I was able to catch a number of games in person and via BallerTV for the Riverside Brookfield live event. It was a well-organized event that had a great staff and stayed on schedule in a high-traffic environment. Of the games that I saw, here are some standouts.
Andrew
Austin Kulig (6’8 SF, 2023)
Kulig can jump out of the gym. Fast breaks and straight-line drives led to rim-rocking dunks and his fluidity translates well to the defensive end. A legitimate big wing, he also has a clean spot-up jump shot that he made from three with time and space. He’s an under-the-radar senior who should see his stock rise.
Belleville East
Darien Singleton (6’1 PG/SG, 2023)
Singleton is a score-first guard that can pull-up or get all the way to the rim off the bounce. His quickness was evident as he knifed up defenses to get into the lane. Singleton should be an impact player after transferring into Belleville.
Benet
Niko Abusara (6’5 SG, 2023)
Smooth and lanky, Abusara impacted the game on both ends. I love how he uses his wingspan to get deflections and throw off the flow of opposing offenses. Abusara created well off the dribble with crossovers and hesitation moves before finishing with push shots, contact layups, and dunks. He’s a scholarship level two-guard that could really elevate himself with improved outside shooting.
Brady Kunka (6’3 SG, 2023)
Kunka always brings physicality and energy to the game. He ran hard in transition for layups, cut with a purpose, and rebounded at the rim in traffic. When he got open looks from the outside, he showed why he is a 40 percent three-point shooter, connecting on shots from around the perimeter. His athleticism, shooting, and effort should have caught the eye of a number of coaches.
Brayden Fagbemi (6’0 PG, 2023)
It’s safe to say that Fagbemi is unshakeable with the ball in his hands. Even against quick, aggressive defenders, he got to his spots and either hit pull-ups or probed for layups. His change of pace really allows him to make the most of his ball-handling ability. Fagbemi is a prime high-academic point guard who looked great running the show for Benet.
Bolingbrook
Mekhi Cooper (6’1 PG, 2023)
Cooper’s open court speed, craftiness, and floor control earned him an offer from Missouri State. Picking the right angle and playing through bumps stood out this weekend, rarely losing his balance and making tough layups in crowds. Look for Cooper to receive some more interest over the coming weeks.
Brother Rice
Ahmad Henderson (5’11 PG, 2023)
Henderson is one of the most skilled players in the state. His footwork, ball-handling, and shooting are elite, giving him an edge despite lacking some size. No one was able to slow him down coming off ball screens and when they over helped, he made the right decisions with the ball. Henderson is a dominant player that projects as a productive Division 1 guard.
Khalil Ross (6’7 SF, 2023)
Ross seems to have added some strength to his frame and used it well in the paint this weekend. He finished above the rim multiple times and didn’t shy away from contact. In college, he still may be best in a 3-and-D role where his plus length and catch-and-shoot ability play best.
Cale Cosme (5’6 PG, 2024)
Fearless and tough as nails, Cosme acted as a great complimentary backcourt piece to Henderson. The scrappy point guard hit deep threes, got into the lane to set up teammates or score, and applied good ball pressure defensively. Cosme should be able to give Rice multiple lineup options this year.
Burlington Central
Drew Scharnowski (6’8 SG/SF, 2023)
Scharnowski controlled all facets of the game while showing elite defensive versatility guarding the top options on the opposing teams. His assertiveness and tenacity amplified his skill set, initiating offense, gliding to the rim for layups and dunks, hitting multiple threes, and scoring on the block off face-up shots and hooks. There aren’t many players in the state with his combination of skill, size, and motor. He picked up a slew of offers as a result. As I’ve said in the past, he has high-major upside that is being realized on a big stage.
Curie
Carlos Harris (6’2 SG, 2024)
A strong and aggressive two guard, Harris can fill it up in a variety of ways, often looking to get downhill first. He can play bully ball on his drives and shedding help defenders on takes to the rim. Harris can shoot off the catch when given time as well, but really excels in transition. He holds multiple Division 1 offers.
Chikasi Ofoma (6’7 PF, 2023)
Ofoma is another physically imposing Curie player who produced well. As a rim runner, he seals well and can catch lobs or dump off passes well. I liked his ability to be a threat when he faced the rim as well. Ofoma opened some eyes playing with the Illinois Wolves this spring and has the inside-out game to attract more.
