Arguably the most coveted prospect in the area’s history, the 6-foot-7 Tatum has collected scholarship offers from Kentucky, Kansas, Mizzou, North Carolina, Ohio State and Saint Louis University among others. A member of the United States National Development team, Tatum has a guards skills in a forward’s body. The co-MCC player of the year as freshman, he averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds while knocking down 78-percent of his free throws. At this point his ceiling appears limitless.
Boys basketball players to watch
Jayson Tatum, so., Chaminade
Jordan Barnett, sr., CBC
A Texas recruit, Barnett put up 17 points and 8 rebounds as a junior. A 6-foot-7 forward who displayed an adept shooting touch, Barnett should be a force in the area this season as he is the focal point of the Cadets offense and defense. Long, lanky and blessed with a cool demeanor, Barnett could reach his full potential under new coach Justin Tatum.
Chaz Glotta, sr., Fort Zumwalt North
The area’s top scorer last season, Glotta poured in 26 points per game while throwing up 727 field goals, 254 of which came from behind the arc. He showed some defensive chops by picking 4 pockets per game. A Southern Illinois recruit, the 6-foot-1 Glotta should be one of the more electric players on the court and he is capable of going on scoring binges that can bring down the house.
Darius Austin, sr., Cahokia
Austin averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds while sharing the ball with some talented seniors. Now it’s his time to shine. The 6-foot-6 Austin can handle it, shoot it and is a man among boys. A University of Missouri Kansas City recruit, the Kangaroos envision him as a point forward. Austin will be the focal point as the Comanches attempt to return to the 3A title game.
Josh Robinson, sr., St. Mary’s
One of the area's more pure scorers, Robinson averaged 25 points and 7 rebounds as a junior. He put in almost 17 points per game as a sophomore. Now a strapping 6-foot-3 with a versatile scoring arsenal at his disposal, the Austin Peay recruit appears to be a problem for those that try to guard him this winter. He's a high volume shooter capable of putting up gargantuan numbers.
Armon Fletcher, sr., Edwardsville
Fletcher put up 10 points and 8 rebounds as a junior often while being the third option on a superior Tigers team that took third in 4A. This year it would appear Fletcher is primed to shine. A Southern Illinois recruit, Fletcher is expected to play either a small forward or power forward at the next level. He'll be a huge piece of an Edwardsville team that is poised to do major damage in the Southwestern Conference and beyond.
Ronnie Suggs, sr., Washington
The latest prodigy in the talented basketball clan, Suggs averaged 17 points and 4 rebounds as a junior while hitting 75-percent of his free throws. The 6-foot-6 combo guard has pledged to Mizzou but will make a stop over in a prep school before joining with the Tigers in 2015. A smooth lefty, he led the Blue Jays to their first district title since 2008 as a junior.
Brandon Hollins, sr., Jennings
One of the most underrated treasures in town, Hollins is set to make a name for himself this winter. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds as a junior and shot over 86-percent from the field. Blessed with the ability to handle it, shoot it and go get it, Hollins will be a terror for opponents.
Darreon Reddick, sr., Belleville East
Last year Reddick played the role of Robin to Malcom Hill’s Batman. This year, Reddick is the leading man. A 6-foot-3 shooting guard, he averaged 14 points and 4 rebounds. He is drawing most of his collegiate interest from Missouri Valley Conference schools but that list could expand as he leads the Lancers into the winter.
Rashad Lindsey, sr., McCluer North
One of the quickest players in town, staying in front of the 5-foot-11 Lindsey is no easy task. A prolific scorer, he averaged 21 points per game in his first season at McCluer North after transferring from MICDS. Lindsey’s potential could be what propels the North Stars back to Columbia.