Little Illini Tournament: Tuesday Standouts
PrepHoopsIllinois was in the house for the semis of the Little Illinois Conference Tournament on Tuesday at Flora High School. It was a fun night of hoops with some competitive matchups. Here are a few of the standout performers from…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois was in the house for the semis of the Little Illinois Conference Tournament on Tuesday at Flora High School. It was a fun night of hoops with some competitive matchups. Here are a few of the standout performers from the event.
PG Ethan Gilbert (Casey-Westfield – 2019)
Gilbert stands at 6’1” and this lefty guard has a herky-jerky type of a game. He consistently won off the dribble especially in the first half where he lived in the lane converting acrobatic layups. Did hit a three showing he was capable, but was at his best in the lane finishing with layups or runners. Sound passer that made quick decisions on the fly. Gilbert is a player that should find a home at the small college level netting 16 points in their semifinal victory.
SF Marcus Downs (Casey-Westfield – 2019)
Downs is a strong 6’4” small forward that played inside and out for his team. The physical forward was an aggressive rebounder that finished on his touches in the post. Most of his damage was done in the paint, but he did step out to hit a three from the top of the key. He went for 15 points.
PG Noah Livingston (Casey-Westfield – 2021)
Livingston put his name on our radar in a major was with his play. This 6’0” scoring point guard was phenomenal in the second half of their game against Red Hill. He stands at 6’0” with a sound perimeter jumper knocking down a handful of threes including one where he was fouled in overtime. Creative ball handler that maneuvered his way throughout the defense. Was good finishing at the rim including a couple of and-1s. Although primarily a scorer he showcased he could dish the rock as well with a couple bullets for dimes. Livingston went for 28 points.
SF Drake Allen (Red Hill – 2021)
Allen is another sophomore who broke out at this event. The 6’3” lefty is a crafty wing that did the majority of his scoring in the paint on drives to the hoop. Not overly explosive he just has a knack for getting in the paint and finishing through and around defenders. Slippery through traffic. He scored 21 points in the game.
PG Drew Moore (Red Hill – 2019)
Moore stands at 5’11” and this senior thick bodied point willed his way to 20 points. Not the most projectable player for the next level he was able to scoring in the lane on and-1s, get put backs, and even hit a three.
PF Nathan Wirth (Red Hill – 2020)
Wirth has some projectability at 6’6” with a long and lanky frame. He isn’t overly athletic, but was a quality rebounder especially in his area. Grabbed seven boards. Soft touch on his free throws recording his only two points from the line. Potential as a shot blocker.
SF Brent Hatten (Olney – 2019)
Hatten is a thick bodied 6’5” small forward that is super crafty with the ball. Handled it very well throughout their game including crossing his man up on one play then drilling a step back three ala James Harden. Left hand dominant with the ball in his hands he proved to be an excellent passer with feel for finding teammates in the half court. Finished with 7 points.
PG Braden Flanagan (Olney – 2021)
This 5’10” point guard ran the show for Olney. Scrappy guard on both ends of the floor who was active with his hands getting several steals and then turning them into points on the other end. Crisp ball handler with precise moves to create his shot. Scored in transition and also displayed a sweet one dribble pull up. He had 11 points.
SG Chase Travis (Olney – 2022)
Travis has the highest long term ceiling of this Olney group. Only a freshman the 6’2” two guard has length, projectability to grow, and athleticism. He was extremely smooth with the ball in his hands getting where he wanted with crisp moves. Blew by his man with ease several times in the half court off the bounce. Creative handles allow him to maneuver inside the heart of a defense. Scored most of his 9 points in the lane. One to continue to track.
C Zach Duenas (Olney – 2021)
Duenas is a long and lanky 6’7” four man that flashed potential, but the overall high production level wasn’t there. Struggled somewhat on the glass due to his lack of strength. Runs the floor well and finished off a couple dump off passes for 6 points. Developmental upside here.
SG Sutton Dunn (Olney – 2019)
This wing was one of the most productive players on the night for Olney. He might not have the upside as some of teammates only being 6’2”, but we could definitely see him getting a shot at some small college. Dunn is a sound shooter that drilled a couple threes off the catch along with mid-range jumpers. Crafty wing with some strength. He had 15 points.
C Jesse Burdick (Marshall – 2020)
Burdick is a 6’7” power forward that has decent size and mobility in the paint. Got on the glass pretty well including a pair of put backs. Little wild at times when trying to handle the ball. He had 10 points.
More Notes:
We caught the second half of a consolation bracket game between Lawrenceville and Paris. In that game Lawrenceville beat Paris 69-62. They were led by their backcourt of Cale Powell (13 points) and Blayne Winningham (14 points) along with versatile forward Zeke Marsh (11 points). Logan Rhoads paced Paris with 13 points.