There was a stacked field for the NY2LA Swish N Dish. I caught games via livestream and saw a lot of talent. Here are the Illinois standouts from this weekend.
***For the teams that did not supply rosters, I have only included players that I could identify from the livestreams.
17U Pool
All-In 17U
Jio Garcia (5’10 PG, Leyden)
The shifty point guard hit a number of long-range threes off the dribble. He controlled tempo and provided pressure on the ball defensively. If the offense breaks down, he excels at making something out of nothing.
Ryan Duncan (6’3 PG, Chicago U-High)
Duncan played with great pace off the dribble. Around 6-foot-3, he has very good vision and passing feel. He hit a number of threes and showed good touch on floater and layups in traffic. Duncan has an offer from Loyola (MD) and interest from high-academic programs.
Nathan Ulrichs (6’6 SF Grayslake Central)
Ulrichs’s length and shooting upside stood out. He was nearly automatic from mid-range. In the last game he had an and-one three as well. His form is solid and he plays with a ton of activity on the glass.
Chicago Hoops 17U
[2021] Scotty Dean (6’1 SG, Loyola)
Loyola’s productive scorer was very efficient with his touches. He completed plays at the rim and knocked down threes off pin downs and kickouts. Still unsigned, Dean is going to be a solid Division 3 guard.
[2021] Jalen Axibal (6’1 PG, Loyola)
Axibal was a ball-hawk as usual, moving his feet, taking chares, and playing terrific defense. Axibal scored out of the pick-and-roll with drives and threes. His lefty stroke looked fluid. Another productive guard for programs still looking for defensive stoppers.
Illinois Jaguars 17U
Jordan Streeter (6’6 SG, Whitney Young)
Streeter is a slashing wing that got to the rim with his length. He is an improved outside shooter as well. Defense is one of his more projectable skills, guarding the wings and having the size to switch onto bigs if needed.
Fundamental U Black 17U
Chase Bonder (6’8 PF, Libertyville)
Bonder was terrific this weekend using his frame and skill to impact the game. He cashed in from three when left open and went to work on the interior. The 6-foot-8 forward goes out of his area for rebounds and doesn’t give up on plays. He looks like a solid Division 2 prospect right now.
Jackson Munro (6’8 PF, New Trier)
Munro was at his best in the mid-post, shooting over the top of defenders. He is a face-up 6-foot-8 big that has the agility to beat slower defenders off the dribble or step out and hit threes as he did this weekend. There is a lot of upside for Munro, who recently received a Division 1 offer from Loyola Maryland.
Bryce Moore (6’4 SG, Carmel)
Coming off a strong junior year, Moore showed power driving to the rim and finishing in a variety of ways. He made a runner at full speed in transition and created angles all weekend. He also hit some jumpers off the catch, which he is accustomed to doing as well.
Rashawn Bost (5’10 PG, Evanston)
Bost was on fire from three. Every kick out was pure coming out of his hands. Bost is a quick downhill driver that is a pest defensively. He provides nice production on both ends and has a track record of winning.
Fundamental U Gray 17U
Ryan Renfro (6’7 PF, Glenbard West)
Renfro had a breakout weekend showing his inside-out game. He attacked from the wing, scored on the block, and made a number of good passes out of the post. He handled it well in transition, making a few nice combo moves and hitting a pull-up three. Renfro rotated well on the defensive end. He may be in for a big AAU season from a recruiting standpoint.
Ben Ahmer (6’1 PG, Huntley)
Ahmer was draining threes off handoffs, in transition, and off the dribble. He created a lot of space for a stepback three and pull-up as well. But he did more than stretch the floor, using his strength to get to the paint out of the triple threat. Look for Division 3 schools to be all over the combo guard.
Nate Boldt (6’9 PF, Barrington)
A genuine stretch big, Boldt sprayed in threes often. His length benefited him as a rim protector. He lacks some strength but he can run and put the ball on the ground if given an open lane.
