5 Best: Mt. Vernon vs Effingham
Effingham traveled to Mt. Vernon for a game that was originally scheduled for earlier in the season, but was cancelled so they played on Tuesday night. This game featured two intriguing wing prospects from southern Illinois in Mt. Vernon’s 2020 Amir Spann and Effingham’s 2019 Landon Wolfe. It was a low scoring and defensive battle the first three quarters and then the floodgates let open in the fourth quarter as both teams scored a lot. Mt. Vernon got the home win 61-54. Check out our 5 Best: Mt. Vernon vs Effingham for all analysis from this one!
MVP
SG Amir Spann (Mt. Vernon – 2020)
Spann is a 6’2” sophomore shooting guard that has great strength in his upper body. Big time athlete at the two guard spot that uses his combination of athleticism and strength to get his points. Spann is best attacking the hoop whether it is off the bounce or in transition. He gets to the rim where he has the strength to finish above the rim and through defenders. Skies high above the defense on backdoor alley-oop slams. Pushes the ball in transition a lot of times after grabbing defensive rebounds going coast to coast. Rebounds well for a guard on both ends. The next step in his game will be to get a more consistent jump shot and be a better free throw shooter. Impressive night for Spann finishing with 23 points and 8 boards. Definitely has D1 potential down the line.
Best Offensive Player
SF Landon Wolfe (Effingham – 2019)
Wolfe is one of the best scorers in southern Illinois. The 6’5” small forward is a tough wing that plays so hard and has a knack for putting the ball in the hoop. He has to carry a huge load for his team as he is by far the best player and the defense is constantly focusing on him. Mt. Vernon was aggressive throwing multiple defenders at him and every time he got a foot in the paint several help defenders packed the lane. Early in the contest he missed some tough shots in the paint and from deep. Still was getting on the glass and working hard for looks. He was super aggressive to start the third quarter jumping out with seven points in a row on three straight drives where he finished through contact. Burst off the bounce and is tough attacking the hoop. He didn’t let the defense get set in the second half and key in on him. A lot of his points came in transition and the secondary break. Jumper started to catch fire too in the second half. Plus shooter from three both off the catch and pulling up. Late in the game he had a sick step back three from the corner. Clean stroke and he knows how to create space on it. Wolfe rebounds well for a guard especially on the offensive end. He had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 dimes. Projects as a low-major prospect at this stage.
Best Catch and Shoot
SG Mason Hull (Effingham – 2018)
Hull is a 6’0” shooting guard that was a sound perimeter shooter in this game. He drilled three triples off the catch. Didn’t show much else offensively. He had 9 points. Committed to Missouri State for baseball.
Best Post Prospect
PF Weston Brockhouse (Mt. Vernon – 2019)
Brockhouse is an intriguing 6’6” face up four man that played well again. He opened our eyes earlier in the season at the Salem Invitational Tournament. Was particularly good in the first half against Effingham on Tuesday. He hit a three, drove from the wing, got on the glass for a put back, and scored on a seal inside. Most comfortable facing up, but shows ability on the block as well. Solid rebounder. He had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Projects as a small college post.
Best Clutch Play
SG O’Shea Hardin (Mt. Vernon – 2018)
Hardin is the 6’1” senior leader for the Rams that does the little things. Tough defender and rebounder. He is a crafty scorer that isn’t the greatest athlete, but finishes well through contact in the paint. Hardin had some key plays late with a big block on Wolfe and four free throws that clinched the win.