5 Takeaways: St. Rita vs Providence Catholic
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Wednesday night we took in the much anticipated debut of the St. Rita freshman. Three of them started, but in the end the veterans decided the game as St. Rita won a tight contest over Providence Catholic 57-53. We examine…
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Continue ReadingWednesday night we took in the much anticipated debut of the St. Rita freshman. Three of them started, but in the end the veterans decided the game as St. Rita won a tight contest over Providence Catholic 57-53. We examine what we saw in our 5 Takeaways: St. Rita vs Providence Catholic!
St. Rita Freshman Debuts
The big story of this game was the arrival of the highly touted quartet of freshman for St. Rita in James Brown, Morez Johnson, Jaedin Reyna, and Joshua Pickett. The first three started. James Brown is a 6’8” thick bodied five that is physically impressive with how well he moves for his size. He had an impressive finish in the high/low sealing off for a bucket. Was also fouled on a pick/roll. Had a couple rebounds. Struggled defending inside in his first high school game as the Providence crafty post took it at him. He had 3 points. The other stud 2024 Morez Johnson had the play of the game on an absolutely explosive dunk that if the gym was full would have brought the house down. Power forward works well in the high/low as a passer. Neither of the big men played much in the second half as Rita went to more of a guard dominant lineup. Jaedin Reyna is primed to be the top point guard in his class. Elite IQ guard that runs a team and has an advanced feel. Knocks down threes with a clean stroke and is a crisp passer. Went for 10 points. Joshua Pickett is the least heralded of the quartet, but he is still a top prospect in his own right. He had a solid game including hitting a three. Wing has nice length and projectability.
Veteran Guards Win Games in High School
Despite the storyline coming in as usual upperclassmen guards win games in high school basketball. Early on St. Rita 2021 guard Christian Henry Christian Henry 6'1" | PG St. Rita | 2021 State IL had some forced shots and turnovers. Late though the microwave scorer put his team on his back and carried them across the line to the win. He finished with 23 points scoring on jumpers, aggressive drives, and in transition off his defense. Also got to the line drilling four in a row to close out the win. Another St. Rita guard who made some key plays was stocky 6’2” senior Elias Morris. Hit a key three and played important minutes in the second half en route to 6 points. He actually led them in plus/minus. Providence Catholic 2022 point guard Jimmy Arentz stands at 6’0” with a tough and competitive game. He is a fiery leader for this team that is a shot maker knocking down an array of them in the close loss. Went for 14 points.
Providence Breakout 2023 Post
The most productive player on the floor in this game was Providence 2023 6’5” power forward Hampton Dauparas. The sophomore put himself on the map with a breakout 20 point performance. Against Rita’s big frontline he didn’t seem fazed at all. The crafty four man mauled on the offensive glass for put backs. Put one skilled post move after another together for scores inside. He isn’t the most athletic, but he has touch and really knows how to position his body on the interior. Look forward to seeing his progress with Breakaway this spring on the Prep Hoops Circuit.
St. Rita Depth and Long-Term Potential
The overall depth is just so impressive for St. Rita. They have a ton of guys that played and some highly touted prospects that didn’t even get in the contest that are potential scholarship guys down the line. Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation IL brought post defense in the second half and was solid on the boards. Talented 2023 four man. Kaiden Space Kaiden Space 6'2" | SG St.Rita | 2023 State IL is another 2023 to track. Rangy guard got out in transition, hit a 15 footer, and got to the line for 8 points. The ceiling for this group is to be the best team in the state in 2-3 years.
Next Up is #1 for St. Rita
No rest for St. Rita as they will take on Rolling Meadows and top senior Michigan State commit Max Christie Max Christie 6'4" | SG Rolling Meadows | 2021 State #12 Nation IL along with his brother and top 10 2023 Cameron Christie Cameron Christie 6'4" | SG Rolling Meadows | 2023 State #76 Nation IL on Saturday on the road.