5 Takeaways: Richwoods vs Thornton
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Two of the premier teams. Two of the elite players. Only one team and player could advance to Champaign for a state title. Richwood vs Thornton in the Ottawa Super Sectional was a rematch of a game played the first…
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Continue ReadingTwo of the premier teams. Two of the elite players. Only one team and player could advance to Champaign for a state title. Richwood vs Thornton in the Ottawa Super Sectional was a rematch of a game played the first week of the season. It was close throughout. There were runs back and forth. Richwoods had the difference maker in Sommerville as they won 58-52. We break it all down in 5 Takeaways: Richwoods vs Thornton!
Rutgers commit DOMINATES
No doubt about it Lathan Sommerville Lathan Sommerville 6'9" | C Richwoods | 2024 State #85 Nation IL was the best player on the floor in this game. He was dominant from the very beginning of the contest. Big and physically imposing post dropped 32 points and double digit boards. 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. In this game it was his nimble footwork that was shown. A couple of times refs called travels that simply weren’t travels on him with quick spins. He had 3 and-1s in the victory. Also hit a couple from mid-range and even a three off the catch. Got to the line where he shot it ok. Rebounded at a very high level and we continue to say his passing is considerably underrated. Came back to Illinois for senior year to win the crown. He is 2 games away from doing it.
Richwoods Senior Guard Trio Defend and Board
When it comes to Tavie Smith Tavie Smith 6'1" | PG Peoria Richwoods | 2024 State IL (6 points), Jared Jackson Jared Jackson 6'3" | SG Peoria Richwoods | 2024 State IL (4 points), and DaQuan Little (8 points) they have so much tenacity on both ends of the floor. Defensively they get up in your face and defend! Like all over you! Offensively Little is a sharp shooter, Smith shakes defenders, and Jackson uses his athleticism. Another thing that we have noticed in the 5 games we have seen them this year is how well they rebound. All three are unsigned seniors that are going to be great late pick ups for the school that lands them. They will have an opportunity to show out on the big stage later this week.
Junior X-Factor for Richwoods
Marlon Herron was the player that made the difference in this game. The junior left handed guard had a pair of and-1s along with a mid-range jumper. Then closed it out at the line with a pair of free throws. With the 8 known players on the floor he was the one that stepped up to take them over the top.
Illini Signee in Foul Trouble Early, Comes Alive Late
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL was in foul trouble early picking up his second foul and sitting out the entire second quarter. He didn’t score in the first half. Only had one bucket in the third quarter. Then tried to will his team in the fourth. Shot fake baseline take for finish, put back on the offensive glass, up and under jump hook, and a pair of free throws. Scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter. It was just a little too late for the Wildcats.
Trio of College Guards for Thornton Looking for Schools
Johnson was flanked by 3 transfer guards who all had their moments throughout the year. Meyoh Swansey Meyoh Swansey 6'3" | SG Thornton | 2024 State IL had the best outing in this final game with a trio of triples en route to 13 points. Chase Abraham Chase Abraham 6'0" | SG Thornton | 2024 State IL also hit a pair from distance. These two really helped their stock as seniors becoming legit D2 prospects with their consistent shot making. High level defender Isaiah Green Isaiah Green 6'1" | PG Thornton | 2024 State IL had 6 points in this one including several nice plays on the defensive end. The intangibles he brings, defense, and improved passing is what you are buying in this prospect.