Special congratulations go to Washington High basketball standout Scott Suggs, who was selected Mr. Show Me Basketball in the state of Missouri over the weekend at a special awards banquet in Columbia.
The talented 6’7” Suggs won the award after a stellar senior season at Washington, where he led the Blue Jays to their first district championship in 23 years. A multi-talented guard, Suggs averaged 22 points, nine rebounds and nearly three blocks a game. In his final game as a high school player, Suggs scored 42 points in Washington’s sectional-playoff loss to Parkway South. He finished his four-year career as Washington’s all-time leading scorer. Scott was also selected as the St. Louis American Co-Player of the Year two weeks ago.
It is truly wonderful to see young Scott receive this prestigious honor because he has worked so hard for four years to become the great player he is today, and he did it at a school that hasn’t enjoyed many headlines in boys basketball in recent years. Not only is he a fantastic basketball player, but he is a great student and a tremendous human being. He is the total package on and off the court, and that comes from having the support of two wonderful parents in Ron and Cassandra, who have to be extremely proud of their oldest son.
Scott is also a great role model for his three younger brothers Skyler, Ronnie and Cason, who you will all be hearing about in the future, as they are talented young athletes as well.
Scott will be taking his considerable talents to the University of Washington next fall, where he will play for Lorenzo Romar, who was also in attendance at Sunday’s banquet.
Once again, congratulations Scott on a job well done.
R.I.P.
On a sad note, our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Clinton Harris, the former local basketball standout and coach, who recently passed away after a suffering a heart attack at his home. Harris was a former high school star at DeAndries, who went on to have an excellent college career at Iowa State. Harris returned to the area and became a standout coach in the metro east area with successful stints at Lovejoy and Venice. Harris reached the pinnacle of high school coaching in 1987 when he led the Red Devils to the IHSA Class A state championship. Harris helped developed such players as Jesse Hall and Dale Turner on that championship team. He also coached former Saint Louis University star Erwin Claggett, who was known as the “Venice Menace” during his college career. Clint’s son, Keith, was a former high school standout at Sumner High in the late 1980’s. Clint was big man with a deep voice and a commanding presence. He will be missed.
Heal up
I would like to wish a speedy recovery to Cardinal Ritter boys’ basketball coach Marvin Neals, who is recovering from a mild heart attack he suffered while in San Antonio for the NCAA basketball Final Four. Marvin is back at home in St. Louis at doing much better.
Nicest, ever
Gene Cross was hired as the new men’s basketball coach at Toledo University last weekend. Cross has served as an assistant coach at DePaul, Virginia and most recently Notre Dame before getting his first head coaching assignment. Gene is the grandson of George Cross, a legendary local high school coach who had successful runs at Venice, Hadley Tech and Vashon during the 1950’s and 60’s. George Cross is one of the nicest individuals that I have ever encountered in my life. Ever.
Another coach on the move is Angres Thorpe, who will leave Saint Louis University to become an assistant coach at Wisconsin-Green Bay. Thorpe had been an assistant coach with the Billikens since the 2003 season and was retained by current coach Rick Majerus when he replaced Brad Soderberg after the 2007 season. Thorpe, a native of Chicago, is a passionate Chicago Bears fan. One word of advice A.T. Leave all that Bears stuff in Chicago. Don’t go wearing all of that stuff around those Cheeseheads. Congrats, A.T.
Riverwar at SLU
The McDonald’s Riverwar was held last Saturday at the brand new Chaifetz Arena on the campus of Saint Louis University. Many of the top senior boys and girls basketball players in the two-state area got a chance to showcase their talents in the Billikens’ new $81-million state-of-the-art facility. In the featured game, the Illinois All-Stars defeated the Missouri All-Stars 108-99. The MVP of the Illinois team was Kevin Dillard (Homewood-Flossmoor) who had 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. SLU recruit Ruben Cotto (Alton) added 17 points, including five long 3-pointers. The Missouri stars were led by McCluer North teammates Torres Roundtree and Anthony Booker. Roundtree scored 20 points to earn MVP honors for the Missouri side while Booker had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Josh McCoy (Fort Zumwalt South) also scored 17 points.
In the girls’ game, the Illinois All-Stars defeated the Missouri All-Stars 89-77. Dabrielle Franklin (East St. Louis) led the Illinois team with 16 points while Patrice King (St. Joseph’s) led the Missouri team with 17 points and nine assists. In the I-70 Showdown, the St. Louis All-Stars defeated the Kansas City All-Stars 102-96. Anthony James (Normandy) earned MVP honors for the game after scoring 27 points to lead all scorers.
