5 Takeaways: Kankakee vs Bloom
Teams this time of year are looking for momentum and statement wins heading into March. That is exactly what Kankakee got on Friday night! They hosted Bloom who has been one of the top teams all season in the state. …
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Continue ReadingTeams this time of year are looking for momentum and statement wins heading into March. That is exactly what Kankakee got on Friday night! They hosted Bloom who has been one of the top teams all season in the state. On their home floor Kankakee controlled and dominated the entire game winning 71-54. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Kankakee vs Bloom.
TJ Wicks Showcases Skills
Wicks is a 6’8” power forward who has been MIA for big portions of his career not being seen on the circuit along with being very hit and miss from a production standpoint in high school. Without question the best I have ever seen him play on Friday night. Has always had an intriguing frame with his broad shoulders and athleticism. Wicks connected on several threes from the corner showing an area of his game we hadn’t seen in the past. Looked comfortable shooting it. Also made shots from mid-range a handful of times. Got fouled on a couple occasions as he attacked from the mid-post or baseline. Showcased more perimeter based skills which will make him intriguing down the line. He had 18 points and 5 rebounds.
Binion’s Dominate on Both Ends
Senior guards Darion Binion and Jacquan Binion dominated on both ends of the floor. They faced a guard group that has had much more pub and hype this season and they frustrated them all night with their defensive pressure pushing them far away from the hoop and never letting them get comfortable all night long. Jacquan is a smaller lefty at 5’8” who drilled a couple threes and showed toughness in the lane. Finished with 14 points. Darion stands at about 6’0” with a compact build. Power guard shoots it with confidence from three en route to 17 points. Also was solid dishing recording 4 dimes. They protected their home floor.
Atmosphere and Home Court Advantage
Great atmosphere at Kankakee on Friday night and it was a true home court advantage as the crowd got into it when the home team was pressuring all over the court and creating turnovers. They also exploded when the Binion’s would hit a big three or Lavell McIntosh would slam home a dunk. Energy forward that flashed with 12 points and grabbed 12 boards.
Justin Moore Continues to Emerge
Moore was the top standout for Bloom on this night. The junior point guard made the jump into the latest 2020 rankings this week, but we might still have him too low. Shot it well from the perimeter and mid-range. Handles continue to improve as he is more comfortable off the bounce than he was even a month ago.
Big Four Minus One on Friday
Bloom’s success has been defined by their big four juniors. They were without one big piece on Friday as top 10 Keshawn Williams was out with an ankle sprain. It showed too as they struggled taking care of the ball against pressure. Dante Maddox had a three and a nice drive, but overall it was a quiet game. Donovan Newby didn’t do much. Martice Mitchell was probably the best of the trio. The state’s top center prospect competed well on the glass in traffic especially in the first half. Had a put back and a fluid right handed hook shot. Williams should be back soon per a source.