O'Fallon Open Gym Standouts

Wednesday PHI took in the final open gym of the fall for metro east power O'Fallon. They are one of the contenders year in and year out in the Southwestern Conference. Led by three transfer wings, veteran guards, and some upside players this is a team to watch out for in 2024-2025! Here we examine the prospects that caught our attention in O'Fallon Open Gym Standouts!    Akoro was the reason we wanted to check out O'Fallon's open gym on the last day. In a very strong year for wings Akoro is right there among the top group. The state's #6 overall junior prospect is coming off an injury and is getting back in the flow of action. He is still working his way back, but we saw a lot of the tools that make him a no doubt mid-major prospect. The size at 6'7” with his ability to handle with ease is so impressive. Can take it off the glass and push with ease. Showed he could score from all three levels in the open gym setting. Was a bit streaky from beyond the arc, but did connect on a couple showing very pure mechanics off the catch. He is at his best when working in the mid-range. That is where he excels the most being able to use his handle, size, elevation, and feathery touch to rise up over defenders pouring in one after another on pull ups along with turnarounds. Good at using fakes to create space and keep the defense off balance. Off the bounce he had several sweeping layups taking it from one wing across the paint and finishing at the rack on the other side. Displayed burst on an up and under move and ran the floor well for scores. Cut well to the ball for a seal posting up a smaller defender. Still getting his explosiveness back from his injury and will need to continue to add strength to convert better through contact at the rim. His best attribute might be his passing for his size. He is a legit point-forward that you can run your offense through because of his playmaking feel finding teammates in the half court and is already becoming a vocal leader of his team. Innate ability to see plays that a lot of young wings can not. Was solid competing on the glass throughout the day and we thought he showed some upside as a defender moving his feet staying in front of his man. Mid-major prospect right now that has a ceiling that could go higher!     Smith is a senior wing who transferred over from Belleville East. He is a three and D small forward that will bring value at the small college or JUCO level. Shot it well off the catch including hitting several super deep ones in a row. Mixed in mid-range jumpers and transition scores. Has the ability to be a plus defender with his footspeed and athleticism on the perimeter.     Massey was the prospect that caught our attention the most in this setting. The 6'4” small forward is a transfer from Desmet whose brother has committed to a D1 program. Well rounded player that impacted on both ends of the floor. Scrappy defender that recorded multiple steals in the open gym games. Often took them the other way for finishes. Crisp ball handler that can deck it in the open floor and half court. Sound looking three point stroke that looks like he should be a plus shooter long term.     Hunter is a combo guard who has been on our radar for several years now. What we really like about his game is how well he fits in various lineups. Can play both on and off the ball. Good glue guy that can knock down shots, be a connector, and is an active defender that plays hard on both ends. Fits in very well next to Akoro.     Jackson is a physically built combo guard that plays with strength going downhill. Slashing guard that finishes through defenders in the paint. Also made some tough turnaround jumpers and had a few nice pick/roll passes.     Palmer is a four man that looks the part with his size and strong frame at about 6'5”. He had a grandfather that was 7'4” so it is possible he continues to grow. We liked the motor that he played with getting on the glass with his second jump. Cut to the hoop for scores and had a nice hook shot off deep post position.     This 6'5” left handed power forward flashed some intriguing tools. Fluid getting up and down the floor. Shoots it pretty comfortably from mid-range. Agile around the hoop as well.     Long and lanky wing that is an active defender. That was where he stood out using his length and athleticism to create havoc. Really competes!     Cason is a 6'2” wiry shooting guard who is a plus athlete. He is still extremely raw as a player and the shot is a work in progress, but his athleticism in transition along with defensively are interesting.

Wednesday PHI took in the final open gym of the fall for metro east power O'Fallon. They are one of the contenders year in and year out in the Southwestern Conference. Led by three transfer wings, veteran guards, and some upside players this is a team to watch out for in 2024-2025! Here we examine the prospects that caught our attention in O'Fallon Open Gym Standouts!