Best of the Best: Ladue vs McCluer

<p>Prep Hoops was on hand for a good Class 4 match-up Wednesday night as Ladue took on McCluer. The Rams (17-8) came in winners of 6 straight while McCluer is wrapping up an historic regular season in which they have eclipsed the 20 win mark for the first time since 2012.</p> <p>After a back and forth first quarter, McCluer played what I believe was one of their better frames of the season to build a comfortable 28-17 lead. The Rams came out of the gates hot in the third quarter and immediately cut the lead to four, but McCluer re-grouped and went into the final frame with a double-digit lead.  The fourth quarter was a wild one.  The Comets lost focus for a couple minutes, and Ladue capitalized with some hot three point shooting cutting their deficit to 52-50 with 24.3 seconds remaining. McCluer senior guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jeremiah-johnson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jeremiah-johnson/">Jeremiah Johnson</a></a> came away with the play of the game, blocking the go ahead three attempt and the Comets were solid from the line down the stretch. McCluer went on to win 56-50, to finish undefeated in Suburban Red Conference play. Here's a look at the best of the best from this great game:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Player of the Game</strong></em></span>: <em><strong>6'6 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/devon-barshow/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/devon-barshow/">Devon Barshow</a></a> | McCluer</strong></em></p> <p>Devon looked about as good as I've seen him Wednesday night and shot it extremely well. He knocked down several feathery mid-range pull-up jumpers, most of which contested, but his length and elevation made every look a quality look.  He knocked down a pair of deep threes as well in route to a game-high 15 points.  He took good care of the ball late against traps and doubles and was very active in the passing lanes defensively.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Battle of the Bigs</strong></em></span>: <em><strong>6'5 Sr Kam Hubbard (McCluer)</strong></em> vs <em><strong>6'6 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-schneider/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-schneider/">Evan Schneider</a></a> (Ladue)</strong></em></p> <p>Two of the St. Louis area's most impressive forwards matched up Wednesday night and that game within the game was a blast to watch. Both battled some foul trouble, but when they were in each was effective. Schneider has a refreshing combination of strength and fundamentals. He timed his seals very well and was able to consistently pin his man under the rim or clear him out of the lane to gain positioning. His highlight moment was a big time pindown of a defender that led to an entry pass and a big time two hand slam. Evan led Ladue with 13 points. Hubbard counteracted with his explosion and athleticism.  He made his mark in transition, knocked down a deep short corner jumper, and had a pair of strong back to the basket finishes over his left shoulder. Kam finished with 8 points and 5 rebounds.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Solid Point Guard Match-Up</strong></em></span>: <em><strong>6'0 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jeremiah-johnson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jeremiah-johnson/">Jeremiah Johnson</a></a> (McCluer)</strong></em> vs <em><strong>6'1 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylen-boyd/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylen-boyd/">Jaylen Boyd</a></a> (Ladue)</strong></em></p> <p>If the battle of the bigs wasn't good enough, this game also featured two of the area's top floor generals. Quite honestly, the pair neutralized each other for the most part with tough on-ball defense. Boyd, who committed to Quincy (D2) earlier in the week, is a physical driver and a tough lefty finisher. He had 8 points, but impressed most offensively with his tremendous floor vision and passing ability. There were times where he thread passing lanes that were so small his teammates weren't even ready for it. Johnson did a nice job using his length defensively and knocked down a couple tough mid-range jumpers. He made a huge defensive play late, blocking a three-point attempt and was solid enough from the line to help seal the win late. Jeremiah is receiving interest from St. Louis Community College and others.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Ladue's Hot Shooting</strong></em></span>:</p> <p>The Rams kept themselves in the game, and nearly won it, with timely three point shooting. Senior <em><strong>Henry McIntosh</strong></em> and impressive frosh <em><strong>Jack Steinbach</strong></em> both reached double figures and each buried a pair of three-pointers. <em><strong>Jack Minkler</strong></em> also pitched in with a clutch triple for Ladue.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Balanced Contributions from McCluer</strong></em></span>:</p> <p><em><strong>Anias Futrell</strong></em> continues to be a key piece for McCluer's excellent season.  He quietly pitched in 13 points in the win, knocking down timely baskets inside the arc and he was money from the free throw line. <em><strong>Je-Codi McCrary</strong></em> knocked down a big three pointer and pitched in 5 points of his own for the Comets who will set their sights on district postseason play next week.</p>