5 Takeaways: Woodward Academy vs Lake Forest Academy

Wednesday afternoon PrepHoopsIllinois caught a matchup between Woodward Academy (GA) and Lake Forest Academy.  This was the first game at TOC for Woodward and LFA was coming off a loss yesterday.  For the majority of the game Woodward controlled the contest with their star big man inside Walker Kessler.  LFA kept fighting back, but never could make it over the hump as Woodward won 55-41.  Here are our 5 Takeaways: Woodward Academy vs Lake Forest Academy.   Walker Kessler Triple Double This was my first time seeing Walker Kessler extensively and I came away extremely impressed.  LFA has several guys with length and decent size up front, but they were no match for the 7-footer who is headed to North Carolina.  Kessler recorded a triple double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 blocks.   Offensively he is such a versatile player.  Easy range on his shot to well beyond the college three point line.  Around the hoop he used a combination of power and touch.  An array of hook shots, dunks, and sound footwork did the job.  Also liked him as a passer finding the open guys out of doubles.  Defensively he cleared the boards all game long and was an absolute brick wall in the paint as a rim protector swatting shots over and over while not committing fouls.  Only thing he didn’t do great was shoot free throws which was a bit surprising.  Tar Heels are getting an impact player from day one as a stretch five!   Emory Lanier Quality Pickup for Davidson The other commit on Woodward is Emory Lanier.  The 6’3” scoring point guard had a very good second half.  Burst with the ball in his hands in the open floor and has the ability to slash with the best of them.  Most of his points came in the paint although he did hit one three from the corner early.  Should be a quality mid-major player for Davidson.  They have had some pretty good success with combo guards if I remember correctly!   Woodward More than Just Kessler & Davidson Michael Whitmore is a 5’10” senior point guard who is sneaky with the basketball.  He uses his quickness to get around defenders on drives where he has a knack of either scoring or getting fouled among the trees.  Pesky on ball defender.  Went for 10 points.  Although he only scored 4 points we came away intrigued with the potential of 6’5” 2021 Will Richard.  Great size and length on the perimeter.  Multi positional defender.  Seemed to drift a little offensively.  He had 4 points.   LFA 2022 Backcourt Flashes Potential Darius Duff is a combo guard who has been our radar since last year.  The 6’3” junior is a plus athlete that is most comfortable scoring it.  Mid-range game is a strength and can get to the cup on occasion.  Shaedon Simpson broke out at Pangos this fall.  Rangy 6’4” two guard had acrobatic finishes at the cup and rebounded well from his guard spot.  Like the upside here as a two way guard.   Jake Wolf Worth Tracking His younger brother is starting to create buzz, but 6’9” junior Jake Wolf is worth tracking over the next year as well.  Skilled kid with the ability to stretch the floor hitting threes.  Likes to utilize hook shots around the hoop and is a good passer.  Obviously Kessler is a tough matchup for literally anyone, but Wolf didn’t back down.