Illinois Scouting: Downers Grove North vs Lyons
Downers Grove North was the higher seed, but they had to play against Lyons Township on their home floor. Lyons got off to a fast start in the first half, but a huge run to start the third quarter gave…
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Continue ReadingDowners Grove North was the higher seed, but they had to play against Lyons Township on their home floor. Lyons got off to a fast start in the first half, but a huge run to start the third quarter gave DGN control of the game. Downers Grove North went on to get the win by a final of 55-46. Here we break down how the top prospects in the contest performed.
PF Matt Mahlke (Downers Grove North – 2016)
Mahlke is an undersized four man at about 6’5” that is crafty on the interior. He out works his opponent and has a soft touch. Not really a throw the ball in post and get you a bucket guy, but he scores on junk points and offensive rebounds. While not the greatest athlete he is a quality area rebounder that is tough as nails. Should be a quality D3/NAIA prospect. He had 11 points and 8 rebounds.
SF Devin Blake (Downers Grove North – 2016)
Blake is a tough and physical wing at 6’5” that is best attacking downhill. In this game he settled for his jump shot way too much. It wasn’t falling at all in the first half. Connected on one in the second stanza. He had a nice and-1 through contact. The thing he did best was play physical post defense against the skinnier Connor Niego. He held him to well below his average by pushing him off his spots and not letting him get comfortable. Blake had 13 points. D3/NAIA prospect.
SG Bryan Jakobsze (Downers Grove North – 2017)
Jakobsze played tremendously well for DGN. The 6’5” junior guard is a plus perimeter shooter that hit several threes including a smooth pull up with lots of arc. He is a quality athlete that has ability as a slasher and looked comfortable making plays in the transition game. Moves well laterally on the defensive end. He had 17 points in the win. One to watch this spring on the circuit.
SF Keenan Davis (Downers Grove North – 2018)
Davis opened eyes in a major way with his performance against Lyons. The 6’4” long armed and physical forward was a beast on the glass! He was quick grabbing rebounds and using his reach to snatch them with his hands. Showed solid athleticism with a couple quick finishes around the hoop and a nice euro step in the open floor. Hit a pair of threes as well. Player to add to the radar in 2018. He had 15 points and 15 boards.
SF Connor Niego (Lyons – 2017)
Niego has had an outstanding junior season. The 6’8” combo forward has long arms and a rangy body. Will need to add more strength for the next level. He struggled finishing around the basket for the first three quarters going against Devin Blake’s strength and physicality. His usually reliable jumper wasn’t falling either. Niego did have a nice post finish off a seal. Ball handling has improved off the bounce getting to the hoop. He just struggled finishing at the rim. Late he came alive with a couple steals and scores including one on an offensive rebound put back to get his team back in the game. He finished with 9 points and 8 boards. D1 prospect that will be worth monitoring with Chicago Lockdown in the spring.
SG Noah Niego (Lyons – 2017)
Niego is a thick 6’4” shooting guard that prides himself on being tough and having a nose for the basketball. He did a nice job of that as well as hitting a pair of mid-range jumpers and a three. The junior had 9 points.
PG Tyrese Shines (Lyons – 2019)
Shines flashed ability early in the contest. At 6’0” the lefty guard has a quick first step and overall solid handles although he can be a bit loose with it at times. Got in the lane where he finished floaters. Likes to shoot the ball from the perimeter and forced a couple shots. He does have good form, but was streaky on this night. Shines went for 8 points.