Scouting the State: Wednesday Takeaways
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Prep Hoops Illinois took in three games from around the state on Wednesday night. They were Oak Forest vs Bremen, Lyons vs Proviso East, and Normal U-High vs Springfield Southeast. Let’s look at what we saw from the evening in…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Illinois took in three games from around the state on Wednesday night. They were Oak Forest vs Bremen, Lyons vs Proviso East, and Normal U-High vs Springfield Southeast. Let’s look at what we saw from the evening in Scouting the State: Wednesday Takeaways!
Robbie Avila Robbie Avila 6'9" | PF Oak Forest | 2022 State #225 Nation IL Dominates Bremen
Oak Forest 2022 power forward Robbie Avila Robbie Avila 6'9" | PF Oak Forest | 2022 State #225 Nation IL was about as dominant as I have seen a player in years early on against Bremen. He completely and utterly took them apart in every way imaginable. As a scorer the 6’8” four man scored with his usual efficiency around the hoop. Sealed his man, cut off the ball, got on the offensive glass, etc. Such touch and feel in the paint on his post moves. He the best passing big man we have seen since maybe Cameron Krutwig. Avila is an elite outlet passer that can also initiate the offense. High/low dishes and hits guys on the move. He was personally responsible for 20 of their first 23 points by either score or pass. Can handle in the open floor pushing off a defensive rebound. Dominant showing for what we think is a high-major prospect. The #4 2022 in Illinois had 23 points, 12 boards, 4 dimes, 3 steals, and 1 block with the majority of that production coming in the first half.
Tavari Johnson Tavari Johnson 6'0" | PG Lyons Township | 2022 State #171 Nation IL Show Rolls On After Slow Start
It was a bit of a slow start for the top 15 2022 prospect as Proviso East focused their entire game plan around him. In the second half he got it rolling. Even when he wasn’t scoring the Lyons 6’0” point guard is such an advanced passer that he makes things easier for all his teammates on the floor. Runner didn’t fall in the first half, but it did in the second. He knocked down those, got to the rim for layups finishing with either hand, and connected from distance. Rebounds well for his size and is a tenacious defender with a knack for getting his hands on passes. Went for 13 points in the win.
Lyons Supporting Cast Steps Up
Johnson had help throughout the night. Senior point guard Cade Nelson was a force in this game next to Tavari. He plays with grit and toughness not being afraid to stick his nose in for a difficult score, hit scoop shots, and got out in transition for 15 points. Christian Desimone is a 6’4” wing that can snipe from beyond the arc with his perimeter shooting knocking down an array of threes en route to 13 points. Owen McManaman and Tommy Asleson Tommy Asleson 6'1" | PG Lyons | 2021 State IL also contributed in the win for LT.
Johnson Brothers are Future at Proviso East
Despite the loss the future is bright at Proviso East because of the Johnson brothers. Class of 2023 point guard Jaloni Johnson Jaloni Johnson 6'4" | SG Proviso East | 2023 State IL is the more highly thought of prospect. Listed at 6’3” with a long and wiry frame he presents some projectability. Opened with a three ball, but was at his best putting it on the deck and getting to the cup with his slick handles through traffic. Flashed as a passer and was active on the defensive end with deflections and getting in passing lanes. His 2022 brother Javon Johnson will make his debut in our next rankings update after a solid outing. The 6’2” guard was rock solid finishing around the hoop and through contact. Each had 9 points.
Sleeper Seniors for Pirates
A couple of seniors on Proviso present upside at the small college or JUCO levels. Really liked what 6’6” Timaryon Shorts brought to the table. Plus defender that was flying all over the floor on that end swatting shots and making plays. Offensively he is a capable shooter from 15 feet that can stretch on occasion. Good athlete that displayed some bounce around the hoop. He had 9 points. Gabriel Wright is a 6’5” undersized four that has good athleticism and was efficient with his touches down low along with knocking down a three early. Went for 7 points. He has committed to Governors State.
2022 PG “Starrs” in Normal U-High Comeback
Normal U-High looked like they were done at home on Wednesday night against Springfield Southeast, but they had an epic comeback to get the W in OT. Their key player is 2022 point guard DJ Starr DJ Starr 6'1" | PG Ravenwood | 2022 State TN . The Normal U-High 6’0” floor general has a strong frame and is a crisp ball handler. Makes sound decisions as a passer and knocks in free throws. He is also an excellent jump shooter that can create his own shot. Did that consistently against Southeast for threes and mid-range shots off the bounce. Also was very effective as a distributor making the right play over and over. Went for 22 points. Look for him to get a major boost in the next update.
Springfield Southeast Collapses Late
Southeast had this one sealed up. Then they lost. It all came down to the fact that they could not hold onto the basketball. Turnovers and missed free throws absolutely cost them the game. One of the best uncommitted seniors in the state James Dent James Dent 6'3" | SG Springfield Southeast | 2021 State IL poured in 18 points in the OT loss. Hit a couple of threes one coming on a pull up in transition and the other on movement in the corner. Quick and effortless release. Slick ball handler also took it to the rack with some consistency throughout the contest. Kamran Banks Kamran Banks 6'2" | SG Springfield Southeast | 2022 State IL is a strong bodied 2022 guard to track for small colleges as he went for 13 points. Long term prospect to watch for SE is 2023 6’4” four man Seth Doss who brings defensive versatility and finishes with athleticism inside.