Jayson Tatum’s reputation as a perennial All-Star and one of the best players in the National Basketball Association is well documented.
The former Chaminade College Prep star has now become one of the league’s most courageous and inspirational stories. Tatum made his return to the Boston Celtics lineup less than 10 months after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during the NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
I have to admit I was excited and equally a little scared when I sat down to watch his season debut last Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. My fears were put to rest when he went out and scored 15 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out seven assists in 27 minutes. The reaction from the crowd was unbelievable. The crowd pop when he hit his first side-step 3-pointer from the corner was next-level loud.
Just two nights later, Tatum scored 20 points in the Celtics’ victory in Cleveland in his first road game of the season. He scored 12 points in the first quarter and later hit a big 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.
The Celtics entered the week with a 43-21 record, which is second best in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons. As Tatum continues to round into form, his presence will make the Celtics even more of a threat in the East.
Class 3 Final Four Weekend in Columbia
There will be three teams from St. Louis participating in this week’s Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 3 Final Four at the University of Missouri.
The boys’ teams from Principia and Miller Career Academy and the girls from Principia will be in action in search of state championships at Mizzou Arena.
Principia will take on Mt. View Liberty in the second semifinal game on Friday at 4 p.m. Miller Career Academy will take on North Platte in the first semifinal at 2 p.m. on Friday. The winners will meet for the state championship on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Principia’s boys are seeking a second consecutive Class 3 state championship. The Panthers are heavy favorites to bring home the title after enjoying a big season against a national schedule. The Panthers defeated Monroe City 77-18 in the sectionals and Dixon 106-56 in the quarterfinals.
Principia is led by 6-foot-4 guard Quentin Coleman, who is averaging more than 20 points per game. The All-State guard recently made news by opening up his recruitment after previously signing with Wake Forest. The Panthers also feature 6-foot-9 junior Sekou Cisse, 6-foot-3 junior Gassim Toure, 6-foot-3 junior Wyatt Slay, 6-foot-8 senior Ronald Henry, 6-foot-3 junior Kingston Money and 6-foot senior Jaedyn Jones.
Miller Career Academy advanced to the Final Four after an exciting 96-90 victory over Woodland in the state quarterfinals last Saturday. The Phoenix have plenty of speed and quickness and love to play fast. They are led by 6-foot-1 senior guard C.J. Nelson, who is one of the leading scorers in the area. He is joined by his younger brothers Calvin and Camren Nelson along with senior guard Michael Dickerson.
Principia’s girls are making their third consecutive trip to the Final Four. They have finished as state runners-up the past two seasons.
The winners of the Principia-Skyline and St. Vincent-Lone Jack semifinal games will play for the state championship on Thursday at 6 p.m.
The Panthers won two exciting postseason games to reach the Final Four. They defeated Highland in the sectionals and Centralia in the quarterfinals in an overtime thriller.
Principia has been led by 6-foot-2 junior forward Dasia Scott, who is averaging 21 points and eight rebounds per game. Sophomore point guard Loganne Love averages 13 points, six rebounds and four assists per game.
Martin and Fletcher lead High Point to NCAA Tournament
Former St. Louis prep basketball standouts Rob Martin and Cam’Ron Fletcher were front and center in leading High Point to the championship of the Big South Tournament and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
They combined to score 41 points in High Point’s 91-76 victory over Winthrop. High Point will take a 30-4 record into the NCAA Tournament.
Martin, a former CBC standout, scored a game-high 24 points while also handing out 17 assists. Fletcher, a former Vashon High standout, scored 17 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, tying a Big South Tournament record.