5 Takeaways: Geneva Regional Semis
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The only big school regional on Tuesday night was held at Geneva. The host Geneva squad took on Naperville Central followed by defending state champs Glenbard West vs Glenbard North. Here is what all went down in 5 Takeaways: Geneva…
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Continue ReadingThe only big school regional on Tuesday night was held at Geneva. The host Geneva squad took on Naperville Central followed by defending state champs Glenbard West vs Glenbard North. Here is what all went down in 5 Takeaways: Geneva Regional Semis!
Geneva Seniors Carry Team to Close Win
The much higher seeded team was Geneva who was also playing on their home floor. They could never quite get distance between them and upset minded Naperville Central until late in the game as they won 49-38. They were pushed by a quartet of seniors. Mick Lawrence led the way with 17 points. The 6’0” lead guard is a smooth ball handler that can create off the dribble for himself and others. Mixed in runners, crafty finishes, and a pair of threes while showing good passing feel. Good small college guard. Strong bodied wings
Jimmy Rasmussen
Jimmy
Rasmussen
6'1" | SG
Geneva | 2023
IL
and Thomas Diamond got to the line with their strength and finished in the paint for 10 points and 11 points respectively. Tanner Dixon was a junk yard dog for his team scoring on put backs, pick/roll finishes, and nifty conversions for 12 points.
Naperville Central Inside/Outside Combo Keeps Team In Game
Simon Krugliakovas was primed to pull off the upset early as he opened up with a big first quarter. The scoring 5’10” point guard has a crisp jumper that can stretch to three along with a soft touch finishing package inside of floaters and scoop shots. Went for 16 points. Should be looked at by D3 schools. On the interior undersized 6’3” post Jackson First did a nice job running the floor, finishing with touch around the hoop, and even hit a three from the top of the key for 14 points.
Defending 4A Champs Glenbard West Open With Win Behind Balance
If you look at the floor you don’t see hardly anyone you remember from last year, but yes Glenbard West is the reigning 4A title holders. They graduated everyone off one of the best teams in recent state history. Tuesday night they opened their defense of the title against Glenbard North who gave them everything they could handle including leading by a bucket after the 3rd. The fourth quarter was owned by Glenbard West as they took home the victory by a final of 54-41 outscoring GBN by 15 in the final stanza. For Glenbard West it was all about their balance. Haverford commit Logan Brown Logan Brown 6'6" | C Glenbard West | 2023 State IL was the leader as he has been all year long. Skilled and strong lefty four man that has quickness, touch, and feel scoring around the hoop. Works well from the mid-post in, passes it, and rebounds at a high level as he netted 14 points. Also inside was super undersized Jack Oberhofer who has a football body. The big bodied five was a good area rebounder and finished when opportunities presented themselves as he had 12 points. The three point shooting was huge as well. They got a combined seven triples from Luuk Dusek, Declan Scheck, and Bennett Schwanke Bennett Schwanke 5'11" | PG Glenbard West | 2024 IL .
Hernandez Dazzles in Last Game of Junior Season
The best player and prospect on the floor Tuesday night was without question Glenbard North 6’6” 2024 combo forward JJ Hernandez JJ Hernandez 6'6" | PF Glenbard North | 2024 State IL . It was the best we had seen him play in his career as he was super effective with his jumper hitting a trio from beyond the arc along with a mid-range shot. Also crashes the offensive glass for put backs. The athleticism and length plays defensively blocking shots and using his length laterally. Also passed it well in the half court being a nice connector as he had 19 points and 7 rebounds. This squad has a couple of young prospects to track as well starting with freshman Josh Abushanab. The 2026 small forward is one of the top handful of freshman players in the state. Long and lanky small forward that is bouncy around the hoop and hit a three late for 7 points. Also keep tabs on 2025 point guard Jack Schager Jack Schager 5'10" | SG Glenbard North | 2025 IL who is a sharp shooter that netted 8 points.
Night to Themselves
This kind of reminded me of the start of the covid season when Tuscola had a stand-alone night by themselves to begin their season. Literally no other 2A, 3A, or 4A games were held on Tuesday across the state. Smart of Geneva to host on this night and get the state’s basketball focus on these four teams.