 25′ class and proven to be what many expected and their 26′ prospects are getting a chance to shine. Cain McCaskill is one of those 2026 guards who impacts at the moment. His athletic ability and defensive pressure for the full length of the floor is fun to watch. We mentioned Jimmy McKinney Jr. Jimmy McKinney Jr. 6'2" | SG Vashon | 2027 State MO earlier and he’s their top prospects in 2027. Leon Powell is another player who gets spot minutes and will develop nicely over time. There’s talent being groomed around top competition and that’ll pay off down the road. The Wolverines are in good hands.