5 Takeaways: Downers Grove North vs Whitney Young
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Sectional Semis were in full gear across the state with half of the games being played on Tuesday night. The one that we took in was Whitney Young and Downers Grove North. Whitney Young was the top seed with Downers…
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Continue ReadingSectional Semis were in full gear across the state with half of the games being played on Tuesday night. The one that we took in was Whitney Young and Downers Grove North. Whitney Young was the top seed with Downers Grove North seeking the upset. DGN came out early behind their star. The state’s top unsigned senior stormed Whitney Young back. DGN made key plays late to win 47-44. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Downers Grove North vs Whitney Young!
Stanton Proves He is More Than Just Shooter
What a performance that Jack Stanton Jack Stanton 6'2" | SG Downers Grove North | 2024 State #222 Nation IL put on in the win for Downers Grove North. Stanton who got a bump in our last update will be getting another one after this performance. The two guard who is known as a lights out shooter proved he is much more in this one. He did hit a pair of threes, but it was his toughness and overall game that impressed us most. Stanton scored on a back cut to begin the game and another to give his team the lead late which they never relinquished. Also won off the bounce consistently against some solid perimeter defenders for Whitney Young. Crisp passes in the half court finding teammates while scoring 21 points. D1 prospect.
Bozeman and Riemer Step Up in Win
Downers Grove North 2023 forward Jacob Bozeman Jacob Bozeman 6'5" | PF Downers Grove North | 2023 State IL brought it on the big stage. The combo forward is a bouncy senior that made plays scoring on straight line takes, hit short jumpers, and pull up from mid-range. Also rebounded well and competed defensively. He had 11 points. Small colleges should be on him. Jake Riemer Jake Riemer 6'7" | C Downers Grove North | 2024 State IL inside is a 2024 big man we continue to be intrigued by. Didn’t get a ton of touches, but the junior five was efficient with a put back and left-handed hook shot while being solid on the glass contributing 5 points and a handful of boards.
Excellent Late Game Execution by DGN
Coach Jim Thomas and his staff did an excellent job drawing up plays and executing down the stretch. Well coached kids that made the right plays. Started with a back cut on a sideline out of bounds play for a Stanton layup. They then used their three fouls to give, running the clock down for Whitney Young. After that they got a steal in the corner where Ethan Thulin threw it off a Dolphins leg to give them possession up two. Outside of missing one free throw late it was about as well as you can close a game out.
Daniel Johnson Daniel Johnson 6'6" | SF Whitney Young | 2023 State #231 Nation IL Lives Up to Status in Final High School Game
Whitney Young star senior Daniel Johnson Daniel Johnson 6'6" | SF Whitney Young | 2023 State #231 Nation IL finished off a strong senior campaign with another big game. He carried his team for stretches with his perimeter shooting. The 6’6” small forward has such a feathery stroke from three off the catch and created in the mid-range for pull ups as well. He had 18 points. Johnson is the highest unsigned senior in the state. Look for his recruitment to now go into full pursuit now that the season is over as there is a ton of value in 3 and D wings at the next level
Princeton Commit Shines in Second Half
Dalen Davis Dalen Davis 6'0" | PG Whitney Young | 2023 State #167 Nation IL came up just short in the end missing a three to tie it at the buzzer. Shouldn’t take away from a very good night and season overall for the top 10 prospect. Davis went from last year being a facilitator to scoring at a higher clip this season. With his team down in the second half he made shot after shot getting them right back in it hitting threes, pull up twos, and getting to the cup. Tough and smart leader at the point who will excel in the Ivy League. He had 15 points.