DePaul Prep
Jaylan McElroy (6’6 SF, 2024)
Everything about McElroy screams upside. Long, rangy, and always looking to affect the game, he guarded at a high level and scored off cuts and deep post ups. With his height and long arms, he’s able to switch across multiple positions and act as a wing or face-up four offensively. McElroy has the blossoming athleticism and slashing ability to continue to stand out. Division 1 coaches should add him to their list if he’s not already.
Payton Kamin (6’7 SG, 2024)
Kamin is deliberate, patient, and opportunistic offensively. His ball-handling and knockdown shooting ability make him a threat from the volleyball line and his size allows him to go to finish over or around defenders inside. I like his ability to invert to the block when he has a size advantage. Kamin has worked to improve his defensive impact and is a smart decision maker with the ball. Another long-term D1 prospect for DePaul Prep.
Jonas Johnson (6’6 SF/PF, 2025)
Johnson looked the part of a skilled, face-up forward. He rebounded well and showed some agility in the open court with his long strides. Johnson’s jump shot is textbook and will become even more consistent as he develops. Whether he was rim running, handling the ball in dribble handoff actions, or crashing the glass, Johnson played with energy. He’s a sophomore forward on the rise.
East St. Louis
Macaleab Rich (6’7 SF, 2023)
I don’t know if there was a more grown-looking teenager than Rich. Built like a defensive end but agile and explosive like a track star, Rich was overpowering opponents all weekend. Once he gets to his launching pad, there isn’t anything you can do. Whether it was from putbacks, transition run outs, or direct drives, Rich was living in the lane. He didn’t have to shoot much, but he is a solid spot shooter too. Multiple mid-major programs have offered so far.
Evanston
Hunter Duncan (6’1 PG, 2023)
It was great to see Duncan having fun and playing his game. A transfer from St. Viator, he used his explosiveness to get steals and carve up defenses before making acrobatic finishes around the rim. There are few players in the state with his combination of speed and leaping ability, flying above the rim on a few occasions. Duncan looked great and should start hearing from college coaches if he can keep it up.
Josh Thomas (6’6 SF, 2023)
Thomas is a highflyer with a good outside stroke. Another transfer for Evanston, he is a prime run-and-jump athlete that easily elevates for dunks. His three-point shooting requires attention and allows him to attack closeouts to get to the rim. Thomas played well on both ends, moving well laterally as well.
Prince Adams (6’5 SF/PF, 2023)
The athleticism doesn’t lack with Evanston, with Adams leading the way defensively with his springs around the rim and mobility on the perimeter. His offensive game has taken a nice jump since the spring, looking strong attacking from the high post, block, and as a cutter or roll man. Adams is starting to become a well-rounded two-way player.
Glenbard North
JJ Hernandez (6’6 SF, 2024)
Hernandez covers a ton of ground with his strides and knows different angles to get layups off. Defensively, he is a difference maker as both a high-level help side shot blocker and disruptor on the ball. He gets to the line often with how hard he attacks and is a good out of area rebounder. Hernandez holds a D2 offer from Lewis and should continue to hear from Division 1 programs throughout the summer.
Glenbard West
Logan Brown (6’5 SF/PF, 2023)
Brown is a rough and tough combo forward that plays much bigger than his listed height. Any time a ball went up, he was fighting for positioning ready to rebound. When he grabbed offensive boards, he went back up and scored regularly. The lefty slashed hard to his strong hand and provided constant energy. He has the highest caliber of grades and would be worth a look from any high-academic D3 program.
Glenbrook North
Ryan Cohen (6’4 SG, 2023)
Possibly one of the best shooters in the state that doesn’t get the publicity, Cohen was on his normal tear from three. He has such good balance and lift on his shot, able to shoot off the catch or off pindowns. Cohen has developed a good in between game and has the upper body strength to play though contact on penetration. There is no question that he is at least a Division 2-level two guard.
Glenbrook South
Gaven Marr (6’3 SG, 2023)
Marr showed efficiency, shooting prowess, and improved athleticism. When big shots were needed, he stepped up and delivered. Marr possesses an easy jump shot with range and looked more comfortable attacking paint off the dribble or off the ball. Defensively, he was solid on multiple positions. Marr looks like a quality Division 3 prospect who should be one of the top options on the Titans.
