Week 3 Recap Of Full Package League

Week three of the Full Package Exposure League is through, and some great games have been played while some stars have shone bright. This week was highlighted less by individual dominance, and more by great team play.

Session 1 saw two spectacular games that went down to the wire.

In the main gym the Heat took on the Magic in a hotly contested defensive struggle. A pair of guards led the heat throughout the game, as David Smith (Lake Forest Academy) finished with 12 points and Greg Tucker (Whitney Young) lead the game with 22. The Magic's Derryan Hunt was clearly the player of the game as he put up a dominant 19 point, 10 rebound, 5 block performance that included a booming two handed dunk that sealed the game for the Magic at 58-55.

On court 2 the Kings took on the heavily favored Spurs. Spurs' 7-0 junior Kyle Rowley (Lake Forest Academy) showed up looking trimmed down and in great shape after missing week 2, and he went to work early dominating the paint. Though he saw limited playing time, Rowley was extremely impressive and put up a nice stat line of 14 points, 10 rebound, and 4 blocks. He was running the floor very well and showed much improved footwork. Rowley very well could be coming for the #1 spot in the class of 09 rankings. Rowley's dominance was not quite enough, as Jimmy Martin, a junior guard from Notre Dame sank three last second free-throws to give the Kings a 79-78 win.

6-3 senior SF Sean Croegart-Key (Evanston) was the games leading scorer as he scored 18 for the Kings and 6-3 junior guard Sammy Herman poured in 15 for the Spurs in a losing effort.

Session 2 games weren't quite as close, but some individual players had some top-notch performances.

In the main gym the Celtics dismantled the Pacers and Detroit-commit Donovan Foster.

The Pacers featured a new addition in 6-8 Providence St. Mel sophomore center Philip Jackson. Jackson finished with 16, and Foster added 24, but it wasn't enough to top the Celtics as they fell 77-56. 6-3 sophomore SF Danhi Wilson (Maine East) lead the Celtics with 24.

SUNS AND TIMBERWOLVES

Session 3 saw three low scoring match-ups, that was highlighted by a prime time battle of senior big men.

Court 3 featured a defensive struggle between two of the top teams in the league; the Cavs and the Lakers. Indiana State- Commit Carl Richard led the Lakers to a 54-46 victory with 13 points and lockdown defense. 6-2 senior SG Lewis Brown (Glenbrook South) led the Cavs with 11.

Court 2 saw one of the top individual performances of the day. 6-3 senior guard Brian Bradley (Lockport) seemed to be the only one on the court that could get into a rhythm offensively, as he put up 19 points in a 66-54 victory for the Mavs over the Rockets. Eric Williams (Warren) led the Rockets with 10.

The main gym featured the most anticipated match-up of the day, as two of the top big men in the state (both from the south suburbs) went head to head. 6-8 PF Juwan Nelson (Bloom) and the Bulls took on 6-6 PF Paris Carter (T.F. South) and the Pistons in a close game. In the end Nelsons big body and the Bulls balanced attack was too much for the Pistons as they came out on top 54-50 behind Juwan's 12 points and 11 rebounds. Rasjaun "Rossi" Thomson led the way for the Pistons with 15 points.

Week 3 League MVP/ Eastern Conference MVP: 6-5 senior F Derryan Hunt (Evanston) - Magic- Hunt led the undermanned Magic to a 58-55 win over the Heat. The Heat came into the game as the clear favorite to win, as they featured 3 "ranked" players, however that is why the game is played. Hunt dominated on both ends of the floor, racking up 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Hunt also put down a number of dunks, including a punishing two-handed jam from just inside the free throw line to seal the game for the magic at 58-55. Hunt transferred to Evanston this year from Niles West after not having played on the team for most of last season. Derryan is a 6-5 power forward that has potential to play the 3 in college. He is one of the top athletes in the state and has the chance to earn a division 1 scholarship based on his potential. Chicago state is interested in Hunt, as well as various division 2 and 3 schools, and a number of the top junior colleges in the mid-west.

Week 3 Western Conference MVP/ Top Underclassman: 6-2 sophomore G Charles McKinney (Maine East) – Timberwolves- Mckinney, a sophomore led the Timberwolves to a 80-67 win over the previously unbeaten Suns. McKinney scored his 24 by driving to the hoop and hitting some big outside shots. McKinney has consistently been putting up big numbers since the start of the league, and earned top underclassman honors in week 1. The smooth combo guard had a very strong summer with Full Package 15u, and is sure to have a breakout season playing for Maine East varsity in the tough CSL conference.

Week 3 Breakout Performer: 6-8 sophomore C Philip Jackson (Providence St. Mel) – Pacers- In Jackson's first week playing in the league he broke out for 16 points, despite losing the game. The long 6-8 sophomore center is pretty athletic and has tons of upside. He was running the floor and played great defense throughout the game and looked like a future division one player. Jackson has gotten looks from Eastern Illinois and South Dakota State.

Week 3 Top Playmaker: 5-5 senior PG Deric Branch (Morgan Park) – Timberwolves- The Chicago Public League star point guard put on a show this past Sunday, leading the Timberwolves to a 80-67 win over the previously unbeaten Suns. Deric scored 17 points, mostly on three point shots, and played stellar basketball on both ends of the court. He was great leading his team in transition and was "dropping dimes" when in the half-court set. Look for the 5-5 speedster to see increased recruiting attention in the near future.