I was at Supreme Courts for the majority of the day yesterday checking out some of the games that featured a number of well-run teams in the state in a shootout format. Here are some of the players who stood out in some of the games that I saw.

Y&R 17U

Adam Walker (6’11 C, Westtown 2026)

In his first action since announcing his reclass, Walker was the top rim protector that I saw. It didn’t matter if it was another big or quicker guard, he was throwing shots away by timing up looks and being the second off of the ground. He has a superior wingspan and patrols the lane well inside. When he was in the dunker’s spot, he added some value with layups on lobs and drop off passes. The ceiling is high for the mobile, ever-growing big man.

EJ Mosley (6’0 PG, St. Laurence 2025)

Mosley is just a tough, all-around point guard. He was the focal point and standout for Y&R during the day with his quick-burst athleticism and control off of the dribble. For the majority of the day, his dribble penetration and creative finishing ability were on display with floaters, hook layups, and double-clutch finishes. He added some jumpers throughout the day and showed his lateral quickness and competitiveness defensively as well. Emerging as a solid mid-major guard.

Fundamental U UA 17U

AJ Demirov (5’11 PG, Crystal Lake South 2025)

Carrying his momentum from a great June, Demirov was active and aggressive in both games. He leaned on his shiftiness to get defenders off balance and knocked down a few jump shots or collapsed the defense well. More than capable of going on scoring tears, he also showed his vision and playmaking ability with some on-time outlet passes and kick outs after using his speed to gain an advantage. Demirov is a no-question scholarship guard who can be borderline unguardable when it’s all clicking.

Andrew Hill (6’5 SF/PF, ICCP 2025)

I remain a big fan of Hill’s combination of athleticism, strength, and versatility. In his first action with Fundamental U, he rebounded the ball well and showed nice straight-line driving ability. His frame is built to take contact and he used his length to finish up and over the defense. Hill was active on defense in quick isolation situations while also fighting for position inside. The 6-foot-5 wing also has a fluid jump shot and the kind of motor that will help him realize his potential. Continues to rise.

Colby Smith (6’3 PG/SG, New Trier 2025)

Smith has mastered how to balance on-ball playmaking with off-ball action. When he was handling the ball in the open floor, he made quick decisions to get to his spots and trusted his athleticism and feel to make the right play. For stretches, he worked off of the ball to space deep to the corners and cut hard to open space. Smith took on some of the toughest defensive assignments and was on-point with his hand activity and discipline. One of the more solid, legitimate two-way guards in the class.

Hudson Scroggins (6’7 PF, Lake Forest 2025)

Scroggins may not have been the heaviest player battling on the glass, but he was a monster going out of his area to grab misses. Energy and effort has become a staple for the high-upside, 6-foot-7 forward who was a force in June. He made a number of touch shots off of dump offs and offensive boards while running the floor like a gazelle in the open floor. Scroggins flashes ball skills and shooting touch on a consistent basis but may be most college-ready as a multi-use defender. Division 1 kid.

Theo Rocca (6’4 SG, Evanston 2025)

There is a short-list for elite catch-and-shoot players who have the consistency and temperament to translate to the college game at a similar clip. Rocca is one of those kids. But he spent most of the day showing explosiveness in transition, getting up near the rim for a couple of finishes on the break and outrunning guys in transition. Rocca was physical and tough defensively, stunting well in gaps, jamming cutters, and finishing possessions with rebounds. It seems like he is starting to tap into his athletic potential.

Midwest Renegades 17U

Cam Thomas (6’3 PG/SG, Mount Carmel 2025)

Thomas had a nice showing attacking the areas on the floor that are his bread and butter. Off the catch, he made strong rip throughs to the mid-range area where his bounce made it tough for defenders to contest. When he decided to get all the way downhill, bodies were bouncing off of him on the way to multiple layups. Thomas is a rock solid rebounder at the guard spot who projects out as a plus on-ball stopper at the next level. I’ve had him on the Division 1 radar for a while and that hasn’t changed.

