5 Takeaways: Evanston vs St. Viator

<p>St. Viator hosted Evanston on Saturday afternoon in a battle of two of the better programs over the last decade from the Chicago suburbs.  Both teams have quality squads again this year.  Evanston jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first couple minutes of the game behind their defense and perimeter shooting.  St. Viator made a valiant effort to come back, but it wasn’t quite enough as they would fall to Evanston by a final of 59-51.  Here are our <strong>5 Takeaways: Evanston vs St. Viator</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jaylin Gibson is Mr. Versatile</strong></p> <p>Evanston 2021 shooting guard <strong>Jaylin</strong> <strong>Gibson</strong> is one of the ultimate stat sheet stuffers in the state of Illinois.  He is such a well-rounded player.  In this particular game he lived at the free throw line.  The top 10 junior is a tough slasher that plays with physicality at the rim.  Best move of the day was on one drive late in the third quarter when he shook his man for a score in the lane.  Capable spot up shooter.  Went for 15 points.  He can defend all three perimeter positions at a high level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Evanston Backcourt Can Shoot It</strong></p> <p>Gibson compliments the perimeter players for Evanston.  That starts with <strong>Blake</strong> <strong>Peters</strong>.  He is a big time shooter that drills threes at as high of a rate as anyone in recent Illinois high school basketball history.  Gets open off the ball.  Also showed a little off the bounce with a crafty layup.  Went for 10 points.  <strong>Isaiah</strong> <strong>Holden</strong> is a sophomore guard that can also knock down shots off the catch.  The point guard hit a couple threes en route to 9 points.  Played a little last year and will have a much bigger role this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Connor Kochera has to Carry Larger Role</strong></p> <p>Last year St. Viator 2020 wing <strong>Connor</strong> <strong>Kochera</strong> was in the shadows of Jeremiah Hernandez and Trey Calvin who both are now at mid-major programs.  After elevating his stock this summer with Fundamental U and his high school team Kochera now is the clear go to guy for St. Viator.  The William &amp; Mary commit is a skilled wing that has improved his ball handling which allows him to create more for himself and others.  Also knocked down threes with his silky smooth shot.  Went for 13 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Moving Without The Ball is Lost Art</strong></p> <p>Two of the best players in the state at moving without the basketball were featured in this game.  It is definitely a lost art, but in many programs at the next level it is still heavily valued.  Being able to move and get open around screens without the basketball to get your shot off.  Blake Peters and Connor Kochera are two of the best in state at this particular aspect of the game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Pair of 2021s Breakout</strong></p> <p>There was a pair of breakout performances in this one from 2021 prospects.  <strong>Connor</strong> <strong>Benson</strong> is a 6’5” combo forward that played mostly on the interior in this game.  Like his skill set and ability to finish around the hoop.  Connected from mid-range and knocked down his free throws.  Most of his points however came off catching and finishing dump off passes in traffic.  He had 15 points.  Evanston 2021 shooting guard <strong>Daeshawn</strong> <strong>Hemphill</strong> is a three and D wing to track!  Love the toughness he plays with and his ability to knock down spot up shots.  In one stretch he hit a three in one corner then sprinted the length of the floor to steal it in the other corner.  Went for 23 points.</p>