Our second group for our Spring Showcase Camp featured 30 underclassmen from around the state. Similar to our older group, we will release updates by team for these posts.

Red

Braden Esterkamp (6-4 SG, Lincoln-Way East – 2028)

Esterkamp provided some nice moments as an attacker for the Red team. He’s a long-armed, two-guard who has range and comfort with his perimeter shooting game. He had a few clean spot-up looks and added some athletic takes to the rim in the half court and as a lane runner in transition. Esterkamp has the positional length and instincts to be an effective defender in the backcourt, showing some anticipation skills as well.

Luke Alexander (6-2 PG/SG, North Mac – 2028)

Alexander, who seemingly gets taller by the month, was impressive for stretches as a long-term shooter and decision maker. During drills, his footwork and consistent release point yielded good results from a few feet behind the three-point line. He has the mechanics to be a big-time shooter, but also looked good at times putting it on the ground and creating. Alexander has added noticeable muscle that allowed him to maintain his driving angles and either finish or make passes in traffic. It also served him well defensively, where he moved his feet and got his chest in front of the ball well. After a huge sophomore year, Alexander should emerge as one of the more versatile guards in Central Illinois.

Luke Beran (6-3 SG/SF, Benet – 2030)

A powerful wing heading into his freshmen year, Beran was dominant at times in a group with kids who had a year or two of varsity experience under their belts. He brought a tenacity and competitiveness that the camp coaches were high on, driving to the rim with good intent and fighting for position defensively. Beran had a number of contact finishes inside, mixed in some threes off the catch with a repeatable lefty stroke, and had pinpoint cross-court passes on his penetration when help came. He shined most in transition, with the physicality and athleticism to get out ahead of the pack and find ways to convert for his team. Beran also rebounded the ball well on both ends and has the length (measured at a 6-foot-4 wingspan) and toughness to defend bigs inside when needed. Similar to some of the other 2030s in attendance, Beran looked like a serious long-term prospect.

Miles Marabella (6-5 PG/SG, Antioch – 2029)

One of the more unique players at the camp, Marabella used his length and playmaking prowess well during the camp. In live play, he was able to use his long strides to get around primary defenders and extend up to the rim for finishes. When he worked in transition, he played with his head up and used his vision to find guys around the rim or shooters who were spacing on the perimeter. Marabella is a legitimate ball-handler who has a 6-foot-6 wingspan that he put to work to protect the rim and make life tough on other guards and wings. During drills, his one-motion shot was notable, looking like a skill that he will continue to make strides in going forward. Marabella should be the focal point for Antioch this year.

Revell Gilbert (6-7 PF, Joliet Central – 2029)

Gilbert’s long-term appeal was clear in the early going of the camp. The 6-foot-7 forward measured in with a 6-foot-11 wingspan (tied for best at the entire camp) and showed the rim running ability that should translate. Once the 5-on-5 portions started, Gilbert showed great energy and activity around the rim. He went out of his area to block shots and grab rebounds while being an outlet and vertical threat on the offensive end. In the open court, he had a few impressive dunks and worked in ball screen actions well. Gilbert should continue to trend up.

Sam Hardman (5-10 PG, Downers Grove North – 2030)

A heady point guard heading to DGN, Hardman has a toughness about him that should translate well. He is a skilled perimeter shooter who was able to show his mechanics during the drill portion of the day. When scrimmages began, he flashed good passing instincts and quickness getting to the paint off the bounce. Hardman was an agitator defensively on the ball, showing competitiveness to stay in front and make extra effort plays. He’s going to be a good one for the Trojans.

Verton Freeman (6-1 PG/SG, St. Viator – 2029)

Freeman was strong defensively and as a dribble drive threat throughout the day. He got into opposing guards and was able to turn them and force them into rushed decisions as a point of attack defender. Freeman was active with his hands and feet to make life tough on other guys. He also worked well offensively as a straight-line driver who made quick decisions off the catch. Whether he was driving it hard to score or looking to draw help for kickouts, he put regular pressure on the rim. Freeman is a big addition to St. Viator.