Illinois Scouting: Simeon vs Morgan Park
Ali vs Frazier had three fights in their trilogy. The third was the “Thrilla in Manilla.” Simeon vs Morgan Park had their grudge match in the semi finals of the CPS playoffs in what could go down as the “Thrilla…
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Continue ReadingAli vs Frazier had three fights in their trilogy. The third was the “Thrilla in Manilla.” Simeon vs Morgan Park had their grudge match in the semi finals of the CPS playoffs in what could go down as the “Thrilla at Quest.” The senior stars for both teams brought it, but in the end the Wolverines held on to win 74-72 to advance to championship game on Sunday. Here is our prospect breakdown including a phenomenal performance from Ben Coupet.
SF Ben Coupet (Simeon – 2016)
The long and angular Ben Coupet has always had the potential. At 6’8” he looked to be the next star when this class entered high school. He hasn’t lived up to that billing, but on the biggest stage against their rival the senior delivered. Coupet had it cooking in the first quarter drilling jumpers from all over the court. He hit a couple threes shooting it with rhythm and confidence. Also had a nice tip dunk. Got in the lane for a runner and was extremely active. He had 16 points in the first quarter. Throughout the game he showed his versatility on both ends defending well, hitting the glass where he played tough, and made a few nice dishes. Extremely impressive 23 point performance for the Simeon senior. He is unsigned and should be on the low-major radar.
SG Zack Norvell (Simeon – 2016)
Norvell stepped it up as well. The state’s #2 senior scored in his usual variety of ways. He hit a couple threes including a big one late. Powerful slashing to the hoop in transition by taking quality angles to get to the rim while maintaining body control. Also impressed with his passing in the lane as he made a few great finds to Josh Thomas in particular. Norvell had 15 points. He is headed to Gonzaga.
SG Josh Thomas (Simeon – 2016)
Thomas is an unsigned senior combo guard for the Wolverines. He does the little things that sometimes go unnoticed. The guard is an outstanding rebounder that is tough crashing the defensive glass and doesn’t back down from anyone. Thomas is crafty around the hoop getting in the lane and scoring with strength. Made several quick cuts to the basket where he caught passes and put them in. Jumper wasn’t seen much. He had 14 points. Low-major prospect.
PG Evan Gilyard (Simeon – 2017)
Quiet first half for one of the premier junior lead guards in Illinois. Gilyard got it going as the game went along. He started to push it in transition and used his quickness of the bounce to make plays. The lefty hit a sick step back three late in the contest. Gilyard had 8 points. Projects as a mid-major point guard in 2017.
SF Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon – 2018)
Solid all-around game for the 6’5” sophomore who continues to see his stock rise. The forward hit a wing three and converted a couple crafty finishes in the paint. Also connected on a mid-range jumper. Passed the ball extremely well with good decision making and feel. Grabbed some key rebounds. He had 9 points. D1 prospect for sure.
PG Charlie Moore (Morgan Park – 2016)
The state’s top 2016 prospect was his usual brilliant self. Moore got in the lane with his quickness off the bounce and had the ability to finish at the cup by shielding the ball and converting acrobatic layups. As the game went along the three ball started to go down for the Memphis commit. He is such a dynamic playmaker that can beat a defense in so many ways. Finished with 26 points.
PG Jarrin Randall (Morgan Park – 2016)
Randall was quiet early, but got hot from three in the second half connecting on a couple of big ones to get the Mustangs back in the game. He had 9 points. Headed to Western Michigan.
SG Jamal Burton (Morgan Park – 2016)
Burton was quiet overall in this one with his point production only scoring four points. He did make an impact on the glass winning several heavily contested rebounds. Low-major/high D2 prospect with his toughness on glass and defensive ability.
PF Alonzo Chatman (Morgan Park – 2016)
The 6’8” senior continues to play better late in his final season. He is a strong bodied post with a good frame and has a nice motor. Active on the glass early in this one and did a nice job defensively anchoring in the paint. Showed some offensive game with a 12 foot jumper and a nice right handed hook shot. Chatman had 8 points in this one. Projects best at the D3/NAIA level.
PG Ayo Dosunmu (Morgan Park – 2018)
The state’s premier 2018 point guard showed flashes of why he is considered that on Friday night. The 6’2” lead guard has length and athleticism which allow him to beat people off the bounce where he can score in the paint or dish for others. Dosunmu did a quality job of getting his teammates involved and finding them in the right positions to succeed. One of his more impressive plays was when he got a steal and threw a full court dime for a transition bucket. Also had a slippery and-1 through traffic. He had 7 points. Tracking early as a high-major prospect.