Daniel Hong (6’1 PG, Barrington)
Another Barrington product, Hong shot the ball well on Friday. He is quick off the bounce and showed his vision as a passer. Hong has a game that should translate well.
Illinois Wolves UAA 17U
Braden Huff (6’10 PF, Glenbard West)
The versatility of Huff shined at times. He is a high-percentage shooter that made a couple of threes this weekend. What is most impressive is how well he put the ball on the ground to get to the rim and finish. Huff is comfortable handling the ball in space and brought the ball up against pressure multiple times. He is a plus passer and terrific shot-blocker as well. Huff holds a number of offers, including Northwestern, Wisconsin, and most recently Penn.
Cooper Noard (6’2 PG, Glenbrook South)
Noard had a great showing this weekend, putting up big scoring games on Friday and providing a spark. He’s very effective stretching the floor from beyond the college line, stepping into a couple of deep threes. His ability to shoot on the move separates him. He made a few threes off the dribble and lifted up into pull-ups around the elbows. Noard is a crafty finisher who is highly competitive with enough size to play either guard spot in college.
Cade Pierce (6’5 PG, Glenbard West)
Pierce was steady as a defender, shooter, and rebounder. He made some rhythm threes off of ball reversals and took it strong to the rim on multiple occasions. With his length and passing ability at 6-foot-5, he was able to play and defend multiple positions, which he will likely be asked to do in college. Boston, UIC, and Wisconsin Milwaukee have offered Pierce so far.
M14 Hoops 17U
Ty Rogers (6’7 SF, West Aurora)
Rodgers looked very rangy defensively. He can guard all over the court and has upside as a slasher. His pull-up was smooth and he pushed in transition well at his size.
Pat Robinson (6’5 SG, Oswego East)
The big wing drove by defenders multiple times for straight-line finishes. When he gets the ball around the rim, he uses his shoulders well to absorb contact and finish. His strength and plus length allowed him to make an impact on the defensive end. Robinson is a riser in the 2022 class with Division-1 upside.
Lane McVicar (6’5 SG, DeKalb)
McVicar was aggressive putting his head down to get to the rim. For a 6-foot-5 guard, he has a nose for the ball as a rebounder on both ends. He looked good running point, handling pressure, and finding teammates on the move. He is also a high-level shooter and defender who should be able to stretch the floor and guard on the wing in college.
Jonah Hinton (6’2 SG, Naperville Central)
Hinton is dynamic off the dribble, with good explosion and length on his drives. He showed off his pull-up game as well, elevating off the bounce with good balance. He is a scoring combo guard who can really play.
Mac Irvin Fire EYBL 17U
Trey Pettigrew (6’3 PG, Eduprize [AZ])
Pettigrew was a difference-maker the entire weekend. He has that knack for creating shots off the dribble that you can’t teach. The former Fenwick star has a quick first step and improved strength to take contact. Georgia, Illinois, and Missouri are among the schools that have offered Pettigrew.
[2021] Grant Newell (6’7 PF, Whitney Young)
The unsigned senior made a case to any college coaches looking to fill a spot. His high motor was on full display, getting to his spots and finishing off opportunities in the paint. With good range, he hit a three too. He is a versatile defender, moving between the wing and post easily. Newell is the best available frontcourt player in the state.
Jaylen Drane (6’1 PG, Simeon)
Drane is a pacesetter and energetic point guard. He played well with Pettigrew, scoring when needed and being a primary playmaker. In tight situations, he maintained poise. Drane has a number of Division 1 suitors.
[2021] Sincere Malone (6’8 SF, Corliss)
The versatility of Malone stood out. He handled in space, made passes in transition, and was all over the floor defensively. On this Fire team, he was on the inside a lot. But he is also capable of moving out to the perimeter to beat defenders in space.
Meanstreets EYBL 17U
AJ Casey (6’8 SF, Whitney Young)
Casey looked like a top-tier recruit this weekend. He’s got effortless bounce that he showed off on lobs, cuts, and transition run outs. His physical profile is impressive at 6-foot-8 with a good frame and guard skills. He knocked down some jumpers as well. He is still considered a top-25 national recruit.
