We’ll be looking at a large number of prospects during this dead period. We will usually only include a handful of players at a time in each post, sometimes focused on position and class, other times based on recruiting status. The full list of prospects can be viewed here.
***Click on the player’s name to view their profile
Brandon Hall (6-4 PG, Thornton)
Hall brings a lot to the table. The 6-4 guard is an explosive athlete that finishes through contact. He displays good footwork and an understanding of how he is being played when deciding how to attack. If he is being pressured, he has the physical tools and ball skills to get to the rim. If he sees the defender back off, he is more than capable of hitting threes off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. Hall is also a good rebounder and sound playmaker that has plus vision. Whenever summer play begins, Hall will look to open some more eyes this summer running with Meanstreets.
Isaiah Holden (5-10 PG, Evanston)
Holden is one of those players that might have a greater impact at the college level than he does in high school. Evanston has one of the best backcourts in the state and Holden is an integral part of that. He has a quick first step and a tight handle that he utilizes to penetrate into the lane. When help comes, he doesn’t hesitate to set up his teammates, especially in drive-and-kick scenarios. His high energy level on both ends is evident when you watch the tape. Right now he is more of a driver than a shooter, but Holden can spray it if left alone.
Noah Reynolds (6-3 PG, Peoria Notre Dame)
Reynolds is a strong, versatile lefty guard that established himself as one of the most productive players in the state. His efficiency is off the charts for a slashing guard, shooting over 60 percent from the field and 41 percent from three. Though he may be more of a combo guard at the college level, Reynolds is a capable playmaker that picks his spots within the offense. He has college-ready athleticism that he uses regularly to be an impact defender and to finish with a variety of moves in traffic. After leading a deep Peoria Notre Dame team to a historic season, I would expect his recruitment to pick up. Illinois-Springfield has offered the All-State guard and a number of other D2 and D1 schools should be reaching out.
JT Welch (5-10 PG, Bloomington Central Catholic)
Don’t let the headband fool you. Welch is a tough point guard that excels at making plays off the dribble. He averaged seven assists a game in large part due to his ability to make passes on the move. In a college offense focused on pick-and-rolls, Welch should develop nicely as a player capable of scoring off floaters, reading secondary help to find teammates, or hitting threes with time and space. Despite his slight frame, he doesn’t shy away from contact and regularly attacks bigger opponents. Welch is an all-around solid floor general.
Tommie Williams (6-4 PG, Belleville West)
For a point guard, Williams has ideal length. At 6-foot-4 with long arms, he sees over defenses and shoots over smaller guards. Whenever the offense needs a shot, you can let Williams go to work in one-on-one situations. His perimeter shot is still developing, but he plays off of his hesitation dribble well and is comfortable with his mid-range pull-up. Williams can really disrupt opposing offenses with his activity on the ball or in the passing lanes. There is a lot to like about his potential with his size, quickness, and ability to break down defenders off the bounce. A summer playing with Brad Beal Elite will only improve his stock going forward. Williams has his best days of basketball ahead of him.