FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- With many top Illinois programs dropping out of the Spiece Tournament, the Mac Irvin Fire was the team to watch.
Without the services of Crandall Head and Zeke Upshaw, who were both hurt, the Fire's 17-and-under team was able to capture the tournament title defeating the Spiece Indy Heat 74-71. Terry Johnson (St. Rita) and Tony Nixon (Seton) were named co-MVPs as their performances in the second half made a big difference in the Fire's win.
"It's a great feeling to get that first championship," said Nixon, who finished with 13 points. "We've been working hard in the gym and it all paid off."
The Fire received a balanced scoring effort as Mike Shaw (De La Salle) was held scoreless. Shaw struggled for most of the three games Sunday after missing the first half of the first game for breaking a team rule.
Jonathan Mills (North Lawndale) picked up the slack for Shaw as he finished with 13 points, and used his physical nature to disrupt highly touted big man DeShaun Thomas. Stanford Brown (Young) also came on strong in the second half after a slow start as he finished with 10 points.
But it was the play of Terry Johnson (St. Rita) and Derek Needham (De La Salle) that gave the Fire a spark all game long. Needham, who finished with 14, was all over the floor on offense and defense to give his team opportunities in the first half. Johnson came on strong in the second half as he knocked down two clutch three-pointers, and had numerous assists to set up his shooters and big men.
"My teammates got me the ball in the right situations and I was able to make some shots," Johnson said. "It was a great feeling to come out with high expectations and win."
THE KIDS CAN PLAY: While in-state basketball fans know of Wayne Blackshear and Sam Thompson, it was Scout.com's national scouting director Dave Telep's first chance to see the two play.
Although Blackshear showed up to the event late Saturday, he got a chance to play up on the 17U Mac Irvin Fire during its championship run Sunday.
"You only get to see bits and pieces of these guys, but you can clearly see the talent," said Telep. "He's a freshman playing up on a 17 team, he's smooth, and he has this mature way about him for a young guy. He moves into his shot, has a smooth calmness and the mannerisms of a guy like Wayne Ellington."
Telep also got a chance to see Sam Thompson play with the Mac Irvin Fire 16U team the day before.
"He's got a live body and plays very well in attack mode or behind the line," said Telep. "When he grows physically he will be even better."
So what does Telep make of the 2011 duo's future?
"I haven't seen every kid in 2011 yet, but they can be among the best position players in their class," said Telep. "They really stick out."
SURPRISE RUN: Playing without star point guard DeAndre McCamey (St. Joseph), the Illinois Wolves made a run to the championship game at the 16U level behind solid team play and the leadership of Alex Dragecievich (Glenbrook North). Dragecievich had a fantastic weekend and caught the eye of recruiting analyst Roy Schmidt.
"I think he has clearly elevated his status," Schmidt said. "Coming into the weekend he was a solid mid-major guard but he has the capability to be a high-major guard if he continues to grow and get stronger.
"He has a strong shooting capability, great feel for the game, and his on-court demenor helps his team. He plays with a high level of confidence but still gets everyone involved." The Wolves also had a breakout performance from Fenwick's Wayne Simon. The 6-0 guard has an incredible feel for the game and had numerous offensive tip-ins over bigger and stronger players. Schmidt also believes he is a player to watch.
"Simon is one of the biggest sleepers to emerge," Schmidt said. "He has tremendous scoring capabilities and he provides instant offense for his team. He needs to work on his ball-handling and his defense, but he's a good undersized two-guard. He's at least a low-major player."
A NEW BENCH COACH: The Wolves' 16 team may have been without McCamey on the floor, but they still felt his precense. McCamey, who hurt his knee in the second game of the tournament, sat behind the basket every Wolves game with his leg iced and propped up on the metal bleachers yelling directions at his teammates on each possession.
"I didn't have to worry about making mistakes out there," said McCamey "But I would definitely rather be playing."
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