6'8" Aluyi and Other Standouts at Joliet West Regional Finals

The 4A Regional Semifinals opened up with Homewood Flossmoor going up against Andrew. A close-knit game most of the way until Homewood Flossmoor pulled away in the 4th quarter with a victory of 53-44. The second semifinal game featured Sandburg and Lincoln Way East. East took the lead early and held it throughout the game, winning 54-39. The Regional Finals between HF and LW East was a super-exciting, back-and-forth game. Homewood Flossmoor pulled off the victory, 54-46, to win regionals. Here are some players who stuck out in these games.   [player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] (2028) | 5'10 G | Homewood Flossmoor High School   Hawkins is a shifty, crafty guard with elite ball control. He attacks the rim well and displays great body control when finishing around the rim. The sophomore guard impressed with his high iq play and poise in these close games. Hawkins is a great playmaker offensively, always helping set up the offense and finding open teammates. His court vision is very impressive off of his drives, where he can find open shooters or his bigs inside.   Jayden Mcdonald (2027) | 6'2 G | Homewood Flossmoor High School   McDonald is a sharpshooter with deep range and a quick release. He finished with 18 points and helped his team win the regional finals. McDonald has a smooth pull-up and an effective stepback that allow him to get to his spots. He will continue to be a threat offensively for the rest of the playoffs.   [player_tooltip player_id='2829613' first='Danny' last='Ruffin'] (2027) | 5'11 G | Homewood Flossmoor High School   Ruffin is a strong guard who finished with 14 points in their first matchup. He can knock down the three, but is very effective in the mid-range and at the rim. Ruffin is also an effective passer on offense, leading to good looks for his teammates. He is a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Ruffin uses his strength to match opposing players physically and also uses active hands to create turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='2532254' first='Jaymon' last='Hornsby'] (2026) | 5'11 G | Lincoln Way East High School   Hornsby is a quick guard with a great handle. His ability to consistently get downhill drives was on full display in his two games. When his drives get cut off, Hornsby counters with his mid-range pull-up. He moves quickly laterally, making him a very effective on-ball defender. Hornsby also fights through screens when guarding the ball handler in the PnR.   [player_tooltip player_id='2724366' first='Jonathan' last='Aluyi'] (2026) | 6'8 F | Lincoln Way East High School   Aluyi was a dominant force inside both his games. He was super active on the boards on both ends of the floor. The 6'8 forward is a great screen-and-roller, sealing off defenders and using his strength to get looks around the rim. Aluyi is very strong with the ball and can finish through defenders. Defensively, Aluyi is an elite rim protector. He is constantly blocking shots and forcing tough looks at the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2821694' first='Jonah' last='Johnson'] (2026) | 6'2 G/F | Sandburg High School   Johnson is a two-way threat with his length. He attacked the rim and finished with a strong one-handed dunk, highlighting his athletic ability. He can also finish over defenders with a nice touch around the rim. Johnson's height on his mid-range shots allows him to get better looks and makes it harder to contest. Defensively, Johnson can guard multiple positions and contest shots inside. Cannot wait to see him grow his game at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2836941' first='Will' last='Johnson'] (2026) | 6'2 G/F | Sandburg High School   Johnson is a consistent scoring threat for the Sandburg Eagles. He can knock down shots from behind the arc, but is a very impactful scorer in the mid-range and at the rim. Johnson can get to his spots and rise above opponents for tough twos. He can finish above the rim through and around contact. Johnson is very impressive and will be fun to watch at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2839876' first='Ryan' last='Dinnon'] (2027) | 6'7 F | Andrew High School   Dinnon is a tall forward with a great shot from beyond the arc. He has a smooth, quick release that he can get off even with a defender in his face. A strong rebounder, Dinnon finished the game with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He is a true three-level scoring threat, able to work out of the post and mid-range. The 6'7 forward can play back to the basket but also hit shots from the mid-range and three at a consistent rate.

The 4A Regional Semifinals opened up with Homewood Flossmoor going up against Andrew. A close-knit game most of the way until Homewood Flossmoor pulled away in the 4th quarter with a victory of 53-44. The second semifinal game featured Sandburg and Lincoln Way East. East took the lead early and held it throughout the game, winning 54-39. The Regional Finals between HF and LW East was a super-exciting, back-and-forth game. Homewood Flossmoor pulled off the victory, 54-46, to win regionals. Here are some players who stuck out in these games.