Game Takes: Chesterton 44 – Penn 36

In a game that featured 3 upper-tier guards from the classes of 2022 and 2023, Chesterton's 2022 Travis Grayson got the best of the 2023s of the the Kingsmen and Joe Smith and Markus Burton. The lead, for the now 11-1 Trojans, never got any greater than 9 as Penn was able to keep the game with in reach. A few times in the second half they were within scoring on a few possessions of potentially taking a lead, but were unable to hit shots or make stops when they needed to. In the end the Chesterton D, play of Travis Grayson, and the stepping up of Trojan role-players was the difference.

• I have talked about 5'9" Travis Grayson a few times now and it's the same story as before, he's a bulldog. Great floor leader who plays with a confidence, is heady and patient. On offense he's great at getting into the paint and either finishing at the rim or finding an open teammate. If he gets to the rim he will typically draw contact and can knock down free throws (8/9). He is also a capable defender. He is also continuing to work on his outside shot to make himself even more of a threat. Finished with 22.
• Penn's duo of 2023 5'11" combo guards Markus Burton and Joe Smith continue to improve and impress. Both are capable defenders and also like getting to the basket. At this time Smith is seen as more of the shooting threat from outside, but Burton can also shoot it. Consistency will continue to improve from outside for both. Love how they can both handle the ball, especially under pressure. Bright futures for both moving forward.
• This game also had a player I found intriguing in Chesterton's 2024 Justin Sims. He stands at 6'5" with the possibility to grow some more. Has great length and athleticism. Is showing as a difference maker on D right now as he had a couple big blocks at the rim, and grabbed some boards. Took full advantage of the time he played. Prospect I like and will continue to monitor moving forward.