With over 100 teams, the Ridgewood Live Event was a terrific end to the summer. We wanted to send a shoutout to Coach Mroz for a well-run event and the hospitality. Of the games that we saw at Ridgewood, here are some of the standouts. Similar to the Riverside Brookfield’s event, we will be periodically releasing a set of evaluations.

Metea Valley

Solomon Morrison | 6’5 SF | Metea Valley | 2028

Morrison flashed considerable upside on both ends of the floor. The rangy wing stretched the defense with his perimeter shooting while also using his length to impact the game defensively. Around the basket, he consistently challenged shots and displayed strong timing as a rim protector.

The physical tools are highly intriguing. Morrison possesses good size for the wing, moves well, and impacts the game without needing a high volume of touches. His ability to protect the rim while also spacing the floor gives him a foundation that should continue to develop over the next few years.

Wheaton Warrenville South

David Showman | 6’3 SG | Wheaton Warrenville South | 2027

Showman was one of the purer scorers in their time slot. The senior guard finished effectively with either hand, converted difficult attempts off unconventional footwork, and consistently made quick decisions when attacking. He also showed college-level shooting range and remained confident stepping into perimeter jumpers.

Showman can score off the catch, off the bounce, and around the basket while maintaining efficiency. His shot-making ability and offensive confidence make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. But his defensive impact was not lost in the shuffle either, looking to generate turnovers on the wing and battled to stay in front from his position in the zone. Rock-solid guard prospect to track.

Brooks Franks | 6’4 PG | Wheaton Warrenville South | 2029

A sophomore who has a frame and feel well beyond his years, Franks showcased serious ball-handling ability for his size. He was able to consistently use his handle and size to get to spots, see over defenders, and make plays with confidence. Franks seemed unfazed by ball pressure and was comfortable finishing through contact, attacked length without hesitation, and played with a swagger that was noteworthy.

Within their defense, Franks used his long arms, athleticism, and physicality to be a disruptor in their zone and finish possessions with rebounds. His ability to process information and make reads with the ball is advanced for a rising sophomore. Franks continued a strong summer.

Lane Tech

Cole Christian | 6’6 PF | Lane Tech | 2028

Christian turned in another strong performance while displaying a versatile offensive skill set. A true inside-out forward, he knocked down perimeter jumpers with confidence, rebounded effectively, and showed the ability to put the ball on the floor when opportunities presented themselves. His length and mobility allowed him to contribute in several different areas.

There is plenty to like about his long-term projection. Christian possesses a modern forward’s skill set with shooting ability, size, and positional versatility. As he continues to develop physically, he projects as one of the better young frontcourt players in the Chicago Public League.

Walter Payton

Orlando Bohlen | 6’2 SG | Walter Payton | 2029

Bohlen played with confidence and an edge that immediately stood out. After a standout freshman year, he consistently created separation with a deceptive handle, knocked down perimeter shots (an area where he is elite), and showcased impressive scoring instincts. He looked comfortable generating offense both on and off the ball, looking especially good as a movement shooter with a repeatable shot.

Bohlen already displays creativity as a shot creator and possesses the skill level to score from multiple areas of the floor. As he continues to fill out physically, he has the potential to become one of the more dangerous young shooters in his class.

Burlington Central

Cash Cumpata | 6’3 PG/SG | Burlington Central | 2027

Cumpata was locked in from three, shooting it at a high clip from distance. Throughout the day, he knocked down deep threes in bunches, showing a clean release and legitimate college range with a high level of proficiency. He also handled primary ball-handling duties versus pressure and remained composed while directing the offense.

Cumpata has a smooth handle and can create separation with counter moves. He changed pace effectively, created separation off the bounce, and consistently made the correct read when help defenders rotated. Still growing at 6-foot-3, Cumpata has plus positional length and the shooting/handling ability to track in the backcourt.

Patrick Magan | 6’6 SF | Burlington Central | 2027

The senior wing spaced the floor effectively, knocked down perimeter jumpers, and used his length to finish around the basket. Magan remained active without the ball, finding opportunities as a cutter and consistently putting himself in scoring positions. The lift on his mid-range shot stood out for Central off of one to two dribbles.

His offensive game continues to expand off the dribble, but his helpside defensive activity is also trending up. He racked up deflections and altered passing lanes well. Magan’s three-point prowess and overall jump-shooting ability at 6-foot-6 should draw the attention of several programs.

Declan Wilson | 6’7 PF | Burlington Central | 2029

A promising sophomore, Wilson’s versatility continued to stand out. The 6-foot-7 forward showed that he can space the floor and operate in space, knocking down threes and handling the ball comfortably in transition. At times, he even brought the ball up to alleviate pressure and consistently made smart decisions as a passer from the middle of the floor. When teams stuck smaller players on him, Wilson worked on the block and made simple decisions to score inside the lane.

