5 Takeaways: DePaul Prep vs Mt. Carmel
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Two of the premier teams in the state with championship aspirations in March clashed on Monday night as DePaul Prep hosted Mt. Carmel. Early on Mt. Carmel jumped out to a quick 9-2 start. DePaul Prep controlled the tempo to…
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Continue ReadingTwo of the premier teams in the state with championship aspirations in March clashed on Monday night as DePaul Prep hosted Mt. Carmel. Early on Mt. Carmel jumped out to a quick 9-2 start. DePaul Prep controlled the tempo to their pace the rest of the half evening it up at halftime 19-19. The second half was with a possession back and forth all game long. DePaul Prep won it 41-38. Here is our recap in 5 Takeaways: DePaul Prep vs Mt. Carmel!
Chambers and Balance Gets Job Done for DePaul Prep
The go to player in big games for DePaul Prep the last two years has been PJ Chambers PJ Chambers 6'2" | SG DePaul Prep | 2024 State IL . The senior shooting guard stepped up in a major way throughout the game hitting big shots and getting to the line. The southpaw drained three from beyond the arc. Also knocked in a runner and deep pull up two along with multiple trips to the line for 19 points. Balanced scoring for the rest of the squad. AJ Chambers AJ Chambers 6'0" | SG DePaul Prep | 2026 State IL the younger brother hit a three scoring 4 points. Top 10 sophomore big man Rashaun Porter Rashaun Porter 6'6" | PF DePaul Prep | 2026 State IL looked comfortable banging in a three along with a post score and good defense around the hoop for 6 points. Makai Kvamme Makai Kvamme 6'0" | PG DePaul Prep | 2025 State IL was a monster defensively along with using his creativity off the bounce for 5 points.
Defense Wins Championships
The DePaul Prep program is built on defense and toughness. That was shown in this win. After that quick spurt to begin the game the Rams put the clamps on. The guards passed guys off on the perimeter not allowing much dribble penetration, contested shots, and created turnovers. Big men used their length inside.
DePaul Prep Primed for Run Back to State
Last year DePaul Prep won 2A. They got bumped up to 3A this year. Their path is let’s just say VERY favorable to reach Champaign again. Would be quite a feat to win it all in back to back years after getting moved up a class.
Mt. Carmel Adjusting Without Swiss Army Knife on the Fly into Playoffs
The reality of the Caravan being without Lee Marks Lee Marks 6'6" | SF Mt. Carmel | 2024 State IL for the foreseeable future is starting to set in. Their do it all top 30 senior is sidelined and status is up in the air for the remainder of the season. They will have to rely even more on Northwestern star Angelo Ciaravino Angelo Ciaravino 6'6" | SF Mt. Carmel | 2024 State #160 Nation IL . The Northwestern commit got on the offensive glass for several put backs, put it on the deck for slippery drives, and hit a pair of threes for 18 points. Now they need to find consistency behind him. Cameron Thomas Cameron Thomas 6'3" | PG Mount Carmel | 2025 State IL was their next leading scorer in this one with 8 points. Rebounds well for a guard, plays physical, and can hit a three as he did to close the 3rd quarter.
Caravan Path to Champaign
Their sectional is no gimme. Mt. Carmel will have to go out and win it. Potential matchups with near by Hyde Park and either De La Salle, St. Laurence, or Lindblom in the sectional final. Ciaravino is the type of player though that can take over a state tournament.