5 Takeaways: Marian Catholic vs Niles Notre Dame
Friday night we got another look at Niles Notre Dame as they hosted Marian Catholic in a conference matchup. It was tight throughout the first half as it was within a possession for most of the opening 16 minutes. Marian Catholic held a 28-17 lead at the half. In the second half it was all Marian Catholic as they controlled the tempo and got the shots they wanted. They won by a final for 61-53. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Marian Catholic vs Niles Notre Dame.
Ahron Ulis One of Best 2020 PGs
The updated 2020 rankings will be unveiled in the coming weeks and Marian Catholic sophomore floor general Ahron Ulis made his case as one of the best point guards in the class again. We have liked the progression we have seen each time out from Ulis and this was another example. The slick 6’0” lead guard was unstoppable getting in the lane off the bounce with his smooth handles and speed going downhill. He scored almost all of his points on drives to the rim where he finished with acrobatic layups showing nice body control. As a passer he ran the team getting others involved and made sound decisions with the ball. Tough on ball defender with his length and quickness. Ulis had 17 points. Already holds an offer from DePaul.
Malik Tidwell Displaying Combo Skills
Tidwell is a sub six foot power guard that has been known as more of a scorer throughout his career. He can still do that and once again proved that against Niles Notre Dame as he went for 16 points. Powerful with the ball in his hands getting to the rim especially in transition. Once he gets a head of steam behind him he is tough to contain. Likes to utilize a runner in the lane as his go to scoring in the paint. The area though we have enjoyed the most seeing this season is his improved passing. He is making great decisions with the ball in the paint finding big men and cutters. To max out his value as a prospect he will have to do this and definitely is starting to show he can be a combo guard at the next level. D2’s should keep tabs on him.
Marian Catholic Bigs
The Spartans have a pair of big men in 2018 Alec Dinwiddie and 2019 Chris White that provide size and athleticism on their front line. Dinwiddie is a role player that has a projectable frame. Moves well on the defensive end being able to guard all over the floor and is active on the glass. Small college prospect. White is more of an intriguing college prospect with his size, build, and athleticism. He can finish on the interior and is mobile working well in the pick/roll. Gets on the offensive glass and even hit a three in this game. Tough post defender as he and Dinwiddie made it tough on Mahorcic. He had 10 points. D2 prospect at this stage.
Dusan Mahorcic Solid in Loss
It wasn’t one of those spectacular games we have been hearing about from this 6’8” post whose stock is skyrocketing during his senior year. It was a nice test for him to go up against legit bigs with length. He did some good things. The first thing that jumps off the floor is his athleticism. Mahorcic is a plus athlete that has great bounce off the floor. He is quick with his post moves. As soon as he touches it he makes a move. Had a nice take from the high post through traffic for a finish. Got on the offensive glass for a couple put backs. Rebounds well in traffic with his strong hands and is aggressive going after rebounds. He had 13 points and 9 rebounds. One of the best bigs left in the state and that will be reflected in his new ranking on Monday.
2021 Class Bright at Niles Notre Dame
Niles Notre Dame freshman combo forward Troy D’Amico isn’t going to jump off the floor at you with his athleticism, but this kid is very skilled and productive. He is a crafty scorer that can get buckets in the paint, attack off the bounce from the high-post area, and hit a three off the catch. Productive freshman that is worth continuing to monitor. His long term projection will be dependent on how much he grows and if he becomes a better athlete, but there are definitely a lot of tools to work with early in the process. Finished with 14 points. Their other standout freshman is 6’1” point guard Anthony Sayles. This freshman has good strength and athleticism at the lead guard position. He is at his best getting to the cup off the bounce beating his man with his handles. Finishes well at the rim. Managed multiple and-1’s in this contest. Capable three point shooter and pushes the tempo. He had 12 points.