5 Best: Salem vs Freeburg
PrepHoopsIllinois was in the house for a southern Illinois Cahokia Conference clash between Salem and Freeburg. Salem had a comfortable lead throughout most of the game although Freeburg never let them get too much distance by causing turnovers defensively. Salem got the home win 51-42. Here are our 5 Best: Salem vs Freeburg.
MVP
PF Cord Brown (Salem – 2018)
This was probably the best we have seen the Millikin commit play. At 6’6” Brown has a good frame to add strength on long term. His mobility in the paint shined through in this contest. The power forward scored on an array of post touches on seals, hook shots, and also got on the offensive glass for put backs. Athletic kid that runs the floor hard. If he can get a tough mean streak to him he will be a nice player in the CCIW. Brown had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Best Offensive Player
PG Luke Ervie (Freeburg – 2020)
Freeburg’s top prospect is 6’1” point guard Luke Ervie. The sophomore lead guard plays both on and off the ball for his high school team. When playing off the ball he does a nice job of moving without the rock to get open. Crisp and hard cuts trying to get room for his jumper. He is a plus shooter from three with a clean release. Tough and competitive kid that isn’t afraid to take it in the paint for scores through contact. Pushes in transition. Projects as a scoring point guard. Quality rebounder and brings effort on the defensive end. He had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Top 50 2020 prospect in Illinois.
Most Versatile
SF Damond Crosby (Salem – 2018)
Crosby stands at 6’5” with a fluid game. He is a skilled offensive threat that got off to a nice start as he was aggressive looking for his shot connecting on a pull up jumper and had a nice baseline take. Smooth handles allowed him to get to the rim consistently, but he struggled to convert at the cup missing quite a few layups. What impressed us though was how he contributed in other areas. Crashed the glass winning balls in traffic and also was very active on the defensive end with his length getting steals. Crosby had 10 points, 7 boards, and 5 steals.
Top Role Player
F Brett Whitney (Salem – 2019)
Whitney is the ultimate role player for the Wildcats. He is a tough and gritty 6’1” forward that has a nose for the basketball. He rebounds well for his size, plays physical, and finishes inside when he has a chance. Tough defender as well. Whitney made some big buckets for 10 points.
Floor General Award
PG Dawson Linder (Salem – 2018)
Linder is the floor general for the Wildcats. The 5’11” point guard is usually a pretty reliable three point shooter, but he didn’t have it falling on this night other than one off the catch late. Solid ball handler that pushes it in the open floor and is a quality passer. Likes to work around screens. He was active defensively at times. Finished with 7 points. D3/NAIA prospect.