Most Intriguing Prospects: East St. Louis vs Ray-Pec

Curtis Wilkerson

December 10, 2019 @ 01:41 PM

The Norm Stewart Classic took place over the weekend in Columbia, Missouri under the lights in Mizzou Arena. The 48 hour/24 game marathon featured some of the top teams and talent that the region has to offer. The 6pm game on Saturday was a match-up between Raymore Peculiar, who was receiving votes in the Class 5 pre-season polls in Missouri, and the defending Illinois 3A state champion East St. Louis. In what I expected to be an up and down track meet, Ray-Pec did a tremendous job of slowing the pace, controlling the tempo, and playing tough and fundamentally sound on both ends of the floor. Aside from one second half run, Ray-Pec controlled the game and cruised to a very impressive 56-44 win. Here are the most intriguing prospects from this big time match-up:   6'7 Sr Kian Scroggins - Raymore Peculiar Talented lefty forward with a physical stature that did a nice job against a long and athletic East St. Louis team. He was one of the strongest players on the floor and is tough to keep away from the offensive glass. He is skilled with his back to the basket with plus athleticism that allows him to finish above the rim with authority, which he did on Saturday. He also has a very fluid release on his jumper with range and must be respected as a pick and pop threat. He is a LM/MM talent.   6'3 Sr Jordan Jermain - Raymore Peculiar Jordan was really feeling himself Saturday and had a tremendous game that led to MVP honors. He finished the game with 24 huge points, including 15 in the first quarter alone. He was poised and fearless against the Flyers aggressive pressure defense. He drove by pressure when needed and finished strong at the basket. He knew when to back the ball out and get his team organized. He shot the ball very well. Impressive performance.   6'3 Sr Matthew Harrison - Raymore Peculiar Matthew has the look of combo guard that could play at the D2/LM level. He can really go in transition and can convert through contact. Shot the ball very well from beyond the arc, nailing some big time three pointers. He also did a tremendous job defensively against a talented East St. Louis backcourt.   6'8 Sr Armond Williams - East St. Louis Armond is scary athletic and moves very well for his size. He is a tremendous rim runner and offensive rebounder that elevates with the intent of dunking everything. His length caused problems for Ray-Pec defensively. He is versatile enough to play at the top of the press or in the back row. Oozing with physical gifts, he is becoming more polished every time he takes the floor.   6'5 Sr Lashawn Johnson - East St. Louis Lashawn is a big time athlete and slasher that wreaks havoc on both ends of the floor. This was on full display the first possession of the game when he got a steal and went coast to coast for a dunk. He thrives in transition and has improved his jumper.   6'7 Sr Patrick Readye - East St. Louis Huge, imposing big man for the Flyers that got them going after a slow start. Physical defender around the rim. Seals his man deep in the paint and converts on drop step finishes. Stepped out and drilled a big time three as well. He and Williams are a tough 1-2 punch in the East St. Louis frontcourt.