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Hilliard Bradley 57, Thomas Worthington 32 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Jake Spegal, 12/07/18, 11:30PM EST

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Hilliard Bradley junior guard Matt Allocco led the Jags on Friday

HILLIARD, Ohio -- Hilliard Bradley came into their 2018-19 OCC-Cardinal opener 20-0 in conference play since the 2016-17 OCC realignment, and they showed no signs of slowing down this season. The Jaguars took down Thomas Worthington 57-32, and we got to see the typical brand of Bradley basketball we’ve come to be so familiar with in the Brett Norris era.

Coming into the game 2-0, Thomas Worthington opened up in a 2-3 zone, and they were able to match nearly every basket the Jags made in the quarter, trailing 9-7 after one. Bradley was then able to create separation in the second quarter when sophomore guard A.J. Mirgon knocked down a big time three to extend their lead to 23-11 with 4:02 to play in the quarter.

Bradley was able to run away with the game in the third quarter, doing so by dominating the glass and sharing the basketball. Junior guard Matt Allocco led the way for the Jags with 12 points and six assists, followed by junior Chris Mayfield with 10 points, sophomore guard Keaton Norris with 10 points, and sophomore forward Jack Pugh with nine points. 

Bradley also won the rebounding battle 28-14 using their physicality to move around bodies and crash the boards all night. Pugh was able to grab eight rebounds, followed by Mayfield and senior Zach Hummel each grabbing seven boards. Bradley may not be the tallest team in the area, but they are definitely one of the strongest, and still have quite a bit of length.

For Thomas Worthington, senior big man Ben Wight led the way with 12 points and three rebounds, followed up by sophomore guard Jalen Sullinger with five points. The Cardinals look to be much improved from last season, but Hilliard Bradley is going to be a tough matchup for any team in the Cardinal division this season.


Matt Allocco (6’4 G/ Hilliard Bradley/ 2020): Allocco proved again on Friday night why he is widely regarded to as one of the best guards in the state. Per the norm, Allocco did not do it with a crazy dunk, nor a 30 ball, but did it by leading his team on both sides of the ball, defending tremendously, and leading his team in the scoring category on offense. Allocco finished the night with 12 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals, making an impact on both ends. Allocco currently holds several Division I offers, and he will be sure to garner more attention this season as he will be running the show for the Jags after the graduation of former Bradley and current Oakland University guard Braden Norris. Allocco scored most of his points off of the dribble and in transition tonight, but also can knock the perimeter jump shot with confidence. He also has some of the best court vision in the area, a trait of his which the entire Bradley roster demonstrates. 

Keaton Norris (5’10 G/ Hilliard Bradley/ 2021): Son of Bradley head coach Brett Norris, sophomore guard Keaton Norris is following in his big brothers footsteps playing guard for the Jags. Keaton showed off a very good flick from the perimeter tonight, knocking down two of three three pointers. Though we all knew Keaton could shoot, what impressed me most with his game tonight was his ability to dribble gash the Cardinals both coming off ball screens and just taking his man off the dribble. Keaton may not be as big as older brother Braden, but he is definitely a crafty young guard that people in the area need to keep their eyes in coming years.

Jack Pugh (6’6 WF/ Hilliard Bradley/ 2021): After being a role player and learning the Bradley system as a freshman, the sophomore forward Pugh has stepped into the starting lineup this season, and will look to contribute immediately. One of the best 2021’s around, Pugh uses his long frame and tough build to bully you around in the paint and make sure you do not get any second chances. Jack has the look of the wing at the next level though, and he showed this tonight for the Jags. Pugh is very athletic getting up and down the floor, and also knocked down a three pointer tonight. Starting this year, Pugh will be a focal point of the Bradley program for the next three seasons.

Ben Wight (6’9 F/ Thomas Worthington/ 2019): The only player on the Cardinals roster tallying more than five points tonight, the Ohio University commit Wight was able to give the Cardinals life at times in this contest. Wight isn’t your typical power post player, but instead using a great set of finesse moves in the low post to get open looks. Wight also has a very smooth stroke from the mid-range and in the paint, using his length to knock down several contested jumpers around the rim tonight. Also showing some physicality in the paint, Ben was able to convert a pair of and-ones tonight. Ben is the main focus on offense for a Thomas Worthington team who believes they are ready to compete now, and will look to use his game and complementary pieces such as sophomore’s Isaac Settles and Jalen Sullinger to give the Cardinals success this season.

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