MidPro Academy 17U

Dietrich Richardson (6’7 PG, Peoria Manual 2025)

The vision and touch on Richardson’s passes made an impression. Seeing a lot of defensive attention and the top on-ball defenders from both of their opponents, Richardson never tried to force the issue. He got the ball out on target and played off the ball a bit to get some good looks after setting up cuts. Very long and rangy on the defensive end, I think his best long-term trait could be his ability to keep guys in front and recover to erase mistakes. The all-around impact and elite explosiveness continue to separate him.

Kobe Walker (6’10 C, Normal 2025)

Walker had a couple matchups with players of the same size, but he still found ways to be effective. The strong-bodied big man sealed in the middle of the lane hard and was the recipient of high-low actions to score. He used jump hooks and an occasional shot fake to get quality looks up against the length. After showing well defensively the last few months, MidPro’s switching scheme allowed everyone to see how well he moves in space. Low majors will continue to zero in on Walker.

Leshawn Stowers (6’5 PG/SG, Peoria 2025)

While Stowers is more likely to be a two-guard in college, he has developed nicely as a primary/combo guard. He handled pressure well and got them into their offense at times during the day. With his physical nature as a driver, he is always a threat to put his head down and get to the rim. When he had space, Stowers calmy knocked down threes. The cat is out of the bag in regards to the production and college-ready build of Stowers.

Illinois Attack 17U

Dillon Bagley (6’0 PG, Montini 2025)

Bagley was a strong defensive presence for the Attack, playing big minutes and limiting mistakes throughout the game. He’s a smart, crafty point guard that thinks pass-first. With a couple of plus shooters on the Attack, he fed them in rhythm in transition and off of penetration. Bagley was willing to help out on the glass as well, despite giving up some size in the matchup. A quality D3 recruit at this stage.

Marco Klebosits (6’4 SG, St. Charles East 2025)

A lanky guard with feathery touch from the outside, Klebosits showed some nice flashes as a spot-up shooter. The 6-foot-4 senior handled the ball fairly well in the open floor and was able to make some timely passes throughout the game. Klebosits has a smooth, lefty outside shot that has good rotation to it. His length and agility allowed him to make some plays in the passing lanes on defense. His versatility and shooting stand out.

Marshawn Cocroft (5’10 PG, Kaneland 2026)

Cocroft played both age groups and was impressive while playing up with the 17U group. Very shifty and uniquely skilled as a finisher, he was using both hands and finding ways to attack paint. Cocroft’s speed helped him push the pace in transition before beating initial defenders off the bounce. He also has good range on his jumper with a quick, one-motion release. Now at Kaneland, the returning All-State guard should be an immediate-impact player.

Vova Polishchuk (6’4 SF, 2025)

Probably the most consistent scorer for the Attack on the day, Polishchuk drained a couple of threes and had some direct drives to the paint for layups. His long-range shooting ability opened up things, with a set shot that extends past the college line. When he started to draw the “shooter” tag from the defense, he did a nice job of using his body to bump guys inside and score on a few occasions. Polishchuk can score in a hurry and will be a key piece for the Attack this summer.

Kessel Heat 17U

Anestis Hadjistamoulou (6’0 PG, Glenbrook South 2025)

Hadjistamoulou was handling the ball well in both games, playing well off of two feet and getting open looks for guys. With a number of solid offensive weapons, he got the ball out on time and on target to facilitate. Always sneaky and cerebral as a scorer, he did a nice job of finding driving lanes to run through and finish. He was a standout during the month of June and seems to be well on the radar of many college coaches at this point.

Danny Wrzesinski (6’8 PF, Nazareth 2025)

There is a lot to like about Wrzesinski long-term. He’s got a projectable frame that he already uses well to carve out space and score inside, solid mobility and footwork, very good hands inside to rebound. A focal point inside for Kessel, Wrzesinski drew fouls or scores multiple times on high post entries where he played through hits. He has naturally soft touch in and around the lane to make hooks, push shots, or short jumpers. In the past, he has shown three-point range as well. An under-the-radar forward with promise.

Reid Olson (6’0 PG, Niles North 2025)

Another guard who was excellent in June, Olson showed the comfort playing within the flow of the offense. He made multiple long threes that seemed to catch the defenders off guard. The premier three-point shooting has become a staple for Olson, who also was a productive passer during the games to hit guys in the hands. In both games, he got up into ball-handlers defensively and used his muscle and quickness to frustrate and disrupt flow. Olson should be an All-State guard this year.

M14

Matas Gaidukevicius (6’5 SG, Lemont 2025)

There were multiple points of the game where Gaidukevicius looked different than other players on the court. While he’s still developing and figuring things out, he has a clean outside stroke and is a very good leaper when he gets space. He had a powerful dunk and was spreading out the defense with his catch-and-shoot game. At 6-foot-5 with long arms, he projects out well as a wing at the next level. I don’t think Gaidukevicius even realizes how good he could be yet.

Y&R 16U

Jayden Riley (6’0 PG, Yorkville Christian 2026)

Riley’s pace and ball-handling were notable. There is a savvy about the way he creates separation and knifes into the lane from different spots on the floor. He worked well in ball screen actions and used his hesitations well throughout the day. Even more than his scoring, the timing and IQ as a passer while moving at high speeds was good to see. After being one of the top assist guys as a sophomore, Riley will be a triple-double threat once again.

Mason Lockett (6’4 PG/SG, Oswego East 2026)

Very smooth and dynamic as a 6-foot-4 combo guard, Lockett’s upside remains evident. They ran multiple sets to get him quality looks from the perimeter, showing touch and range on his three-point shot in catch-and-shoot situations. Lockett had direct-line drives where his long strides made it tough for help defenders to get back in time. Defensively, he has a chance to be special. His long arms allowed him to play in passing lanes while still being able to get back to his man. There is still a lot of untapped potential there.

Fundamental U 16U

Bryce Wegrzyn (6’8 PF, Libertyville 2026)

Above all else, Wegrzyn’s interior footwork and feel continues to stand out. He makes efficient and succinct moves down low and has the ability to spin and turn over both shoulders and finish with finesse or power. On touches outside of the lane, he was aggressive putting it on the ground and seeking contact. He will continue to fill out physically, but the rebounding prowess and interior defense are headed in the right direction.

Chris Kirkpatrick (6’3 PG, New Trier 2026)

It doesn’t look like Kirkpatrick has lost a step after missing some time in June. The off-the-bounce shot-making is beyond advanced, regularly shifting defenders and hitting threes and stop-and-pop mid-range shots. Kirkpatrick owned the pace of the game with a combination of his crisp ball-handling, IQ as a ball screen creator, and constant threat to go on scoring tangents. Teams had to respect his ability so shoot it, drive, or make things happen for others. Also a tremendous defender, Kirkpatrick moves well laterally and has a general competitive fire on that end. He’s the best pure point guard in the class.

Panayiotis Sotos (6’2 PG/SG, Maine South 2026)

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that there aren’t still kids who love to play defense. Sotos had a good showing fighting to get in front of the ball, sprinting to take away the next pass, and battling through screens. He has the strength and mentality to continue to be an effective defender in the future. Offensively, he was a threat as a spot-up shooter and was a ball-mover and secondary playmaker at times.

MidPro Academy 16U

Ayden Jensen (6’8 SF/PF, Tri Valley 2026)

Jensen passes the eye test as a lanky, mobile forward that can play multiple roles. His defensive ability stood out, moving his feet well against guards and using his long arms well to take away passing lanes and throw off their rhythm. Jensen looked decent putting it on the ground from the wing and has a decent looking shot from the perimeter. His frame hints towards plenty of physical development going forward and I’d expect his skill to continue to be refined. Could end up on the D2-plus radar.

Jaxon Clark (6’11 C, Burlington [IA] 2026)

There were some big kids at the event, but none with the height and size of Clark. Nearly 7-foot, Clark carved out space all game, getting rebounds in his area, setting good screens, and keeping it high on catches. He looked to have good touch at his size with some passing ability working out of the slot. As he continues to refine his frame, Clark has some traits that you can’t teach.

