Top Performers: Simeon vs Brooks

<p>The only teams remaining playing high school hoops in the state of Illinois are the Chicago Public League squads.  We watched a match up on Tuesday evening between Simeon and Brooks.  It was closer than many would have expected as Brooks had it down to two points with under a minute to go before Simeon pulled away to win 61-56.  We recap the players that shined in <strong>Top Performers: Simeon vs Brooks</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939059" first="Jalen" last="Griffith"] (Simeon – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Griffith is a quick guard that was dynamic in this game both scoring and dishing the rock.  Simeon got down early and it was Griffith who brought a spark to them.  Quick ball handler that loves to get in the lane for floaters.  Also hit a corner three.  He is exceptionally good at winning off the bounced and shielding the ball away from his defender to get it up on the glass despite his height.  Crisp passer that was effective as a drive and kick guy in this one.  Went for 16 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="765148" first="Ahamad" last="Bynum"] (Simeon – 2021)</strong></p> <p>The DePaul signee is an energy scorer that hit a pair of threes including a slick sidestep one where he created space.  The rest of his points came at the rim on explosive takes.  Did a nice job of sharing the ball as well making the extra pass.  Went for 10 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920941" first="Isaiah" last="Barnes"] (Simeon – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Barnes who is headed to Michigan next year was very effective crashing the defensive glass in this game snatching them at their high point over and over ending Brooks possessions.  He hit a corner three along with two key mid-range jumpers in the second half on his way to 13 points.  One of the best wings in the state.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="771517" first="Jaylen" last="Drane"] (Simeon – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Drane continues to have a rock-solid junior campaign.  The Simeon combo guard is explosive with the ball in his hands getting downhill with his burst on straight line drives.  Has a knack for finishing acrobatic layups and making it look easy.  He had 8 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1152911" first="Chaz" last="Harvey"] (Brooks – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Harvey is a 6’2” combo guard that was spectacular early on and then got it going again late for Brooks.  The senior is an athletic guard with ultra smooth handles which was shown either creating his own jumper or getting to the rim.  Best move was a slick crossover that resulted in a pull up three.  Made four from distance in the game while also crashing the offensive glass from his guard spot.  Showed some instincts defensively as well.  Went for 20 points.  Nice small college get late.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939070" first="Kyle" last="McElroy"] (Brooks – 2022)</strong></p> <p>McElroy is a 6’7” four man that showed flashes.  Hit a pair of mid-range jumpers including one he got fouled on.  Bit of a hitch in his shot and is overall raw, but a lot of tools to work with.  Mobility on the defensive end is something that can be a strength down the line.  He scored 7 points.</p>