Gilbert’s Grit Region Finals Friday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After usually taking place in the Indianapolis area. The Grit Region Finals moved Northwest for this year's iteration. As the Prep Hoops Circuit made it two weekends in a row in the greater Chicago area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following are some observations from the action at the Canalan Sports complex from the North Shore of the Windy City. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] 16U looks ready to take off</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last weekend at Prep Hoops Live. I had a hard time catching a full game from this squad that was playing in their home gymnasium. This weekend I don't think that will be a problem. As they look ready to play deep into Sunday with a dominating victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flight was a balanced and deep unit. With two players in double figures. They were led [player_tooltip player_id='2402634' first='Xavier' last='Johnson'] (Romeoville) with 20 points. I also liked the play of fellow 6-0 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2822689' first='Nate' last='Munson'] (Lockport) Mason is a stocky point guard with explosive athleticism. His frame and broad shoulders allow him to absorb contact and finish at the rim. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Michigan's [program_tooltip program_id='2539820' first='The' last='Academy'] is dominant </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There might be an early favorite in bracket event in the 15U division. As the Ann Arbor area [program_tooltip program_id='2539820' first='The' last='Academy'] looked very strong. Coming off an all tournament team performance in Indianapolis. [player_tooltip player_id='2464624' first='Ashton' last='Callan'] (Jackson Lumen Christi) showed off the full arsenal and got into double figures in the first half. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Callan's regular season teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1292737' first='Broden' last='Burgess'] (Jackson Lumen Christi) got involved with an acrobatic finish at the rim. While this squad has plenty of perimeter firepower. They also have two excellent post in 6-7 [player_tooltip player_id='2539710' first='Becker' last='Samaha'] (Saline) and 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id='2823454' first='Josh' last='Stephens'] (Chelsea). Two polar opposite prospects who form a nice duo. Samaha is rapidly improving his overall skill level, but is loaded with physical upside. Stephens is loaded with advanced fundamentals and intangibles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='2075386' first='Chicago' last='Lockdown'] looks locked and loaded </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last weekend at Prep Hoops Live. My very first game was [program_tooltip program_id='2075386' first='Chicago' last='Lockdown'] 16U Epps against a [program_tooltip program_id='2077033' first='West' last='Michigan Lakers'] squad. Well rinse repeat this weekend. Only this time it was against a different more guard laden Lakers squad. Last weekend [player_tooltip player_id='2829138' first='Grayson' last='Lee'] (Lyons Township) really stood out in that contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Lee was impressed once again. I also really like the play of the backcourt duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2827004' first='Luke' last='Vongluekiat'] (Fenwick) and [player_tooltip player_id='2826939' first='Danny' last='Phelan'] (Benet Academy) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vongluekiat (pictured) is strong and aggressive combo guard. Has a strong frame that allows him to score on penetration when needed. However he also controls tempo and initiates offense as big 6-1 point guard when needed. He finished with 12 points on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lockdown was led in scoring by Phelan with 15. Phelan is smaller and has a more slender build. That being said, he was just as aggressive attacking the basket. Despite his frame, also showed the ability to finish through contact. Keeps defenses honest with a smooth and effortless release from the perimeter. This trio of tough guards could make Lockdown a difficult out in this weekend's bracketed event. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->