Open gyms: Evanston Township wrap-up!!!!!

As always my first open gym is close to the crib. Evanston Township made it to Class 4A Sectional Title game with a loss to perennial power DePaul College Prep (Chicago). Most of the top players are back as only big losses are Timi Ogunsanya, and Tristan Wilcox.

#24 Ryan Bost (Class of 2019) was murdered in Chicago in November 2020. One of the winningest players in Evanston Township history sharing #1 spot with Hall of Famer Lance Jones and Jaheim Holden. 2018 (3rd place) and 2019 (2nd) in state.

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Here we go:

BEN OJALA: 6'2" Class of 2028 point guard was doing is thing on both ends of the court. On defense got a ton of deflections in passing lanes getting steals and scoring in transition, off threes, and attacks to the rim. Made a few two dribble mid range jumpers, and made passes ahead in transtion, and set up teammates for layups. Looks like starting point guard again this season.

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DILLON POMPEY, 5'7" Class of 2027 combo guard ran point most of the open gym. Showed good ball handling, and getting into the lane to set up teammates for open threes. Hit some threes off the catch and bounce in halfcourt. Pushed the ball in transition running the dribble drive offense.

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VITO ROCCA, 6'5" Class of 2027 forward Dartmouth commit was running the lane and finishing at the rim. Hit the glass on both ends, getting putbacks on offensive end, and outletting the ball in transtion. Changed ends well and hit some mid range jump shots. Defended a number of positions.

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DION LANE JR, 6'0" Class of 2027 combo guard was hitting threes from all over the court. Lefty showed a nice stroke off the catch and the bounce. Attacked the rim and hit some mid range floaters with either hand. Used quick hands to get some steals and get out in transition.

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MAAZ DINCA, 6'7" Class of 2029 forward is a Von Steuben (Chicago) transfer showed a nice three point shot off the catch in halfcourt, and in transition as the trailer on the fast break. Hit the defensive glass holding the ball high and getting outlet passes to guards, or bringing the ball up himself to set up offense. Scored a few baskets on the block with spin moves, good footwork putting it off the glass.

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CONCLUSION:

New shot clock (35 seconds) will help the Wildkits. They already play at a fast pace so they are used to getting out and running. Good chance to win Central Suburban South once again and could be a #1 seed in the Sectional. Dribble drive offense Coach Mike Ellis runs has good shooters at every spot, experienced players, some that have played in State Finals in Champaign two years ago. This team could get back for second time in three years. Only downside is size in the paint, which could be answered from football player Mekhi Collins. Will he play basketball? Or will he graduate early and go play college football? Otherwise Dinca is talented but inexperienced. Team plays good defense on the ball, and on the perimeter. Will have to send everyone to the defensive glass. Good news is not much is needed from him as others will do the scoring. Tate Schroeder, who started last year was not at the open gym as he plays golf in the Fall. A 6'4" combo guard who can shoot from deep, and is a King of Bounce i.e. can jump out of the gym. He'll help on the glass. Should start as a preseason Top 10 team in Chicago Area.