Andrew Force:
Future150 National Analyst. Covering High and Middle School basketball.
Crete, IL (Future150) -- A late turnover by Thornton Fractional South High gifted Rich Central High the victory, 65-60.
“Simple mistakes on offense,” said TF South junior Brandon Johnson. “Break downs in timely moments.”
With less than two minutes remaining, Johnson caught the rock high. Passed it along. He quietly moved to a rebounding lane, collected the offensive rebound, and finished high.
Unfortunately, Johnson was called for a charge on the put back. Though the bucket fell, the charge negated everything. Frustration. A made basket would have given Thornton Fractional back the lead. It was a lead they held for an hour. Instead they trailed, 61-60.
On the next offensive possession, with 35.9 left TF South committed a turnover in the corner as a simple pass slipped through a guard's fingers. Rich Central inbounded and hurriedly broke the press. Hold it up? Dribble the win out? Nah. Alley-oop lob to Prince Walker of Rich Central.
Without a doubt it became the play of game. Rushed and seemingly unnerved, TF South rattled the next two shots off the back rim. Rich Central's lead of 64-60 with 3.6 seconds left was more than enough. Rich Central coasted.
“We work hard in practice,” said Johnson. “We work hard in games. We just have to finish.”
Fight to finish
Never buried, Rich Central clawed out of the coffin. No team was entirely assured of the win, but lefty guard Prince Walker gave Rich Central the late life desired.
Walker scored 26 points by relentlessly attacking defenders. A solid slasher, Walker can also overpower in the paint. He has a strong frame and gladly relies on it. As a 6’3” wing Walker is listed by Head Coach Theodore Williams as a combo forward.
He can be a problematic mark for opposing high school teams. Does he have separating skills to plant him in college?
Recruiting Notes
Johnson is an adept dribbler, standing 6’8”. He probably projects to a small forward at the low major college level. He has interest from Illinois, Creighton, Marquette, and Northwestern. He also has three D1 offers.
“Bradley, Illinois State, and Chicago State,” said Johnson.
UIC sent an assistant coach to observe him Saturday afternoon. A DIII assistant coach inquired about a few of his teammates.
Walker is an unknown. He reports no significant college interest just yet. The event housed a couple DI coaches, but he will need another similar showing to garner college interest.
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