State Finals: 4A Semi Finals Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday night featured a pair of semi final games in the 4A field between Evanston and Benet along with Rich Township vs Warren.&nbsp; Here we examine the two games, prospects, and more in <strong>State Finals: 4A Semi Final Notebook</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Benet Blows It Open in 4^th Quarter vs Evanston to Advance to Final</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first half it was a low scoring game between Evanston and Benet with Benet leading 20-15 at the half and Evanston having some momentum going into the break.&nbsp; Truman State point guard commit [player_tooltip player_id='1598658' first='Blake' last='Fagbemi'] turned it up a few notches and they threw the knockout punch in the fourth quarter as Benet would go on to win 56-44.&nbsp; Fagbemi is one of the most poised leaders in the state.&nbsp; He is a true floor general in every sense of the word.&nbsp; He gets others involved with his distributing and picks his spots to score.&nbsp; The senior got it to cutters and big men for some momentum plays which was the difference.&nbsp; Fagbemi completely controlled the second half with his passing, defense, and mixing in some scoring going for 10 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals.&nbsp; Did have 7 turnovers however.&nbsp; His running mate in the backcourt next to him junior [player_tooltip player_id='2105390' first='Jayden' last='Wright'] struggled with foul trouble all night, but when in the game remained poised hitting a turnaround jumper, scoring on movement, and getting to the line for 10 points.&nbsp; The big boys were a huge difference for Benet.&nbsp; It started with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2323620' first='Edward' last='Stasys'] who high pointed rebounds, got on the offensive glass, and had a sweet euro step.&nbsp; Also threw down a big dunk for 7 points and 4 rebounds.&nbsp; SIU commit [player_tooltip player_id='1598682' first='Daniel' last='Pauliukonis'] is a stretch four that took a bit to get going, but him and Fagbemi made magic happen in the second half with some plays including a couple threes.&nbsp; Liked how he high pointed rebounds and was solid passing going for 11 points and 7 rebounds.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'] is a 7 foot center that is one of the premier posts in the junior class.&nbsp; He had a rim run early in the game for a finish, blocked several shots, and late in the game threw down a pair of nasty dunks which put the exclamation point on the win as he had 8 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evanston 2025 big man [player_tooltip player_id='2538922' first='George' last='Richardson'] showed why D3, NAIA, and JUCOs should be all over him late in the process.&nbsp; Skilled big man that has mobility and is crafty around the hoop as a scorer.&nbsp; He got buckets by running the floor hard, fundamental post moves, and crafty layups en route to 12 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2321433' first='Theo' last='Rocca'] has been outstanding this season for Evanston.&nbsp; The sharp shooter was only able to make 1-4 from deep in this game, but did sneak in for some transition scores, put backs, along with an and-1 on a slash netting 12 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davis Conducts the Warren Show to a Win Over Rich Township</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been an up and down season for Warren primarily due to injuries, but they are playing their best at the right time.  They also have the best player on the floor in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2323571' first='Jaxson' last='Davis'] and that was a huge part of their 66-49 win over Rich on Friday night.  He is always under control and impacts the game across the board.  When he needs to score he does that with his pull up three ball which got them going early along with a plethora of slippery takes through the lane for scores and fouls.  One of the better creative layup makers in recent memory.  Excellent distributor that can pick apart a defense with his distributing.  Also a tenacious defender that is so active with his hands getting steals and causing pressure.  In the semis the #3 overall prospect regardless of class in Illinois had 27 points (9-17 FG), 5 rebounds, and 7 steals.  Warren shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2291830' first='Javerion' last='Banks'] brought a big punch for them in the first half.  The senior is a freak athlete that had a big dunk, reverse layup, baseline take, and a corner three in a couple minute span.  Went for 14 points (5-14 FG) and 6 rebounds.  The quarterback on the football team [player_tooltip player_id='2437515' first='Jack' last='Wolf'] banged in a pair of key triples en route to 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All night Warren swarmed Rich 2025 star [player_tooltip player_id='1766460' first='Al' last='Brooks'] Jr.&nbsp; He was the clear focus of the Warren defense.&nbsp; The top 10 senior still managed 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the loss.&nbsp; Long and rangy four man that plays with such a high motor.&nbsp; He scored on a couple strong slashes along with post touches and junk points around the hoop.&nbsp; So quick on the glass and is an adept shot blocker.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2734366' first='Jayden' last='Williams'] is going to be one of the more talked about players over the next few months.&nbsp; The long and rangy 2026 wing is a plus shooter from three with a soft touch on his shot and easy release.&nbsp; Can also score off the bounce with slashes and creative moves.&nbsp; Willing to post up when needed and plays with a high-motor.&nbsp; This is a prospect that is peaking at the right time.&nbsp; Went for 18 points (6-13 FG).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->