10 Best: Belleville East vs Collinsville
Belleville East and Collinsville met on Monday night for an incredible fourth time this season with Belleville East holding a 2-1 advantage in the first three games. It would be more of the same in the 4A regional opener. On…
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Continue ReadingBelleville East and Collinsville met on Monday night for an incredible fourth time this season with Belleville East holding a 2-1 advantage in the first three games. It would be more of the same in the 4A regional opener. On their home floor Belleville East came out scorching behind Illini commit Javon Pickett. They led 35-21 at the half. It continued to be all Belleville East in the second half as they got the win 78-48. Here is our 10 Best: Belleville East vs Collinsville where you can read scouting reports on all the top performers from both teams.
MVP
SF Javon Pickett (Belleville East – 2017 – Illinois)
Pickett was completely dominant in just a bit over three quarters of action on Monday night. The 6’4” Illini commit had it working scoring at all three levels. Attacked off the bounce in both transition and the half court. He is slippery through traffic and loves to go to his euro step to finish at the cup. Understands how to set up defenders on his way up for a shot where he can get a clean look at the basket. Got to the free throw line throughout the night. Mid-range jumper was falling as he stopped and popped for a pair of those. Also hit a three from the top of the key although he wasn’t great from beyond the arc. Solid job rebounding and playing a complete game. This is maybe the most underrated elite player in Illinois since…..Malcolm Hill. He is going to do similar things in his college career! Pickett finished with 25 points and 7 boards.
Best offensive performance
Pickett was without question the top offensive performer on the floor in this game.
Best defensive performance
PG Rico Sylvester (Belleville East – 2017)
Sylvester is a 6’2” point guard that has good size and athleticism. His jumper has become more consistent as a senior. Drilled a pair of triples off the catch. Also got in the lane on a couple of drives for a runner and and-1. As a distributor he pushes it in transition and finds the hot hand many times which is Pickett. Quick and active defender that has a knack for getting steals. Sylvester finished with 13 points. Quality D3/NAIA prospect.
Best rebounder
F Chandler Buehne (Collinsville – 2017)
Buehne is only 6’3”, but was the best rebounder for Collinsville in this game. He was active hitting the glass on both ends of the floor, but particularly defensively. Really struggled scoring however as the face up forward missed multiple layups and couldn’t buy a jumper.
Best passer
Sylvester was the best passer in this contest. He dished the rock finding Smith and Pickett throughout.
Best catch and shoot guy
SG Malachi Smith (Belleville East – 2018)
Smith got off to a hot start to begin the season and then cooled down the last couple times we have seen him. The 6’3” junior didn’t get off to a great start in this one, but a three off the catch got him cooking. Once he saw it go in the basket he began to attack. Crafty wing that isn’t overly explosive, but has a feel for angles and how to use his body to get in the lane and score. Also contributed on the glass. He had 12 points. Potential D1 prospect that we will be monitoring closely this spring.
Best guy off the bench
PF Keydrian Jones (Collinsville – 2020)
Jones stands at 6’5” with a wide body. He consistently gets deep post position and has a soft touch around the hoop. Receives the ball well in the post and uses the glass. Solid area rebounder. Jones finished with 8 points.
Best intangibles
G Kenrique Brown (Collinsville – 2017)
Brown stands at 6’0” with big time athleticism. He loves to get out in the transition game where he can use it to full advantage. Speed with the ball in his hands attacking when he has his defenders running backwards. Rebounds well for his size and can mix in a mid-range pull up jumper. Struggles shooting it beyond that. He had 13 points. Worth a look at the D3/NAIA/JUCO levels.
Best under-the-radar performance
SG Austin Knight (Collinsville – 2017)
Knight stands at 6’3” with a strong and physical build. He plays like a bull in a china shop. Attacks downhill with strength especially in transition. At times can be a bit out of control with drives. Gets on the offensive glass. Hit a corner three early. Did most of his damage early and then was quiet after that. He had 8 points. Small college prospect.
Best underclassmen
PG Ray’Sean Taylor (Collinsville – 2020)
Taylor is a 5-10 point guard in the freshman class with length and projectability. He handles it well and had a couple smooth takes including one on the baseline. Hit a pull up three early, but struggled shooting after that. Scored 6 points. One worth tracking.