Panthers Showcase: Saturday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHI spent Saturday at the Panther Showcase at Pinckneyville High School for a nine game slate.&nbsp; This event featured a ton of teams we hadn't seen along with numerous highly ranked prospects.&nbsp; We examine the entire day here in <strong>Panther Showcase: Saturday Notebook</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Freeburg Young Prospects Excel in Win</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First game of the day saw Freeburg take on Greenville.&nbsp; It looked like Freeburg was going to run away early, but Greenville stuck with them until the final minutes where Freeburg won 52-45.&nbsp; We really liked what we saw out of their young prospects particularly 2027 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2825695' first='Brady' last='Kerr'].&nbsp; The 6'1” combo guard has good positional size along with a slick handle.&nbsp; He knows how to get in the lane for tough finishes going for 11 points.&nbsp; His fellow sophomore Dathan Krauss who notched 9 points was a big factor in the win making plays in the lane while 2028 point guard Joe Carmack played with poise running the show while finding his spots to score with 8 points.&nbsp; The game MVP went to 2025 6'4” wing Matt Pluff who has nice size and scoring pop on the perimeter.&nbsp; He was at his best playing downhill in transition including a big dunk off a steal for 15 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the Greenville side it was [player_tooltip player_id='2815704' first='Nolan' last='Tabor'] who caught our attention.&nbsp; The 6'3” shooting guard is a sound perimeter shot maker that knocked in five of them from deep.&nbsp; He has a smooth stroke from distance with a quick release as he finished with 15 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trico Goes to OT to Get Win over Martinsville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It took an extra session for Trico to get the win after a Martinsville comeback, but they scored a 39-38 victory in the second game of the day.&nbsp; The prospect that jumped off the floor to us in this one was 6'4” small forward Ryder Wettig.&nbsp; He is a well-built kid that has a young face so he should continue to grow.&nbsp; The combination of athleticism and skill was impressive.&nbsp; He played on the ball quite a bit in the game along with slashing from the wing.&nbsp; Good ball handler that converted reverse layups and got on the offensive glass for 10 points.&nbsp; The game MVP went to Larson Kozuszek who notched 12 points in the win as his team's leading scorer.&nbsp; Tough 6'2” senior guard that posted up and scored on nifty layups throughout the game.&nbsp; Beau Koehn was a good role player for them as well doing a little bit of everything recording 11 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinsville was pushed by a trio of upperclassmen led by Adam Parcel.&nbsp; The senior wing is a good three point shooter that hit an array of big shots for 13 points.&nbsp; Gavin LeLoup and Kaiden Simons were both big parts of their second half comeback attempt with 11 points and 10 points respectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Illinois-Springfield Commit Leads Waterloo with Dominant Performance</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waterloo big man [player_tooltip player_id='1766463' first='Alex' last='Stell'] is a true five man that knows how to play like it.&nbsp; He had a massive game against Mounds Meridian on Saturday in the early afternoon as the 6'10” post scored in whatever way he wanted in the win.&nbsp; He is so effective at sealing on the low block shielding his man off for scores.&nbsp; Also want to give his guards credit as in a day and age that the post feed is lost they are coached well to do it correctly.&nbsp; The big bodied five man knows how to use touch and his footwork on quick moves around the cup for scores.&nbsp; He opens wide, calls for the ball, and makes quick moves for scores.&nbsp; Also was a force on the glass and swatting shots as well going for 38 points, 15 rebounds 4 blocks, and 2 dimes.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2750011' first='Tyler' last='Devilder'] is a 2027 name to track on this squad as well.&nbsp; The Waterloo sophomore is a plus shooter from three who nailed four of them in this game.&nbsp; Clean shot and has solid athleticism.&nbsp; Max Oswald is an x-factor for this team with his soft touch finishing from his guard spot in the paint going for 11 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side Mounds Meridian star Antonio Flenoid Jr got in foul trouble early and could never really get it fully going until the end of the game where the athletic undersized post racked up 6 points.&nbsp; Liked what we saw early from a pair of their guards in 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2815732' first='Colin' last='Monan'] and 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2422253' first='Max' last='Russell'] who both shot it well in the first half, but were not to be found in the second half.&nbsp; Monan had 8 points while Russell went for 9 points.