With all of the holiday tournaments out of the way for another season, another big showcase event is looming in the very near future.
The 25th annual Highland Optimist Shootout will bring together some of the top players and teams in the two-state region. The Shootout will be held on Saturday, January 9 at Highland High School. The six-game hoops extravaganza features five boys’ games and one girl’s game. It also has some bonafide star power with the likes of All-Americans Jayson Tatum and Michael Porter, Jr. headlining the event.
In the featured game of the event, Chaminade will take on Belleville Althoff in a battle of the top two teams on both sides of the river. Tip-off for the Shootout’s finale will be at 8:15 p.m. Both teams have their sights set on winning state championships in their respective classes after coming close last season.
Chaminade is tackling its national schedule behind the play of All-American forward Jayson Tatum. The Duke signee is averaging 30 points a game against some of the top competition in the country. The Red Devils also boast Division I recruits Tyler Cook (Iowa), Mike Lewis (Duquesne) and Division I prospects Will Gladson and sophomore Jericole Hellems.
Althoff fields a talented unit that played for the Illinois Class 3A state championship last season, finishing second. The Crusaders are led by 6’3” junior forward Jordan Goodwin, who has several Division I offers. Althoff also boasts talented seniors Brendon Gooch (Southern Illinois), Tarkus Ferguson (Illinois-Chicago), Jackson State football recruit Keenan Young and junior Marvin Bateman.
Here is a preview of the rest of the lineup:
Highland vs. Triad (girls), 11 a.m. – A rematch between Mississippi Valley Conference rivals. Triad won the first contest 63-58 on Dec. 3. Triad is led by 5’10” senior guard Sophie Thompson, who is averaging close to 20 points a game. Highland is led by senior Amanda Ponce and juniors Alex LaPorta and Madison Wellen.
Okawville vs.Breese Central, 1 p.m. – This is an excellent matchup between two of the top small-school programs in the metro east area. Okawville is led by junior guard Noah Frederking, who has been averaging more than 20 points a game throughout his three-year career. Breese Central is led by 6’2” guard Logan Kohrmann and 6’2” junior Jack Stricker.
Hazelwood Central vs. Springfield Lanphier, 2:45 p.m. – Two explosive teams hook up in a battle of Missouri vs. Illinois. Hazelwood Central is led by 6’6” guard Xavier Sneed, who is having a huge senior season. Sneed is a Kansas State signee. Seniors Dominique Dobbs and Steve Holloway are also having big seasons. Lanphier is one of the top Class 3A teams in the state of Illinois. They are led by 5’8” senior guard Xavier Bishop, 5’9” junior guard Yaakema Rose and 6’3” sophomore Cardell McGee.
Highland vs. Vianney, 4:45 p.m. – The host Bulldogs will take on one of the St. Louis area’s best in Vianney, which is led by 6’8” sophomore standout Carte’Are Gordon. The Golden Griffins also feature 6’6” junior Eric Krus and 6’2” senior Zach Colletta. Highland features a trio of talented senior guards in Luke Theis, Austin Elledge and Brode Portell.
Father Tolton (Mo.) vs. Peoria Manual, 6:30 p.m. – Another high-powered matchup between schools from Mid-Missouri and Mid-Illinois. Tolton is paced by 6’9” junior All-American Michael Porter, Jr., who is being recruited by every major program in the country. Younger brother Jontay Porter is a 6’10” sophomore who has committed to the University of Washington. Manual is led by junior guard Da’Monte Williams, who is the son of former Manual star and University of Illinois standout Frank Williams. The Rams also feature standout juniors A.J.Youngman and Romon Douglas-Watkins.
