5 Takeaways: Belleville West vs Sumter Lakewood
We got our first look at Belleville West on Wednesday as the defending state champs took on Sumter Lakewood High School out of South Carolina. Belleville West left no doubt as they jumped out strong both at the start of the game and to begin the second half. They won by a final of 66-30. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Belleville West vs Sumter Lakewood!
EJ Liddell is the Most Dominant Force in Illinois!
We knew this coming into the game, but it was abundantly clear as the game went along. Liddell set the tone early with a one handed tip dunk. He did pretty much whatever he wanted from there on out. He was great positioning his body on the interior sealing his man off and finishing in the paint. Beast on the glass as usual with the way he crashed the offensive boards for second chance points. Such a great feel for where the ball is coming off. Played above the rim on alley-oops and several other dunks. Handles have continued to improve. Several times he brought the ball up and initiated the offense. Very comfortable attacking from the perimeter and blowing by his defender. Flashed the mid-range jumper too. Defensively he swatted a handful of shots and played physical on the block. He went for 24 points, 10 boards, and 4 blocks. Ohio State commit is the clear Mr. Basketball favorite.
Belleville West Role Players Know Their Jobs
The thing about this Belleville West squad that is impressive is they all know their roles. Keith Randolph is a stud football recruit, but is a key player for this team. The 6’6” big man is a mauler inside on the glass. Seals well and runs the floor. He had 7 points and 7 rebounds. Lawrence Brazil is a steady floor general that runs the show. He did a nice job of getting others involved in the half court directing the offense. Active on the defensive end getting steals and pushing the other way. He had 7 points. Marcellus Romious and Jaylin Mosby are glue guys that bring toughness. Romious is a tough forward that rebounds. Finished with 5 points. Jaylin Mosby hit a sweet three to start the contest going for five total points as well. Will Shumpert is a utility guy that does the little things.
Tommie Williams Shows Flashes
Was looking forward to seeing Belleville West top 20 2021 wing Tommie Williams. He didn’t start, but played a reserve role with the starters and once the game got out of hand was able to show what he can do in junk time. Couple explosive drives one where he finished with a floater and another he got fouled. Closed out the game with a steal and dunk. He had 8 points. Still getting adjusted to team after transferring in, but he has D1 talent no doubt.
Is this Belleville West Team Better than Last Year?
It is too early to tell this. Malachi Smith was such an integral part of last year’s squad and as of now they don’t have that stud scoring wing although Williams could develop into that. They definitely have a strong chance at cutting down the 4A state nets again this season!
Juwan Perdue is Steal for Jacksonville State
Senior Juwan Perdue is a long and rangy forward out of South Carolina that is committed to Jacksonville State. Like what this four man brings to the table especially in the OVC Conference. He has a projectable frame where he can add strength going forward. The lefty has a face up game hitting a turnaround jumper and took his man off the dribble on several occasions. Also displayed some explosion around the hoop on a pair of big dunks. He had 15 points and 7 boards. Lot of developmental upside here!