5 Key Questions: Mt. Vernon vs Mounds Meridian
Mt. Vernon is primed for a big season this year in the South Seven Conference. They opened up the season on Monday night at the Pyramid Plus Tournament against Mounds Meridian. This was a much closer game than the final score would indicate as Meridian gave Mt. Vernon everything they could handle for stretches, but the Rams would close late as Mt. Vernon took the W 68-50. Here are our 5 Key Questions: Mt Vernon vs Mounds Meridian!
Is Amir Spann the Best Prospect in South Seven Conference?
Wouldn’t quite go that far yet, but he really proved a lot on Monday night and definitely put himself in that conversation after a dominant opening night. The top 50 2020 shooting guard from Mt. Vernon is an extremely strong wing that plays with brute force and athleticism. He was an absolute beast scoring in the paint. Came out aggressive at the beginning and in the second half he took over the game attacking downhill with authority. Finishes very well and almost seeks the contact. Also has quality body control at the rim. Explosive first step. Was very effective on the offensive glass getting several put backs. Also came away impressed with how well he passed. Was aware enough to find shooters and his big men when the entire defense collapsed on him. He scored 30 points on the night and had to have close to double digit boards. The biggest question with him now and going forward is his jump shot. He went for 30 and didn’t take a single jumper all night. To be considered a D1 prospect he needs to sure up this area by the spring.
Does Spann Have the Supporting Cast?
Yes! This team really compliments Spann very well actually. He is surrounded by shooters and scrappy players that know their role and play within a team structure. Let’s start with Weston Brockhouse. The 2019 power forward will play baseball at the next level, but he is one heck of a high school basketball player! The 6’7” post is a mobile four man that fights tooth and nail on the boards particularly on the offensive end. Scored quite a few of his 15 points on put backs. Excellent passer out of the high post area. Mobile on the defensive end being able to switch onto a guard. Another senior that brings a lot to this team is shooting guard Lukas Cooper. He is a scrappy defender that can shoot the rock. Drilled a big three and also converted a tough up and under. Went for 6 points. A pair of juniors are key cogs on this team. Simon Wilson is a top 100 prospect in the 2020 class because of his size and how he shoots it. The 6’4” wing displayed that drilling a couple threes. Also moves really well without the ball both to get open for threes and on curls to the hoop. Finished with 10 points. The coach’s son Jackson Creel brings toughness and aggressiveness attacking the hoop as he had 7 points.
Who is Norris Young?
That is exactly what we were saying after the first quarter of this game. The 5’11” lefty point guard put on a show early! Quick and shifty guard that had the ball on a string. He is skinny getting through traffic where he finished consistently on multiple and-1s. Loved his body control at the hoop! Rangy build that can be developed. This 2019 lead guard is definitely more of a scorer than passer although he did have a couple nice dishes in the paint for dimes. Hit one pull up jumper early, but most of his points came on drives. Small colleges and JUCO’s should put this kind on their radar ASAP after his 23 point performance.
Despite the loss what positives can Meridian take from this game?
Mt. Vernon is one of the better teams in the area and they were right in the game with them during the second half. Meridian found a star in Young, but there is more to this group. Trevon Morris is a tough kid that hit some threes and baseline jumpers on his way to 10 points. Eddie Robertson also drilled some big shots from deep. No lift on his shot at all. He has a flashy game that makes high risk/high reward plays. Went for 8 points. Definitely some pieces to work with going forward!
Will Mt. Vernon take home the Pyramid Plus Title?
After seeing all six teams in the event it is clear that Mt. Vernon and Collinsville on Friday night will be the championship in this round robin event. That will be a fun game!