We had a solid group come out for the run over the weekend. Here are the player writeups from the scrimmages.
2021
Steph Harris (6’0 PG, Buffalo Grove)
As usual, Harris was making tough layups look easy. Most of his damage was done off penetration and paint touches during this run. He showed off an inverted offensive game, scoring a few times off post ups. Harris pushes tempo and is constantly applying pressure on the defense with his quickness. He has a toughness about his game that helps him on both ends.
Jaden Terrell (6’7 SF, Wheeling)
You usually don’t see players getting face guarded during a run, but Terrell was scoring in so many ways that the defense didn’t have a choice. He started the first scrimmage with a handful of deep threes and left-handed finishes. His 6-foot-7 frame was an advantage when he got to the rim and shot over smaller defenders. He had the play of the day with a tenacious dunk over two guys in transition. Terrell has an easy outside stroke that led to countless threes during the run. He is looking more comfortable shooting on the move and using his dribble to create some space as well. Terrell just committed to Davenport earlier today and should be an impact player there.
2022
Jullian Acosta (6’2 SG, East Aurora)
Acosta is a prime example of the relentless defense that East Aurora is known for. He took on the challenge of trying to slow town Terrell after his hot start and was very effective using his quickness and activity. Acosta was denying, fighting for position in the post, and contesting everything. He’s very vocal on both ends. Offensively, he had a few strong takes to the rim and set up teammates well again.
Adidas Davis (6’3 SG, Buffalo Grove)
The skilled lefty did not get as many outside looks as usual, but he showed some potential defensively. He was using his length to stay in front of the ball and get deflections. Davis hit a smooth pull-up and cut well off the ball. At 6-foot-3, he has the ideal size to play either guard spot. Look for Davis to continue to build on his two-way game.
Jwan Harris (6’1 PG, Orr)
After transferring back to the area from Georgia, Harris is a bit of an unknown to some. He has physical gifts with very long arms and quickness off the dribble. Harris is a crafty ball-handler that slashed to the rim on multiple occasions. He has solid vision as a playmaker as well. While he didn’t take a lot of jumpers during the run, he has a nice outside stroke and hit an NBA-range three with confidence. Harris should get some added exposure running with Mac Irvin Fire.
Daniel Hong (6’1 G, Barrington)
Daniel was solid once again throughout the run. He was scoring in transition regularly, either running his lanes or getting by defenders with the ball in his hands. Even though he has had better shooting days, his ability to drive strong to the basket opened up a lot for his team. Hong brings energy on both ends and should be a valued defender going forward. Still, his dynamic ball-handling and finishing abilities stood out.
Lane McVicar (6’5 SG, DeKalb)
Players don’t always come to runs looking to defend. Lane comes looking to shut down anyone who he is matched up against. The 6-foot-5 wing was disruptive defensively and forced a number of turnovers just from moving his feet and using his length. As a sophomore, he was probably more known for his shooting and scoring, but he can really guard too. McVicar got it going offensively as the run progressed and went on a scoring tear in the last game. He’s a true two-way player that is still under the radar in the 2022 class.
Charlie Nosek (6’4 SF, Metea Valley)
Coaches will appreciate the way Nosek plays and competes. He doesn’t try to do too much, picking his spots to attack. But when he does, Charlie is an efficient scorer at the rim and a solid shoote from three. He had a nice scoop layup and a few contested finishes in traffic. Built for a more up-tempo game, Nosek excelled when he got a head of steam. He knocked down a few threes as well and did a good job of moving the ball. As I’ve said in the past, Nosek’s defense could be a differentiator with how well he moves, elevates, and makes use of his wingspan.
Paxton Warden (6’3 SG, Glenbard West)
If there ends up being a high school season, Warden will have a breakout junior year. Matched up against some aggressive defenders, Warden got to his spots, broke down defenders, and finished plays. He was getting to the rack often, using his body to shielf off block attempts. His shooting was on point as usual, going on a few individual scoring runs. He had a few impressive passes off the dribble and looked comfortable handling pressure. Defensively, he jumped passing lanes and moved his feet. Warden is a very competitive kid that will go at anyone. Coaches will be taking notice in time.
2023
Jabian Acosta (6’4 SF, East Aurora)
Acosta didn’t find a comfort level during the run. He rebounded the ball well and defended but wasn’t very impactful on the offense. Still, he moved the ball within the offense and communicated well defensively.
Alex Engro (6’0 SG, Loyola)
Engro was one of the standouts at the run, even as a sophomore. The wiry 6-foot guard was hitting threes, creating separation for stepbacks, and finishing creatively around the rim. Engro showed some shiftiness off the dribble as well, changing speeds to beat defenders. He made good use of his length with a couple of tough layups in traffic. His shooting, passing ability, and IQ should allow him to develop into a lethal pick-and-roll player. There is a lot to like about his upside of the lanky shooter.
Cooper LePage (6’1 PG, Crystal Lake South)
This was Cooper’s best run so far. He was attacking aggressively and dragging defenders with him. There were three or four finishes that would have been and-ones, showing a lot of strength and body control. LePage had a number of good three-point looks go in and out but he did stop on a dime and connect on a mid-range pull-up. His passing has been consistently impressive at every run and that continued, making quick decisions and reading the help. LePage showed why he should be considered one of the top 2023 players in the Fox Valley area.
Dylan Schmidt (6’3 SG, Johnsburg)
It was another productive run for Schmidt, scoring in bunches. He can really stretch the floor with his shooting ability. It got to the point where we were expecting any of his looks from deep to fall. Schmidt’s athleticism blew some people away. His head was getting near the backboard on a few dunks. He had one play in particular where made a layup and sprinted all the way down the court to block a layup off the glass. His energy and efficiency was solid during the run.