5 Takeaways: Tinley Park vs Eisenhower

<p>We went over to the ICCP/Westmont Christmas Classic on Monday night to check out the championship game between Tinley Park and Eisenhower.  The headliner was Tinley Park’s AJ Casey.  He showed out, but so did several others including a breakout performance from an unknown 2020 guard.  In the end Tinley Park overcame a huge fourth quarter deficit to win 80-77.  Here are our <strong>5 Takeaways: Tinley Park vs Eisenhower</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>AJ Casey has Career Night</strong></p> <p>When the best post prospect in the state is playing literally one mile from the event you are at most of the day we thought it was worth the long trip.  It was well worth it!  The 6’8” power forward was every bit of an elite prospect.  <strong>AJ Casey</strong> has the look of a five-star with his size, length, and strength.  He is just so smooth with every single thing that he does.  The area he has really improved is his ball handling.  That has opened up so many more avenues for him to score.  The sophomore made several moves to the bucket through the defense making it look easy.  Flashed to the middle all night for mid-range pull ups.  Even hit a three early on.  His quickness and athleticism on the interior are what set him apart.  He had spin moves along with up and unders for buckets.  Crashed the glass for second chance points including a monster tip slam.  He ran the floor hard and is playing with so much confidence.  We had him for 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  Elite high-major guy!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Tinley Park’s Huge Program Win</strong></p> <p>This was a huge victory for Tinley Park.  They were down 70-54 heading to the fourth.  In that stanza they won it by a margin of 23-10 to win the game by three.  With Casey transferring to Tinley Park there have been a lot of eyes on this team early and they are two for two winning when we saw them in their two biggest games of the year.  Beat Schaumburg at Team Rose and then won the ICCP/Westmont Championship on Monday.  They got contributions across the board.  Especially from fellow 2022 <strong>AaReyon Munir-Jones</strong>.  The 6’2” sophomore shooting guard was aggressive attacking on the baseline for scores recording 15 points. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jemel Jones Drops 36 Points in Breakout Performance</strong></p> <p>On the other side the story was the monster game from 2020 Eisenhower guard <strong>Jemel Jones</strong>.  The 6’2” guard was absolutely lethal from mid-range.  I don’t know if he missed more than a couple all night long.  Drilled them in the half court and transition.  Also connected on a couple threes.  Displayed his ability to get to the cup with slick takes to the rim.  Despite scoring 36 points he also was an adequate passer giving it up when the defense collapsed on him.  Active hands on the defensive end getting his hands on steals and deflections!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Athletic Eisenhower 2021 Duo</strong></p> <p>Two other prospects to watch on this Eisenhower squad are <strong>Taijon Barry</strong> and <strong>Keon Mitchell</strong>.  Barry stands at 6’4” with a long and lanky frame.  Opened up with a three from the wing.  Bit of a weird release on his shot.  Like what he brings to the table in the open floor being able to finish as well as handle it going coast to coast.  Active defensively turning offense into defense.  He had 12 points.  Keon Mitchell is a pogo stick athlete that had elite hops.  High energy forward got to the line along with making a corner three.  His impact was much bigger than his 8 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Small Event……Great Environment!</strong></p> <p>We have gone to some of the biggest and most well-known holiday tournaments across the state over the last week.  This was in a secluded gym with a much smaller crowd than other events, but it was still an intense environment.  It was just a unique atmosphere to watch a game.  Both teams and the fans were really into it wanting to bring home the championship.  Great time at ICCP!</p>