Film Room Focus: St. Louis’ Most Dangerous Scorers – Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll continue to dive deeper into players across the St. Louis metro area who have put up massive offensive numbers so far this season. Beyond just the stats, we'll examine what specifically allows these players to be so productive — from skill sets and tendencies to how they create advantages within their offenses. By breaking down the film, I'll highlight what makes each scorer dangerous and why opposing defenses have struggled to slow them down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2859939' first='Lebron' last='Benning'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | North Point</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>25.1 PPG, 42% FG%, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Benning is a quick, shifty guard who excels at creating his own shot off the dribble. He uses a crafty and unpredictable handle to generate space, whether it's with a step-back or a sudden change of direction. He's also confident extending his range, capable of pulling up from well beyond the three-point arc, which forces defenders to pick him up early and opens the floor offensively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, Benning looks to turn pressure into offense, creating steals that allow him to play in the open floor. As a finisher, he's creative around the rim, able to hang in the air and switch hands, which often throws off shot blockers and makes him difficult to contain in traffic.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2381375' first='Drew' last='Heischmidt'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Duchesne</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>25.1 PPG, 33% 3-PT FG%, 2.4 RPG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A lethal shooter from deep, Heischmidt is constantly moving and searching for openings along the perimeter. He uses screens effectively and has a strong understanding of how defenders are guarding him, allowing him to find space and get clean looks. His movement off the ball makes him a threat at all times and forces defenses to stay engaged.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Like many players on this list, Drew also uses his defense to create easy scoring opportunities in transition, where he looks to get out on the break and finish around the rim. With the ball in his hands, he can change speeds and initiate contact when attacking the basket, forcing defenders to pick and choose how they want to defend him. Heischmidt's ability to keep defenders off balance and guessing really plays into a big advantage for him.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2712611' first='Sam' last='Guethle'] | 6'5" Wing | Junior | Seckman</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>24.4 PPG, 60% FG%, 5.4 RPG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Guethle is a long and rangy wing who is always looking for opportunities to shoot the basketball. As a shooter in transition he's especially dangerous, getting his feet set quickly and pulling up from nearly anywhere on the floor. His confidence and willingness to hunt shots forces defenders to locate him early, as he doesn't need much time or space to get a shot off.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sam can also attack off the dribble, using his body well to create separation and find clean looks over the top of defenders. As a left-hander, he presents a unique challenge for opponents, often throwing off defensive timing and angles. Around the basket, he shows a nice mix of floaters and finishes, consistently using his size and touch to score in traffic.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2959740' first='Gavin' last='Dillon'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Gateway STEM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>24.3 PPG, 56% FG%, 8.8 RPG, 3.5 SPG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An explosive guard, Dillon regularly puts together highlight-reel plays in transition. He's quick from end to end and can elevate above the rim for thunderous dunks, bringing energy and momentum with each finish. His speed and athleticism make him especially dangerous in the open floor, where defenders often struggle to keep up.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dillon also plays with confidence in the half court, attacking off the bounce and navigating through multiple defenders to get to the rim with flair. On the defensive end, he sets the table for his offense by generating turnovers, using his quickness and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes. Those defensive plays allow him to consistently push the pace and play at full speed throughout games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1446576' first='Jonny' last='Jordan'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Chaminade</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>23.6 PPG, 48% FG%, 39% 3-PT FG%, 3.1 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jordan has a strong command of tempo, capable of slowing the game down and playing with patience or thriving in a fast-paced, up-and-down environment. He possesses a smooth handle that allows him to manage pressure effectively while also breaking down defenders off the dribble. His ability to control the game's rhythm makes him a difficult matchup, as he can dictate how possessions unfold. He has put together several impressive offensive performances this season against elite competition.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shooting is one of Jordan's biggest strengths, as he can heat up quickly and confidently ride the hot hand. Whether it's pulling up off the dribble in transition or knocking down shots in catch-and-shoot situations, he's a consistent threat from deep. He's also highly active as a distributor, showing a strong understanding of defensive coverages and finding teammates in spots where they can be successful.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1598824' first='Brody' last='Owen'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Marquette</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>23.3 PPG, 45% FG%, 6.6 RPG, 3.2 APG</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Owen is widely regarded as one of the area's best mid-range scorers. He gets to his spots with ease, using a deliberate handle to create separation before rising up over defenders for a highly effective pull-up jumper. His comfort in that in-between area makes him difficult to contest, as defenders often struggle to time his elevation and release.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He's also a dangerous shooter from long range, capable of pulling up quickly with minimal space and shooting over the top of defenders. Because he consistently gets opponents off balance, Owen is able to penetrate and reach the rim, where he's a creative and controlled finisher. He can score around or over defenders, absorb contact, and stay balanced to finish with either hand. He's also shown the ability to play off two feet, allowing him to hang in the air and adjust to different defensive looks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->