Kam Craft (6’5 SG, Buffalo Grove)
Craft was in attack mode. He scored from all three levels, displaying good lift on his pull-up and creating space off the dribble. His handle was smooth against tight defense, making tough shots look routine. On top of the shooting, Craft had a number of showtime dunks in transition and slick passes on the move. He received an offer from Loyola Chicago earlier today and holds a number of high-major offers.
Nick Martinelli (6’7 SF, Glenbrook South)
It was a big weekend for Martinelli. He was tremendously efficient against elite competition, finding different ways to score and using his length defensively. He cut well, hit open threes, and attacked closeouts off the bounce. He currently has Division-1 offers from Bucknell and St. Thomas. I would expect this to be the start of a recruitment process that will blow up for Martinelli.
[2023] Dalen Davis (6’0 PG, Whitney Young)
Playing up an age, he showed flashes of brilliance as a playmaker. He has good playmaking feel, especially in the pick-and-roll game. Davis hit some jumpers as well. His future is bright even as an undersized lead guard.
Mercury Elite 17U Rush
Brady Ruggles (6’5 SG, Danville [IN])
The Wheaton Warrenville South transfer looked taller and more skilled. As a shooter, he did a nice job getting his feet set before connecting on jumpers. He was able to dribble into a mid-range look as well as use his length at times to score in traffic. Ruggles is a score-first wing that has plus length and a solid set of tools to use to produce.
[2021] Matas Deksnys (6’7 SG, Lockport)
Deksnys, an unsigned senior, was spot on from three as usual. His knowledge of how to get open shouldn’t go unnoticed, as he is regularly moving to lose defenders. A true late bloomer, this AAU season should allow him to show the best version of himself to college coaches.
Mercury Elite 17U Stephens
Aiden Wieczorek (6’1 SG, Huntley)
It was target practice for Wieczorek. He was pouring in threes whenever he got space beyond the arc, showing a repeatable stroke that looks the same off the dribble. He was stout on the defensive end being active on or off the ball. Wieczorek also does a good job of getting into defenders on his penetration and using his strength to fend off shot-blockers. He is a 3-and-D prospect for small colleges.
MidPro Academy 17U
Colin Schuler (6’7 PF, Peoria Notre Dame)
Schuler looked really good on the perimeter and defending in space. He made threes and was fluid in transition. In college, Schuler should be able to play either forward spot if he stays on this trajectory.
NLP 17U
Vaurice Patterson (6’0 PG, Schaumburg)
A high-IQ point guard that has good vision, Patterson worked off the dribble to collapse the defense. He was a really strong defender this weekend. He does a nice job moving laterally and cutting off ball0handlers. He is a high-level passer and on-ball defender.
Devon Ellis (6’5 SF, Conant)
Ellis overpowered most defenders who tried to stop him this weekend. He is a big-time leaper with a mature frame. He scored well around the rim and mixed in some jumpers. Ellis will be taking a prep year to reclassify to the 2022 class.
16U Pool
Brad Beal Elite 16U
Macaleab Rich (6’5 SG, East St. Louis)
Rich showed off his diverse scoring package this weekend. Built like a linebacker, he had multiple explosive takes to the rim. He also hit a few deep threes. Rich is one of the best 2023 prospects in Southern Illinois.
Fundamental U Black 16U
Cooper LePage (6’1 PG, Crystal Lake South)
LePage provided energy on both ends. He made a handful of threes and knifed to the rim regularly to create shots for his team. Very athletic and strong for a lead guard, he is able to play physical defense without getting beat.
Illinois Wolves 16U
Asa Thomas (6’6 SG, Lake Forest)
Thomas may have the cleanest outside shot in the 2023 class. Defenders struggled to contest his shot with his release point at 6-foot-6. He buried a handful of threes in each game, shooting especially well from the wings. Thomas can pick-and-pop, run off screens, or attack closeouts like he did at times. His athleticism will only improve as he continues to fill out his frame.
