5 Takeaways: Normal Community vs Bradley Bourbonnais

<p>Normal Community means business!  In their last home game of the season they captured the regional championship with a 63-30 win over Bradley Bourbonnais.  We give you our thoughts in <strong>5 Takeaways: Normal Community vs Bradley Bourbonnais</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Normal Community Frontline Flexes Muscle</strong></p> <p>It was a dominant performance right from the jump as Normal Community got out early in this game and never looked back.  Their front line was a huge reason why.  Liberty commit [player_tooltip player_id="996062" first="Zach" last="Cleveland"] is such a versatile weapon up front.  He has skill being able to hit hook shots, bank in mid-range jumpers from side angles, and was so good as a passer in his 10 point outing.  Class of 2024 center [player_tooltip player_id="1157233" first="Jaheem" last="Webber"] has high-major written all over him.  The top 10 sophomore is a powerfully built five that plays physical down low.  He dunked several dump offs, finished in the pick/roll, and had a couple nice dishes.  Contributed on the glass grabbing them with his strong hands in traffic and swatting shots in a 12 points, 6 rebound, 3 block game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Unsigned Seniors Key to State Run</strong></p> <p>The most impactful player on the floor in this game was Normal Community point guard [player_tooltip player_id="996063" first="Trey" last="Redd"].  The shifty lefty point guard looked every bit a D2 floor general in this one.  He was on point all night long with his passing putting his teammates in perfect position to succeed.  Also mixed in runners and took good angles getting to the cup.  Defensively he was super active with his hands creating turnovers.  Went for a game high 23 points.  His running mate on the perimeter [player_tooltip player_id="1048716" first="Famious" last="French"] is a long and athletic two way wing that loves to get out in transition, slash, and play above the rim as he had 11 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Roman One to Track in 2024</strong></p> <p>The x-factor for this squad is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="1172774" first="Braylon" last="Roman"].  The shooting guard is a great glue guy for this team that uses his athleticism in the open floor and gets after it defensively.  If he can hit shots as the playoffs go on watch out!  He had 5 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Normal Community Can Win It All</strong></p> <p>The Ironmen can win the state championship.  They absolutely have the talent and cohesiveness to do it.  The way they share the ball as a group, defend, and rebound is super impressive.  They can match up size for size with squads like Glenbard West and Whitney Young.  The ultimate deciding factor will probably be how well they shoot when those teams pack it in.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Freeman Shows Flashes in Second Half</strong></p> <p>Bradley Bourbonnais star [player_tooltip player_id="989265" first="Owen" last="Freeman"] struggled in the first half only recording 3 points on a shot from the top of the key.  He showed some glimpses of what he will bring in a few years to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half.  The junior Big 10 commit has a strong frame with athleticism.  Got to a right handed hook shot and a steal for a big dunk.  I’m sure it wasn’t the night the top 10 2023 wanted but he still managed 11 points and 7 rebounds.  Top center in the class.</p>