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waltonville Gives Centralia All They Want But Orphans Find a Way Late</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was a small school vs big school matchup.&nbsp; Early on Waltonville was feeling it from beyond the arc and took a lead into the half 23-19.&nbsp; In the second half it would come down to the wire with the game tied with 1:34 left.&nbsp; Centralia made the key plays down the stretch including a pick/roll from freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2751256' first='Archie' last='Goewey'] to [player_tooltip player_id='2217959' first='Dustyn' last='Collins'] for the game winner with 3 seconds left to win 49-45.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unsigned senior [player_tooltip player_id='2217959' first='Dustyn' last='Collins'] should be getting significant interest at the D2 level the way he has played in the two games we have seen him this season. The 6'6” power forward is a big, strong, and athletic post that scores with quick and decisive moves inside.&nbsp; Plus athlete that runs the floor and can really bord.&nbsp; He had 19 points in the win.&nbsp; Freshman small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2751256' first='Archie' last='Goewey'] was the one who dished the rock to Collins for the bucket on a great pick/roll play.&nbsp; He has good size and strength with an advanced skill set for his age.&nbsp; Plus shooter from three, moves well off the ball, and is creative around the rim as he went for 16 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2751229' first='Michael' last='Organ'] drained a pair of threes as he and fellow sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2125643' first='Jaxson' last='Hancock'] are the Orphans backcourt.&nbsp; Hancock was excellent running the show and looking much more confident with his reads and playmaking!&nbsp; Kenny Bratten is a name to remember.&nbsp; Plus athlete that can really defend and has slashing potential in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waltonville got a really good game from their star 2026 wing [player_tooltip player_id='1552409' first='Gage' last='Peterson'].&nbsp; Really liked how hard he played and was gritty on the glass.&nbsp; His jumper was on point as he drained a trio of threes along with crisp baseline shots.&nbsp; Went for 17 points and 8 rebounds.&nbsp; Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='2334406' first='Kyle' last='Cooper'] was lights out with his shot making as well pouring in three triples and multiple pull ups en route to 14 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2384747' first='Witten' last='Devor'] also hit a couple key threes.&nbsp; This team is going to be a threat in the playoffs if they play like they did in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Underrated 618 Guard Leads Way for Mascoutah over Murphysboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up we saw Mascoutah take on Murphysboro.&nbsp; Mascoutah controlled the game throughout winning by a final of 57-43.&nbsp; Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1838836' first='Jayden' last='McCoo'] is a PHI favorite as he impacts winning in so many ways.&nbsp; Early in the game he went down with a head injury, but came back and was excellent in the second half as he poured in mid-range jumpers, threes, and got to the rim with his speed for 18 points.&nbsp; Fellow senior guard Corey Harris did a nice job mixing in the scoring and passing with 12 points and 6 dimes.&nbsp; Breakout player was [player_tooltip player_id='2826271' first='Maddis' last='Fearn'] as the 5'10” 2028 guard bombed in four triples en route to 15 points in the win.'</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murphysboro got nice production from their front court.&nbsp; Class of 2026 big bodied 6'6” five [player_tooltip player_id='2823657' first='Kemmeon' last='Hale'] flashed some potential as he moves pretty well for his size and scored on a couple post moves for 12 points.&nbsp; AJ Boese is a 6'5” senior post that brings a ton of grit on the glass and can stretch shooting scoring 13 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2381456' first='Cade' last='Brooks'] is their standout guard who had a few spinning layups and crisp pull ups for 9 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alton Routs East Peoria in Matchup of Top 10 Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On paper this game had a chance to be the best of the day with East Peoria riding high after the performance from their star sophomore the night before, but Alton would have none of it as they cruised to a 54-25 victory.&nbsp; It was a well balanced effort for the Redbirds.&nbsp; Their star 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2376270' first='Semaj' last='Stampley'] got loose in transition for several scores and played well off his defense.&nbsp; Such a great weakside defender.&nbsp; He had 9 points.&nbsp; Game MVP honors went to [player_tooltip player_id='2375631' first='Kobe' last='Taylor'] who also scored 9 points.