Sean Lee (6’4 PG/SG, Decatur MacArthur 2026)

Lee is a very impressive, physical guard with a high ceiling. He was a tank getting to the rim with both hands, dragging defenders with him on penetration and using a variety of finishes to complete plays. Even at 6-foot-4, he keeps the ball low and has a nifty handle to get into the lane. He elevates well and has sound mechanics on his jumper, hitting a three and looking comfortable as a pull-up shooter. His frame and explosiveness plays well defensively where he generated steals and was standing up opposing guards with his upper body strength and quickness. Lee is a growing exponentially as a D1 prospect.

Fundamental U 15U

Grant Smith (6’4 SG, Lyons 2028)

Smith played a lot of time as a primary or secondary playmaker for Fundamental U and did so effectively. He handled full court pressure very well, using his body to protect the ball and his height to snap passes over the top of traps. Smith knocked down a couple of threes in rhythm and was living in the paint with athletic, decisive drives to the rim. His composure and quiet confidence stood out, playing a key role in leading the team as an incoming freshman. He continues to show winning traits.

Luke Alvarez (5’11 PG/SG, Loyola 2027)

A truly scrappy, competitive combo guard, Alvarez made his presence felt with toughness and activity. Throughout the game, he stayed in front of the ball, took a charge, and was the first to loose balls. Another important piece in handling pressure, Alvarez made quick moves to get a step on defenders on knew when to pick it up or keep his dribble alive. Alvarez hit a three and had some heady decisions off the dribble as well.

Vito Rocca (6’4 SG/SF, Evanston 2027)

In his first game with Fundamental U this year, Rocca was incredibly active all game. Around 6-foot-4 with advanced strength and athleticism at his age, Rocca was forcing his way to the rim and scoring at a high rate. The nifty drives led to numerous layups inside where he elevated well on finishes. Rocca was holding his ground while defending in the post and looked like a long-term standout with his movement guarding on the perimeter. After playing on varsity as a freshman, expect a big step from Rocca.

Midwest Renegades 15U

Noah Cook (6’5 SG, Huntley 2027)

Cook shot it well from the perimeter with a smooth, repeatable release that had good range on it. A lanky, athletic wing, Cook is a prototypical, skilled perimeter scorer with positional size. He had a number of good moments jumping passing lanes and getting out to run his lanes in transition. As Cook matures physically, he has a lot of the tools that you look for in a wing prospect.

Illinois Attack 15U

Blair Fagbemi (5’6 PG, Benet 2027)

Fagbemi helped boost the Attack as a playmaker and decision maker throughout the game. A lot of what he does goes unmarked on a stat sheet, making other guards uncomfortable with the ball and causing havoc with his defensive activity. He handled the ball well in space and was weaving in and out of the lane to score, but more often find open teammates. There is never a bad time to have a heady point guard like Fagbemi.

MidPro Academy 14U

Kayden Turner (6’1 PG/SG, Metamora 2028)

Turner picked his spots in a commanding showing, knocking down threes off of flares and kickouts while setting up his teammates well. He played a lot of point guard during the game, leaning on his height to make overhead passes across the court to shooters or dump offs for layups. The 6-foot-1 guard has a pure set shot from three with a clean follow through that allows him to maintain his mechanics as he goes deep behind the line. He had some good moments putting his head down to get inside as well.

Sam Koch (6’2 PG/SG, Metamora 2028)

Another standout Metamora freshman, Koch has a good blend of size, skill, and IQ. Early on, his perimeter shot stood out with how efficient he was stepping into threes from the wings and top of key. Koch has a good frame with projectable upper body strength and a solid base to add weight without losing athleticism. He handled it with confidence and passed the ball well off of the bounce, showing playmaking instincts and feel for how to read defenses. Koch looks like he’s got plenty of growing to do, but is already a competitive kid who battles on the glass and rotates well on defense. Bright future.

Fundamental U 17U

Grant Mordini (6’10 C, Lake Forest 2025)

Mordini flashed a ton of potential as a 6-foot-10 big who can step outside. He looked good shooting from the perimeter, hitting a three when he had time and space. On the inside, he did a textbook job of keeping the ball high on offensive rebounds and putbacks and going right back up. Despite his size, Mordini moves fairly well from end to end and looks like he will be able to put on more muscle in the coming years. He’s still got some room for growth, but Mordini is a big man prospect to keep an eye on.

