Grassroots Team Spotlight on the Lou City 13U Squad

It's time for a little sneak peak into the future.   The [program_tooltip program_id='3587012' first='Lou' last='City'] 13U team is a talented group of youngsters from the St. Louis metro area that have been playing together since they were in Kindergarten under the direction of coach Marshall Newman.   This is a talented team with plenty of size inside and an excellent group of perimeter shooters. Plus, they have that great chemistry after being together for several years.   Last weekend, [program_tooltip program_id='3587012' first='Lou' last='City'] won the 13U championship at the Jr. P32 New Balance Circuit in Memphis, TN. In the championship game, they defeated a very strong team called Battle Tested 51-48.   Here is a look at the players on the [program_tooltip program_id='3587012' first='Lou' last='City'] 13U team.   [player_tooltip player_id='3586850' first='Bodey' last='Anderson']: A 6'0" 2031 guard with is an athletic wing player with a high motor. He is capable of scoring at all three levels, plus he uses his size against smaller guards to score around the basket. He is a good passer who sees the court well with his height. He is excellent in the transition game and he plays the passing lanes well on the defensive end to create havoc on defense. He is capable of defending multiple positions. He attends North Hardin in the St. Charles West district.     [player_tooltip player_id='3587196' first='Asher' last='Blankenship']: A 5'11" 2031 guard who is fearless on the drive, but can also knock down shots from 3-point range. He has good court savvy and a nice feel for the game. He is a high level defender as an individual as in the team setting. He is usually assigned the opposing team's top offensive player. He made 13 3-pointers in bracket play in Memphis and was the team's leading scorer in the championship game. He attends Wentzville South Middle.     [player_tooltip player_id='3586903' first='Max' last='Cherepkai']: A 5'8" 2031 combo guard from the Illinois side who is an excellent 3-point shooter who can also create his own shot off the dribble. He has extended range and he can also attack close outs to get to the basket off the dribble. He is also a good on-ball defender. He attends school in Roxana (IL) where his father Ross and uncle Ryan were standout players.     JP Clifford: A 6'3" 2031 forward who is versatile player who excels on the perimeter with his size and excellent skill set. He is strong and he plays with a relentless motor, especially as a rebounder. He stays in attack mode and is very tough defend within 15 feet with his size and strength. He is an excellent ball handler who can also deliver the pass in transition. He had a double-double in the P32 championship game in Memphis. He attends Ladue Middle.     Matty Clifford: A 6'4" 2031 forward who is a talented face up frontcourt player. He can stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting and he can also score off the dribble when he gets the ball in his dominant left hand. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions with his length and mobility. He can also handle the ball in transition. He attends Ladue Middle.     [player_tooltip player_id='3587019' first='Colton' last='Frey']: A 5'4" 2031 point guard who plays the game with a pass-first mentality. He runs the show and he does a good job of distributing the ball. He gets the ball to the scorers where they are most effective. He is a good on-ball defender and he stays in the right position on defense. When he's left open, he can consistently knock down 3-pointers. He attends Priory.     [player_tooltip player_id='3586906' first='Dirk' last='Johnson']: A 6'5" 2031 point-forward who earned Most Valuable Player honors in the Jr. P32. In addition to his size and skill set, he has a great feel for the game that is well beyond his years. He has excellent footwork to score in the low post and he can really pass it out of the post. He runs the court with excellent mobility and he anchors the defense on the back line. He can guard multiple positions with his size and length. He attends Festus Middle.     [player_tooltip player_id='3586696' first='Cooper' last='Newman']: A 6'3" 2032 forward who has been playing a grade-level up with this team since they started playing. His a very skilled player with excellent hands and good footwork and a nice shooting touch. He can play effectively with his back to the basket and as a face up player. He can step out and hit the 3-pointer and he passes the ball well. He also has good mobility. He attends MICDS     Blake Nichols: A 5'11" point guard who is a capable three-level scorer who loves to attack the basket. He excels in the transition game as a passer and a finisher on the break. He can be disruptive on the defensive end with his length and athleticism to get steals and deflections.

It's time for a little sneak peak into the future.