Anestis Hadjistamoulou (6’0 PG, 2025)
Only a sophomore, Hadjistamoulou looked like a seasoned vet handling pressure, knocking down open threes, and making two foot decisions in the lane. His quickness and body control allowed him to dictate tempo against tight defenders and he able to whip passes to open teammates on time and on target. Hadjistamoulou will be a key piece to a GBS team that looks primed for another 25-plus win year.
Nick Taylor (6’7 PF, 2024)
Taylor just plays so hard all of the time. The lefty sprinted the floor for layups, got every loose ball, and showed good footwork and feel inside of 10 feet. He’s a capable face-up scorer as well, able to shoot or drive closeouts. Taylor is only going to continue to grow into this expanded role.
Hillcrest
Darrion Baker (6’8 PF, 2023)
Baker does it all offensively, able to use power or finesse to score and showing plenty of perimeter ability as a ball-handler. He’s got a good frame that should translate well to the college game with quality instincts as both a rebounder and passer. Baker added a slew of offers after his performance this weekend.
Matt Moore (6’8 PF, 2023)
Another Division 1 caliber big for Hillcrest, Moore brought the energy and defensive prowess to the big stage. He was always around the ball as a shot-blocker, dunk spot finisher, or rebounder in traffic. Moore is a pogo stick jumper around the rim that made his presence felt all weekend. As a shooter, his soft touch should allow him to continue to expand his range to the college line. Moore has a Radford offer but should have his phone ringing soon if not already.
Hinsdale Central
Chase Collignon (6’5 PF, 2023)
A bit undersized for a four, but Collignon is a very good athlete that doesn’t take plays off. He had some big performances for Hinsdale Central scoring on rip through moves, second chances, and rim runs. The 6-foot-5 forward welcomes contact and looks primed to be one of the leaders for HC. He’s a solid D3 forward prospect.
Joliet West
Jeremiah Fears (6’1 PG, 2025)
His game is evolving the same way as his height. Fears was in full control this weekend commanding the offense and picking his spots to attack. He regularly got into the lane and made scoop layups and tough floaters against size. The added inches have given himveven more of an advantage getting to his quick pull-up from mid-range or three. I was impressed with his vision and ability to orchestrate at a young age. Fears recently added a Michigan State offer and remains one of the best sophomores in Illinois.
Justus McNair (6’2 SG, Joliet West 2024)
It has been a steady growth for McNair the last year, really coming into his own for a young Joliet West team. McNair makes crafty moves to create space and shows a repeatable outside stroke as well. He is only going to become more of a complete player as he matures.
Kenwood
Bryce Heard (6’5 SG, 2025)
The 6-foot-5 guard is the real deal. Playing without Dai Dai Ames, Heard was the difference maker for Kenwood. He has long strides and clean footwork when getting to his spots around 15 feet. A plus athlete with a quick first step, Heard was able to operate in his sweet spots for the most part, showcasing a developed scoring package. He has the talent to hear from some blue bloods over the next few years.
Calvin Robbins (6’5 PF, 2024)
Robbins is one of the best overall athletes in the state, getting rebounds outside of his area, flying through the air for dunks, and beating opposing bigs up the court. What really separates him is how hard he always plays on both ends. That athleticism and motor fit perfectly for a player who projects as a small ball four. There was noticeable improvement in his mid-range shot and handle as well. Robbins is a high-academic recruit who has been pulling in offers over the last few weeks.
Lake Forest
Asa Thomas (6’7 SG, 2023)
For any coaches who may have been on the fence about Thomas, he put on a few big-time showings. The jump shot has always been there, but he’s finding even more ways to affect the game. Thomas sealed well to use his size for turnaround jumpers and hook shots. He also utilized his vision to see over defenders and make passes when he drew help to open teammates. Still one of the elite shooters in Illinois, Thomas has a number of programs showing interest.
Tommie Aberle (6’2 PG, 2024)
Aberle plays with a ton of toughness off the dribble, making athletic moves to the rim and playing through contact. When he put his head down, he used his upper body strength well to adjust to bumps and either get to the line or complete plays. He’s a nifty passer that made some creative deliveries off the bounce as well. Aberle is a kid that could flirt with some triple doubles this year.
Lake Park
Tommy Rochford (6’5 PF, 2024)
A true inside-out four man, Rochford used his base well to get post position where he backed down defenders into layups. He also popped off ball screens and acted as a floor spacer where he has a really nice jump shot. Even at 6-foot-5, he can dribble and pass better than most forwards his size. Rochford will step into a lead role for Lake Park and should get on some college coach radars soon.
Lane Tech
Shaheed Solebo (6’5 SG/SF, 2024)
Lanky and wiry, Solebo was able to put up points from multiple spots on the floor. He’s a slasher first with the ability to score around help at the rim, especially when going to his left hand. If driving lanes were cut off, he was more than comfortable firing from three where he has a shot that should continue to become more consistent. Solebo is still a bit under the radar but should benefit from a big summer. He earned an offer from UIC.
Larkin
Jakob “Cheese” Blakley (6’0 PG, 2024)
Blakley had to carry a heavy load but did so admirably against double and triple teams. He makes great use of his off hand to shield off defenders and can stop on a dime to shoot over outstretched hands at any point. Blakley hit threes off the bounce, dribbled into elbow pull-ups, and looked even better probing in the lane and sweeping to layups. Blakley was terrific and is in that top tier of junior guards.
Leo
Tavariuyon Williams (6’6 SG/SF, 2024)
It was a coming out party for Williams, who was one of the promising wings I saw this spring. He hit multiple threes with hands in his face and carved up the defense with straight-line drives and early transition looks. Williams is rangy and athletic off the dribble, able to create some space to get shots off. He was a mid-post weapon as well. Williams is just scratching the surface but he could be among the top talents in 2A this year.
Tyler Smith (6’1 PG, 2023)
Smith played quality defense on the ball, picking up full court and moving his feet well. His hands are always active and he gets back in the play if he gets beat. Offensively, dribble penetration led to layups and scoring opportunities for teammates. Smith is a two-way guard that should continue to run the show for Leo.
Loyola
Alex Engro (6’2 PG, 2023)
Engro led the charge in a variety of ways for Loyola. He was the best talker on the court, manufactured offense on the move, and rebounded well as a lead guard. The 6-foot-2 point guard is a knockdown shooter who was running off of away screens and getting balanced on the catch. Engro is a seasoned ball-screen decision maker that was able to create early offense often. He’s a high-academic prospect who should hear from some high-end D3 programs.
Miles Boland (6’3 SG, 2024)
Boland is a physically built guard that has a scorer’s mentality. He seeks out contact and makes short jumpers off the bump of goes it to gthroughthroughet to the foul. Also a threacatch-and-shootcatch-and-shoott, Boland showed a compact release from three. He should be a volume scorer for the Ramblers this year.
Lyons
Nik Polonowski (6’7 SG, 2023)
Polonowski spaces the floor at a high level, burying multiple threes from different spots. Best in catch-and-shoot situations, he can drive closeouts when defenders try to close his air space for one dribble pull-ups or rim attacks. His second jump to get offensive rebounds stood out, going up in traffic for putbacks. Polonowski was stout defensively using his length and athleticism and he never stopped communicating. He is a solid, projectable Division 1 wing prospect that should see an uptick in interest.
Jackson Niego (6’0 PG, 2023)
The quintessential two-way point guard, Niego got open shots for teammates regularly. He never got sped up, using his strong lower half to hold off defenders once he got a step. Lyons was at their best when he was aggressive as a scoring threat. Niego is efficient around the mid-range, gets to the rack with pace, and has a three-point that will translate well. He should be a high-level D3 or quality D2/NAIA point guard that can make guys better.
Graham Smith (6’5 SF/PF, 2023)
Smith was too physical and athletic for some of the competition at times. He’s an out-of-area rebounder who had multiple second chance buckets, shedding box outs and exploding to the glass. Often as the last line of defense, he rotated over well to contest shots. Smith is a promising Division 1 football recruit, but he would be welcomed by a number of college basketball programs.
Marian Catholic
Quentin Jones (6’5 SG, 2023)
I think the secret is out on the high-flying two-guard. Jones played primarily on the ball where he showed his ability to create space for stop-and-pop jumpers or direct drives. The three-point shooting has improved as well and given Jones a more consistent weapon from the outside to complement his top-tier finishing. Radford has offered but others should have added Jones to their list.
Mount Carmel
Angelo Ciaravino (6’6 SG, 2024)
Smooth, lanky, and athletic, Ciaravino was a difference-maker as a versatile three-level scorer. He uses his strides well to work around defenders and has developed footwork off the dribble to get to various pull-ups or push shots. Ciaravino has quick bounce and a good outside stroke that project well as a floor spacer at the next level. He had a good sophomore year, but Ciaravino looks like he could be a monster this year.
DeAndre Craig (6’1 PG, 2023)
Craig did his usual balance between getting his own shot and feeding others. When his teammates had hot hands, he found them for easy looks. As lanes and scoring opportunities opened up, he stepped into jumpers, barreled through the lane, and effectively got points on the break. He continues to improve his understanding for how to use his speed and change gears to get the best shot. Craig is a rock solid Division 1 point guard prospect.
Cam Thomas (6’2 PG, 2025)
A new face to the Caravan varsity team, Thomas made quite the impression on the big stage. He was fearless when putting his head down, initiating contact and discarding defenders. Thomas went right at upperclassmen on both ends and had some big games.
Neuqua Valley
Luke Kinkade (6’1 SG, 2024)
Kinkade has to be in any discussion for the top junior shooter in Illinois. He moves so precisely in Neuqua’s offense, shooting off their downwcreens, walking down defenders to set them up, and making quick decisions to put it on the ground. Kinkade can make tough shots and continues to evolve his one-on-one game. The lefty has a lot of ways he can hurt you.
New Trier
Jake Fiegen (6’3 SG, 2023)
Fiegen put on a show with his outside marksmanship and athletic burst. Off of many types of screens and kickouts, Fiegen lifted up and cashed threes. His body control and athleticism showed as he adjusted to shots around the paint. Even within the offense, Fiegen showed his IQ with his cutting and timely passing. The 6-foot-3 guard led by example with his defensive energy which led to dunks and open transition looks. Navy offered him this week.
Tyler Van Gorp (6’11 C, 2023)
It’s Van Gorp’s turn to man the middle for New Trier. He was great as a block to block rim protector that was able to shuffle two or three times on the perimeter without getting beat. The three-point shooting was a nice layer that should appeal to college coaches looking for a rim runner with shooting upside.
Notre Dame College Prep
Bryce Coleman (6’7 SF, 2023)
Coleman went to work getting paint touches off of straight-line drives and second chances. He was a big body on the wing that moved well and flashed his 12-17 foot scoring game where he excels. Coleman has been offered by multiple mid-major programs.
Sonny Williams (6’1 PG, 2023)
With high-level end-to-end speed, Williams set the tempo and encouraged teammates to run the floor with his energy and throw ahead passes. The way he guards the ball may separate him from similar PGs due to his anticipation and quickness on the ball. He made other point guards work. Williams should be a D1/D2 point guard that makes things happen.
Oak Lawn
Xavier Sulaiman (6’3 PG/SG, 2023)
Suliman lit it up for Oak Lawn, making big shots, creating turnovers, and showing his elite athleticism above the rim. Catch-and-go moves allowed him to get to the basket before the help could come and he finished with force. Sulaiman is a wiry cowbo guard that didn’t shy away from contact and shot the ball well from three. His one-motion release looked repeatable and should add to his projection as a Division 1 slasher.
Oswego East
Mekhi Lowery (6’6 SG/SF, 2023)
Lowery really does it all on the floor. He’s a plus run-and-jump athlete, pushes the ball in transition, scores when needed, and can defend all five spots in high school. The energy that he brought definitely caught the attention of coaches, flying in for putbacks and going up strong in the paint. His grab-and-go ability is intriguing as a big playmaker in transition. He got to his pull-up well and remains as a projectable wing. A handful of Division 1 coaches have offered.
Ryan Johnson (6’6 SG/SF, 2023)
Johnson shot the ball well from the perimeter. When he had an open look, he was pulling with confidence. His big 6-foot-6 frame helped him mix it up a little on the inside. On the other end, Johnson is a solid shot blocker from the help side that can slide his feet in open space. At this point, Johnson should be hearing from D2 programs regularly.
Jehvion Starwood (6’3 PG/SG, 2024)
Starwood, a transfer from Yorkville Christian, can go when he’s clicking. The lefty projects as a good wing defender with length, speed, and energy that will stay with him. On a number of occasions, he outran players in transition to get open looks. Starwood sizes up well on the perimeter to set up his penetration or get some space for a set three. He has a bright future.
Riverside Brookfield
Arius Alijosius (6’3 SG, 2023)
He had the best shooting performance that I saw. Alijosius was sprinting the baseline to come off single screens and staggers before drilling multiple looks with hands in his face. He was generally unfazed by defenders trying to close out hard and probably had around 20 threes on the weekend. With some good length at 6-foot-3, he was able to shoot some 15-foot pull-ups when he was chased off the line. Alijosius is one of the state’s best shooters and should see some D2 interest.
Will Gonzalez (6’5 SG, 2024)
Gonzalez has the skill, reach, and positional size to affect the game on both ends. Looking more aggressive than he was as a sophomore, he looked effortless at times taking it coast to coast or ripping through for layups in traffic. Gonzalez gets off the ground well and can extend around or over bigger players in the paint. His outside shot looked smooth as well. Gonzalez has the physical tools to be an impact defender and had flashes during the weekend. The upside is evident.
Rolling Meadows
Cam Christie (6’6 SG, 2023)
Christie made a statement with his dominant performances. He’s the toughest mid-range and pull-up scorer in the state right now and it might not be close. Christie lost defenders by elevating over them off the bounce. The footwork, feel, and balance that he showed are hard to find in high school players. Defensively, he turned it on for stretches and converted stops into dunks in transition. Christie may have separated himself from the pack this weekend.
Mark Nikolich-Wilson (6’7 C, 2023)
One of the more unique players around, the ball-handling, floor spacing, post-up scoring center was showing the layers of his game. He moved guys off the block defensively, led the break well, and looked comfortable taking deep threes off the catch. Down low, Nikolich-Wilson is a patient and high-IQ operator that knows how to use his body. After a big spring, I would hope that more scholarship-level, high-academic programs would be interested.
Ian Miletic (6’6 SG/SF, 2025)
Miletic is still in the early stages of who he will eventually be as a player, but he fit in nicely as a spot-up shooter and lane filler. He has an easy left-handed release that he connected on and outpaces defenders in transition with his long strides. Miletic is a springy athlete as well that can finish above the rim in the open floor. Definitely keep an eye on Miletic as a breakout sophomore.
Foster Ogbonna (6’4 SF, 2023)
There is so much to like about the way Ogbonna plays. His motor is always running high and his jump shot was falling at a high clip. Ogbonna is a lockdown defender who switched can switch across positions or create havoc in the Mustang zone. He could be a promising prospect at multiple levels.
Simeon
Miles Rubin (6’8 PF/C, 2023)
Miles had a nice weekend protecting the rim and playing receiver in the high low game. He shows his hands well as a post player and gives passers a big target down low. When he stepped out into the dunker spot, Rubin caught it cleanly and was either fouled or finished strong. He committed to Loyola (IL) over the weekend.
Wes Rubin (6’7 SF/PF, 2023)
Wes also committed to Loyola after showing off his passing prowess and shooting potential. He has a strong build and knows how to use it to carve out space to rebound. The ability to grab and go in transition is noteworthy, especially at his size. Rubin is going to be another quality addition for the Ramblers.
Sam Lewis (6’5 SG, 2023)
A transfer from OPRF, Lewis looked right at home. A multi-faceted scorer with size as a two-guard, Lewis spaced the floor with his shooting and converted drives with floaters, short pull-ups, and contested layups. He almost seems to glide on the court with the fluid approach that college coaches love. Lewis is a mid-major recruit.
St. Ignatius
Rich Barron (6’5 SG, 2023)
The big bodied off guard had some nice flashes over the weekend. Shooting has become a huge piece of his offensive game, catching off kickouts ready to fire and hitting some shots from the mid-range. Barron has a solid mid-post game that is aided by his ability to hold his ground and make some turnarounds. He has numerous offers and had coaches in attendance.
Jackson Kotecki (6’9 PF, 2023)
Kotecki had a breakthrough weekend on both ends. A generally effective shot blocker, Kotecki walled up and made players take tough shots in the lane. He can jump out of the gym and was looking eye to eye with the rim on a few dunks. What probably helped his college stock the most outside of his defense and athleticism was how well he shot the ball as a pick-and-pop guy. Kotecki has projectable form and was able to hit some with time. Lewis and Cal Poly have offered him since then.
Phoenix Gill (6’1 PG, 2025)
Gill is one of the best guards in the sophomore class. The explosiveness in the open floor was impressive, looking to punch home dunks and showing hang time on layups. Gill stayed in motion offensively and delivered on some open threes. He also guarded the ball well using his quickness and length to get tips and turn ball-handlers. What really makes Gill different is his mature approach and patience. He didn’t force things, but was still cerebral in drawing help, making the easy play, and exposing the defense when they gave him openings. He’s next up.
St. Patrick
EJ Breland (6’0 PG, 2025)
I saw a lot of kids shooting from distance, but I don’t know how many nailed as many NBA range threes as Breland. He was bombing away with a green light that made sense given his percentages. After a solid freshman year, Brelend should be an all-conference player.
St. Rita
Nojus Indrusaitis (6’5 SG, 2024)
Playing without his starting front court, Indrusaitis made it look easy at times as a scorer. He can score from anywhere on the court, but does a really nice job playing off of bumps and reading defenders to either keep a downhill angle, change direction, or stop on a dime for a pull-up. A volume rebounder and athletic defender, Indrusaitis welcomed the challenge of having to play in traffic against size on both ends. To this point, he’s been the most productive player in his class and remains a sought-after high-major recruit.
Nashawn Holmes (6’3 SG, 2023)
Holmes is another transfer from Homewood Flossmoor who may have benefitted from the extra touches over the weekend. He’s a physical driver that had crafty finishes around the rim. Holmes did some damage from 12 to 17 feet as well, particularly attacking that elbow area. He’s a scholarship-level two-guard.
West Aurora
Terrence Smith (6’4 SG, 2025)
This was probably the first time a lot of people got to see Smith, possibly the most explosive sophomore in the state. He gets off the ground so quickly and makes it hard for defenders to challenge him in the paint. Smith ran the floor for layups and dunks and got to the paint off of early moves in the offense. A slick scorer once he gets into the teeth of the defense, he can use his pivot to find angles to finish. I like his upside defensively as a kid that can guard all three perimeter spots. Smith picked up an offer from NIU after the event.
Josh Pickett (6’4 PG/SG, 2024)
Pickett scored in bunches with his spot-up shooting and athletic finishing. He’s a mismatch as a bruising 6-foot-4 combo guard with a good first step. Whether he was playing on or off the ball, Pickett was looking to make a play. He should be able to create off ball-screens in college as well, playing more in space with a guard heavy lineup for West Aurora. A handful of Division 1 programs have already offered Pickett and more should follow.
Whitney Young
Dalen Davis (6’0 PG, 2023)
Davis played like a lead dog this weekend. He commanded the offense, set the ton on defense, and found ways to score at a good clip. That short-range shot is going to be a go-to option in the ball screen gane. Davis showed touch on his lob passes and an innate feel for where his teammat3s will be. He holds a wide range of Division 1 offers, but did a lot to convert anyone on the fence.
Marcus Pigram (6’3 SG, 2023)
Looking to attack from the start, Pigram got to his strong hand and delivered within 10 feet. His athletic frame should be able to add bulk easily and his composed game will catch the attention of pl3jty of college coaches.
Antonio Munoz (6’5 SF, 2025)
Munoz has taken a big step since his freshman season and let all of the coaches in attendance see it. He ran out in transition for big dunks and slashed hard to draw contact. Munoz has a chance to be a shutdown defender across multiple spots if he consistently mirrors the ball like he was. It’s not too early for coaches to write this name down.
Yorkville Christian
DJ Douglas (6’4 PG/SG, 2023)
Acting as the heavy focal point for the Mustangs, Douglas broke down his primary matchups and was able to properly survey the help. He’s a lot taller and has longer arms than most guards. That extra vision when shooting off the dribble or shooting floaters around the foul line is an advantage. Douglas was willing to dance and shake defenders or shoot right off the catch. He picked up an offer from D2 Minnesota Duluth after this weekend.