East St. Louis Advances to State over MacArthur in 3A Thriller

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What could very well end up being the 3A state title game was played on Monday night in the super sectional in a matchup of top 10 teams Decatur MacArthur vs East St. Louis in Springfield.  This game was fast paced, crazy atmosphere, and a ton of highly talented players on the floor.  It was close the entire game as MacArthur stormed back after a patented Flyers early 3^rd quarter run.  Down the stretch East St. Louis made the winning plays as they got the victory 51-49 to advance as a three at the buzzer by MacArthur rimmed out!  Here we examine the prospects in this contest!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1873523"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af7bc9a051e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The state's #2 overall prospect in the senior class did most of his scoring damage netting 11 points in the early going.  His impact on the game is way more than just scoring though.  The physicality and intimidation factor that he brings on the glass and defensively is hard to explain.  He snatches rebounds in traffic, swats shots with force, and came up with multiple off ball steals including picking off the entry pass late when MacArthur was trying to take the lead.  He had a ton of blocked shots in the game along with multiple steals.  Offensively he threw down some transition dunks and had a huge shot at the end of the third quarter on a one footed three pointer at the buzzer which actually gave them the margin of victory.  The Penn State commit will get to see his future opponent's home floor in Champaign on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2323266"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af7bc9a0584"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is among the more under appreciated players in the state.  He has been a PHI favorite back to his days at Althoff.  Clean shooting stroke and can flat out get to the rim which is exactly what he did all game long scoring on slithery drives along with getting the bucket to ultimately take the lead late.  Knows how to use his length on the defensive end to be disruptive.  The high level small college or JUCO that gets him is landing a steal!  Went for 21 points in the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2962335"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af7bc9a05cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones is a junior guard who has elevated his stock with a strong second half to the season.  Quick off the bounce living in the lane for spinning layups, turnaround jumpers, and athletic finishes.  What also really impressed us in this game was his vision finding guys off live dribbles on a consistent basis as he notched 8 points in the win.  Has helium heading into spring!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2837283"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af7bc9a060d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Webster is a 6'3” guard who had a rock solid outing for East St. Louis knocking in a couple of threes off the catch along with a sweeping layup.  Good two way athlete that had 9 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2323268"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af7bc9a064b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clemmons finished off his career with the type of game that we have seen from him the last several years.  He is a high level leader and competitor that does not back down.  Pushes the pace constantly getting to the rack for acrobatic layups.  Blur with the ball in his hand going coast to coast.  Changes gears so well and finds guys off live dribbles as well as anyone in the class.  He had 18 points.  Unsigned senior guard should be getting attention from D2 programs in our eyes.  He is the type of guy that in 3-4 years will be leading a low-major team in the NCAA Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2105414"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af7bc9a0686"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lee is a strong bodied combo forward that had a pretty typical game for him.  Punished opponents carving out space on baseline out of bounds plays for scores.  Got to the foul line with physical play around the hoop.  Hit a spot up three.  Tough kid that will help out a small school or JUCO next year.  One of the better central Illinois forwards available had 13 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2890389"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af7bc9a06c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carson is a compact senior guard who had a breakout senior season.  In this game it was him using his strength around the basket to score on reverse layups, put backs, floaters, and getting to the line.  Did hit a 15 footer.  Pressure on ball defender had 14 points.  Small college gem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->