Fenwick Finishes Bloomington
Oak Park Fenwick (30-4) earned their place in the IHSA Final game with a 67-52 victory Friday afternoon. A 17-12 second quarter helped vault Fenwick into a seven point halftime lead. Freshman D.J. Steward and Jamal Nixon thwarted all Bloomington (26-5) runs with easy buckets.
MVP :
Jamal Nixon (Minnesota State signed) calmly pummeled Bloomington into submission. The physical wing earned his way to the free throw line all day. The senior capably defended and distributed in addition to continuously waltzing to the charity stripe. On defense he frequently checked Chris Payton, but also adeptly helped on slashers. Nixon can block shots too.
Play of the Game :
Fenwick freshman D.J. Steward provided two of the most pivotal plays of the game. Twice in the fourth quarter he finished difficult layups in traffic. The freshman has such confidence in the lane. He can get off the floor and attack bigger players already. Steward’s assertive slashes kept Bloomington from making any daunting fourth quarter comeback.
Best Offensive Performance :
Chris Payton (2019) attacked an accomplished defender, Jamal Nixon, along the baseline in the third quarter. Payton deftly scooped up the reverse after gaining a half-step of separation. Payton’s diverse attacking skills hint at a wonderful future. He is unafraid of contact, but doesn’t need to be overpowering to get points. It is so exciting to see a young player thriving on the big stage. Later in the contest Payton flawlessly executed a innovative drop step. He finished with a difficult 21 points (6-12 FG).
Best Defensive Performance : Fenwick backcourt.
Bloomington’s guards are very tough. They helped get the Raiders to Peoria. But Friday they committed 23 turnovers. Jacob Keller forced six steals. Jamal Nixon poked three free. Steward and Billy Bruce each earned three steals too.
Best Intangibles :
Fenwick point guard Jacob Keller (2017) demonstrated some crafty thoughts. He created passing lanes with great movement with the ball. Keller had no trouble collecting defenders and then dishing. Keller isn’t a blur with the ball, but he contorts his arm in creative ways to elude defensive deflections.
Best Guy off the Bench :
Class of 2018 guard Chris Pugh (Bloomington) contributed 16 purposeful minutes. Pugh collected four rebounds (two offensive), scored a bucket, and knocked a ball loose for a BHS steal.
Best Under the Radar Performance :
Jacob Keller gave his team so many quality opportunities. Though he scored just eight points, Keller’s eight assists and six steals made an enormous difference for Fenwick.
Best Underclassmen :
D.J. Steward (2020) might not eclipse Chris Payton, but both played very well. Payton’s fearless attacking, rebounding defending helped Bloomington stay relevant in the opening half. Steward’s 10 first half points helped Fenwick jump out to their commanding lead. Steward has really good balance and he can finish in traffic already. He finished over a couple jumping wings in the paint, during a potential momentum-swing. Steward’s bucket summoned the Friars student section to chant, “He’s a freshman. He’s a freshman.”
Best Project to Watch :
Bloomington 2018 guard Colton Sandage has some important skills (shooting, vision), but he also has intangibles that you have to like. Sandage plays with fire and devotion. He gives his team everything and doesn’t cower from the big moments.
Best Takeaway :
Oak Park Fenwick has a deep, deep team. Burly senior Jamal Nixon didn’t need to be a superstar for his Friars to win Friday. Players like Steward, AJ Nixon, Jacob Keller all played very well. The team has balance, composure, skills, and toughness. Steward had a quiet third quarter, but finished with 23 points.