The MICDS Rams boys’ basketball team has put together an impressive run of success under the direction of head coach Travis Wallace.
In the past six seasons, Wallace has guided the Rams to an average of 20 victories a season, including three district championships and a berth in the state quarterfinals in 2023.
The winning ways have continued this season as the Rams are currently 15-3 and ranked No. 3 in the latest Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 5 state poll.
The Rams look like one of the prime contenders in Class 5 this season with a veteran group of players who have been playing varsity basketball for three and four years. MICDS has played a strong schedule and have collected victories over the likes of Vianney, CBC and out of town schools such as Chicago Crane and Little Rock Christian.
The Rams’ top scorer is 6’2” senior guard Brandon Clemens, who is averaging 15 points a game while shooting 46 percent from the field. Clemens has been a standout offensive player since his freshman year. He has signed with Missouri Southern University in Joplin.
Senior Jason Stokes and Keshon Mims have also been mainstays since their freshmen seasons. Stokes is a 6’4” guard who does a little bit of everything. He is averaging 11 points, four rebounds and two assists a game. Mims is 6’4” guard who is one of the top defensive players in the St. Louis area. He averages six points and four rebounds a game.
Junior forward Tyler Ray has emerged as one of the area’s top players in his class. The 6’4” Ray is a versatile player who can play all five positions on the floor. He is currently averaging 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists a game while shooting 51 percent from the field. In a 74-57 victory over Clayton last Friday night, Ray had 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Rams’ fifth starter is 6’7” senior forward Gabe Weaver. He is a football standout who is headed to the University of Minnesota to play on the gridiron. He has emerged as a force on the inside during his senior season. He scored a team-high 16 points in the Rams’ victory over Vianney on January 28. He is averaging eight points and four rebounds while shooting 63 percent from the field.
Providing support for the veteran starting five are three young players who will be future standouts. Preston Clemons and Asa Roberts are a pair of 5’10” sophomore guards while Nick Weaver is an athletic 6’3” junior forward.
Vashon vs. Webster Groves Highlights Weekend Showcase Event
A matchup between local basketball powers Vashon and Webster Groves will highlight the Annual High School Basketball Showcase, which will take place on Saturday at Normandy High’s historic Viking Hall.
The four-game event is presented by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. Vashon and Webster Groves are scheduled to tip off at 7:15 p.m. in the finale of the event. Both teams won state championships last season with Vashon winning Class 4 and Webster Groves winning Class 5. Both teams are led by standout juniors with Webster Groves featuring future Missouri Tiger Scottie Adkinson and Vashon featuring shooting guard Jimmy McKinney III.
The first game of the event will be a girls game between Lutheran North and Hazelwood Central at 2:30 p.m. Next on the schedule is a boys game between Lutheran North and host Normandy at 4 p.m. The third game of the event will be University City vs. Lift for Life at 5:30 p.m.