In our “First Person Grassroots Recap” series we take a look at how the travel team season went for one our state’s programs. Here we speak with Joe Niego of Chicago Lockdown to discuss their 17U and 16U squads from…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inIn our “First Person Grassroots Recap” series we take a look at how the travel team season went for one our state’s programs.
Here we speak with Joe Niego of Chicago Lockdown to discuss their 17U and 16U squads from this past spring and summer.
17U
Record:
33-13
Key Wins:
Young Legends, Eric Gordon's EG10, MOKAN. Wisconsin Playground.
Overall thoughts on season:
Was a great year. We got better individually and as a unit as the season went on. 33-13. For a new group of players to come together, mesh, move the ball and play in unison as well as they did is a testament to their hard work and unselfishness. Our success was predicated on our ability to play team ball on both ends of the floor, but especially on the defensive side. If a team scored more than 45 points on us we didn't feel like we did the job even if it still resulted in wins. Every game we wanted to set the standard for how hard that game will be played – Trust the system, trust each other, stay the course and you'll meet success and that is what our guys did all year.
Standout Players:
DREW EVANS (6'5): Most improved from beginning to end of AAU in both skills and growth mentally. So athletically gifted. Best defender, always wanted to guard the other team’s best player and always succeeded in doing so. Big reason our points against average was 45 ppg. Constantly getting better on his offensive skills as he works at the game. Development of 3 point shot and mid-range pull up was crucial to our success as season progressed. Plays with a passion you can't teach that players don't have in today's era. Can get to rim and finish with anyone.
BRANDON DANOWSKI (6') : One of the leaders in the group. His work ethic is second to none. He's a winner plain and simple. One of the best three point shooters in the state. Developed off the dribble game and point guard vision to set others up as year went on which was crucial to our improvement as a whole.
Duo of Notre Dame’s ANTHONY DAVANZO (6'9) and LUCAS SIMON (6'4) : Such great chemistry together. Notre Dame will do great things this year because of them two.
Anthony was our rim protector. Such athleticism for his size. Led team in blocks and rebounds. Good free throw shooter for a big. As year went on he was capable to shoot the 15 foot pick and pop. Great timing and feel for a big to rotate defensively. Anchor of our defense.
Lucas is the most underrated guard around. At 6'4 he can play the 1, 2 or 3. He can guard the 1, 2 or 3. Vision and touch of a point guard, length and athleticism of a two guard and defensive skill and will of a defensive specialist. One of the most unselfish players I have coached. Easily could have started on a lot of other teams. Has a mid-range jump shot that goes missed in today's game. Sneakily athletic, can finish at the rim, and 3 point capable. He's a winner. Saying he had a great July is an understatement.
16U
Record:
28-15
Accomplishments:
Co-Champions of the Chicago Summer Challenge
Semi Finals Platinum bracket in the NY2LA Spring Extravaganza in Minneapolis in April
Key Wins:
EYBL Spiece Indy Heat, Wisconsin United, Illinois Irish Elite, All Ohio Black, Mokan Select, ACB Bank Hoops, Ray Allen Select
Jared Murphy 6'4 G, He was our leading scorer and 3 point shooter. The highlight of his summer was when he scored 40 points on 10 3s at AAU Gold Showcase in Louisville. Jared is such a good shooter that everyone in the gym was surprised when he missed a shot.
Connor Niego 6'8 F, Our most improved player as spring turned to summer. Had a fantastic Chicago Summer Challenge tournament with his highlight being scoring all 5 overtime points in a W over Wisconsin United, opening the overtime with a 3 point play and finishing the game with a 2 handed slam. Connor’s body will continue to get stronger. He will be a match-up problem in the future.
Ramar Evans 6'2 G, We went how Ramar went. When Ramar played well, chances are we won that game. When Ramar was off so was the team. He averaged a double double in points and assists during the Chicago Summer Challenge, with his best game coming against EYBL Spiece Indy Heat when he scored 23 points and dished out 13 assists.
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