Sonny Williams (6’0 PG, Notre Dame College Prep)
Regardless of the score, Williams played with a level of energy that you need out of a point guard. He was effective scoring the ball on Friday using his speed to get to the rim and spotting up from three. Defensively, he got after ball-handlers. The playmaking was there as usual for the NDCP point guard.
Xavier Sulaiman (6’3 SG, Marist)
Sulaiman’s athleticism and defensive instincts led to steals and open court opportunities. He also hit some mid-range catch-and-shoot jumpers, a three, and added a transition dunk. The consistency of his jump shot could be a difference-maker for his future.
Cam Christie (6’6 SG, Rolling Meadows)
Christie started slow but heated up quickly from the outside. He has a smooth pull-up that extends beyond the three-point line. He is a versatile scorer that does a lot of damage out of the triple threat either shooting or getting to the lane for floaters. Christie handled the ball against pressure and has a good defensive profile. His best basketball is still ahead of him. He has offers from Ohio State and Michigan State.
Mac Irvin Fire EYBL 16U
JJ Taylor (6’8 SG, Kenwood)
Arguably the most gifted player in the 16U pool, Taylor was a highlight reel this weekend. He is so efficient with his touches and does so with flare. His pull-up three was flowing and he skied for a couple of dunks as well. It’s his playmaking and defensive upside that really make him an elite all-around player. He is a top-10 national recruit.
Darrin Ames (6’1 PG, Kenwood)
Ames was creating offense the entire weekend. The crafty lefty got to the rim for floaters and acrobatic finishes while also mixing in some tough jumpers off the dribble. He is one of the top guards in the 2023 class.
Davius Loury (6’7 PF, Kenwood)
For a strong-bodied forward, Loury really moves well with the ball. He showed strong rebounding and a paint presence this weekend. He is also a very good outside shooter with space, showing a compact stroke. He is another Kenwood product that will receive looks from big schools.
Meanstreets EYBL 16U
Jalen Griffith (5’9 PG, Simeon)
Griffith is the true definition of a floor general. He is an advanced decision-maker and ball-handler that goes wherever he wants with the ball. I was very impressed with his change of pace to get by defenders before setting up teammates. He is also a tremendous on-ball defender. Arizona State and Western Illinois have offered him thus far.
Donaven Younger (6’8 PF, Bolingbrook)
Younger was great on the glass using his quick jump and length to keep balls alive. With improved strength, he played through defenders’s chests when he got post-ups. He is a solid defensive presence as well protecting the rim and closing space quickly. He has clear Division 1 upside.
Miles Rubin (6’7 PF, Homewood Flossmoor)
Another lengthy big for Meanstreets, Rubin has good reach and a projectable frame. He was capitalizing on duck-ins to finish in the paint. He crashed hard for second chances and used his size effectively on both ends. He has nice touch as well, hitting a three off of a post kick out.
Wes Rubin (6’7 PF, Homewood Flossmoor)
The other half of the Rubin twins is a little wirier than Miles, but very agile changing ends. He is also a capable outside shooter with the shot-blocking ability that he showed.
MidPro Academy 16U
Brock Harding (6’0 PG, Moline)
Harding’s vision is as good as any player I have seen in the 2023 class. He put on a passing clinic, throwing bullets with both hands and finding teammates off penetration. A lot of those opportunities were created by his shifty ball skills. When he wasn’t distributing, he showed his various finishing methods around the rim and deep shooting range. I think Harding has a chance to be special at the next level.
Ty Pence (6’5 SG, St. Joseph-Ogden)
Pence had a strong weekend scoring the ball from the perimeter. The 6-foot-5 two-guard moved well off the ball and hit threes from a few feet behind the arc. His athleticism shined on drives to the rim and as a rebounder high pointing missed shots. Pence has been offered by Western Illinois so far.
Ethan Kizer (6’6 SF, Metamora)
Kizer had one of the biggest plays of the weekend with a powerful dunk from a baseline lob. He shot the ball well from three, hitting multiple long-range looks. Kizer is a high-flying slasher capable of putting up points in a hurry.
