Illinois Scouting: Simeon vs Whitney Young
The two most storied programs in Chicago basketball met up in a quarterfinal on Saturday as Whitney Young traveled to Simeon. The Dolphins held in it early with the Wolverines, but Simeon’s senior standouts were too much in the end…
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Continue ReadingThe two most storied programs in Chicago basketball met up in a quarterfinal on Saturday as Whitney Young traveled to Simeon. The Dolphins held in it early with the Wolverines, but Simeon’s senior standouts were too much in the end as Simeon advanced to rematch with Morgan Park with a 71-55 win. Here is a prospect breakdown in our scouting report!
SG Zack Norvell (Simeon – 2016)
Norvell played a complete game. The Simeon senior was aggressive attacking the hoop off the bounce with his combination of power and athleticism. Norvell does a tremendous job of shielding the ball from his defender and finishing with body control at the rim. Hit a transition three. Pushed the ball in transition and made great dishes in both the open floor and half court. Rebounded at a high rate grabbing 50/50 balls on a regular basis. The state’s top senior wing and Gonzaga commit had 14 points.
SG Josh Thomas (Simeon – 2016)
The unsigned shooting guard really shined in this game. He focuses on what he is best at and dominates with that. While not being the most explosive athlete he is definitely improving his quickness which allows him to get in the paint and finish with strength on the interior. Such a crafty player in the lane. Also showed off some hops with a big alley oop slam late. Thomas is a tremendous rebounder and did that at a high level against Whitney Young. He is quick to the offensive glass and defensively clears it and pushes the rock the other way. Also passed it well making several great finds on the interior. This productive guard needs to find a home at the low-major level. He had 21 points.
PF James Gordon (Simeon – 2016)
Best game I have seen out of the Toledo commit. The wide shouldered 6’6” four man showed his ability to face up and knock down mid-range jumpers and even hit a catch and shoot three. Played physical on the inside and cleared the glass. Need to see more of a post game, but he was a key factor in their win. Gordon had 7 points.
SF Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon – 2018)
The 6’5” small forward continues to produce coming off the bench for Simeon. He plays with a motor and just makes plays. Pushed the ball in transition and was active around the hoop including a slick finger roll finish at the cup. Was active defensively and on the glass. He had 6 points. D1 prospect in sophomore class.
PG Kejuan Clements (Simeon – 2019)
Clements is one of the top guards in the state’s freshman class. The athletic and quick guard consistently got in the lane all night. He finishes with acrobatic finishes and has slick handles through traffic. Clements went for 10 points.
SG Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young – 2017)
Williamson was the standout for the Dolphins. The versatile 6’4” shooting guards has long arms and a projectable frame. He is starting to make the turn from prospect to player. Williamson was very aggressive early hitting a variety of jumpers from both mid-range and three. Knack for finding the soft spot in the defense. Made quick decisions as a passer. Really rebounded at a nice clip including a put back and one tough defensive board that he took coast to coast. Williamson had 14 points. Mid-major to low-major 2017 recruit.
SG Craig Beaudion (Whitney Young – 2017)
Beaudion is a plus scorer that can knock down a three and is slippery with the ball through traffic. Long and thin frame makes him a tough target to get a grasp on in traffic. Area that was most noticeable in his development was as a passer. Beaudion made multiple terrific dishes in this contest. If he can show some combo guard skills to go with his scoring ability it will only increase his stock. He had 7 points. Low-major prospect.
PG Jalen Frizell (Whitney Young – 2017)
The junior point guard came off the bench and provided some offense for the Dolphins. He hit a few jumpers and played tough on ball defense. Active hands. Frizell had 9 points.