Holiday break is underway and a few of the holiday tournaments started up before Christmas Eve. Here are the players of the week for the short week.
AJ Casey (6’8 SF/PF, Whitney Young 2022)
Casey left no doubts for anyone questioning if he is still a top-tier prospect. Going up against nationally-ranked teams, Casey put the clamps on a couple highly touted players and went to work offensively. In their last game, he had 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists without NIU commit Xavier Amos for the second half. The Miami commit looks comfortable and confident as the leader of the Dolphins.
Ben Oosterbaan (6’5 SG/SF, Hinsdale Central 2023)
In a win over DePaul Prep, the top-ranked 2A team, Oosterbaan went off for 21 points and 10 rebounds. He is a fearless three-level scorer that has a good combination of strength and explosiveness. The Michigan baseball commit gives Hinsdale Central instant offense and constant energy.
Christian Meeks (6’6 SF/PF, Homewood Flossmoor 2022)
Looking like a man amongst boys, Meeks was going to work in the paint against St.Rita’s dominant frontcourt. In the low post, he used his frame to get space and score despite giving up some height on the inside. Meeks went for 29 points and 14 rebounds against St. Rita and came back the next game with another 29 point game. He was excellent this week and should have opened some eyes.
Griffin Daun (6’3 SF, Wauconda 2022)
Daun had a monster week at the Marengo tournament. He scored 31 points with seven steals and five rebounds early in the week, then put up 19 points and 22 points in the semis and championship. Daun’s wiry athleticism, deceptive handle, and body control allow him to score in creative ways. Wauconda blew through the competition and Daun was a big reason for that.
Jeremiah Jones (6’4 SG, Marian Catholic 2022)
Known for his defensive excellence, Jones lived up to the billing with five steals and four blocks in a win over Richards. He also had 19 points and five rebounds in that game. The next day, he had 19 points again and showed his jump shooting ability. Jones remains one of the top available wings in the state.
Kelton McEwen (6’0 PG, Bartlett 2024)
McEwen had games of 22 points and 18 points in two runaway victories for Bartlett. He started a perfect 6-of-6 from three on Thursday with pull-ups from the volleyball line, kickouts from ball reversals, and shots running off of away screens. McEwen also controls the pace and does a nice job of handling the ball against aggressive defenders. He is one of the more polished point guards in the class.
Mekhi Lowery (6’5 SF, Oswego East 2023)
Lowery, having a breakout start to the year, had 19 points and seven rebounds against a very tough Marian Catholic team. Oswego East now sits at a perfect 13-0 record to start the year with Lowery making an impact on both ends.
Nojus Indrusaitis (6’4 SG, Lemont 2024)
In a commanding win, Indrusaitis scored 23 points and added 11 rebounds. Lemont has vaulted into a real threat in 3A and the emergence of Indrusaitis along with the Castillo twins has put them on the map. Indrusaitis brings a next-level skillset to the table, but his discipline and motor is just as impressive. Power Five programs should continue to keep tabs on him.
Trent Warren (6’5 SG/SF, St. Charles East 2022)
St. Charles East’s leading scorer knocked down seven threes in a 28-point effort at the Hinsdale Central tournament. He followed that up with 14 points in a well-balanced win. Warren, an Aurora commit, provides length and plus shooting that is used at a high volume for the Saints.
Will Grudzinski (6’6 SG, Barrington 2022)
Fresh off of committing to Wash U, Grudzinski scored 20 points and 14 points in two wins during the week. Grudzinski provides value as a wing defender, rebounder, and distributor within the offense as well. He makes timely plays and finished games strong for the Broncos this week to advance to the semifinals of the Hinkle Classic.
Marquel Saleek 27 pts 9 rebs 3stls followed up by 15pts 3stls 5rebs the next game in the Hinsdale tournament. How is he not a player of the week????