Woodlawn Survives 2nd Half Run by Sparta for Duster Thomas Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top team in 1A won the Duster-Thomas Classic at Pinckneyville High School on Tuesday night as Woodlawn topped Sparta in an exciting game 48-46.&nbsp; We examine the game and prospects!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game of Halves and #1 Survives</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Very interesting championship game at the Duster-Thomas Classic on Tuesday night as Woodlawn raced out to an early lead 32-15 looking like they were going to blow them out of the gym at times.&nbsp; Then things changed as Sparta cut into the lead more and more until it was tied with under a minute to go.&nbsp; Woodlawn got the ball to their big man Tyson Frick who had a nice spinning finish to take the lead.&nbsp; Sparta had a shot with 0.2 seconds left on a baseline out of bounds that they ran a great play, but just missed the layup to give Woodlawn the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Woodlawn Can Make Run in March</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They are the #1 team for a reason and they survived despite playing poorly in the second half in the championship game.&nbsp; Woodlawn's star [player_tooltip player_id='2334406' first='Kyle' last='Cooper'] is a 6'1” guard who is a crafty scorer.&nbsp; Straight line takes, elevates in the mid-range, and can pass on the move as he had 12 points and 3 assists.&nbsp; Wasn't his best shooting game, but he made key plays when it mattered.&nbsp; Their 6'2” 2027 wing transfer from Mt. Vernon [player_tooltip player_id='2383987' first='Luke' last='McKay'] had a nice game with 12 points as he got loose in transition multiple times and scored around the hoop on post ups and put backs.&nbsp; Big man Tyson Frick was super efficient as he had 12 points on 6-7 from the field. Along with 6 rebounds.&nbsp; The 6'5” 2027 post has good footwork, touch, and skill around the hoop.&nbsp; Upside prospect to track is 2026 Kylan Moser.&nbsp; The 6'4” lanky forward is an athletic finisher that snatches rebounds as he had 6 points and 5 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sparta Has a Go to Player in Monroe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have seen him a ton, but [player_tooltip player_id='2383925' first='Dariontez' last='Monroe'] needs to be more known statewide.&nbsp; The lefty lead guard could play at a much larger school and still be a go to player.&nbsp; He is a dynamic bucket getter that slices and dices through the defense consistently getting to the rack for buckets.&nbsp; Attacks end to end with his speed.&nbsp; Plus shooter as he lit it up late with multiple threes and mid-range shots.&nbsp; He had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2832355' first='DJ' last='Hayes'] is a name to know as well in the 2028 class.&nbsp; The 5'11” guard is an angular lefty that is a pest on the defensive end and has a stellar soft touch finishing game.&nbsp; Can also hit an open three ball.&nbsp; Went for 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 dimes.&nbsp; Freshman Jakhai Dancy made a statement as well keeping them in the game in the first half netting 11 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2383674' first='Tyrell' last='Charles'] brought toughness for them with 6 points and 5 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->