Class by Class Breakdown: Curie vs Kenwood

<p>Kenwood hosted Curie on Thursday night in a Chicago Public League matchup with a ton of talent on the floor.  Curie took home the win by a final of 72-56.  With so many prospects in this one we look at the game in our <strong>Class by Class Breakdown: Curie vs Kenwood</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Class of 2021</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Curie</strong></p> <p>This is the group that won the game for Curie.  Their veteran seniors who have seen a lot of hoops and it is now their time came to play against the talented young Kenwood squad.  Combo guard [player_tooltip player_id="1048734" first="Cassius" last="Brooks"] was the best player on the floor in this game.  Powerfully built guard who attacks with strength getting downhill.  Good in transition, creates turnovers, and can hit an occasional jumper.  Went for 18 points.  <strong>Jermel Grigsby</strong> made a name for himself in this one.  The 6’6” senior power forward was extremely efficient around the hoop scoring on dump offs, hook shots, mid-range jumpers, and put backs going for 12 points while providing a ton of energy especially in the first half.  [player_tooltip player_id="920971" first="Phillip" last="Berryhill"] has the prospect look with a long and lanky frame.  Showed two way flashes as usual with a steal followed by a coast to coast dunk along with a three for 5 points.  [player_tooltip player_id="920977" first="Reggie" last="Ward"] only scored 4 points, but it was his defense that played a critical role in the win.  Stayed in front of Taylor throughout the game and made it tough for him every possession with his combination of strength and mobility.  All four of these Curie seniors are unsigned and should be on the radar of small college and JUCO programs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kenwood</strong></p> <p>Not a ton of senior production in this game for Kenwood.  Their top seniors had a couple points, but nothing significant.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Class of 2023</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Kenwood</strong></p> <p>Host Kenwood had the edge with their sophomore class as they would against any team in the state as they feature three of the top eight 2023s in the PHI Rankings.  Top ranked [player_tooltip player_id="939077" first="Javonte" last="Taylor"] was held to only 13 points in this contest.  The skilled face up four did have his moments though including a couple big jams one coming off a strong shot fake.  Also had a nice score on a post up for an acrobatic and-1.  The three ball didn’t fall in this game for him.  [player_tooltip player_id="939050" first="Darrin" last="Ames"] is a high-major point guard who always seems to get off to a hot start each time we watch him.  He was cooking early using his speed and ball handling.  Plus shot maker that can take and make step back and contested shots.  Also a couple of spinning layups and pushed against pressure where he found teammates on his way to 17 points.  [player_tooltip player_id="939069" first="Davius" last="Loury"] is a power forward that plays with a motor.  Good strength and athleticism up front.  Ran the floor hard, finished dump offs, and had a scoop shot for 10 points.  Solid rebounder on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Curie</strong></p> <p><strong>Jeremy Harrington</strong> made his name in this one.  The 6’5” strong bodied power forward was very efficient around the basket finishing dump off passes, put backs, and regularly got to the free throw line for 11 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Class of 2024</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Curie</strong></p> <p>This was our first look of the season at the Curie 2024 inside/outside duo.  Point guard <strong>Carlos Harris</strong> is a strong and athletic guard who can handle it getting loose in the open floor.  Tough kid also got on the offensive glass for a bucket notching 5 points.  Like the poise he brought in this road contest along with his defense.  <strong>Taevion Collier</strong> is the younger brother of former Curie superstar Cliff Alexander.  He has a strong frame at 6’6” with the ability to really rebound in traffic.  Ran the floor hard and brought the physicality on his way to 7 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kenwood</strong></p> <p>Continue to like the long term potential of Kenwood freshman wing <strong>Chris Riddle</strong>.  Strong and athletic wing can score from multiple levels and plays with energy.  Got out in transition for a score.  Mixed in a runner and reverse layup.  Athletic slasher with two way potential.</p>