5 Takeaways: Kenwood vs Curie

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They say it is hard to beat a team three times in the same season.&nbsp; Kenwood did just that on Friday night as they won the rematch of the city title game against Curie 69-65.&nbsp; It was close throughout before Kenwood looked like they were going to run away, but Curie had one last run in them and they had a chance to tie.&nbsp; The three didn't go down and Kenwood took home the victory.&nbsp; Here is our <strong>5 Takeaways: Kenwood vs Curie</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Seals is Kenwood's MVP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best player/prospect on Kenwood is [player_tooltip player_id='2125612' first='Devin' last='Cleveland'] who we will get to, but every time I have seen the Broncos this year their most valuable player has been [player_tooltip player_id='2321397' first='TJ' last='Seals'].&nbsp; Simply they do not win either of the last two games without him.&nbsp; The Johnson College Prep transfer has been a game changer for Kenwood up front with his toughness, rebounding, and energy.&nbsp; His ability to get on the offensive glass for put backs along with finishing with quickness around the hoop is a true strength of his.&nbsp; He also runs the floor extremely well for finishes in transition.&nbsp; Went for 26 points and 17 rebounds in the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cleveland Comes Up Big in Key Moments</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top ranked sophomore and overall prospect in the state is Kenwood combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2125612' first='Devin' last='Cleveland'].&nbsp; He is a long and lanky guard that is silky smooth.&nbsp; Liked how he moved the ball around on the perimeter along with pinpoint passing when drawing defenders off the bounce.&nbsp; Such a slick scorer off the bounce as he did all his damage in this game within 10 feet on scoop shots, acrobatic layups, euro steps, along with short baseline jumpers netting 14 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kenwood Inside/Outside Duo Get Help</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1385283' first='Aleks' last='Alston'] left his biggest impression in this game on the defensive end as he blocked several shots and the senior also had a pair of hammer dunks en route to 7 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1582994' first='Chris' last='Watkins'] got Kenwood off to a fast start with his three point shooting as the lefty poured in a pair for 6 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2323622' first='Damari' last='Stephens'] stepped up as the physically built sophomore small forward played with toughness and skill for 7 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oliver x 2 Story for Curie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Oliver 2026 tandem were the clear standouts for Curie.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2734369' first='Justin' last='Oliver'] has had a breakout season and that showed through to the final game as he kept his team in the game making play after play.&nbsp; The point guard got to the line, hit soft touch finishes, along with pouring in three from distance in a 22 point outing.&nbsp; His running mate in the backcourt Mike Oliver Jr shot lights out in this game making five from beyond the arc for 15 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kenwood Completes Hinsdale Central Sectional Gauntlet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos survived the toughest 4A sectional in recent memory with wins over Oak Lawn, Simeon, and Curie.&nbsp; They got tested in each game, but this team just knows how to win big games down the stretch.&nbsp; Next up will be Rich Township who will not be afraid of the CPS power after taking out defending champs Homewood Flossmoor on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->