15U Pool
Illinois Wolves 15U
Jaheem Webber (6’8 C, Normal Community)
Webber was dominant at times in the post, sealing hard to get position. He has good primary moves to get over his left shoulder. Defensively, he was really disruptive blocking shots. He took a few jumpers that looked decent. His low-post game has a good foundation that should develop nicely over time. Webber is one of the better bigs in the 2024 class right now.
Trendell Whiting (5’11 SG, Marmion)
It was quite the shooting display for Whiting this weekend. He provided immediate offense from behind the arc with his compact, easy stroke. Whiting is an above-average athlete that can get to the basket in straight lines and guard the ball defensively. He showed off some bounce with a fast-break dunk as well. There is a lot to like about where the Marmion guard is headed.
Cole Certa (6’2 SG, Bloomington Central Catholic)
Certa’s competitiveness was evident. He applied pressure to force turnovers and make ball-handlers uncomfortable. With good size at 6-foot-2, he used his length to get deflections and affect vision. He has a good outside shot, connecting on a few triples throughout the weekend. Certa was also able to attack and score in bunches.
Kelton McEwen (5’11 PG, Bartlett)
McEwen was getting defensive attention for his shooting ability. He made multiple jumpers from around the court and was a good playmaker when he was handling the ball. He is an all-around scorer that can really shoot it off the dribble, create space in the mid-range, or drive with toughness to get to the foul line. McEwen has his best days ahead of him.
Jehvion Starwood (6’3 SG, Yorkville Christian)
Starwood was impressive when he decided to seek shots at the rim. With strength and quickness, he is a blur as a slasher. He nearly dunked one in traffic and showed that explosiveness on multiple occasions. Starwood is also an aggressive defender that makes life tough on an offense. As he continues to improve his consistency shooting the ball, he could be a two-way force.
Mac Irvin Fire EYBL 15U
James Brown (6’8 C, St. Rita)
Brown was one of the best long-term prospects at the event. He was relentless in the paint, grabbing offensive rebounds, finishing power moves in the post, and protecting the rim defensively. He has legit size and athleticism in space despite being a freshman. His footwork and touch make him a force offensively. He is a high-major prospect that will show up on most national rankings. He just received an offer from Illinois and also holds offers from Providence, DePaul, NIU, Howard, Siena, and Western Illinois.
Chris Riddle (6’5 SG, Kenwood)
The athletic, physical wing was a nightmare getting downhill. He handles the ball well which allows him to slash to the rim where he is a dangerous finisher. Riddle has a solid release on his jumper as well. But it’s defensively where he is at his best. To this point, Riddle is one of the top freshmen in the state.
Meanstreets EYBL 15U
Antoine Glasper (6’0 PG, Collins)
Glasper plays with so much poise and maturity. In transition, he is in full control finding teammates and bursting to the bucket for finishes. Glasper is a solid shooter that has good balance on his jumper. DePaul has already offered the advanced point guard from Collins.
Morez Johnson Jr. (6’6 PF, St. Rita)
Johnson is the epitome of energy. He is an excellent defender across multiple positions, showing lateral quickness that is uncommon for a freshman his size. The long, 6-foot-6 forward has a blossoming offensive game with a developing jumper and interior game that he showcased this weekend. Multiple Division-1 programs have already offered him.
MidPro 15U
Lucas Austin (6’6 SF, Sterling)
Austin is a big-bodied combo forward that has a pure outside shot. He has an ideal follow-through on his shot and knocked them down this weekend. With his 6-foot-6 size, Austin cleans the glass well. For a freshman, his mature frame and outside shot are worth tracking going forward.
Team 10 Jabari 15U
Taevion Collier (6’6 PF, Curie)
After a solid freshman year, Collier looked good on the block. He was able to bull rush defenders in order to get to the line and finish. I like his rebounding prowess on both ends, clearing out space and pulling in misses in his area. The future is bright for Collier.