Prep Hoops 10 Best: Evanston vs. Normal West
Evanston found itself in a dog fight but pulled away in the second half behind an incredible performance by Blake Peters (2021). The Wildkits prevailed 79-60 over Normal West in the first game of the When Sides Collide Shootout at…
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Continue ReadingEvanston found itself in a dog fight but pulled away in the second half behind an incredible performance by Blake Peters (2021).
The Wildkits prevailed 79-60 over Normal West in the first game of the When Sides Collide Shootout at Glenbard East.
Evanston showed why it was a state contender with a balanced scoring attack, led by Peters (24 points) and Lance Jones (17 points).
Here are some observations from Saturday’s game.
Game Thread
First game pits @NCWHS_HOOPS against @ETHSports. pic.twitter.com/2Go0gOmklA
— Aaron Ferguson (@Sports_Aaron) January 26, 2019
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1. MVP
Blake Peters (Evanston 2021, G, 6-foot-1) – 24 points (7-9/7-9/3-4); 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Peters was taken out of the game in the first half by Normal West’s 2-3 zone, but he got loose by working off the ball. He scored 22 of his 24 points in the second half.
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2. Play of the game
Normal West’s Alec McGinnis missed a layup in transition but was followed by 6-foot-3 wing Terance Montgomery-Fisher (2019) for a putback dunk.
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3. Best offensive performance
Terance Montgomery-Fisher (Normal West 2019, G, 6-3) – 14 points (4-5/3-4/3-4)
Montgomery-Fisher gave Normal West a lift offensively when Shea Cupples needed a helping hand. His three-point shooting has been impressive over the years and was on display again on Saturday. He showcased the ability to drive to the basket and get to the free-throw line.
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4. Best defensive performance
Ryan Bost (Evanston 2019, G, 5-11) – 6 steals
Bost made playing on the perimeter look easy. He was flying across the court, seemingly getting a hand on every defensive possession. He came with the double team and poked the ball away and also helped in the post swiping a possession from Normal West forward Corey Walker (2021).
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5. Best guy off the bench
Isaiah Holden (Evanston 2021, G, 5-7) – 8 points (3-6/2-4/0-0); 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds
Holden hit his first three shots in the second quarter, which gave the Wildkits a needed lift when Normal West was threatening to take a sizable lead. It was Holden answering the call, then receiving the majority of minutes in the second half over Jaheim Holden (2019).
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6. Best intangibles
Shea Cupples (Normal West 2019, G, 6-1)
Cupples showcased great court vision and a high IQ throughout. As Evanston began to closeout on the perimeter, Cupples used that aggressiveness against them to drive and hit a pull-up jumper. He, along with his teammates, used the shot fake to create space.
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7. Best under-the-radar performance
Cole Hernandez (Normal West 2020, F, 6-3) – 8 points (4-5/0-1/0-0), 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Hernandez provided a lift off the bench, especially when Walker battled foul trouble. He was efficient in the post and off-the-dribble, using a shot fake to create space. He was impressive against the more-athletic Wildkits.
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8. Best underclassman
Corey Walker (Normal West 2021, F, 6-6) – 5 points (2-4/0-0/1-2), 5 rebounds (all offensive), 2 assists, 2 steals
Peters was the standout of the game and is only a sophomore. But for the sake of other players, Walker was impressive on the offensive glass. He needs to develop a skilled move in the post, but he’s agile enough to run the floor and get himself in good position for scoring and rebounding opportunities. He was solid defensively in denying passes and securing the paint.
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9. Best duo
Lance Jones (2019, G, 6-2) and Blake Peters, Evanston
Jones stepped up in the first half with Peters being taken away by Normal West’s defense. The senior guard scored 16 of his 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting in the first half. That opened up the floor for Peters to catch fire in the second half.
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10. Best dressed
Evanston’s coaching staff wore a shirt and tie to go with their sneakers to raise awareness for cancer as part of the ever-popular Coaches vs. Cancer week.
Lines of the night
Normal West
Shea Cupples – 22 points (8-18/4-13/2-2), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Terance Montgomery-Fisher – 14 points (4-5/3-4/3-4), 4 rebounds, 1 steal
Cole Hernandez – 8 points (4-5/0-1/0-0), 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Evanston
Blake Peters – 24 points (7-9/7-9/3-4), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Lance Jones – 17 points (7-20/2-4/1-2), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Isaiah Holden – 8 points (3-6/2-4/0-0), 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals