An Inside Look: Joliet West vs Joliet Central

The Tigers took a 4 mile trip west to tip-off with the Steelmen on Thursday night. Joliet West (10-8) controlled the game from the onset although Joliet Central (3-16) made a run to get within 2 possessions midway through the third. Let's look more closely at a few of the impactful prospects who showcased their talents in this one.   Scores By Quarter Joliet Central: 5, 13, 27, 31 Joliet West: 15, 26, 37, 54    Strong tough interior player the endures the physicality of the game. Posts up hard and often on the block. Fights for positioning and earns his keep in the paint. Skilled on pinning defenders on his back and showed steady hands and feet. Crashes the glass consistently. Selfless in other avenues on offense. Will screen on and away from the action to get others open. Smart movement off the ball. Caught it on top of key with a 2 dribble drive then spin move for baby left hook. Will draw extra defenders on the catch but with good court awareness spray to openings. Active and differentiating presence on both ends of the floor.     Lanky freshman starter with matured height for class. The most interesting prospect I saw tonight. Poised and competent on the catch at the perimeter. Showcased skills with the ball on multiple occasions. Step back knock down 3, baseline rip through for floater from 3 feet, and catch on the perimeter wing with 1 dribble pull up going left from 10 feet. Utilizes long wing span to advantage. Defensively challenges on drives. Came away with a couple clean blocks walling up with fundamental verticality against stronger posts. Moves feet positively on help and recovers. Caught rhythm in the 2nd half and helped prompt team to get within 2 possessions midway through 3rd.     Composed and even keeled ball handler. Comfortable fitting into a 2 roll as well at next level. Trades spots at the point position for systematic reasons. Can get up and pressure the basketball with agility and IQ. Active on the ball presence defensively. Solid court awareness and feel for the game. Plays cohesively well to other teammates strengths. Had a couple nice finds for a cutter and another underneath off a drive for assists. Athletic combo guard with quickness on both sides.     Shares handling responsibilities with other combo guard on team. Athleticism and size is there for a 1 – 3 spot at the next level depending on what role you need filled. Brings a diverse and varying skill set to the table. Outlets quickly on boards or will bring it up himself. Comfortable at the point. Initiates fast break opportunities consistently speeding up pace of play using athleticism. Eyes are peeled to find pitch aheads in primary or cutters in the ½ court for natural offensive flow. Makes a positive impact with good feel.

The Tigers took a 4 mile trip west to tip-off with the Steelmen on Thursday night. Joliet West (10-8) controlled the game from the onset although Joliet Central (3-16) made a run to get within 2 possessions midway through the third. Let's look more closely at a few of the impactful prospects who showcased their talents in this one.