5 Takeaways: Simeon vs Cathedral
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Simeon got their first test post Pontiac title with a nationally televised game on ESPN2 against one of the best teams in Indiana, Cathedral, led by a five-star commit. At the half Cathedral held a 31-30 lead. In the second…
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Continue ReadingSimeon got their first test post Pontiac title with a nationally televised game on ESPN2 against one of the best teams in Indiana, Cathedral, led by a five-star commit. At the half Cathedral held a 31-30 lead. In the second half it was all Simeon as they rolled to a 74-61 victory from La Porte, IN. We dive into it here in 5 Takeaways: Simeon vs Cathedral!
Rubin Twins Dominate 5-Star
Despite the headliner being Michigan State commit Booker who if you didn’t hear it enough on the broadcast is the #3 player in the ESPN Top 100 it was actually the Rubin twins for Simeon that dominated inside and dictated what happened in this game. Loyola commit Miles Rubin Miles Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State #243 Nation IL is a bouncy four man that was a force as a rim protector in this contest. He swatted four shots while altering others. His timing and quickness is so impressive as a rim protector and rebounder. Snatched rebounds at a high rate. Offensively he ran the floor and finished out of the dunker spot as usual going for 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Northern Iowa commit Wesley Rubin Wesley Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State IL also had an impactful outing in this game. He passed it well on the interior, recorded a number of steals on broken plays which led to Wolverines points, and used his touch around the hoop on seals and hook shots. Wesley had 22 points and 7 rebounds.
Griffith Shows Out on National Stage
Simeon star point guard Jalen Griffith Jalen Griffith 5'9" | PG Simeon | 2023 State IL showed to a national audience what those of us who cover him all the time see. Yes he is small. Yes he is a D1 lead guard! He was the catalyst in the victory recording 20 points, 4 assists, and several steals. Griffith sliced and diced off the bounce for scores from all three levels while setting up his teammates for scores. Floater game was on point. Also hit crisp pull ups. Excellent distributor that got easy shots. Low-majors and mid-majors get out of portal land and get yourself a guard that can get you to March!
Simeon Defense
Simeon’s defense was impressive in the victory. The Rubin twins particularly Miles anchored on the inside as a rim protector. Griffith was pesky at the point of attack. They had active hands as a team getting deflections and steals in the open floor. Rashad McKinnie and Michael Ratliff Michael Ratliff 6'2" | SG Simeon | 2023 State IL played their role as defenders. The return of Kaiden Space Kaiden Space 6'2" | SG St.Rita | 2023 State IL in limited minutes was a nice help to both their defense and closing the game out at the line.
What’s Next?
Now Simeon will drive from Northwest Indiana southwest to Highland for another matchup with a top 3 prospect in the country Justin Edwards at 7:00 PM at the Highland Shootout. It is the beginning of a big month for the Wolverines. First test passed!
Booker Eval
The highlight national player in this one was Xavier Booker Xavier Booker 6'11" | PF Cathedral | 2023 State #4 Nation IN from Cathedral. The lefty big man has a lot of intriguing tools with his legit size, length, and quick twitched athleticism around the hoop. Started off fast with a mid-range jumper and a put back. Then got in foul trouble sitting out the second quarter. He showed flashes in the second half with a corner three, mid-range jumper, and a tip dunk. Defensively his length plays well altering and blocking shots. Like a lot of young big men he wants to be a two guard and play out on the perimeter. Floated out there too much for my liking in this game. His ability to score inside, rim running, and out of the dunker spot is what makes him very intriguing. The motor needs to go at a higher rate. Still in three quarters of action the Michigan State signee went for 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks.