I was out in the north suburbs to
evaluate players at All-In’s scrimmages for 15U, 16U, and 17U. Here are some of the standouts for each age group.
15U
Marshall Gehrke (6’3 SG/SF, Antioch)
Gehrke has a ton of upside as a slasher, rebounder, and defensive stopper. He’s still a little raw offensively, but he was able to get to the rim in straight lines and take defenders with him. The physicality and explosiveness that he possesses are impressive for a freshman, showing a quick second jump to get rebounds and contest shots, as well as good speed when going coast to coast. Gehrke is definitely a name to track in the 2026 class.
Jordan Tunis (5’10 PG, Schaumburg)
Tunis did a nice job pushing the pace and using his quickness in transition to make plays. As a primary ball-handler, he was able to facilitate and finish with both hands during the scrimmages. As he matures physically, his attacking play style should become more potent. Tunis is a solid overall lead guard for the 15U Gold team.
Brandyn Michaels (6’1 SG, St. Viator)
There was a level of toughness that Michaels had that stood out. When he drove to the rim, he didn’t shy away from contact and produced efficiently in the paint. He also has a nice outside stroke, hitting a three as well. Michaels played solid individual defense and should develop into an impact player at Viator sooner rather than later.
Jayden Hunt (5’8 PG, Grayslake North)
Hunt had a big-time performance for the NY2LA 15U team. He has good control of his handle and made good decisions with the ball in his hands. Hunt is smooth shot creator that scored off the bounce in traffic and from beyond the arc. With range on his jumper and the quickness to blowby defenders, Hunt was able to get the looks he wanted. He controls tempo well and should be a quality pick-and-roll player going forward. Hunt definitely got my attention.
Ryan Brown (6’3 SF, Fremd)
It was a shooting show for the long, 6-foot-3 Fremd wing. Brown can really stroke it from three and made multiple looks from around the perimeter. He loads up into his shot well and gets it off with good arc. At the 15U level, he’s a mismatch at his size and comfort playing out in space. Assuming Brown continues to grow, he could be an effective stretch four down the line.
Tyler Sierra (5’8 PG, Maine South)
Sierra lacks some size but he’s got a great looking shot and knows how to play. He has a textbook release that will continue to produce as he ages and an understanding for how to make plays within the offense. Sierra has the foundation to be a contributor at Maine South in the next couple of years.
16U
Ayden Reed (5’11 SG, Lakeview)
Reed has a good frame, length, and skill for a guard. He knocked down shots from the perimeter off the catch, displaying a good set shot and had strong takes to the rim. There is some talent for him to work with going forward.
Jaden Schott (5’11 PG/SG, Noble Muchin)
A powerful combo guard, Schott took bumps and finished easily in the paint. He has a quick first step and the body control to create and maintain angles on his penetration. Another guard that will make plays for Ralston’s 16U team.
Jalen Alphonse (5’11 SG, Maine East)
Alphonse was in attack mode and was looking for paint touches throughout the scrimmage. He has a strong upper body that allowed him to initiate contact well on penetration. Alphonse got to the rim well, so becoming more comfortable shooting from the outside on spot ups could be a good addition to his game.
Jacquari Nabb (5’10 PG, Warren)
Nabb was one of the top players in his scrimmage, creating shots off of his penetration and completing plays around the rim. The 5-foot-10 guard operated well when he had ball screens and connected on a three. He should have a chance to have a nice role for Warren next season.
Alex Daniels (6’4 PF, Warren)
Even though Daniels was missing some shots around the rim, the physical upside as an interior presence was evident. He seals hard and works for position on the block. When he got low post touches, he showed decent bounce around the rim. Daniels was solid rebounding on both ends as well, creating multiple second chances.
Trendell Whiting (5’10 PG, Marmion)
An excellent on-ball defender, Whiting knows how to apply pressure while staying in front of the ball. He didn’t look for score much offensively but looked good when he put his head down. Whiting was moving the ball around well as a playmaker, which led to open looks for teammates. He is a good two-way guard whose best days are still ahead.
Mitch Humphrey (6’5 SG/SF, Loyola)
Great size and shooting ability at 6-foot-5, Humphrey cashed in on open looks. He has long arms that should aid him as a rebounder and give him the flexibility to play the four when needed. But his biggest strength is his pure outside shot that he can make off pindowns, flare screens, or kick outs.
17U
KJ Vasser (6’2 SG, Yorkville Christian [2022])
The top player of the day, Vasser showed off his range with deep threes during the scrimmage. Coming off an All-State senior year for Yorkville, he looked comfortable bringing the ball up and making plays for himself and teammates. Vasser can heat up in a hurry and projects as a knockdown shooter at the college level. He is a rock solid Division 2 prospect.
Andrew Ayeni (6’3 SG, St. Patrick)
I was impressed with Ayeni’s athleticism. He’s a stronger Teo guard that moves well and can break down a defender to finish around the rim. His physical tools and anticipation give him an edge defensively where he was able to make an impact in the scrimmages. Ayeni also had some good looks on the move to set up wide open shots. I would need to see a little more in live games, but there’s no question that he’s a college prospect.
Yann Kouotou (6’5 SG/SF, Notre Dame College Prep)
Kouotou has nice size for a wing and possesses some good skill on the perimeter. He handled the ball fairly well and his pace was good in drive-and-kick situations. At 6-foot-5, Kouotou has some tools to work with heading into his senior year with the Don’s.
Malachi Barrett (6’3 SG, Evanston)
Barrett scored on a few drives and in transition well. He also hit a corner three and looked comfortable shooting off the catch. There is some intrigue with his size and frame for a two guard that is worth tracking.
Gaven Marr (6’3 SF, Glenbrook South)
Marr has a great looking outside shot and was able to connect on some during the scrimmage. He’s grown to 6-foot-3 and has excellent length that he used well defensively. Marr pushed the ball in transition and tried to make the right plays as a distributor. His combination of shooting and defensive production and versatility should play well at the college level. Marr should be a reliable 3-and-D prospect.
Bronson Bartuch (6’2 PG, Elk Grove)
Bartuch was not missing. A creative scorer with a quick trigger, he was pulling up from deep whenever he had open space. He elevates well and doesn’t force things. When he started to heat up, he mixed in some floaters and got into the paint to make plays. It was a really good day for Bartuch, who looks like a good Division 3 guard.
Zach Bauer (6’6 PF, Cary Grove)
Bauer was probably the most active forward I saw all night. He was rebounding on both ends, contesting shots, and ran the floor hard. That energy plays well at his size and should help him differentiate himself from other 6-foot-6 fours. Bauer is another Division 3 prospect.