CPS Championship: 5 Takeaways

CPS hosted its first Championship week as each division played championship games at only fitting UIC Pavilion. The biggest game of them all would in fact be #1 Simeon vs #3 Kenwood a repeat game where Kenwood won a few weeks back. In the rematch Simeon would get the 72-64 win in OT after Kenwood’s heroic comeback to tie the game in the fourth quarter.  Here are 5 takeaways that stood out in this year’s CPS Championship game.

Rubin Brothers (Simeon) 

Wesley Rubin Wesley Rubin 6'8" | PF Simeon | 2023 State IL and Miles Rubin Miles Rubin 6'7" | PF Simeon | 2023 State #243 Nation IL had a different experience the second time around against Kenwood. Wesley got it going early scoring on the perimeter knocking down a corner three and a jumper from the top of the key. As he was able to bring the bigger Kenwood defenders out on the perimeter that opened up more space for his twin around the rim. Wesley showed how high level of a passer he was while attacking the middle of Kenwood zone. Miles was terrific showing good hands and anticipation finishing at the rim. Both brothers did a good job battling on the boards. In my opinion their advantage this game was playing on the bigger college court. It was just way more spacing for the Rubin twins to operate.  Miles finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  Wesley led Simeon with 21 points and 6 boards.. 

Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL (Kenwood) 

I’m sure by now you have seen the amazing crossover that put Sam Lewis Sam Lewis 6'5" | SF Simeon | 2023 State IL on the floor, but Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL was more than just a one highlight reel. Dai Dai was a big factor in the Broncos fourth quarter run to send the game to overtime. Ames got in the lane for pull-ups and lefty floaters that often sent him to the line for extra points. Ames without a doubt hit the biggest shot of the game while being down 3 at the top of the key. His three pointer sent the game to overtime, but it wasn’t enough. Darrin led all scorers with 22 points. 

Jalen Griffith Jalen Griffith 5'10" | PG Simeon | 2023 State IL (Simeon)

Griffith is always the driver of the boat whenever Simeon is on the court and Saturday was no different.  He hit some timely shots for the Wolverines when they needed them most. A corner three to start the second quarter was nice then he later had a slick crossover into a hop step for a layup that got fans on their feet. The rest of the way Simeon relied on him to handle Kenwood’s pressure which he did at most times.  Led his team to the victory in the end. Griffith finished with 11 points and 9 assists.  

Kenwood Role Players

The biggest reason for this becoming an amazing game was because of the Broncos 4th quarter efforts. Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 6'1" | PG Wheaton Academy | 2025 IL ,  Isaiah Green Isaiah Green 6'0" | PG Kenwood | 2024 State IL , and Chris Riddle Chris Riddle 6'5" | SF Kenwood | 2024 State #163 Nation IL all took part in the full court scramble press that fueled the comeback. Tyler was very active all game being dealt with the task to cover Jalen Griffith Jalen Griffith 5'10" | PG Simeon | 2023 State IL 94 feet the majority of his time on the court. Green was very much the benefactor after the scramble he piled up 8 points alone after he, Ames, and Smith got steals. Isaiah has a knack for being right where he needs to be in games. He scores best in tough situations.  Riddle also contributed some tough points while Kenwood was on a long scoring drought. He plays with a lot of toughness and proved he can score around the rim and from deep. 

Sam Lewis Sam Lewis 6'5" | SF Simeon | 2023 State IL (Simeon) 

Lewis had some good moments in the championship game and that was a big reason the Wolverines extended their lead to 20 points by the third quarter.  His baseline dunk was a confidence boost for starters. He later added a three from the wing. Sam was also a strong presence in the middle of Simeon zone breaking offense as he made plays to teammates or for himself down the stretch. Lewis finished the game with 11 points and a handful of boards.