St Louis Phenom 15u Gray Review
I had the chance to watch the newly formed St Louis Phenom 15u Gray team coached by Dal Mantz. Most of the girls came over together from the St. Louis Shooting Stars organization. There were a couple of additions to…
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Continue ReadingI had the chance to watch the newly formed St Louis Phenom 15u Gray team coached by Dal Mantz. Most of the girls came over together from the St. Louis Shooting Stars organization. There were a couple of additions to help make this team stronger. The girls won the championship at the Premier Hoops Summer Bash in St Peters. There are some talented players from each side of the river, here is a breakdown of the squad. I am giving a little more detail on the Missouri players, where I can, as I have not covered them before.
Missouri Players
- Annie Restovich is a 2023 Guard from Visitation Academy. Annie is best when she is in a catch and shoot situation and is a lights out shooter when she has her feet set and some space. Like any young player she is still improving her ability to shoot in a hurried situation and off the bounce, but the form is pure. She is an athletic player that moves well side to side and can be a good on ball defender using that quickness and agility. Anie made 74 three point shots and averaged 11.8 points per game for Visitation last year.
- Avery Jacoby is a 2023 Point Guard from Visitation Academy. Avery does a good job as that lead guard on the squad. She can handle the ball well, sees the floor and will defend. As she continues to improve her scoring Avery will be a player that can be very good at the high school level and potentially beyond. She has length and good athletic skills for her position. Avery played in all 26 games at Visitation as a freshman and should be a big contributor going forward.
- Ella Mantz is a 2023 Combo Guard from Rockwood Summit. Ella is a coaches kid and has gained the knowledge of the game that comes along with that. She can play the point or off the ball and has started to develop her scoring. In the semi final game on Sunday she hit 3 shots from behind the arc and shows nice balance and form. Ella does a good job handling the ball and running the offense when she plays the point.
- Alivia McCulla is a 2023 Forward from Parkway South. Alvia is a hard working 4/5 that shows a big upside to keep an eye on moving forward. She has good bounce and lateral quickness that she uses well on both ends of the floor. Alivia demonstrates a good understanding of how to get post position and a also a few repeatable post moves. Her true upside lies in the obvious athleticism that would allow her to play the 4 spot. She runs the floor very well and shows flashes of ball handling that would be a weapon for her in that spot. Alivia averaged 8.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game for Parkway South.
Illinois Players
- Sophia Loden Sophia Loden 5'11" | SF Mascoutah | 2023 State IL is a 2023 Wing from Mascoutah. Sophia has a high motor and is very scrappy which allows her to pick up 4-5 points a game by just picking up loose balls and offensive boards. She has taken her game to new heights over the past 12 months by working hard to develop her ball handling and a repeatable outside shot. Sophia is starting to show good balance and form that is leading to her being able to be a consistent threat from the 3-point line.
- Bella Hart is a 2023 Guard from Mascoutah. Bella is a combo guard that handles it well enough to play the point but also can help the team playing off the ball. As Bella can improve her confidence and comfort level in tightly guarded situations she will be even better. When she has room to move or get her shot, she does a good job. When she is closely guarded she is more prone to the turnover or mistake. That will come with experience and Bella will definitely be a player to watch at Mascoutah.
- Nora Gum is a 2023 Forward from Waterloo. Nora is a strong player that will battle inside but is also mobile enough to run the floor and guard on the wing. She is developing her offensive game but will get you points every time out just based on her strength and effort on the offensive boards. Nora is part of a nucleus of good young talent at Waterloo that hopes to make its way to the middle of the conference race over the next 3 years.
- Haley Ottenschnieder Haley Ottenschnieder 5'7" | CG Breese Central | 2023 State IL is a 2023 Guard from Breese Central. Haley is new to the squad and helps by providing a player that can score in many different ways. Haley is best right now attacking the basket and using her strength to get fouled or finish in the paint. She will use her right and her left hand to get to the rim and will also finish either way. As she continues to develop consistency in her outside shot Haley will be a scorer that is hard to slow down.
This a group that has great potential and Coach Mantz does a good job with them. They should be a fun group to track.