5 Key Questions: Bloom vs Thornton

It was the battle the south suburbs of Chicago has been waiting for since early in the season. Thornton vs Bloom Round 2! This time the game was at Bloom as they would host the only undefeated team in the Chicago area in Thornton. Early on it looked like it was going to be another Thornton victory as they jumped out early behind their tenacious defense and the deep shooting of Ari Brown. Bloom got back in the game cutting the Thornton lead to one point at the half. The last 16 minutes they absolutely owned! Bloom’s defense, rebounding, energy, and backcourt scoring showcased everything many thought this team could be. They ran away with the victory 74-57. Here are our 5 Key Questions: Bloom vs Thornton!   Can Anyone Beat Bloom if They Play Like 2nd Half? Most likely no. The issue with Bloom has been in spurts they don’t play up to their potential. They showcased that a little early getting hit by Thornton’s defense. In the second half they blitzed Thornton with their own defense using their length and athleticism to create turnovers which they consistently turned into points on the other end. Each of the D1 prospects played to their strengths. The shooters let it fly, slashers took it to the rack, and big men crashed the glass. When they are locked in like that Bloom is “Who we thought they were!”   Does Bloom’s Backcourt Deserve More Love as Best in State? Yes. Most of the top backcourt in the state talk revolves around Whitney Young and Morgan Park with their dynamic high-major recruits, but <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/donovan-newby/">Donovan Newby</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keshawn-williams/">Keshawn Williams</a>, and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dante-maddox/">Dante Maddox</a> need to be in that conversation. Dante Maddox got things started in the first half ramping up his intensity level on both ends. He hit a deep three and followed it up with an and-1 at the rack. The Cal State Fullerton commit continues to make a strong case for a 1st Team All-State spot and in the mix for Mr. Basketball. Three level scorer that was in attack mode scoring 19 points. Tulsa commit Keshawn Williams showcased his athleticism getting to the cup for acrobatic finishes, getting fouled, and often doing both for and-1s. Major force in transition getting steals and taking it the other way. Finished with 21 points. UW-Milwaukee signee Donovan Newby was tough as nails distributing and getting points at the foul line going for 10 points.   D1s Why Aren’t Yall Recruiting <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/christian-shumate/">Christian Shumate</a>? Bloom power forward <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/christian-shumate/">Christian Shumate</a> is the highest ranked post player left on the board. The 6’5” forward isn’t a traditional “big man”, but he fits the new style with how he plays. Shumate flies in out of nowhere for rebounds and put backs which he often slammed home for powerful jams. Elite motor and high level rebounder. Plays above the rim in transition throwing down slams. Defensively he is a presence blocking shots and being such an intimidating force inside. He has really improved as a shooter hitting one three in this game. Went for 13 points. I really don’t understand why he doesn’t have more D1 attention at this point. He elevates the play of those around him. That included <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/martice-mitchell/">Martice Mitchell</a> on this night. The Minnesota commit had a couple baskets early on a layup and sweet baseline fadeaway. Worked from 10 feet and in most of the night and was effective doing so with his physical advantages over his opponent going for 8 points.   Who is Ari Brown? Ari Brown is a senior guard that in the last two games we have seen Thornton play has shot absolutely lights out. The smaller combo guard was the force that drove Thornton in the game with his three point shooting. Needs to be on more small college radars! Went for 23 points.   Where Does Thronton Stand After Loss? It is just one game. As big as the atmosphere was and intense as the two teams battled it is just one loss. Thornton is going to be fine down the line. DeMarco Minor (6 points) and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sean-burress/">Sean Burress</a> (7 points) didn’t have the type of games we saw out of them a couple weeks ago. It was a quiet night from <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/derrick-williams/">Derrick Williams</a> scoring 4 points. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brandon-hall/">Brandon Hall</a> fought through an injury scoring 6 points mostly at the rim and line. The x-factor for this team could be <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/donald-coats/">Donald Coats</a>. I tweeted it during the game that we just ranked 2021 and after watching Coats I feel we underranked him. Long and lanky 6’7” forward made two smooth triples and got out in transition. This team has the one thing that travels in March and that is defense. It wasn’t up to their usual standards on this night, but we still think this is a team to watch in March.