The focus today is on some 2021 wing players who can fill it up.
Emaryon Byrd (6-5 SF, Peoria Manual)
Byrd is a solid all-around scorer that makes his mark slashing to the rim. His long arms give him an edge when finishing in the paint, able to score over size in traffic. Byrd can shoot the three off the catch and has a decent pull-up. Defensively, he has the physical tools and effort to consistently make plays on that end. Byrd is going to be a wing to watch.
Julius Byrd (6-5 SG, TF North)
A model for a 3-and-D player, Byrd has a nice outside shot and a ton of defensive upside. He is a competitor defensively with the lateral quickness and length to be effective at the next level. Byrd can shoot off the catch or dribble into his pull-up, showing good feel for reading closeouts. The TF North wing is still adding strength that will help his profile as a two-way player.
Matas Deksnys (6-6 SG, Lockport)
Deksnys is one of the premier shooters in the entire state. He has excellent form and consistency on his release. At 6-foot-6, the lefty is still growing into his body. As he adds that strength, he will be more equipped to play through physicality on penetration. There is a lot of upside and skill for Deksnys, who could be one of the breakout seniors in the state.
Sincere Malone (6-8 SF, Corliss)
Versatility is the name of the game for the big guard/forward from Corliss. Malone is a confident ball-handler that is able to create for others. He is a force on the break with his size and fluidity in the open court. Malone has impressed with his ability to guard multiple positions and apply pressure in the backcourt or protect the rim. Chicago State and Southern have recently offered the 6-foot-8 wing who is bound to attract a lot more attention coming up.
Brennan Weller (6-4 SF, Edwardsville)
Weller is a three-level scorer coming off a year where he averaged 19.3 points a game. In part due to his body control, Weller can score in a wide variety of ways around the rim. He can finish with either hand, or stop-and-pop from close range. Weller shoots it well, showing a repeatable lefty stroke that can do damage from the mid-range or three point line. He is a tough shot maker who should have plenty of college options.