High IQ Fall League: Steve’s Week 3 Recap

<p>Week 3 of the <strong>High IQ Fall League</strong> brought us some big matchups on display. The battle of number #1 Prospects, the guard battle of 2023’s, and much more in this weekend recap!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The Battle of #1s of class 2022 vs 2023 </strong></p> <p>This was the most anticipated matchup of the day as PHI class of 2022 top prospect <strong>AJ</strong> <strong>Casey</strong> did battle against class of 2023 top player <strong>Javonte</strong> <strong>Taylor</strong>. These two went at it from tip off as Taylor made the first triple of the game. Casey came right back at him scoring six straight points. The two made it clear they were going to guard each other the whole game. Casey continued to mix up his attacks. Taylor lived around the three point line for most of the first half. In the second half neither player was able to get much going as their teammates did more of the scoring. AJ &amp; JJ forced each other into turnovers for the rest of the game. Leaving the people in attendance wanting more from the two in the future. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Top 2023 PGs [player_tooltip player_id="939057" first="Dalen" last="Davis"] (Whitney Young) vs [player_tooltip player_id="939050" first="Darrin" last="Ames"] (Kenwood) Square Off</strong></p> <p>This was considered the undercard matchup in the game that honestly did most of the heavy load. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939057" first="Dalen" last="Davis"]</strong> was able to get on the board first with a tear drop in the lane. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939050" first="Darrin" last="Ames"]</strong> was able to go to his strength when he got to the corner and knocked down a three himself.  Early on it looked as if Dalen was going to have the edge in the game as he made a couple plays finding his teammates in transition. But Ames answered with another three in the same corner he made previously. Going into the second half Dalen continued to push the pace for his team as he got in the lane for a mid-range jumper. Darrin on the other end didn’t settle around the arc anymore instead he made aggressive attacks with some creative and highlight worthy finishes. Both showed why they are considered among the top 2023 guards in this deep class of floor generals. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Whitney Young 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="863585" first="Xavier" last="Amos"] Primed for Breakout Season</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863585" first="Xavier" last="Amos"]</strong> had a big coming out of the shadows game as he stepped up big for his squad.  Xavier is a slashing player who moves well without the ball. In the matchup he started with a nice strong baseline drive into a reverse layup. Then he was active in the passing lanes getting a steal a taking it to the other end for a dunk. Amos made a three and 15 footer to show he is not one dimensional. His activity during this game proved that if he continues this trend Young could be a favorite this year with him as another threat. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Battle of Big Men: [player_tooltip player_id="925226" first="Martell" last="Webb"] (Westinghouse) v Darrell Reed (Hammond IN) </strong></p> <p>This was a matchup most didn’t get a chance to cherish while all the eyes were on the two five stars on another court. But an unusual big man matchup where both players were versatile to play around the rim and the arc. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925226" first="Martell" last="Webb"]</strong> got to work first using his football build around the rim. He has good hands that remind you of Elton Brand. Very mobile he went at Reed. On the other end <strong>Darrell Reed</strong> who just committed to Alabama State didn’t shy away from the challenge. Darrell was able to face up and take Webb off the dribble for strong finishes. These two went back and forth the whole game with Reed usually getting most of his points off missed shots and put backs.  Webb saw his stock boost this summer and continues to impress.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jaedin Reyna has Next in St. Rita’s Backcourt</strong></p> <p><strong>Jaedin Reyna</strong> is another St. Rita 2024 prospect who showed out at High IQ fall league.  Reyna is a thin wiry guard that is active in transition. He seemed to make the right play each time the defense showed something different.  He did well converting steals into layups for his teams. Jaedin is another strong guard to complement their other prospects in the backcourt. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>On the Move</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920986" first="Sincere" last="Malone"]</strong> was seen playing with a group of Lincoln Park players. He told me he did transfer to Lincoln Park High School for his senior season.  </p>