3 Takeaways: Stevenson vs Lake Forest Academy

<p>Tons of games cancelled across the state on Monday night in Illinois.  We caught one that was played between Stevenson and Lake Forest Academy.  A lot of talented underclassmen prospects, but it was the veterans that brought the production for Stevenson in their 63-34 win.  Here are our <strong>3 Takeaways: Stevenson vs Lake Forest Academy</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Stevenson Small College Gems</strong></p> <p>We will get to the higher end prospects in a moment, but this game was won by the upperclassmen for Stevenson.  It all starts with their point guard <strong>Evan</strong> <strong>Porto</strong>.  The 2022 floor general is tough as nails, has excellent vision in the half court, and a crisp jump shot.  Went for 7 points.  Severely under recruited at this stage.  Senior point guard <strong>Andrew</strong> <strong>Chieng</strong> only scored 3 points on a three off the catch, but his passing and in your face defense were key in the victory.  Junior 5’10” guard <strong>Jaden</strong> <strong>Evans</strong> knocked down some shots for 10 points.  Forward <strong>Jacob</strong> <strong>Morris</strong> played bigger than his 6’2” size around the hoop also stepping out for a three ball en route to 7 points.  Really liked what we saw out of 6’7” power forward <strong>Darius</strong> <strong>Clemons</strong>.  Strong bodied four that has some bounce as he showed throwing down a couple slams.  One of his most impressive plays was swatting a shot, sprinting the floor, and converting with a dunk.  Plays with tenacity on the boards and defensively.  Went for 13 points.  Small colleges should take a look.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Upside of Stevenson Underclassmen</strong></p> <p>The two best prospects for Stevenson were underclassmen.  Class of 2023 6’5” small forward <strong>Joshua</strong> <strong>Thomas</strong> is a long and lanky forward built like former Patriot Justin Smith.  Had a strong baseline take and another slick drive through traffic for finishes at the cup.  Assertive on his moves and when he plays with confidence this kid is going to be a problem!  Nice post to post pass.  Was remarkably effective on the boards flying in for rebounds on the defensive end.  He had 4 points.  Another 6’5” prospect to watch is 2024 <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Uremovich</strong>.  Skilled face up four opened with a left handed hook shot and the thin forward was just getting started.  Finished dump off passes and on the offensive glass.  Chased down rebounds well out of his area.  He had 8 points.  Both of these prospects have bright futures.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Evaluating LFA Wings</strong></p> <p>Lake Forest Academy has a young squad led by 2022 shooting guard <strong>Darius</strong> <strong>Duff</strong>.  He struggled in the first half, but turned it up a notch in the second half.  The athletic 6’3” guard put his head down and got the rack.  Over and over again.  Multiple and-1s and other spinning layups for acrobatic finishes.  Like how he pushes in transition getting the defense on its heels and weaves through the D for scores.  Did hit one three pointer, but overall his jumper didn’t impact much in his 18 points.  <strong>Jelani</strong> <strong>McGregor</strong> is a combo guard that we are intrigued with for LFA.  Like Duff he struggled early, but found some of his flow in the second half.  Projectable prospect with his length and athleticism.  Was more comfortable playing off the ball than on it.  Knocked down a three and a pull up two in transition.  Went for 7 points.  Canadian 2023 sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048313" first="Anthony" last="Wrzeszcz"]</strong> made his debut in the rankings off previous tape, but this was our first chance to see him with LFA.  Decent passing feel out of the wing making a couple live dribble passes with one hand and hitting shooters in the drive and kick.  His best play was when he got a steal and took it the other way for an explosive dunk.</p>