WWS MLK Tournament: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHI took in some games from the Wheaton Warrenville South MLK weekend tournament on Saturday.&nbsp; Fun day of action with lot of top teams and prospects including a matchup of top 20 teams.&nbsp; Checkout what we saw in <strong>WWS MLK Tournament: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Welch Powers Glenbard North past Downers Grove North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First game we saw Glenbard North play one of the most dominant halves we have seen all season as they jumped out 32-12 on DGN at the half. Downers Grove North would make a dent in the lead in the second half, but Glenbard North held on to record the victory 59-46.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2404186' first='Matt' last='Welch'] was excellent for Glenbard North as the senior forward did what he always does.&nbsp; Rebound and shoot lights out!&nbsp; The scrappy 2026 prospect is one of the better pure catch and shoot guys in the class and he showed range out to the volleyball line in this game.&nbsp; Nailed five threes along with crafty post ups, hook shots, along with up and unders for 25 points.&nbsp; More than just a shooter he is a very good rebounder with his positioning and long arms.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2455373' first='Oturo' last='Redento'] continues to impress as a junior.&nbsp; The top 20 prospect is a lengthy and super athletic wing who brings a versatile skill set to the table.&nbsp; Snatches rebounds, causes havoc with his length at the top of their zone, passes it well, and shot it at a high clip from three in this one banging in a trio from deep for 14 points.&nbsp; His running mate [player_tooltip player_id='2125660' first='Lamari' last='Carpenter'] had a little bit of a quiet game, but he still mixed in some flashes of why he is a no doubt D1 guy with his slick handles, shot making, and athleticism on defense finishing with 7 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2839935' first='George' last='Schager'] is a 6'2” combo guard in the 2028 class that is emerging as a sophomore.&nbsp; Guard with size that does the little things taking charges, getting steals, and making the connective pass.&nbsp; Also hit a couple threes and a floater for 8 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DGN got their most consistent production from [player_tooltip player_id='2750033' first='Colin' last='Doyle'] in this game.&nbsp; The 6'7” post plays with strength inside posting up strong converting with hook shots while garnering deep post position.&nbsp; Also stretched for a three and showed solid passing instincts netting 13 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2839902' first='Jacob' last='Vroman'] is another junior that turned it up in second half with a couple threes and played with his strength through contact on the boards for 15 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Underclassmen Show Out in High Scoring Top 20 Battle as Neuqua Valley Tops Normal Community</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was the game circled at the WWS even this year as it featured teams coming into the week both ranked inside the top 20 overall and each loaded with underclassmen super star talents!&nbsp; #19 Normal Community traveled up to get a major test against #11 Neuqua Valley.&nbsp; There was super high level shot making in this game from two teams that look like they could make runs in March.&nbsp; In the end Neuqua's depth was the x-factor giving them a 96-74 victory.&nbsp; Their star [player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] came out of the gates firing!&nbsp; The nationally ranked 2028 small forward hit step back threes, ones off movement, and crossed his man for a massive dunk at the cup.&nbsp; Crashed the glass and got to the foul line.&nbsp; Was also effective as a passer hitting guys on the move finishing with 18 points.&nbsp; The newest Illini commit 2027 sharp shooter [player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'] only hit a pair from deep, but they were really far out there and showcased his deep range.&nbsp; Moves very well without the ball to get open and snuck in on the offensive glass on several occasions finishing with 16 points.&nbsp; The difference was the emergence of three 2027 depth pieces for Neuqua Valley.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2392385' first='Arshil' last='Khimani'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2415557' first='Carter' last='Coviello'] were lights out banging in four triples each as they went for 17 and 18 points respectively.&nbsp; Danny Mikuta is a scrappy guard that scored on cuts and layups off the ball for 14 points.&nbsp; If those three play near this level they are a dangerous team!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normal Community 2028 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2542412' first='Chase' last='Kasten'] had a massive outing scoring 31 points in the game all of which came in the first three quarters.&nbsp; Skilled wing that has deep range on his shot which he showcased connecting on four triples.&nbsp; Feathery shot with clean mechanics and elevation off the floor.&nbsp; Also showed off his athleticism off the bounce.&nbsp; Slick takes to the rim, baseline and-1s, and cuts off the ball for scores.&nbsp; Lived up to his top 10 ranking!&nbsp; The other top 10 prospect is 2027 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2125642' first='Jarrel' last='Brown'].&nbsp; Long and rangy wing got to the hoop a couple times on straight line takes and hit a three from the wing.&nbsp; Scored 9 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2823571' first='Trey' last='Birditt'] is a sleeper senior prospect that small colleges should be looking into.&nbsp; Strong guard that drained a trio of long balls with his lefty shot.&nbsp; Gritty driver that finishes well around the cup.&nbsp; Went for 19 points in a loss.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2882140' first='Makhi' last='Birditt'] is a name to track as well in 2028!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->