East St. Louis Senior High School head basketball coach Tony Young’s team is not getting any respect in the metro east.
Winners of 11 in a row, the Flyers take there high-powered program into hostle territory tomorrow night against the Belleville West Maroons in a key Southwestern battle at West. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30p.m.
Led by the least talked about tandem in 6’6” Johnny McCray, and 6’5” All-Stater DeShawn Munson, East St. Louis took on the then No. 1 ranked team in the Metro- East, the Belleville East Lancers and the own superstar, Malcolm Hill, Jr.
The dynamic duo of Munson and McCray combined for 59 of the Flyers’ 90 points as they rolled over the Lancers 90-85. The Flyers now control their own Southwestern Conference championship hopes.
Munson, with his high flying act has put up numbers this year that have never been done in the St. Louis area at the high school level. Munson has recorded seven consecutive triple doubles. That’s right, seven.
This area has seen some great players such as Larry Hughes, Erwin Claggett, Darius Miles, Herb Nobles, Cuonzo Martin , Jimmy Mckinney, Joel Shelton, Chris Carrawell, Justin Tatum, Jahadi White, David Thirdkill and so many more…… You get my meaning?
None of these greats produced what this unheralded senior at East St. Louis is doing in terms of producing triple doubles on a consistent basis.
In last Friday’s game against the so-called No. 1 team in the area, Munson had 18 points at halftime. The Flyers led by as many as 23 points before holding off a late Belleville East rally. Munson finished with a line of 29 points, 16 rebounds, 11assists and eight steals while playing point guard.
With Munson leading the way, the Flyers are a serious threat to capture a possible Southwestern Conference championdhip, and an Illinois Class 3A State Championship next month.
DeShawn Munson’s game has matured so much under the guidance of Young, who was quite a headache most nights in his own right while playing for the Salukis of Southern Illinois.
“Deshawn is such a good kid, and has really bought in to our team philosophy, and the goals we have set for our team this year.,” Young said. “Both he and senior Johnny McCray are two of the best in the state. They both are playing well as seniors for us right now, getting us ready for the stretch run.”
I have witness with my own eyes the maturity of Munson, who has had his share of being accused for his lack of maturity in the past. Some of it was warranted, but mostly not. He is a young man, a child still. I ask some of you who like to be critical of most teenagers.
What were you doing when you were teenagers?
Making mistakes like some of the ones we are critical of. Yes, some are off the chain!
But, be mindful in some instances that they are just kids…..
So in DeShawn’s case, I’m so proud that this young man has matured and playing great under his new head coach.
Sometimes, a change is better for all. And for Munson and his teammates, they are on a roll as the hottest team in the area. After tomorrow night’s game at West, there is an upcoming showdown with Edwardsville.
The Flyers, who will separate after the league schedule is complete later this month, is on a collision course with cross-town rival Cahokia in the sectional playoffs. Cahokia is led by the duo of Keenan Minor and Darius Austin. It will be a great game, but there quite abit if basketball left.
And a conference championship is the first priority. After handing East its first league loss, the Flyers must continue to win and get some help from other teams in order to gain a share of the conference title.
As for Deshawn, he desrves more recognition by the local press for his achievments this season. Especially after being snubbed by other conference coaches for reasons those who voted against him never answered. I posed the question to all of them? How could DeShawn Munson make Second Team All- State, and not even make honorable mention All Conference?
I never got a response from any of them……
So, keep doing a great job young man. Listen to your coach, and move on with your career.
More important, good luck this season, and with all the blessings and awards you get this season.
You have earned them young man.
