1A State Finals: Saturday Top Performers

Scott Burgess March 9, 2019 @ 02:46 PM

PrepHoopsIllinois evaluated the final day of 1A basketball on Saturday. In the championship Providence St. Mel defeated Cissna Park 52-29. Here were the standout performers from the third place and championship games.   SG Deion Jackson (Providence St. Mel – 2019) Jackson capped off his high school days with a state title ring. This rangy 6’3” two guard is a plus athlete with length. He loves to slash to the rim scoring on acrobatic layups and floaters off jump stops. Knocked down a mid-range jumper. Comfortable from inside the arc, but not as much from three. His overall high activity level on the glass and defensive end made a huge impact all season. Went for 13 points in his final game.   SG Tyriel Nelson (Providence St. Mel – 2019) Nelson just produces! The 6’1” undersized combo guard has a knack for scoring. He did it again in the title game notching 15 points in the win. Quick ball handler that likes to get in the lane for floaters over the trees. Consistently split defenders on his way to the paint. Made a couple slick passes as well.   F Jason Mason (Providence St. Mel – 2019) Mason is a 6’5” combo forward that has length and projectability. Will find a home at the small college level with his ability to defend. Blocks and alters shots in the post. Walled up against Stadeli with Neal in foul trouble. Plus athlete catching a lob and running the floor. Quickness around the hoop. Can hit a one dribble pull up from mid-range on occasion. He had 9 points.   C Christian Stadeli (Cissna Park – 2019) Stadeli didn’t finish his career how he wanted, but the 6’7” physical center will find a home at the next level because of his size and ability to score on the block. Struggled finishing against length in this one. A bit mechanical, but he consistently gets deep post position and has a decent feel. Finished with 11 points.   SG Jacob Paradee (Central A&M – 2020) Paradee put on a show in the 3rd place game for Central A&M. The junior two guard is a fun player to watch. Scrappy defender with active hands. He can let it fly from three hitting four of them in the game. Also capable pull up jump shooter. Crafty layup maker as well. He went for 24 points.   SG Connor Heaton (Central A&M – 2020) Heaton was the top prospect in the 1A event. He put together a pair of quality outings. At 6’5” he has positional size to play both wing spots at the next level. This kid can really score it. Uses his strength inside to score on tough takes to the hoop. Knack for getting it up on the glass for buckets or getting to the charity stripe where he is an excellent shooter. Didn’t show much of his perimeter shot. Most of his scores were at the rim on slick drives or free throws. Did a great job rebounding from his wing spot and is a quality passer from off the ball. He had 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 dimes against Triopia.   PG Shawn Bell (Triopia – 2019) Bell is a crafty point guard that handles it well. Likes to get in the lane where he hit a floater, got an and-1, and netted a tip in. Did also connect on a three on his way to 9 points.   SG Garrett Snow (Triopia – 2019) Snow is a lefty two guard with some size at 6’3”. Did most of his damage in the paint on layups, put backs, and getting out in the open floor. Finished with 9 points.