National Open Championship: Teddy’s Saturday Notebook (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's part 1 to my notebook after an action-packed Saturday in Indianapolis. This list mostly features Illinois teams plus two Indiana Squads. Part 2 will be out shortly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2895401' first='DTM' last='Elite'] plays with great pace</strong><br>Chicago's [program_tooltip program_id='2895401' first='DTM' last='Elite'] 15u is a group I haven't been able to watch much. But I love what I saw from them in the late morning on Saturday vs Powerhouse (MN). It's a group that really makes you pay with the pace they play with. Everyone gets involved, too. Keyonte Douglas had a good start. Making plays for others and forcing turnovers. We also saw some strong physicality from [player_tooltip player_id='2822666' first='Derrick' last='Moore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2892540' first='Kenneth' last='Beck']. But the best interior presence was probably [player_tooltip player_id='2892582' first='Bryce' last='Smith']. His superior length allowed him to block several shots defensively and keep plays alive on the glass. His best play came late in the opening half with a driving dunk attacking the rim. DTM was up comfortably for a good chunk of this game and saw contributions from almost everybody. [player_tooltip player_id='2822518' first='Dezaya' last='Evans'] led all scorers with 20 points. Finding his way as a slasher and making things look easy. Ultimately DTM took care of business in a 60-36 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Era wins late vs IL Bears </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] had an outstanding start to this contest. Much of that thanks to some great play from [player_tooltip player_id='2832367' first='Makhi' last='House'], who easily reached double figures with his ability to slash to the rim. They also saw [player_tooltip player_id='2832405' first='JJ' last='Gwaltney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2832355' first='DJ' last='Hayes'] each hit corner 3's. But it didn't take long for Era to tie it up. That included two 3-pointers from [player_tooltip player_id='1990195' first='Wyatt' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2538845' first='Nolin' last='Pearce'] showing he can score in so many ways. [player_tooltip player_id='2538909' first='Tracen' last='Roush'] even took a charge of his own and found a nice transition assist. As the game continued, the game stayed close. I was impressed with the Bears ability to get buckets close to the rim. Much of that came from impact plays by [player_tooltip player_id='2832405' first='JJ' last='Gwaltney'] and  [player_tooltip player_id='2751050' first='Ayden' last='Foley']. I was especially impressed with Gwaltney's passing and defense in the 2nd half of this contest. But the speed of play out on by Era Sports gave them a 68-67 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2369863' first='KT' last='Thomas'] Scores 22 for IL Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I missed a little of this game because the previous few games I watched (all on the same court) were incredibly close with two going to OT. I also saw a couple of these IL Warrior guys during the June live period. But nonetheless, this is an enticing group with high-upside players. MacArthur's [player_tooltip player_id='2369863' first='KT' last='Thomas'], a top 50 2028 kid, looked good. Providing buckets in transition as well as adding a nice floater attacking the rim in a tight game. He was the first player in double figures. A half court heave from Khalil Brummell gave them a lead at the break. [player_tooltip player_id='2369863' first='KT' last='Thomas'] buried another contested three and added another bucket in a tight 2nd half. [player_tooltip player_id='2381552' first='Jenner' last='Pals'] also converted a pair of scores. On the other end, the Warriors did a great job double-teaming and forcing turnovers. An and-one in the closing from [player_tooltip player_id='2382271' first='Gabe' last='Frazier'] secured a win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2908194' first='Titan' last='Debolt'], [player_tooltip player_id='2859673' first='Zack' last='Green'] lead Indy Hoops</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Indy Hoops made their matchup vs Illinois Warriors very intriguing. There were two guys who caught my eye the most. [player_tooltip player_id='2908194' first='Titan' last='Debolt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2859673' first='Zack' last='Green']. [player_tooltip player_id='2908194' first='Titan' last='Debolt'] might be the most unique prospect you'll find. He's super big for a forward and used his large frame to find his way inside against Illinois Warriors. But there were even some moments in this contest where Debolt would make point-guard like plays. Including spin-move dribbles. While [player_tooltip player_id='2859673' first='Zack' last='Green'] has tons of upside as a lengthy 6'2” wing. He loved making plays attacking the baseline and was just as impactful as a defender an outside shooter. He led his team with 15 points in this matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->