I was out at M14’s training facility this morning for one of their Sunday morning fall runs to check out some of the high school players. There were 6 courts of games going on, but here are some of the players who caught my eye during the event.
Aamir Shannon (6’2 SG, Joliet West 2026)
Shannon has a good understanding for how to use his physical gifts to make an impact. Defensively, he communicated well and showed a nose for the ball when there were loose balls or rebounds to be had. The downhill, slashing ability on the offensive end gave him multiple opportunities to attack closeouts and get into the teeth of the defense. Shannon showed some feel for his pull-up jump shot as well. Now at Joliet West, Shannon should be a big piece for a new-look team.
Ali Tharwani (5’11 PG, Marmion 2026)
The game seemed to be coming easy to Tharwani when he was handling the ball and creating off of ball screens. He possesses nice change of pace and anticipates what the defense will do. Tharwani knocked down pull-ups and uses euros well inside to get shots off. When plays broke down, he got things settled and whipped some timely passes to teammates. Now at Marmion, his skillset should play well in the CCL.
Cam Morel (6’4 SG, Aurora Christian 2024)
Morel’s hustle stood out most. Typically a knockdown shooter, he did some other things well during the well that stood out. With a stronger build for a two-guard, he was able to effectively bump players off of their spots on defense and was crashing the glass hard. He should have a high-scoring senior season and will be a quality Division 3 prospect.
Cam Vine (6’3 PG/SG, St. Charles North 2024)
Another high-energy, athletic player at the run, Vine seemed to make the right plays on a consistent basis. He was making the extra pass, running the floor hard, and really guarding the ball all over the court. Being 6-foot-3 definitely doesn’t hurt at the guard spot, but there is a level of discipline and competitiveness that he showed on the defensive end that you have to appreciate. He worked off the ball well to find spot-up opportunities and driving lanes, showing a smoother jump shot than a year ago with a quicker first step. I’d expect Vine to be a productive piece this season for SCN.
DeSean Patton (6’5 SF/PF, Oswego 2025)
Some players just pass the eye test with how they move at their size. The rangy, physical Oswego forward is a great example of that. Any time he had the ball in open space, he did a great job of putting his head down and attacking with a sense of urgency that usually encouraged defenders to move out of the way. He got up around the rim on his finishes and scored in the paint using good footwork and soft touch around the rim. He is without question a player set for a breakout season.
Eddie Austin (6’4 SF/PF, Nazareth 2026)
Austin has a chance to be a really good player for Naz. He’s got an athletic frame at 6-foot-4 and moves very well on the perimeter as a ball-handler and floor spacer. When the ball got swung to him in rhythm, he stepped up and connected on a couple of threes with solid form. Austin was a threat in transition and outran multiple players to the rim to finish with dunks and layups near the rim. If he saw a driving lane, he didn’t waste any time exploiting it and converting. There were also some nice skip passes that he made during the event.
Ethan Iacob (6’4 PF, York 2026)
Physical and committed to using his frame, Iacob is a workhorse on the glass. He has good instincts on where to position himself as a rebounder and is a strong finisher once he gets offensive boards. Players couldn’t box him out and those who tried were getting jumped over or moved to the side before snatching misses. Iacob can grab rebounds and start the break himself, looking good going coast to coast and scoring off drives to the rim. As his touch continues to expand, hitting floaters and having range to the three-point line, Iacob should be able to be a pick-and-pop threat as well.
Hudson Kirby (6’5 SF/PF, Geneva 2025)
Kirby is a versatile forward that does a lot of things well. He went after just about every rebound and was doing a great job locking down defensively. You don’t usually see a lot of 6-foot-5 players who willingly step out and move their feet to stay in front of point guards while also having the toughness to bang inside. Kirby is a crafty finisher with a good sense for how to find angles inside and use either hand. He is only going to get stronger with time and already possesses above-average athleticism. Geneva will lean on him inside.
Isaiah Feuerbach (6’1 PG/SG, Sycamore 2026)
Feuerbach could be an ideal 3-and-D guard. His motor runs very high and there is a lot to like and he didn’t give up on any plays, even in a setting where defense is often overlooked. His aggressiveness on the ball lead to turnovers and rushed decisions for opposing guard. On the other end, Feuerbach shot the ball well from three when he had space and played off of his shooting ability to get some direct drives. He should have a chance to be a multi-time all-conference player for Sycamore.
Jalen Crues (6’6 SF, Glenbard North 2024)
Crues was physically overpowering at times during the rim with ferocious dunks, aggressive finishes through contact, and volume rebounding. He is a legitimate 6-foot-6 wing with the type of athleticism that you look for in a college player. When he was out in the open court, he looked best picking an angle and going through guys to complete plays. His ball-handling and shooting are also traits that are at a solid developmental stage at this point, something that should serve him well as a senior and going forward.
Jayden Riley (6’0 PG, Yorkville Christian 2026)
Riley is a very gifted passer and creator for his teammates. Arguably one of the best in the class when it comes to controlling pace, using his handle to get space, and dropping off passes when needed. I like the speed he showed both as a transition player on offense and when shooting the gaps on defense. He will be a high-steal guy with the quickness and understanding for when to take chances. The next development will be adding a consistent perimeter shot, which is showing progress in spot-up situations. He will be a triple-double threat as the focal point at Yorkville Christian.
Moses Wilson (6’4 SG, Waubonsie Valley 2025)
One of the most impressive players of the entire day, Wilson has immense talent. Despite being fairly thin, he had no issue weaving and driving inside to score. He’s both smooth and explosive off of the dribble and has plus ball-handling ability and instincts. Defenders didn’t have an answer for him as a dribble penetrator and were just as unsuccessful in keeping him off of the three-point line. His jump shot is a serious weapon with the range and consistency when he gets his feet set. Wilson had a couple of big-time blocks and looks like he could become a special defensive player down the line. If he can add strength and continue to grow, he’s got serious upside.
TJ Williams (6’1 PG/SG, Glenbard West 2026)
Williams has continued to impress this fall with his focus, energy, and improving skill. The long-armed, athletic combo guard was getting to the rim early and often and finding ways to score on tough right-handed drives. His shot came out well when he had time and space and he continues to look like a promising on-ball defender who competes in one-on-one situations. Williams has a chance to be an impactful player for years to come.