Sam Hanus (6’2 SG, Deerfield 2025)

A model of consistency over the last few months, Hanus was really good on both ends for FU. He cut hard off of the ball for a number of layups, doing a nice job of timing up when his defender turned his head. On the outside, he drilled multiple threes off of the catch and remains a plus spot-up shooter. He’s just got that scorer’s mentality that fits well with his shooting ability and toughness as a downhill driver. Hanus is a solid athlete who was solid defensively in one-on-one situations. He plays hard, can score it in multiple ways, and is a high character kid who will continue to attract interest.

Ty Macariola (6’0 PG, Fenwick 2025)

Macariola is a tough kid. He stood out most as a pure competitor who was taking on defensive challenges and working hard to get to his spots. While playing a lot of point guard, he was effortlessly handling pressure and using his strength to hold off aggressive defenders. On multiple occasions, Macariola got to the lane and was strong off of two feet to make interior shots or pass to the next guy. After a solid junior year, Macariola will be one of the leaders for Fenwick.

Mercury Elite 17U

Ben Jurzak (6’0 PG, Jacobs 2025)

Jurzak had an impressive showing scoring the ball from all three levels. There is a grit to him as a driver, willingly playing through contact and staying focused on the rim while operating in crowds. The defense struggled to keep him in front, leading to multiple quality looks inside. The 6-foot guard also shot it well from the three-point line where he can be lethal when given time and space. Jurzak gets off of the ground well on his jumper and is reliable in the one-to-two dribble pull-up game. He also took a charge defensively. Jurzak is a high-level D3 recruit who should be receiving more attention.

Michael Howell (6’7 PF, Hinsdale Central 2025)

Howell had some nice moments using his length to make plays on both sides of the floor. In their full court press, he was a valuable anchor who challenged shots and blocked a couple when the front lines got broken down. With serious length at 6-foot-7, Howell high-pointed missed shots well as a rebounder. He’s pretty mobile and comfortable on the perimeter, shooting the three confidentally and scoring on few drives after attacking closeouts. Howell is a player who should have an expanded role at HC.

Midwest Renegades 16U

Jordan Williams (6’5 SF, Fremd 2026)

Physicality, athleticism, and size tend to translate well. Particularly for high motor players with IQ. Williams checks all of those boxes and was a terror in the open floor turning defense into offense. He got multiple steals in their press and pushed to get to the paint where he finished with power. The lefty works well in tight spaces, uses jump stops and other two-foot gathers before absorbing contact. Williams will be a player to watch in July.

Simereon Carter (6’3 SG, Waukegan 2026)

There were some showtime athletes in the gym. Carter was right near the top of flat-out athletes. He was tearing down the rim on multiple dunks and was jetting to the rim off of kick outs and rim runouts. The up-tempo game fits his game perfectly with how well he can change ends and elevate up over anyone trying to challenge him inside. His defense on the ball and as a rotate guy was on-point, strategically deciding when to try to jump passing lanes.

MidPro 15U

Cole Dubois (5’11 PG, East Peoria 2027)

Dubois kept MidPro close with his perimeter shot-making and ultimately hit the shot to put them up and complete the comeback late. His handle and speed with the ball made him a tough cover, even against some solid defenders. Dubois made multiple threes during the game, some off the catch and others after shaking guys to get separation. He understands when and how to get his shot off, which most kids his age struggle with right now.

Y&R 15U

Kendall Meyers (6’3 SF, Marist 2027)

There were some grown-man moments from the bruising Marist wing. When he got the ball in space, he was confident making a quick move and putting pressure on the rim to score, multiple times with the foul. Although he plays more of a big for them, he took a number of quality threes during the game off of flares and seemed to have good balance on his shot. As a rebounder, Meyers was impressive with the instincts to read misses and pursue the ball. He’s next in a line of productive Marist forwards.