I checked out M14’s practice last night for their 17U and 16U teams. There is a lot of depth in the program with a heavy focus on development. Here are write-ups from some of the players I saw yesterday.
17U Adidas Gold
Jonah Hinton (6’2 PG, Naperville Central)
Hinton was one of the most impressive players at the practice. He has a very composed, professional approach that should serve him well in college. He is very quick off the bounce and has the ability to finish over length. That explosiveness and body control showed on dunks and tough layups during penetration drills. Hinton spaces the floor with spots ups but can also knock down contested shots off the dribble. At 6-foot-2, he has enough size and athleticism to defend both guard spots. Hinton has a chance to attract high-academic Division-1 programs.
Sean Kavanaugh (6’2 SG, Marmion)
Kavanaugh is a well-built guard that has toughness on both ends. Offensively, he has a quick release that resulted in a lot of made threes. He can attack in straight lines but also doesn’t force things with the ball. His physicality allows him to apply pressure and knock ball-handlers off their path. There are a number of D3 programs that should be taking a look at the 3-and-D production of Kavanaugh.
Lane McVicar (6’5 SG, DeKalb)
McVicar is a long guard with a ton of versatility. The 6-foot-5 guard showed his explosiveness with a number of two-handed dunks. He’s an adept passer and playmaker, especially off of drives in the paint. McVicar does damage attacking closeouts or spacing the floor off of rotations. His most college-ready skills are his rebounding and willingness to guard all over the floor. It should be a big spring and summer for his recruitment.
Devon Oregon (5’11 PG, Oswego East)
Oregon is a playmaking point guard that can knock down threes with time and space. He throws accurate passes from a number of different angles. Defensively, he moved his feet well, displaying good lateral quickness. Oregon is another guard that D3 programs might take a look at.
Marial Puou (6’8 SF, Sandwich)
Puou is maybe the best-kept secret in the state. The 6-foot-8 Sandwich wing has great mobility, athleticism, and length. He showed some touch from the perimeter, but I was very impressed with his comfort putting it on the ground to get to the rim. There is still some rawness to his game from a footwork and feel perspective but all of the tools are there. Puou covers ground well defensively and can challenge shots above the rim. He is a big-time long-term prospect for coaches to track.
Patrick Robinson (6’5 SG, Oswego East)
Robinson has the size and length of a Division 1 wing. He can palm the ball out of the air, which gives him an advantage as a finisher and rebounder. There is a sense of urgency when he gets to the rim, leading to dunks, contact layups, and kick outs from over helping. His jumper looked fluid from the outside. The potential is there for Robinson to be an elite defensive prospect that can switch at the college level. D2 and D1 coaches will be intrigued with his upside.
Ty Rogers (6’7 SG, West Aurora)
Rogers is a legit 6-foot-7 wing that can shoot the three. He has a smooth release from the outside with good arc. His length allows him to make push shots and floaters in traffic with either hand. As he gets stronger, he should be able to provide more of a defensive presence. Still a bit of an unknown throughout the state, Rogers is coming off a huge junior year that has carried over to the AAU season. He has Division 2 appeal.
Trent Tousana (5’11 PG, Batavia)
A crafty lead guard with a good change of pace, Tousana excels off the dribble. He has a crisp handle and hits teammates on time and on target on the move. The Batavia guard showed the ability to shoot off the catch as well. He should be a valuable pick-and-roll decision-maker at the next level, likely targeted by NAIAs and D3s.
17U National Standouts
Payton Bowser (6’2 PG, Glenbard North)
Bowser is a solid guard that can knock down jumpers. He has a quick one-motion shot and solid height to shoot over smaller guards. The Glenbard North guard can create shots off the dribble from multiple levels.
Justin Hughes (6’3 SG, St. Charles North)
Hughes can really shoot the ball when he has space. I like his length and shot preparation when he is off the ball. There are Division 3 programs that he could attract as a 6-foot-3 shooter.
Chris Suger (6’7 SF, Geneva)
Suger has an interesting combination of size and shooting ability. He has a pure jump shot that he from long-range off the catch. At 6-foot-7, he isn’t affected by most shot contests. At the college level, he will be able to act as a stretch four or wing. If he can add strength, he will be a tough matchup on the inside as well.
16U Adidas Gold
Coby Allen (6’2 SG, Oswego)
Allen is a natural scorer that can do damage off the dribble. He looked comfortable shooting from all three levels and has enough burst to get to his spots. Allen has great length at 6-foot-2 and knows how to shift defenders to get open. He is a shot-creator that is worth watching going forward.
Kent Buchholz (6’4 PG, Glenbard West)
Lanky, skilled, and athletic, Buchholz is an intriguing prospect. He finishes above the rim effortlessly and has good ball skills. His best gift may be his vision, showing good timing and feel as a passer. Buchholz uses his long strides well to get to the paint. He’s also got a projectable jump shot. Big playmakers like Buchholz are in high demand.
Donovan Collins (6’0 SG, Bolingbrook)
Collins is a true shot-maker with a nice outside stroke. He elevated from mid-range or three with balance, knocking down jumpers on the move. He should be able to score in bunches with his ability to get his shot in so many different ways. Collins is able to thrive as a shooter off the ball or as a one-on-one player.
Charlie Farrell (6’9 PF, Naperville North)
Farrell could be a difference-maker at the next level as he continues to develop. He is agile in the open court, goes vertical defensively, and has good range on his jump shot. When he was in the post, he showed good bounce finishing with jump hooks and drop steps. He has good energy as well, which is always a big plus for post players. Farrell’s jump shot is easy and consistent. There is plenty to like about his present and future skill set.
Tyler Jasek (6’6 SF, Oswego East)
I liked what I saw from the combo forward. Jasek has a projectable frame and good length at 6-foot-6. He can shoot it a bit and does well putting his head down on drives and scoring inside. He should be able to guard wings and bigs going forward. Jasek is a tough forward with a very high motor.
Braylon Meredith (6’6 SF, Wheaton Warrenville South)
Meredith is an excellent athlete with prototypical size for a wing. He looked to have good slashing potential attacking the rim from the perimeter. As athletic as he is, he should be able to guard in the post effectively. He showed to be more than a high-flyer, displaying a decent-looking outside shot.
Joey Patti (5’9 PG, Oswego East)
Patti looks like a traditional point guard that is pass first. He had good rhythm running sets and distributing. Even though he lacks size, he’s got a good first step to beat initial defenders.
Jimmy Rasmussen (6’0 SG, Geneva)
Rasmussen has a nice outside shot. He gets it off fairly quickly and has a compact form. He’s got some strength as well which gives him an edge. Rasmussen has a little bit of shake as well to get to his shot.