Holiday Tournament Wrap-Ups - At Proviso West

Holiday Tournament Wrap-Ups - At Proviso West
Stevenson 69 – St. Joseph 60   *Title
St. Rita 71 – Kenwood 55    *3rd Place

Stevenson survived some heavy bouts in capturing its second consecutive championship at West, which was arguably the top holiday tournament in the state. Some of the area’s top teams went head to head but none could neutralize the play of Stevenson’s senior trio of Jalen Brunson, Connor Cashaw and Matt Johnson, but the recent play of 6-6 sophomore wiz Justin Smith makes them even more dangerous in their quest for a 4A state title.  In fact Brunson who was the tournament MVP has seemed to put more emphasis on distributing the ball to his mates more this year.  In the title game Brunson had 27 points, six assists and three steals while Cashaw notched 18 points and nine boards and Smith tallied 16.  St. Joe’s guard Glynn Watson is still hampered by ankle injury, wasn’t his productive self, registering only six points to go with five assists, but Northwestern recruit Jordan Ash went for 17 & junior forward Nick Rakocevic played well inside recording 18 points with 13 coming in the first quarter, Joffery Brown added 10 for St. Joes.  Stevenson (11-0) will head to West Virginia to take on Gonzaga (DC) on Saturday in the Cancer Research Classic.  Kenwood was the surprise final four team, but right now they have a tendency to struggle manufacturing offense.  Junior’s Zion Morgan and Nick Robinson will need to step-up their play with consistent performances nightly, particularly with sophomore stud Manny Patterson possibly out for the season with a shoulder injury.  Senior guard Rahman Katumbusi has upped his value with strong play during the tourney.  No hospitality room, tournament officials here never heard of being hospitable.