The first week of 1A/2A playoffs are in the books, and there were already a lot of upsets. I personally didn't see a big one, but I enjoyed watching some of the better teams for the last time. Here are the places I went and the teams I saw.
February 20, 2018
Leo 63 DRW Trading 33
The Leo Lions rolled by DRW Trading in the first round of the 2A State Playoffs at Marshall High School. Fred Cleveland led the way for Leo, putting up 24 points, while Dechaun Anderson scored 10 points. The Cheetahs were led by senior Damen Thomas who scored 18 points in the loss.
Marshall 75 Chicago Tech 62
Out sized and out number, the Marshall Commandos took down Chicago Tech on their home court. Eddie Skipper led the Marshall scoring effort with 14 points. DeQuan Brown, Lamar Eskridge, and Johnsal Harris put up 11 points apiece for the Commandos in the victory. Chicago Tech was led by Malik Amos with 15 points, Cornell Thomas with 14 points, and Armani Webster with 10 points.
Experience: Marshall was a unique venue to attend. First off, there is not a lot of parking near the school, let alone the entrance. The entrance was hard enough to find. But once you did get in the school, you had to go through a metal detector and through the school to get to the gym. After you arrive inside the Luther Bedford Gymnasium, it is really cool. The balcony overlooking the south hoop is super old, but I’m sure is very much original, displaying a ton of character of the old Marshall High building. Even though there was not rosters available, the staff was very helpful and willing to help if you needed anything to make the stay more enjoyable. I had a blast!
February 21, 2018
Uplift 87 Yeshiva 51
The Uplift Titans put on a show as they took down Yeshiva 87-51. Kansas commit Markese Jacobs led all scorers with 19 points, including a windmill dunk, while senior Toraze Dobbs also had 19 points. Detalian Brown put up 13 points, and Tavion Underwood had 11 points on the night for the Titans. Yaakov Mendelsberg led the scoring for Yeshiva with 9 points.
Northridge Prep 62 St. Edward 57
In an intense Regional Semifinal game, the host Northridge Prep held on to beat St. Edward 62-57. Joe Thursby and Dan Strenk put up 15 points each for the Knights in the win. Ryan Menocal added 13 points, while Brendan Conroy put up 10 points. The Green Waves were led by AJ Franklin with 21 points, Will Gaston with 12 points, and Dylan Mlinarich with 11 points.
Experience: One of the most hospitable places I’ve been all year. Northridge Prep is a small school in Des Plaines are, but has a tight community. Lots of people showed up to watch their team and made the atmosphere second to none. Even though the gym itself was small, it made for a loud space the whole game. The pep band sounded great! I will defiantly be back to cover another game for the Knights.
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