5 Takeaways: Murphysboro vs Marion

<p>Marion and Murphysboro met up on Tuesday in a battle of two quality southern Illinois squads this season.  Road team Marion came in 18-7 with host Murphysboro sitting at 19-6.  It was a low scoring contest throughout with Murphysboro coming away with the victory by a final score of 48-39.  Here are our <strong>5 Takeaways: Murphysboro vs Marion</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Murphysboro Guards Ignite Offense</strong></p> <p>The dynamic backcourt duo of senior <strong>Dezmond</strong> <strong>Clark</strong> and junior <strong>JaQuan</strong> <strong>Jackson</strong> brought the scoring punch for Murphysboro in their win.  Clark is a 5’11” point guard that knocked in a few jumpers including a three off the catch.  He was quick getting in the lane for floaters and conversions at the cup.  Went for 16 points.  Jackson is a fun point guard to watch as well.  The 5’7” guard is a sound three point shooter both off the catch and creating.  He plays with speed and gets to the rim.  He had 17 points.  <strong>Calvon</strong> <strong>Clemons</strong> is another guard that contributed.  He is out of the sophomore class.  Shifty ball handler that lived in the lane all night for floaters and runners.  Pesky defender.  Scored 9 points. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Impressed with Murphysboro Cutting Off Ball</strong></p> <p>An aspect of Murphysboro’s offensive game that really stood out to me is how hard they cut away from the basketball.  Moved well away from the ball for threes.  Also were effective cutting to the basket for quick points around the hoop.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Pressure Defense Makes Up for Height on Murphysboro</strong></p> <p>Despite a sever height disadvantage for Murphysboro their defensive pressure more than made up for it.  Created turnovers and used their speed in the open floor for points.  Active hands and packed it in defensively when in the half court.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jackson-connor/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jackson-connor/">Jackson Connor</a></a> Eval</strong></p> <p>The primary reason we were checking out this game was to see Marion 6’6” power forward <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jackson-connor/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jackson-connor/">Jackson Connor</a></a></strong> of Marion.  The top 100 prospect is a face up four man that has solid strength and mobility.  Early in the game he played mostly on the perimeter.  Banked in a three in the first quarter.  He didn’t do a ton of damage from the perimeter other than that three.  Was most effective getting on the offensive glass for a pair of put backs.  Also had a quick spin move on the block for a bucket.  Decent rebounder.  He had 9 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Newsom Opens Eyes for Marion</strong></p> <p>Sophomore combo guard <strong>Venson</strong> <strong>Newsom</strong> put his name on our radar with his 13 point performance.  Sound perimeter shooter with a clean looking shot.  Knocked down a pair of threes.  Also was able to get to the hoop on slippery drives displaying creativity with his handles.  One to watch moving forward.  Also liked what undersized post <strong>Brett</strong> <strong>Lewis</strong> brought to the table early as a broad shouldered post that rebounded in his area and converted on the offensive glass.  Scored 6 points.</p>