 |
| The Riverside-Brookfield Shootout is one of Recon Reggie's favorite summer events! |
9 AM - 3rd Place Bracket: Sandburg vs. Normal U-High
No, Malek Harris and Keita Bates-Diop did not play. Yes, I was extremely disappointed. Without those two involved, it was a very pedestrian contest amongst a very talented field of teams. Sandburg prevailed 46-43. Niko Cahue, a forward from Sandburg, scored 16 points for the Eagles; 10 coming from the charity stripe.
10 AM - 1st Place Bracket: Morgan Park vs. Stevenson
A great sudden-death (win by two) overtime match-up ended at the free throw line. That was the only disappointing part of this packed house showdown between two loaded squads looking to make their way back to Peoria this March. Jalen Brunson (2015 PG) stole the show even though the Patriots didn't win the game. He finished with 18 points, 3 treys, and an open court crossover I REALLY wish I got on tape. He was joined by teammate Connon Cashaw, another junior-to-be, who added 16 points for Stevenson. Morgan Park was much more balanced offensively. They were highlighted by Charlie Moore's 12 points. Expect this 2016 PG to really make a name for himself now that Billy Garrett (DePaul) and Kyle Davis (Dayton) have departed. Josh Cunningham, one of my favorite 2014s, contributed a quiet 10 points in the 54-52 victory.
11 AM - 1st Place Bracket Quarterfinal: Zion-Benton vs. York
This was my first chance to watch 2014 forward Milik Yarbrough (son of former Redbird Del Yarbrough), and he did not disappoint! This young man has faced criticism for not playing 'team' basketball, but it's hard to blame him. He doesn't get much help! His team trailed a savvy York team 10-23 at the half, and Yarbrough had 8 of those points. In the 2nd half he really exploded. 15 points: &1-3-3-&1-&1. The Zee-Bees cut the York lead to 3 with 8 seconds remaining but ended up losing 38-43.
12 PM - 3rd Place Bracket Semifinal: Plainfield East vs. West Aurora
This fast-paced contest showcased two great guards: 2015 Redbird target Aaron Jordan (10) and 2014 Jontrell Walker (19). Below is a video highlighting Jordan's 2nd half explosion. West Aurora prevailed 54-48.
1 PM - 2nd Place Bracket Semifinal: Simeon vs. Curie
Simeon's 2-3 defense really took Curie's Cliff Alexander out his comfort zone, but I was still able to capture this thunderous throwdown:
It came down to one possession; game tied at 59. The official called a goaltend against Curie's Alexander with no time remaining on the clock. You be the judge!
2:30 - 1st Place Championship: York vs. Morgan Park
I want my money back! What started as a competitive match-up ended abruptly in the middle of the first half. Nick Irvin, Morgan Park's coach who was sitting in the stands, got into a verbal altercation with one of the officials. Irvin stood up, walked across the court, ordered his players to collect their things, and they left. Game over. (York was leading 18-12 at the time of the forfeit.)
1st Place Championship: York over Morgan Park
2nd Place Championship: St. Viator over Simeon
3nd Place Championship: Hinsdale Central over West Aurora
4th Place Champioship: Hillcrest over Neuqua Valley
