UAA Finals: Illinois Wolves vs B Maze
Thursday afternoon PrepHoopsIllinois checked out the Illinois Wolves vs B Maze Elite at the UAA Finals in Las Vegas. The Wolves were in control early jumping out to a quick lead in the opening minutes holding B Maze’s star 2020 guard Jaden Springer down in the first half. They led 37-26 midway through the game. B Maze would make a run in the second half including cutting it to three late, but with six straight free throws from Paxson Wojcik the Wolves clinched the win 75-70 improving to 2-0 in pool play. Here is how the key players in this contest faired.
PF Tom Welch (Illinois Wolves 17U)
The Naperville North 6’8” power forward looked very comfortable handling it on the perimeter especially early taking his man off the dribble on a pair of occasions. Moved well without the ball to get open scoring on the move a few times. He was excellent on the offensive glass getting three put backs for scores. Also connected on a three. Displayed his complete game finishing with 18 points.
PG Marquise Kennedy (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Kennedy has seen his stock skyrocket and recruitment blow up. After the way he has played the first two games in Vegas we expect that to continue. He was relentless attacking downhill and getting to the rim. Made quite a few tough layups and scoop shots. Handles well through traffic. Rebounds great for a guard and had a few nice dimes too. Went for 18 points.
SG Perry Cowan (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Cowan played with a high activity level all game long on both ends of the floor. The DePaul Prep wing connected on some mid-range jumpers and got loose in transition a few times. Like how he defended, hit the glass, and worked form 15 feet in. Had 11 points.
SG Paxson Wojcik (Illinois Wolves 17U)
This La Lumiere (IN) product is just so skilled. He does a great job of using fakes and ball handling to keep the defense off balance. He connected on a pull up, had a few creative layups, and then sealed the win with six straight free throws. Loyola is getting a good one with his skilled offensive game and a wing that can really pass! Finished with 18 points.
SF Bryant Brown (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Brown had a strong stretch in the first half for the Wolves. The Waukegan small forward drilled a three off the catch from the corner, was fouled on a drive, and finished around the hoop. He was a key part of their early run going for 6 points.
PF Keenon Cole (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Not a huge scoring game for the Streamwood power forward as he only recorded one three, but I liked the energy he brought on the glass and defensively. Consistently contested on the interior with his springy legs and rebounded at the highest point.
SG Jaden Springer (B Maze 17U)
Springer is a highly touted 2020 prospect who struggled to get going in the first half. He got loose in the second half and almost brought his team all the way back. Springer is an athletic and smooth two guard that has a feathery jumper from the perimeter and an explosive first step which he used to get to the line quite a bit. Springer finished with 22 points.
PF Ikcaven Curry (B Maze 17U)
Curry is a power forward that high pointed rebounds in traffic as a very active rebounder. He got to the line quite a bit and used his quickness inside. He had 11 points.
PG Jacques Glover (B Maze 17U)
This point guard has tight handles in traffic and a lethal pull up game. Drilled mid-range jumpers and also dished some dump off finds from his dribble penetration.