3 Takeaways: Camden vs Kenwood
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Big time out of state matchup happened on Friday night on the campus of DePaul as Kenwood hosted Camden (NJ). The Chicago power took on a pair of top 5 recruits in Kentucky commits DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw Aaron…
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Continue ReadingBig time out of state matchup happened on Friday night on the campus of DePaul as Kenwood hosted Camden (NJ). The Chicago power took on a pair of top 5 recruits in Kentucky commits DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw Aaron Bradshaw 7'0" | PF Camden | 2023 State #10 Nation NJ . Kenwood jumped out early behind their star Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL , but it wasn’t enough as Camden would go on to win 68-54. Here are our 3 Takeaways: Camden vs Kenwood!
Wagner Lives Up to Hype
This was my first look at DJ Wagner since the EYBL circuit. The Kentucky commit started off a bit slow chucking a few bad shots, missing free throws, and being wild with it. About midway through the second quarter he took over and it was on from that point. Strong bodied shooting guard is a pure bucket getter. He is at his best when attacking downhill with his combination of power and smooth footwork on euro steps. Converted several of those in traffic along with and-1s. Like a running back with the ball bursting through the hole. Has a knack for drawing contact. Wagner also hit a trio from deep including a corner three and big time pull up. Not much in the way of a creator for others at this stage. He had 26 points. Fellow Kentucky commit Aaron Bradshaw Aaron Bradshaw 7'0" | PF Camden | 2023 State #10 Nation NJ wasn’t quite as dominant. The 7’0” center is considered by many the top five man in the class. Narrow frame and seemed to get pushed around some inside by undersized Kenwood bigs. There is a lot to like here though. Finishes dump offs, lobs, and had a nasty dunk off an offensive rebound. Potential as a shot blocker as well. Long and lanky with explosive athleticism. Didn’t see a ton of skill out of him and would like to see the motor run higher, but there is no doubt a ton of future talent to bet on here. He scored just 6 points. St. Louis Billikens commit Cian Medley Cian Medley 6'0" | PG Camden | 2023 State NJ also showed well in this one. Controls the game from the point guard spot with his feel, pace, and handle. Can mix in some scoring when needed.
Ames Shows Out in First Half
While Wagner got the win early on it looked like Kenwood star Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL was going to steal his thunder. The Kansas State commit is one of the most electric guards in the class. He showcased that in this one as the southpaw came out throwing haymakers one after another with three after three. He had 15 points in the first half alone. Also did a nice job using his handles to shake defenders and get to the cup where he was often fouled converting both ending with 27 points.
Kenwood Junior Duo Show Flashes on Big Stage
Despite the loss a couple of juniors were bright spots for Kenwood. Calvin Robins Jr Calvin Robins Jr 6'5" | PF Kenwood | 2024 State IL . more than held his own against the big frontline from Camden. The power forward is a high level athlete with a motor. It played well getting to the line, hitting the offensive glass, and even knocked in a pick/pop three. Mid-majors need to be taking a serious look at him! Finished with 8 points. Point guard Isaiah Green Isaiah Green 6'1" | PG Thornton | 2024 State IL is among the top floor generals in the 2024 class. Struggled a bit defensively, but it was his ability to get downhill on straight line takes along with making a couple from deep that caught our attention as he netted 12 points.