Fab 5: Benton vs Salem
Benton traveled to Salem as the 6th ranked team in the recent 3A poll. They play team ball, tough defense, and have a pair of scorers including standout Austin Wills. Salem didn’t back down on senior night as they stayed…
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Continue ReadingBenton traveled to Salem as the 6th ranked team in the recent 3A poll. They play team ball, tough defense, and have a pair of scorers including standout Austin Wills. Salem didn’t back down on senior night as they stayed right with them getting it to within just a few points late in the game. Benton ultimately went on to get the win 56-51. Here is our Fab 5: Benton vs Salem looking at the standouts from this game.
MVP
SG Austin Wills (Benton – 2017)
Wills is one of the top scorers in southern Illinois. The shooting guard started off slow, but then got it rolling. Only two points in the first half then lit it up in the third quarter. The Benton senior stands at 6’2” with quality athleticism. Tight handles in traffic and everything he does is crisp and with a purpose. Knows how to get to the spots on the floor he wants to get his shot off. Free and easy release on his jump shot with range out to beyond the college three point arc. Plus shooter off the catch. Can also handle it off the bounce with slick drives through traffic. Crafty finisher at the rim that has the body control to get buckets in the paint. Pressure defender that gets up in his man and has the quickness to recover if he does get beat initially. Wills is a prospect that is being recruited by D2 programs including picking up an offer from Trevecca Nazarene over the weekend. Also getting lots of D3/NAIA looks.
Best catch and shoot
SG Derek Oxford (Benton – 2017)
Oxford was the player that carried Benton in the first half. At 6’1” the shooting guard opened up with a pull up three and would continue to let it fly! He would go on to hit a trio of catch and shoot threes. Also got in the lane for a runner, but his ability to be a sniper from deep was definitely what he does best. Oxford had 16 points. Small college prospect.
Best passer
SG Brenden Boles (Salem – 2017)
Boles got off to a slow start on senior night scoring wise, but he did make a few nice passes. Got in the lane and dropped a few impressive dimes in the opening half on a slip pass and another dish inside. As the game went on Boles started looking to score more as he got to the free throw line at a high rate in this game. Also had a baseline finish. Ended his last home game with 12 points.
Best under-the-radar performance
SF Connor Brooks (Salem – 2017)
Brooks played one of his best games of the season. The 6’4” senior small forward opened up with a corner three off the catch. Mixed in a turnaround fade away and another mid-range jumper. Good looking perimeter stroke and was shooting it with confidence. He had 10 points.
Best intangibles
SF Caden Wayer (Salem – 2018)
Wayer is a 6’3” long armed forward that plays more as a post for the Wildcats. He isn’t very skilled, but gets a lot of points on finishes around the hoop on dump off passes and high/low finishes. Got deep post position throughout the night for the Wildcats which helped him score 13 points.