The members of the 2017 St. Louis American Fab Five Boys’ All-Star Basketball Team represent a versatile group of talented guards surrounding a talented force of nation in the middle. The trio of Courtney Ramey, Mark Smith and Javon Pickett are all mid-sized performers who excel at all facets of the game. Point guard Daniel “Peanut” Farris was the leader’s leader while Carte’are Gordon of Webster Groves is a big man who can do everything.
Here is a closer look at the First Team members of the 2017 St. Louis American Boys’ Fab Five All-Star Team.
Daniel “Peanut” Farris (Vashon): The stellar 6’0” senior point guard concluded a brilliant career by leading the Wolverines to back-to-back Class 4 state championships. Farris averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists a game, but his leadership and clutch playmaking ability down the stretch made him one of the best in the state. In his four years as a varsity starter, Farris’ teams all advanced to the Final Four of the state tournament.
Carte’are Gordon (Webster Groves): The 6’8” 250-pound junior power forward became eligible in late-January and the Statesmen did not lose a game as they went on to win the Class 5 state championship. A rare combination of power, strength, athleticism and skill, Gordon averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and two blocks a game. In the state championship game against Lee’s Summit West, Gordon had 21 points, seven rebounds and was a perfect eight for eight from the field in a blowout victory. He has already committed to Saint Louis University.
Javon Pickett (Belleville East): The metro east scoring machine concluded his career as the school’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing former East and Illinois standout Malcolm Hill. The 6’4” senior forward averaged 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals a game. His slashing ability combined with an improved perimeter jumper made him virtually unstoppable on offense. Pickett has signed with the University of Illinois.
Courtney Ramey (Webster Groves): The 2017 St. Louis American Player of the Year, the 6’4” junior guard led the Statesmen to the Class 5 state championship. Ramey dominated in all facets of the game as he averaged 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals a game in leading Webster Groves to a 29-2 record. He also had a knack of producing big-plays at crunch time, including his last second three-point play, which gave the Statesmen a last-second 58-57 victory over Kickapoo in the state semifinals. Ramey has already committed to the University of Louisville.
Mark Smith (Edwardsville): The 6’4” 225-pound senior guard finished his career as the top senior in the state of Illinois after a huge season. The powerfully built Smith averaged 22 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals in leading the Tigers to a 30-2 record and a berth in the IHSA Class 4A Supersectionals. Smith had the ability to shoot from out to 30 feet or drive to the basket and dunk on opposing defenders with ease. He is currently one of the top unsigned guards in the nation with offers from many major Division I programs.
St. Louis American Fab Five All-Star Teams
First Team
Daniel Farris 6’0” Vashon (Sr.)
Carte’are Gordon 6’8” Webster Groves (Jr.)
Javon Pickett 6’4” Belleville East (Sr.)
Courtney Ramey 6’4” Webster Groves (Jr.)
Mark Smith 6’4” Edwardsville (Sr.)
Second Team
Jordan Goodwin 6’4” Althoff (Sr.)
Jericole Hellems 6’7” Chaminade (Jr.)
E.J. Liddell 6’7” Belleville West (Soph)
Brandon McKissic 6’3” SLUH (Sr.)
Torrence Watson 6’5” Whitfield (Jr.)
Third Team
Karrington Davis 6’6” Chaminade (Jr.)
Javonte Perkins 6’6” Miller Career Academy (Sr.)
Levi Stockard 6’8” Vashon (Sr.)
Jeremiah Tillmon 6’10” East St. Louis (Sr.)
Ryan Warren 5’7” Northwest Academy (Sr.)
Fourth Team
Antonio Burks 6’2” St. Mary’s (Jr.)
Deandre Campbell 6’0” Parkway Central (Jr.)
Kale Catchings 6’5” CBC (Jr.)
Destan Williams 5’9” Pattonville (Sr.)
Jamarr Williams 6’6” Northwest Academy (Jr.)
Austin Achievement Awards
Player of the Year: Courtney Ramey (Webster Groves)
Coach of the Year: Gerald Jones (Northwest Academy)
Game of the Year: Webster Groves 60 Vashon 59 on Feb. 16
Dual of the Year: Jericole Hellems of Chamiande (47 points) vs. Jordan Goodwin of Althoff (42 points, 18 rebounds) in Belleville East Tournament finals.
Dunk of the Year: Kale Catchings (CBC) vs. St. Mary’s on MLK Day
Freshman of the Year: Jordan Nesbit (Lutheran North); Sam Richardson (Hancock)
Breakthrough Team Award: Wentzville Liberty
Breakthrough Player Award: Leon Perry (Confluence Academy)
Defensive Player of the Year: Cam Potts (Webster Groves)
Hard Hat Award: Arther Green (Parkway Central)
Best Turnaround Season: Hancock
Chairman of the Boards (Best Rebounder): Jamarr Williams (Northwest Academy)