DePaul College Prep recovered from injuries that kept out a couple of their top players for most of the season. They came back from a 12 point deficit with 2 minutes left in Supersectional game to overtake Perspectives Leadership (Chicago) to make a second consecutive appearance in Champaign. Third appearance in the last five years.
DePaul College Prep runs a deliberate offense that can be as many as ten passes before they shoot the basketball. They keep the score in the 40's and sometimes the 30's. It has worked for them so far in the playoffs. They have one loss since their full lineup has been back in tact (to #1 Benet Academy (Lisle) which is in Class 4A Semifinals). They may need to play less deliberate to take the title. They have more talent than any team left in Class 2A, and more possessions mean more of a chance for talent to prevail. Was the favorite last season but lost a two overtime game to eventual champ Nashville in the semifinals. They finished third and hope to improve on that result with a title. Let's see how it goes.
DEPAUL COLLEGE PREP (CHICAGO) STARTERS:
Makai Kvamme, 6'0:" sophomore point guard
Maurice Thomas, 6'0" senior guard
PJ Chambers, 6'2' junior guard
Payton Kamin, 6'8" junior wing
Jaylan McElroy, 6'6" junior forward
Top players off the bench:
Robert Walls, 6'0" sophomore point guard
Jonas Johnson, 6'6" sophomore wing
Only one senior in the starting lineup and in the rotation. Kvamme runs the show though Thomas has the ability to but he's the three point shooter on the wing. Chambers does a little bit of everything and guards the opponents best player. McElroy and Kamin were injured most of the season, but both seem to have their rhythm back. McElroy is a monster on the glass and a rim protector. Kamin can hit threes on the wing, is an improved two dribble pull-up jump shot in the mid range. Is a good rebounder for a wing player as his 6'8" size gives him this ability. Walls comes off the bench and runs the team and can get to the lane and finish. Athletic guard. Johnson fills it up off the bench from three and is a good rebounder. Team could be a year away from being a powerhouse as the sophomore/junior varsity team had an impressive season. Favorite for Class 2A State Title. They play Teutopolis on Thursday. Blessings to the Rams.
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