Observations from Principia-Vashon Thriller at Edwardsville Live

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Edwardsville Live Showcase got underway on Friday in Edwardsville (IL). The event features many teams from the state of Missouri and Illinois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The feature game on the first day was the 6 p.m. game between St. Louis area powers Principia and Vashon. Although the two teams had not play each other, it has been brewing over the last couple of years. When they finally met on Friday, a huge crowd was on hand as well as a large contingent of college coaches to watch the bevy of prospects on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vashon took control of the game early with its quickness and built a 21-point lead in the second half. However, the Panthers started to battle back with his size and a run and jump scramble press defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game came down to one final possession with Vashon clinging to a one-point lead. Principia's [player_tooltip player_id='3584219' first='Gassim' last='Toure'] drove the length of the court and got up a good shot, which bounced off the back of the rim. The miss was dunked back in by 6'9" 2029 forward Majok Ater as time expired, giving the Panthers' a thrilling 45-44 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at some of the top standouts from each team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PRINCIPIA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3680293,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_3134.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_3134.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3680293" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3584219' first='Gassim' last='Toure']: The 6'3" 2027 point guard scored a team-high 13 points for the Panthers. Most of his damage was done during the last five minutes of the game when Principia was staging its big rally. He made a pair of big 3-pointers and he also dropped a pair of runners in the lane. He did a good job of staying on the attack and he got the positive results when it mattered the most late in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3656793,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/IMG_1928.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/IMG_1928.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3656793" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334910' first='Sekou' last='Cisse']: The 6'9" 2027 power forward scored 10 points and was a steady force throughout the game. When the Panthers were struggling, he was making things happen in the low post with tough buckets inside or offensive putbacks. He also had some key blocked shots down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3670734,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2639.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2639.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3670734" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334950' first='Tyran' last='Frazier']: The 6'11" 2027 forward scored 10 points and was a consistent force in the game with his size and length around the basket. He was running the court well in transition and was getting business done on the offensive board. He has a long and slender frame, but he was not afraid to get in the paint and play some physical basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3658115,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1996.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1996.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3658115" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Majok Ater: The 6'9" 2029 forward scored seven points in the second half, but they were all loud. His first bucket came on a Corner 3-pointer in the second half. He then had a pair of follow tip in dunks in the final minutes, including the game winner as time expired. He is freakish athlete who plays with an extremely high motor at both ends. He had just come off a strong week at the Nike Elite 100 in St. Louis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VASHON</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3670733,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2633.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2633.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3670733" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jimmy McKinney III: The 6'2" 2027 guard led the Wolverines with a game-high 17 points. He showed his smooth shooting stroke with a couple of 3-pointers, but he also did a good job of attacking the basket and scoring at the rim and getting to the free throw line. He had an excellent finishing on a twisting drive, which led an acrobatic layup between two defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3670151,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2472.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2472.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3670151" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334961' first='Leon' last='Powell Jr.']: The 6'6" 2027 small forward scored 10 points while showcasing his overall versatility. He had one sequence when he scored on a left handed running hook, then hustled back on defense to block a shot at the rim. He also scored on two offensive rebounds for putbacks and a transition dunk. He was causing all kinds of problems with his length, athleticism and high level of activity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3675739,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2466.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2466.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3675739" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaylan Mitchell: The 6'8" 2027 forward scored eight points, which included four big free throws in the closing seconds in the game. He hit a pair of free throws with six seconds left to give the Wolverines a 45-44 lead. He was very comfortable on the perimeter as a secondary ball handler and a very good passing threat. He also used his big body to battle in the low post against Principia's huge front line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3674707,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2464.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_2464.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3674707" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deandre Stewart: A 5'8" 2028 point guard who was a big spark plug off the bench. He scored a pair of buckets in the first half on a elbow jumper off the dribble and a coast to coast layup in transition. He also helped turn the Wolverines defense up a notch with his quickness and tenacity, which helped them build their big lead. He's the smallest player on the floor, but he's arguably the toughest with his fearless style of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->