&nbsp; Lefty senior wing is a long and angulr wing that can shoot it from distane and is slick slashing.&nbsp; Three and D wing 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2540188' first='Ryan' last='Howard'] does what he does banging in three from deep poff the catch and making impactful defensive plays for 10 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2540086' first='Jamarion' last='Green'] is a junk yard dog four that has broad shoulders and impacts as a defender, rebounder and lob threat.&nbsp; He had 11 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2125674' first='Quinton' last='Kitt'] is the star for East Peoria.&nbsp; The #6 overall prospect in the 2027 class is a versatile player that does a little bit of everything.&nbsp; He can post up, hit a three and has a sweet turnaround as he notched 9 points. Solid passing from fellow sophomore Cole Dubois who is a slick ball handler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Host Pinckeyville Has No Problem in Victory</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The host school Pinckeyville had absolutely no problem at all in their game against Shelbyville cruising 77-47.&nbsp; Their senior wings [player_tooltip player_id='2321427' first='AJ' last='Keith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2385167' first='Riley' last='Bauersachs'] had monster games.&nbsp; The pair are already committed to play at Rend Lake.&nbsp; Keith is an upper level athlete that plays above the rim and is an explosive slasher with the capabilities to hit the deep ball as well.&nbsp; He had 14 points.&nbsp; PHI favorite Bauersachs is a versatile piece that knocks down spot up threes, can score in the post, crafty off the bounce, and passes well.&nbsp; Went for 18 points.&nbsp; Big man [player_tooltip player_id='2323278' first='Ty' last='Laur'] is a 2026 post that is such a highly skilled passer with touch around the hoop.&nbsp; Had a couple put backs scoring 12 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2383971' first='Tyler' last='McConnell'] is a two sport athlete that also shines on the gridiron.&nbsp; The 2027 power forward is explosive as a finisher in the paint and plays with a high motor on both ends as he had 10 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shelbyville was led in scoring by Jack Jokisch who went for 14 points while Aiden Hardy notched 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riley and Desmet Break It Open in Second Half vs Glenbrook South</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Battle of St. Louis and Chicago suburban powers here.&nbsp; It was a lower scoring contest that saw Desmet take home the win 53-41 with a big second half from North Dakota State commit Riley Massey.&nbsp; The athletic two guard scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half.&nbsp; Fluid ball handler that got to his spots on the floor for scoop shots, mid-range jumpers, and threes.&nbsp; Jordan Boyd was always around the ball for Desmet as the utility wing recorded 12 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glenbrook South brothers [player_tooltip player_id='2125637' first='Jacob' last='Fuller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1598711' first='Hudson' last='Fuller'] are prospects for the next level.&nbsp; Jacob is a top 10 sophomore that is a player who can stretch the floor with his shooting at his size.&nbsp; Also went to the line as he was fouled on a put back for 8 points.&nbsp; Senior brother Hudson is a lefty two guard at 6'4” that has a clean stroke from three and some athleticism around the rim going for 10 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Triad Tops Carbondale in Finale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The long day ended with Triad winning over Carbondale 60-50.&nbsp; They got excellent shooting out of their perimeter duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2815741' first='Ethan' last='Stewart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2823684' first='Nolan' last='Keller'].&nbsp; Stewart had four threes for 16 points while Keller dropped a trio from deep along with a couple strong drives for 13 points.&nbsp; Oklahoma State baseball commit [player_tooltip player_id='1766468' first='Drew' last='Winslow'] was aggressive with the ball in his hands attacking downhill with his size and physicality for 12 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1552447' first='Tyler' last='Thompson'] is their top hoops prospect and the 6'7” combo forward showed improved handles scoring on several takes in the second half for 9 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2823690' first='Jaxon' last='Marlow-Evans'] is a 5'11” 2026 lead guard for Carbondale that would not let his team go away without a fight in the second half.&nbsp; He used his quickness off the bounce for nifty layups, got to the line, and mixed in some jumpers for 18 points.&nbsp; Corylon Keene is a rangy wing that shot it well from distance for 9 points.&nbsp; Mikaden Green played way taller than his height inside scoring on hook shots and turnaround jumpers for 8 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->