5 Takeaways: Whitney Young vs Sierra Canyon

<p>Whitney Young had a much tougher test in their semifinal game at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions on Friday night as they took on nationally ranked Sierra Canyon led by [player_tooltip player_id="748740" first="Amari" last="Bailey"] and [player_tooltip player_id="992475" first="Bronny" last="James"].  Prep Hoops Illinois took in the action breaking it down in our <strong>5 Takeaways: Whitney Young vs Sierra Canyon</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Turnovers, Wild Shots, Missed Free Throws Too Much to Overcome for Dolphins</strong></p> <p>When playing against one of the best teams in the country you have to bring you’re A game.  Whitney Young unfortunately did not in their 81-49 loss to the California power.  They had 24 turnovers in the game which Sierra Canyon scored 25 points off on the other end.  The Chicago power took some difficult threes and wild shots in the lane.  Struggled at the line as well going 5-12.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Another Solid Outing for [player_tooltip player_id="939057" first="Dalen" last="Davis"] in High Profile Game</strong></p> <p>Whitney Young 2023 point guard [player_tooltip player_id="939057" first="Dalen" last="Davis"] has been playing well as of late with big games at City of Palms and against Totino Grace in Minnesota.  In another showcase game he showed well.  High IQ guard made several really nice reads in the pick/roll and hitting his shooters in the pocket.  As a scorer he created off the bounce for scores at the rim, crafty spinning mid-range shots, and a couple threes.  His float game was also going as he had 14 points (6-12 FG) (2-3 3PT), 3 dimes, and 3 rebounds.  Did have trouble with turnovers as he had 8 of them in the contest.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Starting Five Bring Most Production for Whitney Young</strong></p> <p>We have talked a lot early in the season about the depth that Whitney Young could potentially throw at teams down the line in their marquee in-state games.  In this game their starters scored 45 of their 49 points.  [player_tooltip player_id="771516" first="AJ" last="Casey"] played with energy just like he did the previous night.  Liked his activity level especially on the offensive glass and he swatted a couple shots.  He had a poster and-1 toward the end along with a nice tip in.  Was a bit wild with it at times around the hoop and didn’t finish great as he had 9 points (4-12 FG) and 8 rebounds.  Northern Illinois commit [player_tooltip player_id="863585" first="Xavier" last="Amos"] is an athletic face up four that can roll to the hoop for finishes, put it on the deck, and hit a pull up jumper.  We came away impressed with how well he passed out of the post in a 9 point (4-9 FG), 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 block outing.  [player_tooltip player_id="939072" first="Marcus" last="Pigram"] was solid defensively and used his strength on straight line takes.  Struggled with turnovers in a 7 point outing.  [player_tooltip player_id="1048715" first="Matt" last="Somerville"] does what he usually does which is hit spot up threes going 2-5 from distance for 6 points.  The lone bench production came from 2022 sleeper center [player_tooltip player_id="1048717" first="Marcus" last="Overstreet"] who had 4 points and was effective on the glass grabbing 8 rebounds.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Bailey Dazzles Coming Back from Injury</strong></p> <p>First look at [player_tooltip player_id="748740" first="Amari" last="Bailey"] in a while as he has been injured.  You know the Chicago native wanted to show out against a school that he almost attended four years ago.  Lefty has a strong and athletic frame.  His skill set it off the charts impressive.  Three level scorer that knocked in threes, slashed to the rim where he finished with acrobatic layups converting with either hand, and also has the ability to pull up on a dime in the mid-range.  His competitiveness and grit also showed on the defensive end and on the glass.  Solid passer that outlets ahead off defensive boards and sees the floor as he is not locked into scoring.  His line read 20 points (8-17 FG) (2-5 3PT), 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists.  UCLA might have the best prospect in the country headed to the Pac 12 next season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Sierra Canyon’s Depth and That Bronny Guy</strong></p> <p>Bailey is headliner, but there are so many other talented prospects on this Sierra Canyon squad.  We came away very impressed with Nebraska commit Ramell Lloyd.  The senior two guard was an effective shot creator on the perimeter knocking in an array of shots for 14 points (4-12 FG) while getting to the line where he was 4-6 from the charity stripe.  [player_tooltip player_id="748680" first="Kijani" last="Wright"] is a USC commit that brings athleticism and strength up front.  Rim runner that finished around the cup and had a nice left-handed hook shot.  Went for 10 points (4-5 FG).  Class of 2024 shooting guard Isaiah Elohim caught our attention with an efficient 10 points on 5-10 from the field.   He did his damage in the paint on slashes, spinning layups, floaters, and scoop shots.  I guess we have to mention the King’s son.  [player_tooltip player_id="992475" first="Bronny" last="James"] is a junior combo guard.  Overall it was a quiet night for James except for one stretch in the second half that seemed to ignite his team to extend the lead where he had a slick slash finishing with a left handed layup.  Followed that up with a three behind a ball screen.  Ended with 6 points.  Plays with good intensity on the defensive end and is a willing passer.</p>