He also contributed defensively by contesting shots and showing encouraging instincts as a rim protector who can wall up. For a player of his size and age, the potential and skill are apparent. Wilson can initiate offense, rebound his area, make plays for teammates, and score both inside and out for Central.

Evanston

Tate Schroeder | 6’4 SG | Evanston | 2027

Few players attacked the rim with more aggression than Schroeder during the day. The senior wing consistently pushed the ball in transition, fearlessly attacked gaps, and finished through traffic using a variety of creative pickups. Whether using high finishes or low finishes around defenders, he repeatedly found ways to convert at the basket.

Although he has proven to be a solid three-point threat with time and space, Schroeder plays with confidence, embraces contact, and looks to finish above the rim whenever opportunities arise. Also a baseball standout, Schroeder will have several D3 opportunities to play basketball if he chooses that route.

Vito Rocca | 6’5 SF | Evanston | 2027

Rocca once again delivered a strong two-way performance. The recent Dartmouth commit brought physicality to every possession, consistently winning battles on the glass and creating second-chance opportunities through sheer effort and toughness. He also contributed as a passer, driver, and perimeter shooter while impacting the game in a variety of ways.

A clear captain for this group, Rocca consistently sets the tone with his energy and voice, competes at a high level on both ends, and makes winning plays throughout the course of a game. He is a big addition to the Ivy League with the variety of ways that his game translates.

Plainfield East

KJ Miller | 6’7 SG | Plainfield East | 2027

Miller is one of the more naturally gifted wings in the entire state. The junior knocked down shots from all three levels, showing a smooth pull-up game, deep three-point range, and the ability to create separation with his handle. His high release point makes him difficult to contest, and he consistently got to the rim and free-throw line by using his size, shiftiness, and feel off the bounce. Miller also showed a scorer’s mentality by tracking down his own misses for second-chance opportunities.

What has helped his stock is how well he can facilitate and keep the ball popping within the offense. He picked his spots to attack, but got off of the ball and cut well. At 6-foot-7, Miller possesses the length and shot-making ability that colleges covet on the wing. He plays with confidence, understands how to create his own offense, and continues to expand an already advanced skill set. The upside remains extremely high as he continues to develop.

Matt Cowen | 6’4 SG | Plainfield East | 2028

Cowen put together another productive outing as a scoring-minded wing. The lefty consistently looked to attack, knocking down an open three while also creating opportunities off the dribble. His left-handed game gives him a unique rhythm offensively, and he was particularly effective pushing the ball in the open floor where he could use his length and athleticism to create advantages. Cowen also flashed touch in the mid-range with a solid stop-and-pop game.

The 6-foot-4 guard continues to show intriguing long-term tools. His frame, positional length, and natural scoring instincts provide a strong foundation, and he appears comfortable playing both with and without the basketball. As his overall skill package continues to develop, Cowen has the physical profile and offensive upside to become a highly productive perimeter player.

Logan Redditt | 5’10 PG | Plainfield East | 2029

Redditt showcased a mature offensive game throughout the event. He pushed tempo effectively in transition, consistently finding shooters while also creating scoring opportunities for himself. He cut well without the ball, got to the free-throw line through aggressive drives, and showed confidence pulling up off the dribble when defenders gave him space.

His feel and pace stood out for an underclassman. Redditt plays with confidence, makes good decisions in the open floor, and already shows the ability to impact the game as both a scorer and facilitator. The overall skill level and poise suggest a young guard with plenty of room to grow.

Ryland Anyimadu | 6’4 PF | Plainfield East | 2027

Anyimadu used his physicality effectively throughout the day. The junior consistently carved out space inside, using his strong frame to establish position and create scoring opportunities. He flashed quality footwork when attacking from the perimeter, including several controlled drives that showcased balance and touch around the basket.

His strength and mobility allow him to impact the game in multiple ways. Anyimadu has the tools to play through contact, finish in traffic, and provide value as a versatile frontcourt option for a team that lacks some traditional bigs.

Glenbard North

Oturo Redento | 6’6 SG/SF | Glenbard North | 2027

Redento was one of the more versatile performers in attendance. The 6-foot-6 wing handled the basketball comfortably, made quality reads as a passer, and consistently created opportunities for teammates. He knocked down some movement perimeter shots, attacked the basket with confidence, and used his size well when absorbing contact around the rim. Redento has a unique ability to handle it on the wing at his size and has an outside stroke that should be an asset over time.

His blend of length, athleticism, and skill makes him a difficult matchup. Redento also showed the ability to block shots and make plays in transition while other guards ran the wings. Players with his combination of size and perimeter skill are always valuable, and there is plenty to like about his long-term outlook.

