5 Takeaways: Whitney Young vs St. Rita
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Powerhouse Whitney Young went on the road Tuesday night to face an up and coming St. Rita squad loaded with underclassmen prospects. St. Rita led most of the way through the first three quarters, but the veteran Whitney Young group…
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Continue ReadingPowerhouse Whitney Young went on the road Tuesday night to face an up and coming St. Rita squad loaded with underclassmen prospects. St. Rita led most of the way through the first three quarters, but the veteran Whitney Young group closed it out strong in the fourth quarter winning by a final of 60-52. We examine the contest in our 5 Takeaways: Whitney Young vs St. Rita!
Amos Dominant in Road Win
There was a lot of highly ranked prospects on the floor. The Dolphins were without Dalen Davis Dalen Davis 6'0" | PG Whitney Young | 2023 State #167 Nation IL in this one and without him they needed someone else to step up. That player was 2022 power forward Xavier Amos Xavier Amos 6'7" | PF Whitney Young | 2022 State #233 Nation IL . The junior is a broad shouldered 6’8” post that went to work on the interior for his team. He was great at garnering deep post position where he finished over and over again off feeds from Casey. His quickness, mobility, and toughness around the hoop was excellent. Made quick moves in traffic to get his shot off. Very efficient with his touches. Got to the line a lot where he converted and was rock solid on the glass notching 23 points and 8 rebounds. Sealed his status as a D1 prospect.
Casey Passing Ignites High/Low Game
The top player in the state’s 2022 class AJ Casey AJ Casey 6'8" | PF Whitney Young | 2022 State #55 Nation IL displayed his all-around game. His passing was excellent in the high/low finding Amos in the paint. It reminded me a bit of the old twin tower days between Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Also rebounded well on both ends including flying in for an acrobatic put back. Crisp mid-range jumper he hit a couple times. Went for 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Unsigned Senior PGs
Two of the top uncommitted 2021 point guards were on the floor in this one. Whitney Young senior lead guard Jaehshon Thomas Jaehshon Thomas 6'1" | PG Whitney Young | 2021 State IL is a strong bodied guard that is just consistent game in and game out. He had 14 points in the win. Early on hit a pull up three along with getting to the basket for a slick euro step. Quick passes in the paint and was sound on the defensive end of the floor against St. Rita’s star freshman floor general. For the Mustangs Christian Henry Christian Henry 6'1" | PG St. Rita | 2021 State IL did what he does. Microwave scorer came off the bench to provide a spark. Scoring lead guard got to the rim for scoop shots along with an array of pull ups from mid-range and three. He had 19 points.
Great Experience for St. Rita Freshman
Despite the loss this was a tremendous learning experience for the talented St. Rita 2024 class. All four of them started and played well in stretches against one of the premier programs in the country. Early on it was Joshua Pickett who was making things happen with his sharp shooting draining a three and another baseline jumper. Got to the line for 10 points. Inside James Brown and Morez Johnson each flashed in the first half. Brown was physical inside on a put back and competed against the Dolphins big front line going for 6 points. Johnson had a spinning layup and hook shot for four points. Both have so much upside! Point guard Jaedin Reyna had a nice scoop shot for his only bucket of the game along with several nice assists.
St. Rita Adds More Fire Power
It was the debut of St. Joseph transfer Bryce Coleman Bryce Coleman 6'6" | SF Proviso East | 2023 State IL for St. Rita. The top 5 2023 wing is still getting used to his new teammates, but in time he is going to be an impact addition to this program. Power wing scorer had 5 points on a baseline jumper along with a half court shot at the buzzer to close the first half.