Ridgewood Live: Teddy's Late Friday Notebook

Here's my late Friday notebook from action in Ridgewood. I'll share a photo gallery later on.   Lockport and East St. Louis play Tight   Two teams I watched last week but a bit different at the same time. The main difference being the Venckus twins returning for Lockport. But it was East St Louis who controlled the tempo early with quick ball distribution and an absolute to finish athletically inside. But [player_tooltip player_id='2125668' first='Nedas' last='Venckus'] responded with his own thundering dunk down the lane. Then him and his brother led a big run for Lockport to go up double figures. But as the game progressed, East St Louis would keep it tight with some excellent all-around play from Terryon Webster and [player_tooltip player_id='2962335' first='Phillip' last='Jones']. Webster displayed incredible athleticism in this matchup and was a key difference maker in the second half. Tyrol Barnes also made some key plays as an athletic post presence towards the end. The game was tight in the final stages. But Easy St. Louis would hold on for an exciting win.   New Look Rock Island    Rock Island is going to be an intriguing team to watch this upcoming season. A bit undersized, but play with so much grit and pace. The leader is top 2027 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2712818' first='Deven' last='Marshall']. This was the first time I watched him up close and he impressed in a variety of ways which includes his motor and skills on the ball. He got to the line quite a bit early on while also finishing through some really tight windows. I also saw a solid showing from 5'10" point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2455389' first='Arthur' last='Abbey']. I'm very impressed with his ability to change direction with the ball. Adding a tight off-hand layup un the closing stages of the first half. But it was Marshall's three-level scoring which kept them ahead for much of the 2nd half against Fremd. That includes a catch-and-shoot triple as well as a midrange jumper.    DePaul Prep and Curie Play Tight   The Rams put on an outstanding display against Curie in the first half Friday afternoon. 6'8" forward Gus Johnson is the senior leader and dominated with his interior presence for the Rams. Continuing to grow and brings tons of experience to this group. I also saw the emergence of two new guards in 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2830997' first='Josiah' last='Payne'] and 2028 combo [player_tooltip player_id='2751053' first='Jacob' last='Only']. Both fit well into this scheme with their defense and the ability to get out and run in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='2842573' first='Blake' last='Choice'] might be the best prospect on this team but he shows tons of unselfishness. But Curie did not go away with various contributors. The condors continue to reload with talent and are very well coached. The game was very tight but [player_tooltip player_id='2842573' first='Blake' last='Choice'] made key plays on both ends to secure the win.   York Pulls Away Late vs Maine South   I watched York this afternoon for the first time since their run downstate in 4A. Several key guys returned to this squad from last year which includes 6'5" F [player_tooltip player_id='2829810' first='Miles' last='Burnison'] and 6'4" SG [player_tooltip player_id='2839900' first='Joseph' last='Lubbe']. Burnison had moments of dominance in this game with his superior inside strength. Overpowering Maine South in a variety of ways. But Maine South stuck with them led by solid guard play from juniors [player_tooltip player_id='3583769' first='Sean' last='Ryan'] and Braeden Kleeman Omara. Freshman Jack Story also emerged for the Hawks as a guy that made key plays for Maine South. But 2026 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2442189' first='Ian' last='Smucker'] was a true game changer when needed. Buried an open triple and added a key steal in the later stages of this matchup. York would ultimately pull away late 42-34.   Mt. Carmel Shines vs DeKalb   Mt. Carmel and DeKalb played a gritty, highly intense game in the late afternoon on Friday. [player_tooltip player_id='2915584' first='DK' last='Heard'] had the hot hand for the caravan as he showcased an outstanding ability to cut and drive towards the rim. Powering home a two-handed slam before Logan Wessell nearly brought the house down had he converted a posterizing dunk. Later made up for it with a floater driving baseline and a three-pointer on the next possession. 6'3" PG [player_tooltip player_id='2767906' first='Ronald' last='Johnson'] also showed aggression driving to the rim. Converting several fast-break scores to open this game up. Later lobbed one up to 6'10" center Tim Adenrele who just transferred from TF South. Heard, Wessel, Adenrele, and Johnson propelled the Caravan. Back-to-back slams in the closing stages from Adenrele ended it.   Schroeder Shines for Wheaton Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='2125634' first='Hayden' last='Schroeder'] has emerged as one of the best prospects in the senior class and that showed against Grant. Using his massive size to overpower himself in so many ways. Blocked numerous shots in the games early stages. Utilized slick moves in the post as the game went on. That includes finishing some tight and-ones through traffic. All he did was create plays in this matchup and that even included making plays as a passer in transition.

Here's my late Friday notebook from action in Ridgewood. I'll share a photo gallery later on.