5 Takeaways: Schaumburg vs Rolling Meadows
Tuesday night there were a ton of great games across the state of Illinois. We chose to take in the matchup between Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg. Both teams came in undefeated and are having two of their best starts in…
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Continue ReadingTuesday night there were a ton of great games across the state of Illinois. We chose to take in the matchup between Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg. Both teams came in undefeated and are having two of their best starts in recent memory. Oh yea there is the fact that this game also featured the top overall prospect in the state Max Christie and the top junior post Chris Hodges going head to head. Schaumburg came back to win by a final of 69-65. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Schaumburg vs Rolling Meadows.
Max Christie Backs Up Status
When you are the best prospect not only in your class, but the best prospect regardless of class in the state of Illinois there is a target on your back. Max Christie thrives on it and is living up to the hype with a dominant start to his junior campaign. The ultra-smooth two guard has a versatile offensive game which allows him to score from all three levels with such an ease. He had a deep three early in the game where he got elevation off the floor. Also mixed in pull up mid-range jumpers from an array of spots on the floor. That is probably the area he is most comfortable. He does a great job of creating space and rising up for shots. He has a wiry frame, but isn’t afraid to create contact on his shot to get the foul. Put in a few runners. Displayed a nice passing feel getting others involved with his distributing. Often drew the defender on drives and then found shooters on the other side of court or corners for open looks. Defensively he guarded Hodges at times. Struggled a bit with his strength, but once again Christie isn’t a post either. He did have a nice shot block. Christie went for 31 points.
Chris Hodges Continues to Improve
Future Wisconsin Badger Chris Hodges was about as good as we have seen him on Tuesday night. I think the biggest aspect of his game that he doesn’t get credit for is how mobile he is. When he was younger Hodges was more of a plodder and not overly athletic. That has changed! He is comfortable handling it facing up and can defend in ball screens. Most impressive move of the night for the 2021 post was when he stole the ball from Christie and went coast to coast for a finish. His bread and butter however is his low post game. Hodges is a power player that has an excellent combination of strength and skill on the block. Unlike when he was young he now uses quick and aggressive post moves to score. Garners deep post position. Seals in the high/low game. Had a strong drop step for a dunk. Passed out of the post to shooters. Finished well through contact. He was a beast on the glass snatching offensive rebounds for put backs and clearing the defensive glass. Hodges had 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Wolves Teammates Battle in Intense Game
It was fun to see these two matchup on Tuesday for a number of reasons. The game had the best wing and top post in the junior class on the floor at the same time. Also these two are very good friends and teammates during the summer on the travel team circuit with the Illinois Wolves. They probably play more games together with the Wolves than not as teammates with their high school teams. Each wanted to win and competed at a high level in front of a big crowd on a Tuesday night.
Duke in the House for Christie
The game also had some extra juice as Duke associate head coach Jon Scheyer was in the house to see one of their prime 2021 targets. Christie visited the Blue Devils last season and many believe they are the favorite for his services. The elite junior told us after the game he is still open to a wide range of schools. Duke has definitely made him an early priority though for sure.
Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg Much Improved
While this game was clearly focused on Hodges and Christie there were others on the floor too that had solid showings. Shaumburg guard Vaurice Patterson made plays at the point guard spot. He was effective driving, drawing defenders, and finding teammates. Also knocked down an array of three pointers en route to 14 points. AJ Prowell is a tough guard that slashed to the rim for scores and runners. Armen Torosian can knock down a shot as well netting six points. On the Rolling Meadows side there were a couple of intriguing freshman prospects. The first is Max’s younger brother Cam Christie. The freshman combo guard has a thin build and a smooth offensive game. Hit a mid-range jumper and converted an and-1. Foster Ogobonna is a young big man with some physical tools to track. Jonah Ogunsanya knocked down shots from three and had quick moves inside. Overall both squads are much better than last year with better supporting casts for their stars. We look forward to see how they will do at the Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament!