Best 2019-2020 Illinois HS Games Evaluated Part 6
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 6!
Normal U-High vs Sacred Heart Griffin
This was one of the best games from central Illinois we saw all season. It had everything we like with quality seniors, emerging young talent, and a close game. Normal U-High got the win on a game winning jumper by senior point guard Alex Wood with four seconds left. The guard displayed his shot making and crisp ball handling all night on his way to 18 points. On the other side Kyle Ingram made a name for himself as a skilled four man that can stretch the floor which he did for 16 points. Junior Andrew Schulter and freshman Jake Hamilton also broke out. Schulter had 16 points while Hamilton went for 12 points.
Curie vs Niles Notre Dame
This was a last minute game that was scheduled between two state title contenders. It would prepare each team for what would be to come in March Madness. This was the biggest game at Notre Dame in a long time and it was a great atmosphere. The big three 2021s all had excellent games for Niles Notre Dame. Troy D’Amico continued his superb season. The skilled combo forward knocked down threes in bunches and showcased slick drives for 29 points. Louis Lesmond had the biggest dunk of the night on a tip slam for two of his 12 points. Top junior point guard Anthony Sayles proved to be a crisp passer and dynamic scorer at the same time with 15 points. Curie’s depth was just a little too much however as they scored the road victory in this game. Top 10 senior and player of the year contender Ramean Hinton showcased his improved jumper along with his usual high motor going for 21 points. Saiveon Williams was the difference maker. The senior combo forward used his athleticism and quickness inside and on the boards over and over for 22 points. The Curie backcourt was excellent as well as Elijah Pickens had 16 points while Nick Owens scored 11 points in the win.
Waubonsie Valley vs Aurora West
This playoff game was one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Aurora West came off a win at Oswego East against the higher seeded home school in the opener. They wanted more though as they pushed the tempo behind the play of Kelvin Balfour. The athletic senior guard got to the rim and hit mid-range jumpers for 17 points in the Aurora West win. Despite the defeat Waubonsie Valley senior Marcus Skeete was excellent. Versatile forward put it on the deck with his power game for scores along with hitting several jumpers. Skeete went for 19 points and 9 boards.
Deerfield vs Carmel
Carmel and Deerfield met for the regional final championship. It was a slow start for Deerfield 6’11” center Brandon Lieb, but once he got going he was unstoppable. He scored on hook shots, dunks, and put backs. Also rebounded at a very high rate finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Walt Mattingly chipped in 14 points while Zach Friedman was lights out from three as the lefty knocked in five threes for 18 points. Deerfield won and advanced. Despite the loss Carmel 2021 point guard Kimahri Wilson did everything in his power to keep them in the game. Shifty guard was in attack mode all night winning off the dribble and finishing with creativity at the cup. Went for 27 points.
Whitney Young vs Simeon
Last game of the season! It was earlier than we thought, but this sectional semi between the two Illinois high school basketball powerhouse programs would be on the final night of the season. It was tight throughout, but once Duke bound DJ Steward erupted it was a wrap! The combo guard had a stretch where he ripped off 11 straight points to push the lead and the Dolphins would hold on to win 68-54. Steward finished with 23 points. His backcourt mates Georgetown bound Tyler Beard Tyler Beard 6'3" | PG Whitney Young | 2021 #140 Nation VA and freshman phenom Dalen Davis each had 13 points. Grant Newell Grant Newell 6'7" | PF Whitney Young | 2021 State IL also provided defense and shooting for the Dolphins as he scored 10 points. For Simeon Ahamad Bynum led the way with 19 points.