5 Takeaways: East St. Louis vs Marion

<p>Fun night across the state!  Prep Hoops Illinois was at three separate games including East St. Louis vs Marion.  The game was held at Mt. Vernon High School in the first of two sectional semis.  It was all East St. Louis after an early run by Marion.  The Flyers won 70-53.  There were a ton of quality unsigned seniors in this game that garnered quite a few college coaches in the house.  Here are our <strong>5 Takeaways: East St. Louis vs Marion</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>East St. Louis Defense and Passing Phenomenal</strong></p> <p>The defensive intensity that East St. Louis brought for four quarters was what won them this game.  Their guards put pressure on the ball forcing difficult passes.  They cut passing lanes for steals.  Active hands stripping the ball.  Back line defense swatting shots.  They turned Marion over time after time all night.  I thought the other thing that ESL did well was sharing the ball.  They passed it very well sharing the ball not caring who scored giving up a good shot for a better shot.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Flyers Depth Impressive</strong></p> <p>Last year’s team had one of the best players in the state leading the way in Terrance Hargrove.  This team might not have that singular superstar, but their depth of college prospects is what they rely on.  Senior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916701" first="Jashawn" last="Anderson"]</strong> is a quick point guard that turned steals into points over and over all night.  Also hit an array of threes en route to 18 points.  <strong>Jabril Olivaria</strong> has emerged a senior as a scrappy point guard that gets out in transition for scores getting 11 points.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916738" first="Patrick" last="Readye"]</strong> is a physical 6’8” post that rebounded pretty well and recorded 5 points.  Their top two senior prospects are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916674" first="Armond" last="Williams"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916680" first="Lashawn" last="Johnson"]</strong>.  Williams is a 6’8” long and lanky center that displayed his mobility and athleticism around the hoop finishing on dump off passes along with a nice spin move.  Rebounds well and protects the rim.  He had 8 points and 8 rebounds.  Johnson is a rangy 6’4” two guard that brings length and athleticism on the perimeter.  Struggled shooting it in this game from both the three point arc and free throw line.  He was at his best using his athleticism in transition including a two handed windmill on his way to 11 points.  The x-factor for this squad is 2023 6’4” small forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939073" first="Macaleab" last="Rich"]</strong>.  Physical bodied forward that is built like an outside linebacker.  He was excellent on the glass offensively getting second chance points with his quick second jump.  Right handed hook shot, quick pass, and closed out the night with a corner three.  Really bright future.  Finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Back to Peoria for ESL?</strong></p> <p>I have said all season that this team can make it back to Peoria and I absolutely feel that way after watching them in the sectional semi.  They are second best team from the 618 behind Collinsville who is in 4A.  Don’t be shocked if you look up and the Flyers repeat in 3A!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916712" first="Jackson" last="Connor"] Eval</strong></p> <p>There was an array of D1 and D2 coaches in the house for this game along with many checking in to see on one of the hottest names in the state right now in Marion 6’6” face up four man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916712" first="Jackson" last="Connor"]</strong>.  He has had some big outings during the second half of the season and has created buzz among college coaches.  First aspect that stands out is his broad shoulders and solid build.  Definitely built like a mobile four man that can play a little inside and out.  Showed more athletic pop and improved ball handling.  Connor had several crisp pull up jumpers from mid-range and one from three.  Cut well away from the ball for a pair of layups on the move.  Inside he missed a few bunnies, but did a nice job with his second jump getting back on the glass for put backs or trips to the charity stripe.  Finished with 22 points (7-19 FG) and 7 rebounds.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Where is the help for Marion?</strong></p> <p>Connor just didn’t get the consistent help from his running mates throughout the night.  They struggled turning it over and didn’t make a ton of open shots. </p>