Prep Hoops 10 best: Naperville North vs. Benet
Benet used a big fourth quarter run to pull away from Naperville North, which gave the Redwings all they could handle. Benet secured a 66-56 win on Saturday in the nightcap of the When Sides Collide Shootout. Two of the…
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Continue ReadingBenet used a big fourth quarter run to pull away from Naperville North, which gave the Redwings all they could handle.
Benet secured a 66-56 win on Saturday in the nightcap of the When Sides Collide Shootout.
Two of the most impressive players in the event squared off as Loyola recruit Tom Welch and Kendrick Tchoua were efficient from the floor.
Here are the 10 best aspects of the game.
Game Thread
Last game of the When Sides Collide Shootout features @BenetRedwings and @NNHS_Basketball. pic.twitter.com/XIj7I8fbCX
— Aaron Ferguson (@Sports_Aaron) January 27, 2019
1. MVP
Kendrick Tchoua (Benet 2019, F, 6-foot-7) – 20 points (10-14/0-2/0-2); 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
Tchoua’s efficiency inside was a load for Naperville North to handle. He paired nicely with 6-coot-8 center Colin Crothers (2020) and proved he could operate on the perimeter, though he didn’t connect on a 3-point attempt. He has good court awareness to get deflections and steals. Tchoua was strong crashing the offensive glass for four of his six rebounds.
2. Play of the game
In the fourth quarter, Miles Barry missed a layup but Tom Welch came from the weak side and tipped it in over the defender.
3. Best offensive performance
Tom Welch (Naperville North 2019, G, 6-foot-7) – 19 points (8-12/3-4/0-0); 1 assist
Welch’s efficiency stood out, despite Benet hounding him and forcing him into tough looks. He showed good catch-and-shoot ability and worked well off the dribble. He has good range and would glide towards the basket at ease.
4. Best defensive performance
Kendrick Tchoua (Benet 2019) – 3 steals, 1 block
Tchoua was as aware on the defensive end as anybody. He got his hand in passing lanes, moved well with his man and used his size and length to disrupt shots.
5. Best guy off the bench
Miles Barry (Naperville North 2020, G, 6-foot-1) – 3 points (1-6/1-2/0-0); 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds
Barry didn’t look like a player that typically comes off the bench, but he did on Saturday. The point guard had good rhythm and leadership on the offensive end. His ball movement gave the Huskies offense another element to set up his teammates with good looks, even if he wasn’t hitting his own.
6. Best intangibles
Will Engels (Benet 2019, F, 6-foot-5) – 18 points (5-8/3-4/5-6); 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Engels made plays all over the court. He moved well off the ball to make himself available for open looks. He got in good position defensively to secure possessions and used his length to his advantage.
7. Best under-the-radar performance
Riley Thompson (Naperville North 2020, G, 6-foot-1) – 20 points (8-16/4-9/0-0); 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Thompson led Naperville North in scoring, though it was as efficient as Welch. Thompson scored in a variety of ways, cutting to the basket, hitting an open trey or running in transition. He was impressive and played consistently well after a 1-for-3 start to his night.
8. Best underclassman
Grant Johnson (Naperville North 2021, F, 6-foot-4) – 9 points (2-6/2-5/3-4); 3 rebounds
Johnson was comfortable playing on the perimeter and should develop into a nice wing. He battled down low against the Benet bigs, even trying to draw a charge in transition. He also showed a willingness to learn after being called for a block and having a constructive conversation with the official afterwards.
9. Best rebounder
Colin Crothers (Benet 2020, C, 6-foot-8) – 13 rebounds (6 offensive)
Crothers was a load down low. He’s a strong kid and has good lateral agility and footwork to gain inside position on his opponents. He worked hard on the block to win extra possessions on both ends of the court.
10. Best on-the-court element
Naperville North goes old school as its players slap the floor when they fall back into their 2-3 or 1-3-1 zone, especially after a basket. Though it seemed excessive since it was nearly every possession, it proved to be a calling card for the Huskies and helped keep them focus on defense.
Lines of the night
Naperville North
Tom Welch (2019, G, 6-7) – 19 points (8-12/3-4/0-0); 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 assist, 1 steal
Riley Thompson (2020, G, 6-1) – 20 points (8-16/4-9/0-0); 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Miles Barry (2020, G, 6-1) – 3 points (1-6/1-2/0-0); 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds
Benet
Kendrick Tchoua (2019, F, 6-7) – 20 points (10-14/0-2/0-2); 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
Will Engels (2019, F, 6-5) – 18 points (5-8/3-4/5-6); 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Colin Crothers (2020, C, 6-8) – 10 points (4-8/0-0/2-4); 13 rebounds, 1 steal