5 Takeaways: Centralia vs Mt. Vernon
It was a classic southern Illinois rivalry on Tuesday night as PrepHoopsIllinois saw Centralia and Mt. Vernon battle it out in the regional final. Centralia had won the first three contests during the regular season, but Mt. Vernon got to play the one that really mattered on their home floor. The top seeded Centralia Orphans lived at the free throw line and took home the win 70-64. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Centralia vs Mt. Vernon.
Javon Williams is a BEAST High School Basketball Player
We talk a lot about how players project toward the next level, but Centralia 6’2” power forward Javon Williams is an absolutely force in high school basketball. I mean he physically dominated the game. He will be playing football in college and you can see why with how strong he plays. As a hoops player he isn’t a great college “prospect”, but this kid absolutely kills teams on the high school level. I have seen him twice this year and he scored 37 points earlier in the year and did it again on Tuesday dropping 37 points once again. He carves out space inside, is crafty with pump fakes, and finishes through contact. Lives at the free throw line! He is just too strong for most high school players to guard with his power around the hoop.
Centralia Role Players
Williams was without a doubt the star scoring over half his team’s points, but the Orphans had production from several of their role players. Their second best player Jordan Maines was held quiet and didn’t make a single three. Bryan Meskil and Jamie Long both were strong with the ball and made a few open shots when given the opportunity. Long had 8. Meskil finished with 7. Angular senior forward Jonathon Keeler had a nice game scoring 12 points including multiple acrobatic layups through contact. Does a nice job of cutting to the rim and receiving dump off passes. Made several nice passes as well including early in the game. Finished with 12 points.
Refs Were Awful and Foul Shooting Contest
I don’t complain much about the refs, but they were horrible in this game. There was absolutely no flow to the contest. It almost turned into a foul shooting contest. Centralia shot 33-45 from the line including 37 attempts in the second half. It seemed like the entire game was one team shoot free throws, other shoot two at the opposite end. In a game like this the refs can’t be the story. I think for most that saw this game after Williams’ dominant performance they were the biggest factor in the game.
Mt. Vernon Fights Until End
The Rams fought until the very end. They got off to a hot start behind the play early of Amir Spann. The athletic sophomore had a couple quick finishes in the paint, but he would foul out. Their senior standout O’Shea Hardin also fouled out with only 6 points. He is the heart and soul of their team. Senior point guard Zach Williams put the team on his back for stretches with multiple tough takes right down the middle of the lane for tough scores. Hit a couple deep threes. Finished with 17 points. Weston Brockhouse struggled at the free throw line, but the skilled four man sealed well inside finishing on his way to 14 points. Lukas Cooper gave the Rams one last push late with some three point shooting and mid-range shooting. He had 10 points.
Atmosphere
Great atmosphere when these teams get together! This is one of the best rivalries in southern Illinois. Both student sections were awesome and it was a sellout crowd. The players change, but this rivalry always remains the same. Super intense!