Photo courtesy of Threathoops.com
The value of a point guard who is a floor general cannot be measured. Vashon senior point guard Phil Russell is exactly that kind of leader on the court who can elevate the play of his teammates every night. Russell is the next selection in the MOsports Super 50.
Small in stature, Russell’s size (5-10 165) is immeasurable on the court where he can take over a game with his scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Russell helped guide the Wolverines to the Class 3 MSHSAA title a season ago and his team is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 4 and a favorite to win another title this spring.
Russell is averaging 14.8 points and dishing 4.45 assists per game. A 52.5% three-point shooter and an 87% free throw shooter he has an effect on every game scoring, defending, distributing, and running the show.
"He can shoot it, dribble it, pass it, and defend," commented Vashon head coach Tony Irons. "Phil is a talented kid who can do all the things you need a point guard to do. He is probably one of the most skilled players we've had. He can really shoot the basketball and has improved every year."
In the fall, Russell chose Southeast Missouri, a Division I program competing in the Ohio Valley Conference over offers from UMKC, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Valparaiso.
"Phil is a very important signing for our program," said SEMO head coach Rick Ray. "First of all, he is a leader of a great Vashon team that has already won two state championships so far in his career with a tremendous opportunity to win a third this upcoming season. He is a fantastic player with a commanding presence on the court who just flat out wins. We know what type of player and person that we are getting with Phil because of the guidance he has received from his parents and Coach Irons."
MOsports Super 50 Release
Daniel Abreu, Sr, Willard, Northwest Missouri State
Davion Bradford, Sr, Mehlville, Kansas State
Devion Harris, Sr, Parkway Central
Tarris Reed, Soph, Chaminade
Kian Scroggins, Sr, Raymore Peculiar, Sam Houston St.
