3 Takeaways: Quincy vs Lake Forest Academy

<p>Thursday might have been Thanksgiving, but there were still hoops going on across the state in a couple of places including the Quincy Thanksgiving Tournament.  We saw Quincy take on Lake Forest Academy in a game with numerous prospects.  PHI breaks down what we saw in <strong>3 Takeaways: Quincy vs Lake Forest Academy</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Talton Proves He is Among Top Uncommitted in Illinois</strong></p> <p>With the majority of the 2022 class signing during the early signing period it gives an opportunity for players at the top of the uncommitted board to get opportunities if they perform.  Well [player_tooltip player_id="996059" first="Jeremiah" last="Talton"] performed on opening night!  The 6’5” small forward is the #24 overall prospect in the class and third highest uncommitted player still on the board.  In the first game of his senior campaign he dropped a career high 31 points along with double digit rebounds.  It was a monster performance especially in the first half with 23 of his points coming in the first two quarters.  He did a little bit of everything.  Knocked down three triples from deep with his feathery touch and free flowing shooting stroke.  Was very assertive taking it to the cup as well.  Talton has put on strength to his lanky frame over the last year and it showed taking contact in the paint and converting.  Can post up smaller defenders displaying he can operate as a small ball four at the college level.  Crashed the glass with authority including second jumps getting his own misses.  One aspect that has been apparent in Talton’s game since his sophomore year is his willingness to compete on the defensive end.  He flies around in help defense and recovers well.  Also is insanely good at taking charges which he did tonight earning three of them.  His confidence was apparent and he is going to have a monster senior year.  Low-major plus programs need to take a long look here and for Midwest D2 programs he is a no brainer!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Young Talent for Quincy</strong></p> <p>The other thing that stood out for Quincy tonight was the emergence of several young prospects and it wasn’t the one we were anticipating coming into the night.  There were three 2025s that played significant minutes and show promising futures as prospects.  Big man Keshaun Thomas is a strong bodied five that rebounded well in his area and had a nice put back.  Dominique Clay is a rangy two guard who on the first touch of his high school career let fly for a three.  Also made an impact with his length on the defensive end.  Bradley Longcor opened our eyes with all seven of his points in the fourth quarter.  Corner three, runner, and mid-range jumper.  Kid plays with some swag!  Also a 2024 point guard Ralph Wires caught our attention.  Shifty ball handler that is quick off the dribble and aggressive on the defensive end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>LFA Upperclassmen</strong></p> <p>Wanted to check out multiple upperclassmen for Lake Forest Academy in this one.  [player_tooltip player_id="863592" first="Darius" last="Duff"] is coming off a strong July with Kessel Heat.  The slender built 2022 shooting guard operated on the ball quite a bit for LFA.  Was solid as a passer, but is at his best using his slick handles to get through traffic for scores in the lane or fouled.  Best moment was when he hammered home a nasty dunk in the third quarter.  He had 8 points.  Worth consideration at the D2 level.  [player_tooltip player_id="863617" first="Shaedon" last="Simpson"] we didn’t get to see play all summer so we were anticipating where his game was at.  Rangy 2022 wing is a plus three point shooter especially off the catch.  Brings a nice bit of athleticism as well throwing down a lob.  He had 8 points.  In the right fit I could see a D2 taking a shot on him.  JUCO might be a good option to continue his development as well.  [player_tooltip player_id="925203" first="Michael" last="Nowak"] is another senior to track more so at the small college level.  Adequate shooter and makes some stuff happen on occasion with the ball in his hands.  [player_tooltip player_id="1140553" first="Simon" last="Weisserman"] is a 2023 combo forward that will be one of the main interior presences for this squad this year.  Got a put back and competed inside.</p>