5 Takeaways: Neuqua Valley vs Bolingbrook

<p>It was an epic performance from Neuqua Valley junior John Poulakidas in their matchup with Bolingbrook.  He went for 49 points in their 92-89 victory.  PrepHoopsIllinois dives into our <strong>5 Takeaways: Neuqua Valley vs Bolingbrook</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Breaking Down John Poulakidas’ Big Night</strong></p> <p>We have stated for a while that Neuqua Valley 6’5” small forward <strong>John Poulakidas</strong> might be the most overlooked of the stars at the top of the talented 2021 class.  He plays for a school that isn’t known as a traditional powerhouse, but more performances like Wednesday night and he is going to make it one!  Poulakidas poured in 49 points including 41 of them through the first three quarters in their double overtime victory.  It is even more impressive when you add in the fact that he was fighting through injury during the second half and overtimes which caused him to miss part of the game.  He is an elite level shooter that can drill them in a variety of ways.  Big time shooter off the catch with a quick release.  In a lot of respects in this game though he created his own shots with deep pull up threes.  Feathery touch and you think every time it leaves his hand it is going in.  His mid-range and ability to shoot out of the post separates him from a lot of other elite shooters.  Poulakidas has an excellent feel for creating space on his mid-range step back which he drills at an insanely high rate. It’s almost like an old school Larry Bird type step back except from the left side.  Can also post up smaller defenders and hit fadeaways over them.  Gets elevation off the floor on pull ups.  Excellent mechanics on his shot.  Much more than just a shooter.  He mixed in runners on the move and spins in the paint.  Moves well away from the ball to get open.  Gets to the line at a high clip.  Despite scoring so many points he didn’t really force too many bad shots.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Poulakidas Recruitment Heating Up</strong></p> <p>Where do things stand with Poulakidas’ recruitment?  Currently he holds high-major offers from Butler, Rutgers, TCU, and Wake Forest.  Also has offers at the mid-major level from George Washington, Bradley, St. Louis, Loyola, Brown, UW-Milwaukee, Miami (OH), UIC, and Southern Illinois.  Stanford and California are starting to get involved along with Ivy League programs Harvard and Yale.  Illinois has had him on campus and is expected to watch him on Friday along with Yale.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Connor Davis Steps Up When Needed</strong></p> <p>Batman had it rolling for Neuqua Valley, but when he went down with an injury Robin had his back.  <strong>Connor Davis</strong> is a legit 2021 prospect in his own right and the strong bodied small forward stepped it up in the second half and overtimes.  He is mostly known as a high-level three point shooter, but in this particular game he did it without hitting from distance.  Davis was quick and assertive getting in the post for quick finishes.  Showed a lot of toughness scoring and getting to the free throw line en route to 17 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Bolingbrook Backcourt </strong></p> <p>The Bolingbrook backcourt was really good as always in this game.  Elon 2020 combo guard commit <strong>Darius Burford</strong> is an explosive guard that is powerful slashing to the rim.  The jumper is starting to become more consistent as he knocked in a trio from deep for his 15 points.  Big fans of what 2021 combo guard <strong>Isaiah Stafford </strong>brings to the table.  High level shot maker from the perimeter on pull ups and threes.  In this game he displayed more with some grit added in on floaters and scoring more in the lane.  Went for 20 points.  Solid night for <strong>Kai Evans</strong> offensively as well.  Power wing that uses his strength to get in the lane for buckets or trips to the charity stripe.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kyonte Thomas is Bolingbrook’s Patrick Beverly</strong></p> <p>Wanted to make a special mention for this Bolingbrook guard.  Their 2021 point guard <strong>Kyonte Thomas</strong> is like the high school version of Patrick Beverly.  He isn’t the biggest guy, but his toughness and defensive abilities allow him to make a major impact on the game.  He had multiple steals that he took the other way for scores.  Drives with his wiry strength off the bounce.  He had 14 points.</p>