Liddell leading candidate for Freshman of the Year
Of the St. Louis American
In the preseason Atlantic 10 polls, the Saint Louis University Billikens were picked to finish in 13th place in a 14-team league.
The Billikens now find themselves tied for second place in the A-10 with Charlotte heading into this week’s action. SLU’s surprising run has caused a few shockwaves around the A-10 and created quite a buzz locally. SLU has won four of the last five, including its last three heading into Saturday’s contest at Dayton.
The Billikens play tenacious man-to-man defense, get excellent leadership from senior guard Anthony Drejaj and 6’10” junior Ian Vouyoukas is gaining a reputation as one of the country’s top pivotmen.
However, the players who are generating the most excitement are the quartet from the St. Louis area who are representing quite well. East St. Louisan Tommie Liddell is the leading candidate for A-10 Freshman of the Year. The multi-talented Liddell has displayed poise, flash and versatility in starting every game. He has played every position except center this year.
Liddell’s biggest competition for the award will come from former Belleville Althoff star Kevin Lisch, who has been on a scoring surge lately. Lisch has also gained a reputation as one of the league’s top defenders.
Former Vashon High star Dwayne Polk has created all kinds of excitement during the team’s latest surge with his speed, quickness and unwavering spirit on defense.
SLU’s streak started when former Borgia standout Luke Meyer was inserted into the starting lineup. The 6’5″ Meyer has provided solid hustle and timely shooting and great intangibles that lead to winning.
This young men have done a great job in turning around last season’s 9-21 disaster. The bandwagon is slowing growing once again in anticipation of what can happen in the future. Coach Brad Soderberg and his staff are committed to recruiting the best talent in St. Louis and it’s clearly evident in the presence of Liddell, Lisch, Polk and Meyer at the heart of the resurgence.
First, it was the Monroe Douglass-Roland Gray-Anthony Bonner era, followed by the Erwin Claggett-Scott Highmark era, then Larry Hughes and Co.
Now, a new chapter is being written.
Watts happening
Jennings High standout Sanijay Watts is gradually working his way towards the top of the school’s career scoring record, held by former Mizzou standout Kelly Thames. The hard-working Watts now has 2,054 points, just 108 points behind Thames. Watts had 27 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two blocks against Lafayette, then followed up with 35 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks against rival McCluer South-Berkeley. The Warriors won both games to raise their record to 17-6. For the season, Watts is averaging 28.2 points, 11.5 rebounds with 39 blocks.
Suburban north surprise
The Suburban North Conference boys race got turned upside down last week with McCluer toppling preseason favorite Hazelwood Central and Riverview Gardens winning at McCluer North. McCluer is now in first place with a 4-0 league record. The last few weeks of play should prove most interesting with Hazelwood East and Normandy still in the mix.
Major props
First, to my alma mater, Lindenwood University. The Lions are currently 18-7 and tied for first place in the Heart of America Conference. The Lions are coached by 27-year old Ryan Cherpekai, who has done a tremendous job in his first year.
Second, to former Pattonville and University of Missouri standout Corey Tate, who is getting it done as the head coach at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo. Tate has guided MAC to a 19-4 record and national ranking in the junior college ranks. Vashon High products Curtis Muse and DeAlan Hicks are key players at MAC.
Games of the weekend
On the boys side: McCluer North at McCluer, Fri. 6:30 p.m. in key Suburban North tilt…Duchesne at St. Charles, Fri. 7:30 p.m. in GAC North showdown…Belleville East at O’Fallon, Fri. 7:30 p.m. in Southwestern Conference game….Hazelwood Central at Hazelwood East, Sat. noon in a Suburban North matinee game.
On the girls side: Hazelwood West will visit Normandy and Hazelwood Central will visit Hazelwood East in two big Suburban North showdowns on Friday. All four teams are in contention for the conference title. Both games will begin at 5:30 p.m…..Lafayette at Mehlville, Fri., 7 p.m. in a big Suburban West showdown.
