Top 5 2028 Bring It as Richwoods Tops Normal in Controversial End

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What an epic game between central Illinois powers at the Rock Island sectional semi on Tuesday night with highly ranked prospects all over the floor.&nbsp; It was tight all game long and came down to a controversial call which we will get to.&nbsp; In the end though Richwoods won over Normal Community behind their star [player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] as he hit three free throws to give them the win 68-67.&nbsp; Check out our <strong>5 Takeaways: Richwoods vs Normal Community</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Ending</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An unbelievably high level game came down to the hands of the referees on a 50/50 call.&nbsp; Down two with seconds left Richwoods star [player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] made a great pass which his teammate missed a bunny.&nbsp; He didn't give up and got the rebound went behind the line and let it fly.&nbsp; Just missed.&nbsp; There was a whistle.&nbsp; End of game or foul?&nbsp; Smith-Holley walked to the other end and put his head down waiting while the refs decided.&nbsp; After a conference between the refs it was decided he was fouled and before time expired.&nbsp; Smith-Holley went to the line hit one three throw.&nbsp; Time out to ice him including cheerleaders for some reason coming out on both sides as Smith-Holley stands in between them at center court.&nbsp; Made second free throw.&nbsp; Time out.&nbsp; Here come the cheerleaders again.&nbsp; Nails the third to win the game.&nbsp; Whether it was a good call or a bad call that is some big time guts from an absolute superstar to hit those free throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Smith-Holley Shows Out……Again</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has been the best point guard in the state from the moment this class stepped in high school.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] is proving it on the big stage now!&nbsp; What a performance scoring 29 points doing whatever he wanted in this game.&nbsp; Slick ball handler used snake dribbles for pull up jumpers, worked out of the post for tough shots, shifty shakes off the bounce, tough threes with defenders in his grill including one late to even give them a chance to be in the game.&nbsp; His passing was on point as always making the right decision to get others involved when it is available.&nbsp; Electric athlete has exceeded even my super high expectations for him as a sophomore!&nbsp; High-majors line up NOW!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monster Game from Moore and Bradford Makes Key Plays</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith-Holley will always get the headlines, but [player_tooltip player_id='2362360' first='Anfernee' last='Moore'] needs major props for what he brought in this game.&nbsp; The 2028 forward had one of his better all-around games we have seen in his career.&nbsp; Tough and physical combo forward got some junk points around the hoop but it was his improved skill knocking in a pair of threes, mid-range jumper, and an array of free throws that really impressed.&nbsp; Ran the floor hard and got after it defensively scoring 18 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2323294' first='Tony' last='Bradford'] is a small school senior that brings length on the perimeter including cutting a passing lane for a steal and dime on the other end.&nbsp; Sweeping layups, step back jumpers, and worked out of the post.&nbsp; Versatile guard should be getting serious D3, NAIA, and JUCO looks!&nbsp; He had 8 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kasten Lives Up to Top 5 Status</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shame that one of these teams had to lose.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2542412' first='Chase' last='Kasten'] was absolutely phenomenal in this game for Normal Community.&nbsp; He took a big step forward before the season and another one during his sophomore campaign.&nbsp; Looking like a no doubt mid-major plus and probable high-major player.&nbsp; Skilled and athletic wing who can flat out shoot the rock from distance with a feathery stroke as he poured in four of them in this game.&nbsp; Plus athlete with quickness off the bounce and acrobatics finishing at the cup.&nbsp; Also slipped to the hoop on one play as a screener.&nbsp; Went for 25 points.&nbsp; Can't wait to see where his game goes this summer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Birditt and Potts Make Key Plays for Normal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2823571' first='Trey' last='Birditt'] has always been a thick bodied and fundamentally sound guard that makes the smart plays.&nbsp; Crafty finisher in the lane that uses his strength and slo mo game to convert and get to the line.&nbsp; He had 12 points.&nbsp; Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2916474' first='Mitchell' last='Potts'] brought Normal a spark as he used his long strides to get to the up on straight line takes along with going baseline for a reverse layup.&nbsp; Hit a three as well en route to 11 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->