PH Windy City War: Gilbert’s Friday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Windy City War commenced just off of historic Route 66 in suburban Chicago Friday night. I posted up at the Romeoville Athletic Center for three sessions of action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following are my observations from a highly competitive opening night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Ignited comeback comes up short</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My night began by watching [program_tooltip program_id='2075527' first='Ignite' last='Hoops'] get off to a rough start. This was slightly disappointing as I enjoyed watching this group last spring/summer. That only lasted about a half as they came roaring back in the second half. The comeback was keyed by [player_tooltip player_id='2433214' first='Cam' last='James'] (Hoffman Estates) The stocky and physical 6-0 guard made his own offense by forcing the issue and putting constant pressure on the rim. He expanded his game out to the perimeter in the second half and finished with 21 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones was supported by his regular season teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2892582' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] (Hoffman Estates) The 6-3 forward finished with 19. The outside shot wasn't falling for [player_tooltip player_id='2821321' first='Brady' last='May'] (Palatine) When it is falling the versatile 6-4 wing presents matchup problems with his size. Despite the loss, this group showed upside and long term potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">All Love was all in to get started</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bradley-Bourbonnais centered All Heart 16U was a very impressive unit in securing an easy opening victory. I could easily list every member this balanced unit— and I might before the weekend is over. However, I'm going to highlight the second half scoring burst of [player_tooltip player_id='2906299' first='Jackson' last='Wood'] (Hope Christian Academy) The 6-3 guard was a decisive drive and showed deceptive bounce at the rim. Sturdy frame allowed him to aboard and finish through contact at the rim. Wood (pictured at top) finished with 14 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webb was supported by [player_tooltip player_id='2814732' first='Dalontae' last='Bentley'] (Bradley-Bourbonnais) The 6-0 guard was a patient driver who picked his spots well. Had a very nice drive to the left late in the victory. Long arms helped him at the rim and on the defensive end. Bentley finished with 9. All Heart also featured strong guard play from [player_tooltip player_id='2864335' first='Daniel' last='Risetter'] (Watseka) and [player_tooltip player_id='2864295' first='Mishon' last='Calvin'] (Bradley-Bourbonnais) Both stood about 6-2 with lanky frames that helped then play bigger. Our final All Love standout doesn't need “length” to appease bigger. [player_tooltip player_id='3219720' first='Ladarrion' last='Tucker'] (Bradley-Bourbannais) was highly effective in limited time in the post. The wide bodied 6-5 set punishing screens and showed good lateral mobility for his size. He is isn't going to get pushed around and I'm curious to see how he plays against a bigger frontline later in the weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A strong Wisconsin squad swings into action </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As good as All Heart looked. The best 16U team I saw on the night came from the state of Wisconsin. The [program_tooltip program_id='2078835' first='Wisconsin' last='Swing'] rolled to an early opening victory. I was impressed with the skill level and versatility of [player_tooltip player_id='2917944' first='Koby' last='Diaz'] (Oregon) The 6-4 wing made plays both on and off the ball. The lefty excelled as a playmaker and showed the ability to run the point efficiently. Good shooter who displayed a smooth and effortless release. Good foot speed and bounce allowed him to get to his spots and make plays at the rim. When he moved off the ball stayed in constant motion. Relocated well and was ready to shoot when the ball found him. Easily deciphered seams in the defense and got open with ease. My favorite player of the night finished with 18 points in the victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It wasn't just a one man show though. Six for guard [player_tooltip player_id='2699549' first='Griffin' last='Roth'] (Janesville Craig) was pure from the beyond the arc and put up 16. The post was capably manned by 6-3 [player_tooltip player_id='2714923' first='Oscar' last='Brown'] (Cambridge) and 6-5 [player_tooltip player_id='2779805' first='Sam' last='Strange'] (Madison West) Both sported long and lanky frames thar helped them play bigger than there listed heights. Strange showed the ability to stretch the four with two threes. Talented group that I hope to&nbsp;catch again this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->