5 Takeaways: Simeon vs Kenwood

<p>Simeon and Kenwood are two of the premier programs in the state.  Each are coming off holiday tournament victories at Pontiac (Simeon) and Kenwood (Proviso West).  Tons of top prospects on the floor as these two clashed on Tuesday night.  Simeon went on the road to capture the victory in an intense environment 85-79.  Check out our thoughts in <strong>5 Takeaways: Simeon vs Kenwood</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Simeon Guard Play Continues to Shine</strong></p> <p>Just like at Pontiac the three starting guards for Simeon brought toughness, defense, passing, and scoring.  Top uncommitted guard [player_tooltip player_id="771517" first="Jaylen" last="Drane"] led the way with a monster 27 point outing.  He started early getting his offense going off the defensive end creating turnovers and going the other way for points.  Throughout the night he finished extremely well at the rim with acrobatic shots shielding the ball away from defenders.  Most of his points came at the rim or line except a pair of jumpers.  Continue to be impressed with how well he has dished the rock as a senior.  Sound passing in the half court to his shooters and rollers.  [player_tooltip player_id="925193" first="Avyion" last="Morris"] as always sets the tone on the defensive end.  So many intangibles here along with the ability to hit shots off the bounce.  He had 7 points.  Class of 2023 point guard [player_tooltip player_id="939059" first="Jalen" last="Griffith"] was elite with his passing again making some stellar dishes in the paint for dimes along with long outlets.  Shifty ball handler that wins off the dribble and can score at the cup.  He had 12 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Rubin Twins Each Impact in Win</strong></p> <p>The twin towers for Simeon each had their moments, actually halves in this one.  Early on it was [player_tooltip player_id="1048305" first="Wesley" last="Rubin"] who set the tone.  Thicker bodied four that is so skilled offensively.  Great hands and touch around the basket.  Scored on pick/roll and rim ran for lobs.  He also rebounded well in a 17 point outing.  [player_tooltip player_id="1048306" first="Miles" last="Rubin"] is the more bouncier of the twins.  The lefty has such a quick second jump being able to get on the offensive glass for tip ins and swat shots defensively which he displayed in the second half.  So active and plays well off his athleticism netting 10 points.  Both should be looked at as mid-major targets.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Another Hot Start for Kenwood in Loss</strong></p> <p>Just like at Highland on Saturday Kenwood started off the game super fast!  They were bombing in threes.  [player_tooltip player_id="1276139" first="Darius" last="Robinson"] is a senior guard that transferred in and has opened eyes with his perimeter shot making as he three triples early finishing with 11 points.  Versatile combo forward [player_tooltip player_id="939069" first="Davius" last="Loury"] showed exactly what scouts and coaches want to see in the early going as he knocked in a pair of threes and played with energy around the hoop getting to the foul line.  He also had 11 points doing most of his damage early.  Nevada commit [player_tooltip player_id="1210369" first="Trey" last="Pettigrew"] contributed to the early onslaught with an alley-oop dunk from Ames.  His final line saw him score 12 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Not Ames Best Night But Still Ties for Scoring Lead</strong></p> <p>Kenwood star [player_tooltip player_id="939050" first="Darrin" last="Ames"] had an “off” night and still managed to score 27 points.  When you are potentially the top prospect in the junior class expectations are high.  He was a bit wild with it at times being out of control especially in the paint.  Ames kept bringing it though as he is tough as nails.  Variety of acrobatic finishes inside while also getting hot from distance late in the game.  He is a microwave scorer for sure.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Both Teams Have Everything in Front of Them</strong></p> <p>Each of these teams have accomplished a lot early in the season.  Kenwood with a Proviso title and an impressive showing at Chicago Elite Classic.  Simeon with a Pontiac crown along with an array of other impressive victories including this one.  Both have everything they want ahead of them as they will have the opportunity to win a city title in February and state title in March.</p>