We look at a handful of 2023 players that should start to receive more attention as sophomores.
Brock Harding (5-11 PG, Moline)
Harding is a dynamic point guard that plays with a ton of confidence. He is a terrific pick-and-roll playmaker with an innate feel for creating passing angles off the dribble. A coach can put the ball in his hands and let him manufacture high-percentage shots for himself or his teammates. Harding has the handle that will allow him to separate from defenders regularly. The Moline guard already shoots it well from three, so the next development will be finishing in traffic against length. There is no question that Harding will be able to run a college offense by the time his high school career is over.
Armani Ivy (6-3 SG, Larkin)
Ivy fits the profile of a solid two-way guard. He has good size and strength for a wing, allowing him to defend multiple positions. His upper body strength gives him an advantage on contact drives to the basket. But it’s his shooting that stands out the most. Ivy has a smooth outside shot extends beyond the three-point line. If he has a sliver of space, he can light it up from deep. I would expect for his ball-handling to continue to progress as he heads into his sophomore season.
Wilfred Kamukama (6-9 PF, Huntley)
Growing to 6-foot-9, Kamukama is still a raw prospect. But there are a number of tools to work with. He has promising length and ability as a rim protector. At his size, he moves well and can finish above the rim on the break. While his strength and feel develop, Kamukama has nice touch from the perimeter that will allow him to draw opposing bigs away from the basket. His potential as a pick-and-roll outlet that can finish lobs or step out for jumpers will draw attention.
Cannon Leonard (6-8 C, Iroquois West)
Leonard is a long-armed big man who should grow exponentially over the next year. With good hands and solid footwork, Leonard puts himself in a position to finish around the basket. He is an effective rim protector when he stays vertical defensively. Leonard shows some touch facing up from 10 to 15 feet and he will only get better in that area with his touch. It doesn’t look like he is finished growing and that could be scary for opponents once he adds more power to his game.