I am checking out some local teams throughout the weekend via livestream and will be periodically posting some of the players who caught my attention in the games that I watch.

Meanstreets 15U

Brady Pettigrew (6’3 PG/SG, Bolingbrook)

The powerful, talented combo guard was dominant for stretches for Meanstreets. He scored out of the mid-range well, with a couple of advanced pull-ups and turnarounds around 15 feet. Pettigrew has great balance and footwork off the dribble to get himself space, which complements his high-level athleticism while getting downhill. He is a plus on-ball defender who turned multiple steals into dunks in the open floor. The anticipation, frame, and explosiveness are there to remain a productive two-way player as he continues to develop. Pettigrew should have one of the bigger jumps in the state as a sophomore this year.

Ethan Vahl (6’2 PG, Oswego)

Vahl’s activity and feel for the game continue to differentiate him, even against some of the top competition in the country. The dynamic lead guard was excellent as a facilitator with several pinpoint lob passes, timely dumpoffs, and some crisp outlet passes in transition. His vision just seems so natural and seasoned for a sophomore, able to manipulate defenses with eyes fakes before putting it right on the money. He scored effectively from three, with a couple of jumpers in rhythm where his range and consistent mechanics showed. For a 6-foot-2 guard, Vahl’s nose for the ball and effort as a rebounder are great to see, as he remains the leading rebounder on the team as a point guard. Vahl continues to look like the best point guard in the class and one of the more promising creators in the Midwest.

Landon Lampley (6’6 SG/SF, Pike [IN])

Among the more impressive wings that I’ve seen in the 2028 class to this point. Lampley has a great frame and big-time athleticism at his size. He was overpowering defenders all game, either finishing above the rim or getting to the foul line. Lampley threw down a couple of lob dunks in the game and was a terror from the pinch post as a face-up threat capable of putting it on the ground through bumps. His length showed up defensively as a vertical rim protector who gets off the ground in a hurry. He shows signs of being able to guard multiple spots and be an asset on the wing or on the interior when asked to defend bigs. Lampley has a ton of upside.

Elevate 17U

Adam Anwar (6’7 PF, McHenry)

Anwar came in and was instant offense. He buried a couple of threes and hit a short turnaround off the dribble later in the game. A pure three-point threat at 6-foot-7 with touch past the college line, he seems to fit a common need for college programs looking for floor spacing from the frontcourt. What can be overlooked at times is the improved strength, rebounding ability, and overall IQ that he shows when fighting for position and making reads within the offense as a passer or screener. High-academic programs across levels should be targeting Anwar.

Chris Kirkpatrick (6’3 PG, New Trier)

The New Trier standout had some good moments as a shot creator and passer for Elevate. He faced constant defensive attention, but still managed to generate good looks from the perimeter and kept his dribble alive to shake defenders before getting to the rim. Kirkpatrick probes well, particularly off of ball screens where he had a few on-point passes on the move. Still only a few weeks back from missing some time, Kirkpatrick has looked the part of one of the top guard prospects in the region. He will be among the best overall players in high school basketball next year for the Trevians and should have some more notable outbursts over the next few weekends.

Hudson Scroggins (6’8 SF/PF, Kimball Union [NH])

Following a big June at the NEPSAC showcase events, the Lake Forest product is going to continue to draw the attention of Division 1 coaches. In the game that I saw, he didn’t score it much, but showed well as the high-motor, do-it-all weapon that makes him so intriguing. He was all over the glass, creating second chances and going up in traffic to grab misses. Scroggins was a connector within the offense, making sound passes and handling the ball in the middle third. Also a disruptive defender, Scroggins challenged shots and took on some quicker matchups in space.

Jordan Williams (6’6 SF, Fremd)

Williams continued what has been a breakout stretch with Elevate. Very aggressive going to his left hand, he put pressure on the rim in transition and out of half-court sets. Williams is uniquely talented as a playmaker at his size and was used effectively in ball screens, where he showed some pace and patience to get to two feet and make sound decisions. He added a three and lifted up for his pull-up jumper in that 13-to-17 foot range. A hot target for many low and mid-majors, Williams continues to make a good impression.

Elevate 16U

Cole DuBois (5’11 PG, East Peoria)

DuBois is no stranger to scoring in bunches, and progressively got going as the game developed. His off-the-dribble shooting ability is a joy to watch when he’s in rhythm, making a couple of long twos and threes off of the bounce. The creative, shifty guard was confident getting to the rim in transition to score a few more easy ones. He has a gravity to him that emanates from his scoring prowess, and that ultimately created some opportunities for DuBois to find teammates when defenders overcommitted. DuBois also showed some competitiveness at times, trying to stay in front of the ball in one-on-one situations defensively.

Omar Ajanovic (6’6 SF/PF, St. Patrick)

It seems like Ajanovic is getting better by the week. As a face-up option, he showed promise,e hitting an array of jumpers off the catch from three and from the mid-range. Ajanovic has a smooth release from the perimeter and the type of straight-line athleticism to counter defenders who try to take away his space. He knocked down some shots in moments when they were going through scoring droughts and also looked good moving in open space at 6-foot-6. The arrow continues to point up for the St. Pats product.

Vito Rocca (6’5 SF, Evanston)

When coaches say they want guys who are dogs, Rocca’s film could be the demonstration video. His multiple efforts on the glass led to layups for himself, additional opportunities for his teammates, and completed defensive possessions. Rocca did a great job of playing through contact as a finisher, often absorbing bumps and finding the angle to score off of physical drives. He appears more comfortable powering up in traffic at times, using his frame and athleticism well. The level of tenacity that he showed as a rebounder and finisher was present defensively, staying in a stance and knocking guys off of their spots. His motor and competitiveness are differentiators.