BFTR C/O 2012 recap

9/29/2009

Rameybasketball.com takes a detailed look at the 2009 Battle 4 the Rankings Basketball Showcase Class of 2012 participants. Click here for complete recap.

A strong showing from the areas Class of 2012 saw som dominant guards taht could score and several top lead guard candidates that should blossom into great prospects. Not many post prospects in this class but it is some decent athletic ability.

•Rayshawn Simmons6’2Webster Groves (pictured)

Simmons took home the Class of 2012 MVP at this event and was scoring from every way possible. Displaying strong drives, quick pull-ups, deep three pointers, Simmons was easily the most confident and complete scorer in this class at this event. A big guard that competed very hard, Simmons will be one to watch throughout this upcoming season and should have a breakout year for the Statesman after a very strong summer of AAU.

•Darien McCloud5’10Ft. Zumwalt West

A very fast lead guard that showcased a very strong handle and ability to blow by defenders and get to the basket. McCloud also finished well and saw him hit several jump shots throughout the event.

•Mathew Murphy6’7Jerseyville (pictured)

A very big bodied post player that we got introduced to last year at this same event and again like last year we came away very impressed with Murphy. Utilizing a great touch around the basket and good post moves with great footwork Murphy is one of the top area post prospects in the areas class of 2012. Look for a breakout year for Murphy at Jerseyville where he is expected to start on varsity.

•George Cater5’8Ft. Zumwalt South

Cater is a tough and hard nosed competitor who loves to score the ball. Cater showcased a strong ability to drive the ball going left and hit several jump shots with good range out to three. Cater competes at a high level and goes hard every time he gets the ball in his hands.

•Travon Williams6’2University City

Williams is one the most gifted athletes in this class and displayed it very well at this event. A true slasher that has a great first step and ability to finish at the rim. Look to shoot more jumpers that we saw in the past and hit a couple but his bread in butter is transition and attacking the rim.

•Ronald Cannon6’1University City

Cannon is a bigger guard that has a good outside shot. Cannon utilized a strong pump fake to gain separation against defenders to get shot off. Cannon does however need to get a stronger handle and more confidence in his offensive moves.

•Raheim Holloway5’8Jennings (pictured)

All we are going to say is that Holloway is a blur and easily one of the fastest players with the ball in the area regardless of class. Holloway is not just quick as he is very good with the ball and makes extremely good passing in transition and broke defenders down throughout this event to create shots for teammates and himself. Holloway also showcased the ability to hit several long range bombs.

•Antonio Hopkins5’10Vashon

Also known as FLIP, Hopkins was a strong candidate for MVP of this event for this class he showcased a very strong handle and the ability to break defenders down and finish at the basket. Hopkins is very athletic and loves to get out in transition. Hopkins looked very good hitting several long range jumpers in games we watched. Easily one of the top area prospects for the class of 2012 and he didn’t disappoint at this event.

•Cameron Biedsheid6’4Cardinal Ritter (pictured)

We came away very impressed with Cameron and he has an incredible high ceiling as a player. Cameron will be a star before he graduates from high school. Cameron was scoring well in transition and also mixed in a couple of highlight real dunks on top of defenders. Biedsheid also shot the ball extremely well from the perimeter while sprinkling in several three pointers.

•Cameron Mcguire6’0Lindbergh

Mcguire is a strong combo guard that scored going to the basket and hit several jump shots in action we saw. Mcguire was limited because of a reoccurring foot injury that re injured in his second game.

•Darrion Harris5’10Whitfield (pictured)

Harris was a very consistent performer at this event and we came away very impressed with his ability. Harris showcased a strong and controlled handle and the ability to blow by defenders and take contact and finish at the basket. He also distributed the ball to teammates for easy baskets. Harris a true point guard that should round out to be a highly recruited area point guard by his senior year.

•Zach Ellis5’10Whitfield

One of the top competitors in this class, Ellis gets after it with all he has as he never takes a play off and is always in attack mode. Ellis busted his lip attacking the rim and washed his mouth out and was back attacking the rim. Ellis is a physically gifted and high energy guard that loves to drive the ball and plays on both ends of the ball. We like Ellis and with him and Harris in the backcourt at Whitfield for the next 3 years they should become one of the areas top one-two combos.

•BJ McClaughlin6’5Hazelwood Central (pictured)

A Blake Griffin look alike, McClaughlin played very well at this event. Not a typical post player McClaughlin showed a good shooting touch with range out to 15 feet and was very athletic in transition with several strong finishes at the basket. Loves to face up and utilize his quickness and great touch around the basket. McClaughlin was also a good rebounder at this event.

•Shane Mathews6’0Alton

A good shooter that was sort of passive at this event but when assertive he showed a great feel for the game and the ability score in a variety of ways. Mathews has good size for his position and has a good basketball IQ. Showed great form on his jump shot as we saw him hit a couple of three pointers at this event.

•Jaylen Wilson5’10Hazelwood Central

A strong lefty that loves drive hard to the basket and will finish with contact. Wilson also pushed the ball well in games we saw and got after it on the defensive end. Jump shot was not on at this event as he did look confident in looking for his jumper from deep.

•Maurice Washington5’10Dubourg

A quick and athletic guard that showcased a very good ability to score off the bounce. Washington scored several driving layups in games that we saw and showed a very confident handle. Washington is also very athletic for his size and should put up big numbers at his high school this year.

All C/O 2012 Showcase Team (Based on showcase performance)