5 Best : Bloomington vs. St. Rita
5 Best: Bloomington 59 St. Rita 56
Chicago, Il — The first game of the Chicago Elite Classic paired up downstate Bloomington and Illinois State commit Chris Payton vs. St. Rita. Both teams came into the game 3-0. St. Rita started the game in a 2-3 zone defense that slowed the game down early on. Jordan Matthews gave St. Rita some offensive in the first half with his ability to get into the lane and finish. St. Rita lead at the half 27-19.
During the second half things tightened up a bit as Bloomington would go on a run to close the St. Rita gap. Bloomington did an excellent job crashing the offensive boards and getting second chance points as well as getting buckets in the paint. to take the lead and hold on for a 59-56 victory over St. Rita. We look at the 5 Best of the game here:
Game MVP: Forward Chris Payton 6’6” (2019) Bloomington
The Illinois State commit controlled the paint during this game even though he faced double teams most of the time. He scored in a variety of ways in the paint both facing up, and with his back to the basket. Chris Payton was best however out in transition where he threw down several big-time dunks including one off the backboard on the break, and another 360 slam. The junior forward doesn’t lack athleticism and can play above the rim. At the next level he’ll have to bulk up a bit and improve his perimeter game but is still a good pickup for Illinois State. Payton finished the game with 19 points 13 rebounds and 2 block shots.
Offensive: PG Jordan Matthews 6’0’’ (2018) St. Rita
The senior point guard did all he could to keep St. Rita in the game by attacking the lane and finishing some really tough baskets in the lane. Matthews has a quick first step and efficient getting to the lane without any wasted movement. He finished the game with a team high 16 points but also dished out a game high 6 assists for St. Rita. When St. Rita would go a run, Matthews was the one who would spark it. Really liked the grit of this PG who also played solid defense picking up a couple steals in the passing lanes. Matthews finished with 16 points 6 assist 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
Defensive: Guard Laden Gladney 6’5’’ (2018) St. Rita
Laden Gladney did all he could to battle the Bloomington Raider team that really attacked the glass and fought for rebounds. From the guard spot he pulled down a game high 14 rebounds for St. Rita. Used his size and did a good job boxing out to grab the boards. He also chipped in 11 points to finish off the double-double.
All-around game: Guard Chris Pugh 6’4’’ (2018) Bloomington
Chris Pugh really provided a much needed second option for Bloomington in the 2nd half. He attacked the lane and was hard to stop going downhill to the basket. Pugh also pulled down some big offensive rebounds in the second to help close out the game. He filled the stat sheet with 17 points 6 rebounds 3 assist and 4 steals.
Play of the game: Chris Payton 360 dunk
The Illinois State commit had three monster slams. The most impressive being a 360 two handed dunk out on the break.