Top Performers: Simeon vs Kenwood

Simeon is the established national program in Chicago that has tons of state championship trophies.  Kenwood is the hottest name in the state after their first week putting up monster numbers with their transfers and new coach.  They battled on Tuesday night in a Public League clash.  Kenwood got out early, but then Simeon’s defense took over.  It was close throughout as Simeon won by a final of 65-54.  We break the game down in our Top Performers: Simeon vs Kenwood!   Jaylen Drane Jaylen Drane 6'2" | PG Simeon | 2022 State #112 Nation IL (Simeon – 2022) Best game of his career?  It was certainly the best high school game we have ever covered the top 10 junior.  Drane was an impactful player on both ends of the floor using his athleticism, speed, and length to leave a lasting impression on the game.  Early on it was his three point shot that was falling.  Was letting it fly with confidence as he knocked in three of them in the contest.  If he can consistently knock down that shot his recruitment will take off.  Speed end to end in transition weaving through defenders for acrobatic layups off defensive rebounds or steals all game.  He went for 19 points in the win.   Isaiah Barnes Isaiah Barnes 6'5" | SG Simeon | 2021 State #139 Nation IL (Simeon – 2021) The Michigan commit had a rock solid game in his second major Public League game.  Silky smooth shooter knocked in a three along with a short jumper.  It was his monster dunk in transition that got his team going in the first half.  Thought Barnes did a nice job rebounding and holding Taylor down as much as possible although he did foul him a couple times.  Nice outing for the future and current Wolverine netting 11 points.   Fred Poole Fred Poole 6'3" | SG Simeon | 2021 State IL (Simeon – 2021) Poole is a thick bodied wing that isn’t going to wow you but he made a couple key finishes around the hoop, got to the line, and had a nice take from the mid-post for 9 points.  Small colleges and JUCO’s need to take a look.   Jalen Griffith Jalen Griffith 5'9" | PG Simeon | 2023 State IL (Simeon – 2023) Griffith is a speed demon in the open floor along with getting in the lane for floaters.  Hit a corner three as well.  The play that we loved out of this smaller point guard was when he was covering a 2 on 1 fast break he jumped in between the opponents trying to convert an alley-oop pass getting a steal.  Went for 8 points.   Avyion Morris Avyion Morris 5'7" | PG Simeon | 2022 State IL (Simeon – 2022) Morris is another smaller guard, but man can he defend.  After Ames got off to a hot start Morris put the clamps on him locking down the remainder of the game with his quickness and in your face intensity.  Offensively the quick guard made a pair of runners and got to the line where he knocked in key free throws late for 13 points.   Javonte Taylor Javonte Taylor 6'7" | PF Kenwood | 2023 State #13 Nation IL (Kenwood – 2023) Taylor has been averaging close to 40 points a game a week into the CPS season.  He “only” scored 23 points against a Simeon defense that was geared to not allow him to go off.  The elite talent is a face up four that can shoot it from deep.  Made a three early and then was fouled on several others when defenders got too tight to him on the close out.  Made regular trips to the charity stripe.  Mixed in some acrobatic scores off the bounce including spinning layups and coast to coast takes handling it with ease at his size.  Turned it over a few times on drives in traffic or passes.  Finished with 23 points.   Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'0" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State IL (Kenwood – 2023) Ames came out on fire looking like he was going to make a statement.  The 2023 point guard hit a corner three along with a turn around from mid-range.  Then had an aggressive straight line take off the bounce.  Simeon was not going to let him beat them and held Ames to only two points the rest of the game.  Finished with 9 points.  Ton of talent here with his speed and shot making.   Davius Loury Davius Loury 6'7" | PF Kenwood | 2023 State IL (Kenwood – 2023) Loury transferred over to Kenwood from Simeon so you know that had extra meaning to him and his former teammates.  Love the energy he brings on the glass.  Quick to the boards on both ends with tenacity grabbing them in traffic.  Handles very well for his size in the open floor being able to push off a defensive rebound.  His three point shot was not falling in this one, but still managed 5 points on a pair of put backs.   Chris Riddle (Kenwood – 2024) Riddle opened our eyes when we saw him in some camps and this winter in various leagues.  In his first ever varsity game on the road at Simeon he scored 8 points and the strong bodied wing looked every bit the part of a future D1 prospect.  Great frame along with athletic pop.  He had a shot fake where he blew past his man for a dunk for the first points of his career.  Also hit a pair of threes with a smooth release coming off his hands.  Showed capabilities on the defensive end and was a solid rebounder.  Bright future ahead here!