5 Takeaways: Bloom vs Pace (GA)

Derrick Smith

December 7, 2019 @ 06:56 PM

5 Takeaways: Bloom vs Pace (GA)   Chicago, Il -- In the first boys game Saturday at Wintrust Arena for the Chicago Elite Classic. Who many consider the #1 team in the State Bloom (IL) faced Pace Academy (GA). Bloom lived up to the hype and got out to a hot start lead by Cal State Fullerton Commit Dante Maddox Jr. He hit three triples in the first quarter, and did not slow up to lead Bloom to the 84-54 victory. Maddox finished with 30 points. Christan Shumate added 12 points and 6 rebounds while Keshawn Williams has 12 points on 4-7 shooting from the floor. Here are some of our Takeaways from Blooms blowout win.   Dante Maddox Jr is Electric   The senior guard put on a clinic from deep going 6-7 from three and finishing with a game high 30 points. He has added size to his frame and has always played with a high motor but as he has matured physically he is playing under control and showed a consistent show from deep. Maddox also was able to get to the rim and finish through contact and went 4-4 from the line. He is poised for a big senior year and if Bloom continues to play like this add Maddox to Mr. Basketball conversation.   Bloom is legit   As of now the hype is warranted as Bloom sent Pace Academy back with a 30-ball. Maddox did most of the scoring but they have so many options from Martice Mitchell, Christian Shumate and Keshawn Williams. They won easily and and still are missed Donovon Newby is was out with an injury. Shumate the transfer from Plainfield East adds another 3 level scorer and on defense he brings a player that can rebound, rim protect and guard multiple positions.   2021 Matt Cleveland is one to watch   The wing from Atlanta Matt Cleveland finished with 18 points and did his best to keep Pace in the game for the first half. He is a long 6’6 shooting guard with multiple D1 offers. Has to play more of a forward spot for Pace but projects as a guard at the next level. Very athletic and bouncy, which he showed on a couple big time dunks. The Chicago Elite Classic always brings in some out of state talent and Cleveland was one of them.   Christian Shumate stock is rising.   The 6’6 wing transfer from Plainfield East Christian Shumate should see his recruitment skyrocket in the next month. One of the top dunkers in the state brings more to the table then just rim rocking dunks he has worked on his skillset and shown he can hit shots from the perimeter. Shumate uses his athleticism to get to the rim, rebounds and also defend. He can fill up a stat with his versatility, and looks to be one of those seniors we see blow up their senior year.   Justin Moore adds spark Moore filled in for injured guard. Donovan Newby (UW-Milwaukee Commit) There was no drop off and Moore is a player who could be a starter for most programs he finished with 10 points 2 rebounds and 2 assists. He will be counted on as the season progresses to give Bloom another option and for him to get quality minutes early on will be pivotal down the stretch.