Top Prospects: Downers Grove North vs Metea Valley
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Believe it or not Thanksgiving Tournaments had not concluded on Monday as we caught the championship of the Downers Grove North one as the host school took on Metea Valley for the crown. DGN started down 9-0 after the end…
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Continue ReadingBelieve it or not Thanksgiving Tournaments had not concluded on Monday as we caught the championship of the Downers Grove North one as the host school took on Metea Valley for the crown. DGN started down 9-0 after the end of the first quarter on their home floor. They scored 24 in the second to make it close keeping it tight throughout then breaking through in the fourth to win 50-46. Here we dive into Top Prospects: Downers Grove North vs Metea Valley!
Jack Stanton Jack Stanton 6'2" | SG Downers Grove North | 2024 State #222 Nation IL (Downers Grove North – 2024)
The top 10 Princeton commit wasn’t his usual self in this game as he missed more threes than made. One of the state’s premier shooters did still manage to knock in a couple of tough ones including a pull up and one behind a ball screen. Actually thought he passed it pretty well as the off guard made solid decisions, but his teammates didn’t always convert. What he actually did best might have been defensively defending a guy half a foot taller than him and holding him well under his average. Stanton still managed to finish with 12 points making key plays in the win.
Jake Riemer Jake Riemer 6'7" | C Downers Grove North | 2024 State IL (Downers Grove North – 2024)
Riemer is a sleeper big in the 2024 class. He has legit size and a nice frame. Was tough on the interior defensively swatting a few shots and rebounding in his area. Hook shot off a dump off and threw down a nasty slam on a bullet pass late for 6 points.
Alex Miller Alex Miller 6'5" | SF Downers Grove North | 2024 State IL (Downers Grove North – 2024)
Miller was the player of the game for DGN. He did what he did all summer for Illinois Stars which is knock down shots. Plus shot maker hit four of them from deep along with making trips to the line where he knocked them in. Really like how he is always moving and plays with a lot of grit. He had 18 points.
Aidan Akkawi (Downers Grove North – 2025)
This junior forward is an x-factor junk yard dog for his team. Scrappy role player that finished well around the hoop and impacted defensively while scoring 7 points.
Will Ashford Will Ashford 6'5" | SF Metea Valley | 2024 State IL (Metea Valley – 2024)
Ashford made a strong case in this one why he should be under serious consideration at the D2 level. Well built small forward hit several tough threes including a sick step back. The athletic pop that sometimes he doesn’t get full credit for was on display with a couple of big slams. Liked a nifty step through move late that he converted with a finger roll. Rebounded well and played big on the perimeter using his length to get steals while scoring 16 points.
James Parker (Metea Valley – 2024)
Parker was the surprise of this game. Did not know about the 5’10” senior coming in, but he was excellent carrying them at times in his 20 point outing. Consistently got in the lane for soft touch finishes using jukes along with hesitation to get in the teeth of the defense. Plus mid-range shooter that also stretched it to three twice. Small colleges in need of a rock solid lead guard that can make shots should take a look.
Jake Nosek Jake Nosek 6'8" | C Metea Valley | 2025 State #377 Nation IL (Metea Valley – 2025)
Nosek is one of the higher ceiling post prospects in the 2025 class. He had some big games earlier in this tournament. The Metea Valley junior has legit size at 6’8” with super long arms. At times he doesn’t use it to his advantage as he hangs out on the perimeter too much. Yes his biggest asset is his ability to stretch the floor. Hit one from the corner early and then one late off a pin down screen for a tough corner triple. Other than that there wasn’t a ton of production. Can be very impactful defensively and on the boards when he uses his physical gifts inside. Didn’t have a post up the whole game. We are huge fans of this player, but would like to see him mix it up a little bit more inside.