By Platform Scout: Marc Henry @marchen44
The high school basketball season is in full swing for the 2023 season around the country. Early season tournaments across the country allows teams to test themselves in the preseason to set the tone for the rest of the season. Hoopfest in Dallas is an annual tournament that brings out players and teams who want to prove they are the big dawgs on the hardwood. While the top rated players get a lot of attention, their are always diamonds in the rough who surface. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes around the country giving them exposure. Point Guard Donovan Meads Jr. showed up in the first game of the day for Cardinal Ritter out of St. Louis MO. , his defensive prowess combined with his relentless play defensively stood out during his team’s opening game win over Frisco Lone Star from the DFW area.
Donovan Meads Jr., a Class of 2025 Point Guard for Cardinal Ritter, showcased his remarkable skills during the Dallas Hoopfest preseason tournament. Despite coming off the bench, Meads Jr. proved to be a defensive force, igniting the Lions with his superb quickness and a deep understanding of defensive angles, showing off his high defensive IQ. His court awareness within the Cardinal Ritter defense was evident as he maintained excellent defensive posture, effectively communicating with teammates consistently to set up their defensive sets and he was an agitator when the Lions jumped into the full court press.
What sets Meads Jr. apart is not just his technical prowess but his relentless hustle and boundless energy, that provides an instant spark off of the bench. Stepping onto the court, he elevated the team’s defensive intensity, playing passing lanes with precision and causing turnovers that visibly agitated opponents. The impact of Meads Jr.’s defensive efforts became particularly evident in Cardinal Ritter’s comeback from a first-half double-digit deficit, culminating in a victory over Frisco Lone Star. His performance highlights the critical role a determined and skilled defensive player can play in turning the tables and securing victories on good teams. Donovan is catalyst for defensive resilience and was a key contributor off the bench for Cardinal Ritter.
