I was able to make it out for the evening games at the annual pre-live event shootout at Supreme Courts. Here are some of the standouts from the last few games of the day.

Ignite 17U

Brady May | 6’6 SF | Palatine | 2027

There aren’t many shooters in the state who get their shot off as effortlessly as May. The 6-foot-6 wing knocked down multiple threes while showing an innate ability to get his feet set quickly on the move. They ran several actions to get him clean looks, and he delivered off the catch or made the correct read to spray the ball out to other guys.

May also used his body effectively to score on spins and step-throughs, while also displaying patience when attacking mismatches out of the post. He has gotten better at shielding off defenders inside, using his frame and added strength, and going over or around defenders to convert in the paint. He rebounded well on the defensive glass and continued to show agility and athletic potential as well. May is a premium shooting wing who just knows how to play the game. I remain very high on the rising Palatine senior.

Will Baik | 6’1 PG/SG | Hersey | 2027

Baik looked to get downhill early and often. He played with good pace, got into the paint repeatedly, and made sound decisions once he arrived there. He was particularly effective attacking the baseline, where he found 45 cutters or went up to finish for himself with quick layups inside.

Baik’s competitiveness never seemed to waver. His ability to compete defensively, stay engaged on the ball, and close space showed a level of genuine energy that coaches appreciate. The motor, toughness, and willingness to impact the game in multiple ways stood out as much as the offensive production that came in stretches.

Ramon Rosario | 6’1 PG/SG | Hoffman Estates | 2027

Rosario attacked effectively, using quick crossovers to create separation and consistently finding ways to get downhill. Once in the paint, he welcomed contact and finished plays in traffic with confidence.

When he’s on, Rosario has the ability to provide an immediate spark on both ends. He pursued offensive rebounds well for a guard, got some deflections and slowed up some ball handlers, and showed some open floor speed with the ball that was solid. Rosario has the potential to be a shutdown backcourt defender with his instincts and recovery speed. He can also generate offense at the rim and has shown range past the three-point line in the past.

Illinois Attack 17U

Carter Coviello | 6’1 PG | Neuqua Valley | 2027

After a strong June shooting the ball, Coviello continued to showcase his perimeter scoring ability. He knocked down shots from beyond the arc, elevated comfortably into pull-up jumpers, and looked aggressive from the opening tip. His confidence as a scorer was evident, but he also remained willing to make the extra pass when defenders overhelped.

He delivered passes on the move, found cutters in stride, and balanced scoring with facilitating responsibilities. Coviello can really open games up with his long-range shooting and should be a key playmaker and scoring threat for the Attack over the next few weeks.

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

Cumpata showed a smooth handle and a fluid release from beyond the arc. He attacked the basket effectively and demonstrated the flexibility to operate both on and off the ball. At 6-foot-3, his positional size also allowed him to see passing windows that smaller guards may have missed.

Defensively, he remained active in passing lanes and consistently positioned himself well away from the ball. The shooting ability and length remain promising, transferable skills, but the ball-handling and defensive anticipation were on display just as much today.

Arshil Khimani | 6’2 SG | Neuqua Valley | 2027

Energy was one of Khimani’s biggest strengths throughout the game. He attacked the glass aggressively, moved well without the basketball, and consistently found ways to impact possessions beyond simply scoring. His willingness to cut hard and stay active created opportunities for both himself and his teammates.

When perimeter opportunities presented themselves, Khimani stepped into shots confidently and displayed clean mechanics with good elevation. He also attacked closeouts effectively and competed defensively, bringing effort and intensity on every possession.

Fundamental U UA Grind 17U

Josh Kaunas | 6’6 PF | Johnsburg | 2027

Kaunas continues to look like an intriguing long-term frontcourt prospect. The senior forward possesses a strong frame with broad shoulders and flashed legitimate face-up ability throughout the game. He looked comfortable spacing the floor, operating as a pick-and-pop option, and attacking from the perimeter when opportunities arose.

Athletically, Kaunas moves well for his size and gets off the floor with ease. His run-and-jump ability, developing offensive skill set, and physical upside are going to appeal to several high-academic programs in the region. There is plenty to like about where his game could be headed.

