We held our annual Spring Showcase Camp over the weekend with over 50 kids from around the state. Throughout the week, we will be periodically releasing information and writeups on event attendees.

Blue Team

Bennett Kammes (6-2 SG, Glenbard West)

Kammes was one of the premier shooters of the day, showing a clean long-range release with great lift on his shot in drills and during live play. He pulled up comfortably off of DHOs and ball screens when defenders got stuck underneath and was able to go on several stretches where he hit multiple threes in a row. There is a lot of confidence and swagger to his game, particularly as an off-ball mover who is always shot-ready. His communication and activity on the defensive end also stood out in live play, vocalizing actions and showing active hands in the gaps. He measured in at 6-foot-2 at the event and has a frame that has continued to fill out well over the last few years. Kammes is clearly among the better perimeter shooters in the area.

Chuck Schwarz (6-7 SF, Fox Creek (SC))

Schwarz made the trip up from South Carolina and was one of the winners from the event with his combination of size, athleticism, and skill on the wing. He possesses a promising build as a forward with broad shoulders and notable upside physically. During drills, his efficient shot mechanics and ability to get above the rim stood out to the camp coaches. Schwarz is a fluid mover with solid ball skills and a one-motion shot from beyond the arc that he shoots comfortably. That was evident in live play, where he took some jumpers off of kick outs that were a few feet beyond the line while mixing in some hard cuts and aggressive straight line drives from the wing. He made some sound decisions as a passer as well while challenging shots on the defensive end. Schwarz has the profile of a kid whose stock should continue to rise heading into the summer.

Collin Tierney (6-4 SG, Hoffman Estates)

The Hoffman Estates guard was able to both show his strength as a slasher and also some of the shooting ability that should make him an intriguing wing at 6-foot-4. Tierney has decent pop around the lane with the length and vertical to get up near the rim as a finisher on dribble penetration. In the scrimmages, he spaced the floor well, hit open standstill threes, and made energy plays on the glass and in the passing lanes. He should have a big senior year after transferring over to Hoffman and should attract college interest following a nice spring.

Dorian Pullen (5-10 PG, Lakes)

Playing both on and off the ball at times, Pullen’s creativity and feel were most notable. He never seemed sped up but was regularly leaving defenders in the rear view with his first step and deliberate change of pace. The Lakes guard utilized clean footwork to score on step throughs and create initial advantages as a ball-handler before making the right reads in ball screens or in space. He also had a compact mid-range game and comfort on kick out threes. I liked his energy and focus on the defensive side at the point of attack, regularly forcing guys into their secondary moves and recovering back into plays. Pullen is going to be a quality college guard, particularly as he continues to fill out.

Enoch Olukolade (6-5 PF, Oak Forest)

Among the most explosive athletes in either group, Olukolade was a force on the glass during the scrimmages all day, going up way above the rim to generate second chances and finish defensive possessions. He seemed to be a magnet to the ball and had good pursuit of rebounds out of his area. His 6-foot-9 wingspan and quick leaping ability made him a big factor as a help side defender, blocking several shots while rotating over. He did some of the same as a primary defender early in the camp, moving his feet well in switches. Offensively, he was best as a rim runner and dunker’s spot weapon where he put back misses and finished strong off drop off passes. You can’t teach the type of high-level athleticism that Olukolade posseses, and his instincts on how to use it will show increasingly in time.

Ethan Taxis (5-10 PG, Plano)

Taxis had one of the better motors throughout the day. He was excellent defensively, taking on tough assignments and making guys work for everything off of the dribble. There is both quickness and a clear pride in competing that separates Taxis, who forced a number of turnovers and was the first one to a bunch of loose balls. That energy gave his team a boost on the other end as well, where Taxis was reliable and aggressive with the ball to get into the lane. On numerous occasions, he drew multiple defenders on his drives and found shooters or bigs for open looks. He also had some crafty finishes inside and displayed a great feel for using floaters, runners, and quick scoops to evade shot blockers. Taxis has a lot of moxy to him that you love to see at the point guard spot.

Rory Haas (6-7 SF/PF, Lake Forest)

A natural pick-and-pop option, Haas has range out past the college three-point line. During drills, he shot a high clip with a repeatable release and confidence stepping into shots off the catch. As competitive play started, he also showed some physicality getting into the lane, using bumps, and scoring in the paint or on short jumpers. Haas has made big strides in his frame over the last few years and is able to hold his ground well inside. As a trailer, he was able to get some quality looks or act as a decision maker out of the slot while reversing the ball in the offense. A super high-academic student, Haas should have a lot of options from some of the top institutions in the Midwest.