Film Room Focus: St. Louis’ Most Dangerous Scorers – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Louis has always been home to great basketball and premier players, and this year is no exception. Several players from across the metro area have posted eye-popping numbers early in the season. I'll take a closer look at the film of each player, breaking down what has fueled their early success and what makes them so difficult for opponents to defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Webster Groves</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>31.4 PPG, 65% FG%, 5.0 RPG, 3.3 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Just when you think Adkinson can't do anything more, he raises the bar again, putting up massive numbers against strong competition and leading Webster Groves to a 6–2 record so far this season. His ability to get defenders off balance before even taking a dribble is what makes him special. He uses a variety of jab steps and shot fakes to create space and generate advantages.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>When he does attack off the bounce, Adkinson plays with strength and exceptional balance, whether he's pulling up, getting all the way to the rim, or using pivots to create a clean look. He can also stretch the floor with a smooth left-handed jumper, showing deep range at times. Perhaps his greatest strength, though, is his feel for the game — he consistently makes the right basketball play and willingly shares the ball. That unselfishness forces defenses to collapse, often allowing the ball to find its way back to him for easier scoring opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2347377' first='James' last='Aydelott'] | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Timberland</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>31.0 PPG, 52% FG%, 6.8 RPG, 3.1 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Aydelott always seems to be around the basketball on both ends of the floor, consistently creating and making plays for Timberland. His size on the perimeter stands out, allowing him to see over most defenders and operate both inside and out. He has shown deep range as a shooter, with the ability to pull up in transition or off the dribble in the half court, while also being very efficient in catch-and-shoot situations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With the ball in his hands, Aydelott plays under control, operating at a deliberate pace and reading the defense as he attacks. He can score around the rim using a long release with either hand and has the ability to absorb contact. Defensively, James is also very effective and intelligent, showing a strong understanding of timing and rotations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1598820' first='Abraham' last='Nayou'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Maplewood Richmond Heights</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>28.2 PPG, 51% FG%, 7.3 RPG, 4.6 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nayou is a physical, well-built guard who uses a high activity level to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He does an excellent job of turning defense into offense, allowing him to get out in the open floor and create easy scoring opportunities. He is an aggressive and impactful finisher around the rim, often playing above the basket or drawing contact against opposing defenders. Nayou can finish off two feet or one, understanding which situations call for each.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Abraham also showcases a smooth left-handed shooting stroke from deep, capable of getting his shot off quickly and with little space. Around the rim, he creates additional problems as a rebounder, frequently generating extra possessions and consistently putting pressure on opponents to finish defensive stops.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Sabastian Bolden | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Clayton</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>27.6 PPG, 69% FG%, 73% 3-PT FG%, 5.4 RPG, 4.5 SPG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An extremely long and rangy guard, Bolden is one of the more underrated players in the metro area. While he puts up impressive offensive numbers, he also uses his length effectively on the defensive end, generating a high number of steals and deflections. As a ball handler, he relies on changes of pace and subtle movements to create space when attacking or navigating defensive pressure. In transition, Sebastian uses long strides to get to the rim, finishing quickly off either foot, making it difficult for defenders to time their rim protection.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He has been outstanding as a shooter, connecting at an extremely efficient rate from beyond the arc and showing a high release that allows him to shoot over the top of defenders. Bolden is always shot-ready and understands how to drift or relocate to open areas on the floor. Sebastian often forces defenders to close out aggressively, which also opens up driving angles to the basket.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Demeterius Thompson | 6'4" Forward | Senior | Brentwood</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>26.1 PPG, 66% FG%, 17.6 RPG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Thompson is an imposing player who continues to put up huge numbers early this season. He dominates the painted area with his ability to score and rebound, consistently using his physicality to carve out space and absorb contact as he finishes. He can attack explosively or take his time, always creating just enough separation to elevate over defenders.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Demeterius also demonstrates a strong understanding of post play, whether it's creating angles or establishing deep position. He knows how to beat doubles and find open teammates by kicking the ball out for scoring opportunities. As a rebounder, he applies constant pressure with his motor, athleticism, and strength, navigating through multiple defenders and outmuscling them to secure the boards.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2346078' first='Emery' last='Woehrmann'] | 6'3" Guard | Junior | St. Francis Borgia</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>28.0 PPG, 60% FG%, 49% 3-PT FG%, 4.5 RPG, 3.5 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There's no question about Woehrmann's scoring ability — he's been one of the best I've seen all season. He makes offensive basketball look effortless at times, with a shooting touch that stretches the floor. From deep, he can pull up abruptly or find space off the ball, taking advantage of defensive rotations. As a ball handler, he changes speeds and levels effectively, while also showing a strong understanding of how to use and read ball screens to create openings for himself and his teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In isolation situations, Emery also uses his handle with exceptional elusiveness, creating space and keeping defenders off balance. With his size, he's comfortable attacking the basket, able to finish around bigger defenders or elevate over smaller guards. He has done nearly everything for Borgia early in the season, and I expect that impact to continue as the year progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->