5 Takeaways: Richwoods vs Thornton

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the premier teams.&nbsp; Two of the elite players.&nbsp; Only one team and player could advance to Champaign for a state title.&nbsp; Richwood vs Thornton in the Ottawa Super Sectional was a rematch of a game played the first week of the season.&nbsp; It was close throughout.&nbsp; There were runs back and forth.&nbsp; Richwoods had the difference maker in Sommerville as they won 58-52.&nbsp; We break it all down in <strong>5 Takeaways: Richwoods vs Thornton</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rutgers commit DOMINATES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No doubt about it [player_tooltip player_id='1157232' first='Lathan' last='Sommerville'] was the best player on the floor in this game.&nbsp; He was dominant from the very beginning of the contest.&nbsp; Big and physically imposing post dropped 32 points and double digit boards.&nbsp; He took out the #1 and #2 ranked players in his class in back to back games along with the defending state champs to lead his team to Champaign.&nbsp; In this game it was his nimble footwork that was shown.&nbsp; A couple of times refs called travels that simply weren't travels on him with quick spins.&nbsp; He had 3 and-1s in the victory.&nbsp; Also hit a couple from mid-range and even a three off the catch.&nbsp; Got to the line where he shot it ok.&nbsp; Rebounded at a very high level and we continue to say his passing is considerably underrated.&nbsp; Came back to Illinois for senior year to win the crown.&nbsp; He is 2 games away from doing it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richwoods Senior Guard Trio Defend and Board</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to [player_tooltip player_id='1978599' first='Tavie' last='Smith'] (6 points), [player_tooltip player_id='2104980' first='Jared' last='Jackson'] (4 points), and DaQuan Little (8 points) they have so much tenacity on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; Defensively they get up in your face and defend!&nbsp; Like all over you!&nbsp; Offensively Little is a sharp shooter, Smith shakes defenders, and Jackson uses his athleticism.&nbsp; Another thing that we have noticed in the 5 games we have seen them this year is how well they rebound.&nbsp; All three are unsigned seniors that are going to be great late pick ups for the school that lands them.&nbsp; They will have an opportunity to show out on the big stage later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Junior X-Factor for Richwoods</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marlon Herron was the player that made the difference in this game.&nbsp; The junior left handed guard had a pair of and-1s along with a mid-range jumper.&nbsp; Then closed it out at the line with a pair of free throws.&nbsp; With the 8 known players on the floor he was the one that stepped up to take them over the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Illini Signee in Foul Trouble Early, Comes Alive Late</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1157230' first='Morez' last='Johnson'] was in foul trouble early picking up his second foul and sitting out the entire second quarter.&nbsp; He didn't score in the first half.&nbsp; Only had one bucket in the third quarter.&nbsp; Then tried to will his team in the fourth.&nbsp; Shot fake baseline take for finish, put back on the offensive glass, up and under jump hook, and a pair of free throws.&nbsp; Scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter.&nbsp; It was just a little too late for the Wildcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trio of College Guards for Thornton Looking for Schools</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson was flanked by 3 transfer guards who all had their moments throughout the year.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1158757' first='Meyoh' last='Swansey'] had the best outing in this final game with a trio of triples en route to 13 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2083269' first='Chase' last='Abraham'] also hit a pair from distance.&nbsp; These two really helped their stock as seniors becoming legit D2 prospects with their consistent shot making.&nbsp; High level defender [player_tooltip player_id='1285479' first='Isaiah' last='Green'] had 6 points in this one including several nice plays on the defensive end.&nbsp; The intangibles he brings, defense, and improved passing is what you are buying in this prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->