Elie Ghattas | 6’6 PF | DePaul Prep | 2027

Ghattas was relentless today on both sides of the floor. Offensively, he constantly put pressure on (and above) the rim as a cutter, rim runner, and offensive rebounder while using his athleticism to generate easy scoring opportunities. He has a uniquely quick second jump for a player his size, and it gave him an edge to finish around the basket, finishing a few powerful dunks, including a few off of a standstill.

Ghattas repeatedly beat opposing bigs down the floor as well. He also high-pointed rebounds, competed on the perimeter to stay in front and challenge shots, and showed impressive timing as a weak-side defender. The motor never seemed to stop, and his activity level consistently created positive outcomes. I am expecting an increasing number of D3 programs in the Midwest to target the long-term impact that Ghattas could provide.

Ryan Ritchie | 6’0 PG/SG | New Trier | 2027

Ritchie played a major role offensively thanks to his shooting ability and understanding of spacing. He was ready to fire whenever he had room, whether spotting up or moving without the ball. His confidence as a shooter was great to see, and he also mixed in floaters after using a few dribbles to get into the lane.

Ritchie’s basketball IQ remains one of his strongest attributes. He understands timing, space, and positioning, which allows him to consistently find openings to both shoot and make the extra pass to guys. Since last year, he has also added some strength to help him handle physical play better while maintaining the scrappy, competitive approach that has become part of his identity.

Isaiah Onu | 6’6 PF | Huntley | 2027

Activity around the basket was the biggest takeaway from what was a well-rounded performance from Onu. The senior forward was able to score off cuts, rolls, second-chance opportunities, and rim runs while finishing several plays above the rim. He also finished effectively with hooks and touch shots in the paint.

Defensively, his length will travel well to the next level. Onu challenged shots, covered ground well, and brought consistent energy on both ends of the floor. It was a nice showing from the 6-foot-6 Huntley forward.

Kaeden Ackley | 6’1 PG/SG | North Shore Country Day | 2027

Ackley’s athleticism and pace were key. He played fast with and without the ball, consistently attacking open space as a driver or cutter, putting pressure on the defense. The first step on his rip-through drives allowed him to get to the rim frequently, and he showed a willingness to make plays for teammates while operating at high speeds.

Defensively, the senior guard showed the tools and willingness to be a strong point-of-attack guy. His lateral quickness was there, and Ackley has a solid frame that should continue to add muscle. That all was working together to help him stay attached to opposing guards while creating disruption with his activity. An under-the-radar guard out of North Shore County Day, Ackley is an explosive combo guard for high academics to track.

Dillon Pompey | 5’9 PG | Evanston | 2027

Pompey brought nonstop energy in his first action with Fundamental U. The gritty point guard attacked the paint aggressively, used his burst to create advantages, and consistently made sound decisions off the dribble. He kept things organized while limiting mistakes and creating opportunities for teammates.

His defensive effort was notably impressive. Pompey embraced the challenge of guarding the ball, applied pressure throughout possessions, and competed with toughness despite giving up some size. The energy, pace, and competitiveness were hard to miss. Pompey is a winning guard.

Midwest Renegades 17U

Landon Mays | 6’5 PF | Marian Catholic | 2027

Mays established himself as a physical presence in the paint early on. He used his strong frame to carve out position, seal defenders, and create high-percentage scoring opportunities around the basket. His footwork stood out, allowing him to finish effectively while maintaining balance through contact.

Mays projects as a productive interior scorer thanks to his touch and understanding of how to use his body. He has also shown perimeter skill in the past, particularly as a spot-up shooter when given time and space.

Kevin Saulkauskas | 6’8 PF | Brother Rice | 2027

Saulkauskas offered a nice blend of size and skill throughout the game. The versatile big worked effectively in ball-screen actions, showed comfort facing up from the perimeter, and demonstrated the ability to attack off the bounce when defenders closed out too aggressively.

For a 6-foot-8 forward, he moves well, changing ends, and appears comfortable operating away from the basket. His shooting mechanics look clean, and his versatility gives him the ability to impact the game in several different ways offensively. Definitely has some tools to work with going forward.