3 Takeaways: Mac Irvin Fire vs Middleton Elite

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The live period doesn't start until Thursday, but the final session of Nike began on Wednesday with a full day of Nike EYCL action.&nbsp; We checked out the [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] in their first game against Middleton Elite out of South Carolina!&nbsp; The Fire jumped out 9-0 to start the game before Middleton Elite rallied back as it was a competitive contest throughout.&nbsp; With Middleton Elite looking like they had the momentum in the fourth quarter the Fire got the last run in to win 62-57.&nbsp; Here is our look at the contest in <strong>3 Takeaways: [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] vs Middleton Elite!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Williams Continues Stronghold On Top Spot in 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest takeaway is that when you have the best player on the floor you have a really good chance to win.&nbsp; That was the difference in this game as the #1 player in the state of Illinois [player_tooltip player_id='2105360' first='Lincoln' last='Williams'] put on a show scoring 29 points in the victory.&nbsp; After an excellent showing in June he continues to put a stronger grip on the top spot in 2026.&nbsp; He is a big and athletic wing that attacks the hoop with force and plays above the rim.&nbsp; Threw down several big dunks in this game often coming off his own steals.&nbsp; Slick euro steps, seals in the post, top of the key threes, and was an absolute monster in transition.&nbsp; Two way wing that is the premier senior in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Guards Rally Late</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was overall a quiet game for the rest of the Fire, but at the end of the game their guard 2026 duo stepped up.&nbsp; Hope Academy guard Tyjuan Hunter did a nice job throughout the contest of distributing the rock.&nbsp; Quick passes in the half court and pushed ahead in transition.&nbsp; In the fourth he hit some tough shots in the lane including a euro step and-1 followed by a scoop shot in among the trees.&nbsp; Curie point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2734369' first='Justin' last='Oliver'] came alive late as well with a tough finish in the paint and a euro step.&nbsp; Both guards went for 8 points in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fire's Quest for Peach Jam Birth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This win moves the Fire to 13-0 in EYCL play and the next closest team has two losses.&nbsp; The winner of EYCL gets an automatic bid to Peach Jam next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->