Illinois Tune Up: Gilbert’s Thursday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the weekend placement of the nation's 250th Birthday. The Prep Hoops Circuit fired up earlier than it normally does in the July period. A rare two day Thursday/Friday event coined the Tune Up. Consequently, I don't believe I've ever composed a Thursday notebook. There is a first time for everything. Following are some observations from Thursday action in the 17U division. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A High Level Backcourt Duel</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A mid afternoon contest between All In Athletics and [program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] turned into two skilled 2027 guards trading haymakers. [player_tooltip player_id='2125623' first='D'Angelo' last='Perkins'] (pictured) and his All In group came out on top in the competitive matchup. At 6-0, Perkins doesn't have the so called ideal size to be a scoring guard. He makes up for it with an excellent ball handling ability that allows him to get into scoring opportunities easily. The ORFP product was adept at finding seams in the mid-range. Good elevation allowed him to get his shot off against a big frontline. While he put up 28 points, he was not an unconscious gunner. Willing passer especially as defenses keyed on him late in the clutch. First time catching this player in action. Going to make a point to see more on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unlike Perkins, I had caught his opponent many times before. Lockport's [player_tooltip player_id='2822689' first='Nate' last='Munson'] did his best to match Perkins. Built like a tank, Munson is one of the more physical point guards you will see. Defenders simply bounce off him on penetration. Put up 21 points, but I would classify him as a pass first guard who scores when his team needs it-- and they needed it Thursday. Belies his thick frame with good touch on his shot from the mid range and beyond the arc. Sound ball handler who pounds the ball to the floor. Gets his team into sets efficiently and operates well in pick and roll situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='2076264' first='Illinois' last='Central Elite']'s Inside/Out Duo </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As stated in the intro. This tournament fell at an unusual time of the week. Watching then warn up, I wondered if the odd start time had put [program_tooltip program_id='2076264' first='Illinois' last='Central Elite'] at a disadvantage. The six-man team was missing some key personnel. They still went 1-1 and were highly competitive in their loss. This was due to their effective inside/out duo. The inside attack was fronted by [player_tooltip player_id='2499191' first='Rory' last='Haas'] a strong an ideal stretch four. The 6-6 Lake Forest product manned the paint defensively with his imposing frame and surprising quick feet. Offensively, showed smooth and fluid release from beyond the arc. Also displayed the ability to be a good movement shooter when defenses adjusted to run him off the line. Good passer as well out of the high post. Finished with 16 points including two late clutch free throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That 16 points did not represent a team high. Point guard [player_tooltip player_id='3597611' first='Ben' last='Sajuan'] simply went off offensively. The 6-2 Warren Township prospect has excellent positional size. Not only is he tall for the one spot, I wouldn't categorize him as lanky. Used his strong frame and crafty ball handling to get to the basket early and often in the opener. it was telling that he put up 29 points with only one three point shot. Moved into more of distributor in the second half. The best performance I saw on a Thursday full of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Regular Season Duo Shows Out</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking place so close to the scholastic team camp season. It's not surprising that regular season teammates might play well together. The Grant Community backcourt was a standout for a PAC Elite squad that went undefeated on the day. [player_tooltip player_id='2125607' first='Darnell' last='Stitts'] Jr was explosive in getting to the basket. Once he blew past defenders showed a clever series of euro steps and a creative finishing package. While he was crafty at the basket, was quick on elevation and could finish above the rim. Speaking of finishing above the rim. Stitts' teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2125596' first='Charles' last='Schlicht'] does not look the part, but the 6-2 stocky guard finished above the rim with ease. Put one down in traffic without the need of a power dribble or gather step. Also appeared to be a good shooter in the mid range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->