Congratulations to former Webster Groves basketball standouts Rayshawn Simmons and Kendal Shell on putting on another successful Hoops and Beyond Summer Showcase.
The month of June is one of my favorite times to watch high school basketball because the kids are back with their high school teams after a couple of months of grassroots competition.
The event I always circle on my calendar to attend first in June is the Hoops and Beyond Showcase, held at historic Roberts Gymnasium at Webster Groves High School. In the past seven years, Simmons and Shell have brought some of the top programs in the state to Webster Groves for some spirited competition on the court.
These kids not only get a great experience on the court, it extends off the court where they attend classroom sessions between games on real-life issues. They get the opportunity to listen to professionals discuss financial literacy, mental health, physical health and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).
Both Simmons and Shell played Division I collegiate basketball, and Simmons went on to play professionally overseas. Both are committed to sharing their experiences with young up-and-coming players in the community. And it all comes out in this annual event.
Teams playing last weekend included state powers Principia, Webster Groves and Cardinal Ritter, along with Lutheran North, Columbia Hickman, Hazelwood Central, Lift for Life, Mehlville, Miller Career Academy and Bayless.
The championship game came down to host Webster Groves and Principia. It was a tremendous game played with state tournament intensity. It was also a great atmosphere in the crowd.
In the end, Webster Groves outlasted Principia 87-85 in a real thriller. This was the first time the host school had won the event’s championship. University of Missouri recruit Scottie Adkinson put on a show for Webster Groves, scoring a game-high 40 points.
Principia showed why it will once again be one of the top teams in the country with its tremendous height and talent. One future star on display was 6-foot-9 sophomore forward Majok Ater, who scored 19 points and threw down several rim-rattling dunks.
The Hoops and Beyond Showcase was a great weekend of hoops to get my busy month of June started on the basketball trail.
Quentin Coleman named to FIBA AmeriCup All-Star 5
Former Principia High basketball star Quentin Coleman enjoyed a very successful run in his first international experience.
The 6-foot-3 Coleman was named to the FIBA AmeriCup All-Star 5 after helping lead the United States to a silver medal in the U18 tournament held in Leon, Mexico. Coleman had eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists against Canada in the gold-medal game. Canada defeated the United States 67-65 to win its first gold medal in U18 play.
In five games, Coleman averaged 11.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He led the entire tournament in rebounding during the week.
Coleman is headed to the University of Illinois.
Midwest Showcase is set for the weekend in Columbia
The city of Columbia will host one of the biggest high school boys basketball events in the Midwest region this weekend. The Midwest Showcase will be held at the Columbia Fieldhouse in mid-Missouri from Friday through Sunday.
The event will feature 155 high school teams from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and Arkansas. Many of the top programs from the St. Louis area will participate. Among the schools scheduled to compete are Principia, Vashon, Webster Groves, De Smet, Chaminade, MICDS, Vianney, McCluer North, Clayton, Westminster Christian, Cardinal Ritter, CBC and St. Mary’s.
The event is being held during a live recruiting period, meaning hundreds of college coaches from around the country will be in attendance.