Lamari Carpenter | 6’5 PG/SG | Glenbard North | 2027

Carpenter played with impressive pace and showed some fluidity in space. In ball screen actions, he shot the ball well and knocked down difficult perimeter looks. Carpenter consistently created opportunities in transition with a slick handle and ability to shift defenders. He was equally effective as a playmaker, making sound reads and finding teammates when defenses collapsed.

The tools are there for Carpenter on the defensive end with long arms and natural athleticism. His active hands generated deflections, turnovers, and transition opportunities while showing glimpses of sliding his feet in space. Carpenter continues to look like one of the more impactful two-way guards in the class and should have a nice July.

Bloom

Dashawn Wheeler | 6’7 C | Bloom | 2028

Wheeler showed encouraging flashes as a young frontcourt prospect. Wheeler moved exceptionally well for his size, running the floor hard and consistently putting himself in position to finish around the basket. His mobility and athleticism stood out immediately.

The physical tools are difficult to ignore. Wheeler possesses good length, fluid movement, and plenty of room for continued development. As he adds strength and experience, he has the potential to become a highly productive frontcourt player on both ends of the floor.

Keiwon Gulley | 6’0 PG | Bloom | 2029

One of the state’s most disruptive defenders from a year ago, Gulley’s defensive presence was felt throughout the game. He consistently pressured opposing ball handlers, generated steals, and disrupted offensive rhythm with his relentless energy. His quick first step also allowed him to attack downhill offensively and put pressure on the paint.

What stood out most was his competitiveness. Gulley plays with toughness, embraces defensive challenges, and consistently makes effort plays that impact winning. While he is capable of making perimeter shots, his ability to create advantages off the bounce and make plays in transition currently serves as his biggest strength.

Larry Ellis | 6’3 SG | Bloom | 2030

Ellis looked like one of the more advanced freshmen in the area. The 6-foot-3 guard scored comfortably from all three levels, showing confidence as both a shooter and creator. He consistently got to his spots, knocked down difficult jumpers, and displayed the ability to make shots both off the catch and off the bounce.

The offensive upside is substantial. Ellis possesses good positional size, natural scoring instincts, and a fearless mentality that allows him to attack opportunities when they arise. For a player this early in his development, the combination of skill, confidence, and shot-making ability is extremely encouraging.

Niles North

Collin Tobin | 6’2 PG | Niles North | 2027

Continuing a breakout summer as a top option for Niles North, Tobin once again demonstrated why he may end up being one of the most dominant scoring guards in the state in the winter. The sturdy senior competed at a high level on both ends, bringing physicality defensively while scoring at will offensively. Tobin mixed power drives with quality mid-post work and consistently made sound decisions with the basketball in space.

When he had room from the perimeter, he showed some range and confidence with his jumper, providing a nice complement to what seemed like downhill drives to the rim every other possession down the floor. Tobin has a college-ready build and is showing comfort with processing and organizing as a primary decision-maker. He guarded the ball well, embraced contact, and used his strength and skillset to his advantage all weekend. Tobin has settled into the scholarship-level guard conversation.

Oswego

Ethan Vahl | 6’3 PG | Oswego | 2028

Vahl continues to establish himself as one of the top young point guards in Illinois. He has the passing gift and flair of an early-2000s point guard, with modern-day shot-making prowess and range. The sophomore controlled the pace of the game, consistently making the right reads against pressure while creating quality opportunities for teammates. His passing vision stood out throughout the event, as he repeatedly delivered on-time passes and demonstrated advanced feel as a lead guard.

What separates Vahl is his ability to blend elite playmaking with scoring ability. He created offense off the dribble, got to his spots comfortably, and showed the confidence to take over possessions when needed. Combined with his competitiveness on the defensive end, Vahl continues to trend upward. It is a joy to watch a kid who consistently shows true point guard play at a high level.

Jayden Alford | 6’2 PG/SG | Oswego | 2029

Alford’s effort level and two-way impact stood out. The sophomore guard brought energy defensively, consistently fighting to stay in front of the ball and taking pride in making life difficult on other guards. Offensively, he shot the ball well from beyond the arc, catching fire with a three-point barrage in the first half.

He also excelled in transition, finishing plays against bigger defenders and showing both touch shots and athletic finishes in the lane. Alford is a growing 2029 prospect whose best basketball is ahead of him.

Tray Alford | 6’0 PG | Yorkville Christian | 2027

Alford provided steady guard play within the flow of the offense for Oswego. He comfortably played on or off the basketball, acting as a floor spacing threat with deep three-point range or operating as an additional on-ball creator who has innate pace and tempo as a ball-handler.

He attacked gaps when available and consistently looked to create opportunities for teammates. As usual, Alford brought defensive energy and competed throughout possessions. His fit and transition have been seamless to the Panthers, who will have one of the better backcourts in the area next year.