Vikings United Fall League: Monday Notebook
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Monday night I made the trip to Flossmoor to catch some exciting teams that were getting ready for the upcoming season at the Vikings United Fall League. I took some notes from some of the teams playing at HF field…
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Continue ReadingMonday night I made the trip to Flossmoor to catch some exciting teams that were getting ready for the upcoming season at the Vikings United Fall League. I took some notes from some of the teams playing at HF field house.
Marian Catholic
Most already know this but Marian Catholic has a strong two headed monster in Quentin Jones Quentin Jones 6'4" | SG Marian Catholic | 2023 State IL and Tre Davis Tre Davis 5'9" | PG Marian Catholic | 2023 State IL . Jones very athletic and smooth scoring wing player (Cal Poly commit) and Davis is the skilled heady point guard that can score as well as make plays for guys around him. These two are dynamic players that will have some special nights in the south burbs!
Andrew
This is a sleeper team in the south suburbs this upcoming season. Class of 2023 Austin Kulig Austin Kulig 6'7" | SF Victor J Andrew | 2023 State IL is the stud on this team as he made some outstanding plays on both sides of the ball starting with a chase down block . Kulig is more of a wing than a post at 6’7”. He can stretch defense with his shooting but will get to the rim if you under estimate him. Kulig is surrounded by 6’6 shooter Nathan LaPlant Nathan LaPlant 6'6" Victor J Andrew | 2023 IL (2023) and the space eater 6’8 Grantas Sakenis Grantas Sakenis 6'10" | C Andrew | 2024 State IL (2024) who is very mobile with good hands around the rim. This is a team with some solid blocks to scare teams in March.
Kenwood
Playing with most of its sizeable players sitting out the Broncos will be a load to deal with this upcoming season. With a guard heavy lineup on Monday Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL (Kansas State commit) was the main scoring threat on the court. He is tough to guard in iso situations and he has nearly perfected the spin over the right shoulder fadeaway. Ames seemed to be getting a grove with his new backcourt mates Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 6'2" | SG Wheaton Academy | 2025 State IL and Isaiah Green Isaiah Green 6'1" | PG Thornton | 2024 State IL . Smith is a quick guard who gets to the rim easily and uses steady hands on defense as to Green who is a stronger guard who is gritty on D and is capable of making big shots when the teams needs them most. The fall games will help get this squad learn each other game before the upcoming season in the tough Red Central- South conference. This young and very talented team will put numbers up in bunches this season.
Bloom
Another team that I saw throughout my night in HF was Bloom. A team that will be led by committee has a nice group of players to depend on. Jayden Watson Jayden Watson 6'7" | PF Bloom Township | 2023 State IL is the first guy that stands on for this team. He impacts the game on both ends of the court in positive ways. Watson made some shots and got a few dunks but his biggest impact to me was his rim protection. Jayden blocked several shots that sent a message to the opposing teams. His length and athleticism is top notch. Teammate Jordan Brown Jordan Brown 6'2" | SG Bloom | 2023 State IL was also spectacular as his ability to get downhill and finish around the rim through tight spaces was clutch in tough moments. Brown is another guard who has good anticipation skills on defense and is able to gets steals either on or off the ball. Raeshom Harris Raeshom Harris 6'4" | SG Bloom | 2023 State IL is the glue guy for this squad. Tough minded defender who will hit a shot or two if left open. And the transfer Leirre Collier Leirre Collier 6'3" | PG Bloom Township | 2023 IL is another steady guard who can help in the back court with controlling the tempo and looking to get others involved. Collier can score from all three levels but won’t have to put that burden all on his back because he has some talented teammates help shoulder the scoring load.
Quick notes
Homewood Flossmoor is a young but very athletic team that will be a year away from making major noise again. With new coach JD will bring his unique motivation tactics to this young squad.
Hillcrest didn’t have Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation IL suited up but they are another team with some young talent that can make a crazy off season having their fans looking to the bright side of things during the season.