5 Takeaways: Orr vs Nashville

Scott Burgess March 9, 2019 @ 09:55 PM

Saturday night the top two teams in 2A battled for a state championship as Orr took on Nashville. Couldn’t have been more contrasting styles. Orr from Chicago pressures all over the floor and wants to score in the 80s with their transition game. Nashville out of the metro east is a half court squad that likes a slower pace. Although Nashville slowed down Orr some it wasn’t enough. Orr pulled away in the fourth two win 50-36. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Orr vs Nashville.   Sherif Kenney Puts on Show The transfer from out of state put on a show to close out his career. He bounced around high schools and missed a big chunk of his senior year, but when Orr needed him the most Kenney was magnificent. We saw Orr a ton in the first half of the season before Kenney began playing, but this weekend was our first look at him. Will definitely debut fairly high in the final 2019 rankings. Big bodied 6’5” small forward that is light on his feet for his size. Opened the title game up with a pull up three. He would force a few from there flat footed. He was crafty off the bounce being shifty with it in the lane. Plays bully ball in the paint against weaker defenders. Handles it well for a player his size and is an impressive passer as he showed in the semis working well in the middle of a zone or starting the offense playing on the ball at the top of the key. He had 19 points in the title game.   Seniors Go Out in Style The Orr seniors went out in style. Tujautae Williams is the top uncommitted 2019 prospect in the state. The athletic 6’6” small forward has long strides and an explosive burst getting to the rim. He was quiet early in the championship game, but erupted late with a few spectacular takes including a poster dunk. Pretty much won when he really wanted too off the dribble in Peoria. Length and quickness project him well defensively and he rebounds for a wing. Finished with 10 points. Greg Outlaw didn’t use much of the jumper he did in the semis instead just getting straight downhill for scores. Strong and athletic slasher is a tough cover when he gets a head of steam behind him. Plus wing defender. Scored 11 points. Terry Williams knocked down a pair of triples which is what he is known for en route to 8 points. Michael Taylor played lock down defense creating turnovers.   Orr Three Peats The Chicago school three-peated with this win on Saturday night. They won back to back to back titles. The first two were with a much different core built around Dannie Smith, Raekwon Drake, Ty Mosley, Chase Adams etc. It just goes to show you how good of a coach Lou Adams is and how he along with his coaching staff have put together a big time program at Orr. They have a dynasty in 2A.   Nashville Backcourt The Hornets backcourt of McKendree commit Bryce Bultman and star junior Carson Parker had to lead the way for them to win. They both played almost the entire game and left everything out there. They combined for 10 turnovers against Orr’s pressure D. Each had their good moments though. Bultman got in the lane for several spinning conversions. Showed he could win some off the bounce and got on the offensive glass finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 dimes. Parker put the ball in the hoop. Connected on a mid-range pull up early. The rest of his scores were at the cup on crafty drives. Was excellent on the glass which is an area he impressed in Peoria. Parker’s line was 16 points and 11 rebounds.   Future for Hornets Nashville has a legit shot to be back again next year. Bultman is gone, but Parker returns. He will be one of the top players in 2A and southern Illinois as a whole next season. Junior forward Terry Pelczynski had flashes in the title game with a couple strong drives. He is a kid that can rebound and space the floor. Will have a bigger role next season. Guard Tristen Hercules who had 4 points in the title game also returns.