A rising basketball star is transferring from St. Patrick to another MS Coast program
One of the top guards in South Mississippi will be wearing a different uniform this winter.
Matthew Krass is stepping into a new competitive arena, transferring from St. Patrick Catholic High School to Gulfport.
Krass made a name for himself as one of the more talented shooting point guards on the Coast at St. Patrick, but will have more than a new set of teammates this year. He’ll also have a new role to play.
As a sophomore, Krass helped lead St. Patrick to the 3A Final Four behind 13 points and 4.5 assists per game, while working next to his older brother, Nick, who is now playing for the Oregon State Beavers.
Krass told the Sun Herald playing next to his brother has elevated his own game.
“It really makes me want to step up more,” Krass said. “Nick is so competitive and he brings that fire to me. It makes me want to get better and be more hungry.”
Now Krass is taking that hunger to the highest level of high school basketball in the state in an effort to grow his game against stronger competition.
“I just felt like this was the best decision for my next two years,” Krass said. “Just preparing me for my future in basketball. I believe that basketball is my future and I feel like Gulfport will get me prepared... Being around better competition day-to-day, I feel like that will get me a lot better.”
Krass joins forces with Admiral point guard Kamari Mitchell to form one of the strongest backcourts in the region. Mitchell’s slashing defensive profile is a near-perfect fit for Krass’ outside shooting presence and the two have already played a number of summer games together.
According to Krass’ AAU coach Kevin Walden, Krass is more than holding his own against stiff competition this summer and is ready to move into his new role as a shooting guard.
“Even though Nick was the leading scorer and the No. 1 option at St. Patrick, Matthew was the point guard,” Walden said. “So now we’re going into something where Matthew is off the ball and Kamari Mitchell is playing the point. So it’s a little different, but his development has gone well and his shot has gotten better.”
Krass is shooting 45 percent from beyond the arc for Walden’s Community Saved team this summer while dropping 18 points per game.
His new coach at Gulfport, Owen Miller, is excited about the addition of Krass and what he could bring to his roster.
“I obviously think he will help us,” Miller said. “I’m anxious to get him in practice so we can learn him and he can learn us... I like his work ethic and his attitude and I think he’s really going to help us. So I’m excited to have him.”
Krass begins practice this month with his new team in his new position. Now that he’s already played alongside his teammates and under Miller, he’s ready to get to work.
“I really like the team, I really like the players,” Krass said. “They’re good guys. I’ve only had one practice with (Miller) but I really enjoyed it. It was probably one of the best practices I’ve ever been to, from the coaches standpoint.”
