Best 2019-2020 Illinois HS Games Evaluated Part 4
With the high school season over and still awaiting the beginning of the circuit we thought this would be the perfect time to look back at the best games we saw during the year. Prep Hoops Illinois scouted 152 high…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school season over and still awaiting the beginning of the circuit we thought this would be the perfect time to look back at the best games we saw during the year. Prep Hoops Illinois scouted 152 high school games during the season. In this series we look at the 30 best! Check out Best Illinois HS Games Evaluated Part 4!
Collinsville vs Desmet
The Highland Shootout is always one of the best events of the season. This year it produced three thrilling games featuring the best prospects and teams in the state. Desmet and Collinsville was a big time border battle. Collinsville came into the contest undefeated on the season. SIU-Edwardsville commit Ray’sean Taylor was excellent as usual doing most of his damage scoring off the bounce. Nifty scorer that can get buckets with creativity. He had 26 points. With the clock running down in regulation and the game tied Taylor drove to the basket and pitched it out to Cawhan Smith for the game winning three. The 2020 point guard went for 17 points in the win.
Simeon vs Vashon
Later that night it was Chicago public power vs St. Louis public power. Two of the best programs in the Midwest and nationally. Vashon’s seniors shined in this one. Kentucky commit Cam’Ron Fletcher scored in an array of ways for 26 points. Their point guard Phil Russell was big time shooting it from three en route to 31 points. Vashon won by a final of 79-72. Simeon was pushed by DePaul commit Ahamad Bynum Ahamad Bynum 6'2" | SG Simeon | 2021 State #94 Nation IL drilling a ton of tough pull up threes and contested jumpers. He finished with 26 points.
CBC vs Whitney Young
This was billed as the battle of UNC vs Duke. North Carolina commit Caleb Love vs Duke signee DJ Steward. Early on Love was about as good as he was the month prior when we saw him. He attacked the rim with force including several SportsCenter worthy jams. He finished with 24 points. Another big game for his sophomore running mate Larry Hughes Jr who keeps getting better every time out as the rangy sophomore drilled shots on his way to 16 points. Problem was the best player in the state of Illinois was on the other side. That was DJ Steward DJ Steward 6'2" | PG Whitney Young | 2020 State #22 Nation IL . He was phenomenal going for a tournament record 40 points including the key points in the final minute. Steward hit tough jumpers over and over. Also mixed in runners throughout. Tyler Beard Tyler Beard 6'3" | PG Whitney Young | 2021 #140 Nation VA continued to see his stock rise with a strong 13 point outing complimenting Steward’s big night. Whitney Young won 66-64.
Cary Grove vs Glenbrook South
This was a fun contest between two sneaky March contenders in January. They were each led by senior stars. Glenbrook South’s Dominic Martinelli is a straight bucket getter. It might not be the prettiest all the time, but this crafty forward gets points every time he plays. He did it again here with 21 points. Sophomore Cooper Noard was big time in this game with 22 points. Cary Grove’s duo just had a little too much winning the Lake Zurich MLK Tournament 66-65. Lewis commit Beau Frericks showcased his shot making from the perimeter for 24 points while Belmont bound big man Frank Jakubicek went to work inside for 18 points in the victory.
Mt. Vernon vs Effingham
This opening round contest at the Salem Invitational turned really quickly after Mt. Vernon had an early lead behind the play of Quani Rudd. The Rams junior is a big wing that can score from multiple levels with his athleticism and skill. He had 21 points. On the other side junior point guard Parker Wolfe went completely off in the second half! He could not miss from three point territory hitting one after another for 24 points. His backcourt mate Drew Thompson was also about as good as we have seen him coming up with big buckets for 21 points in the 70-64 win.