Illinois Scouting: Pontiac Wednesday Standouts
PrepHoopsIllinois was at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament on Wednesday. There were tons of great games and performances. Here are a few of the standouts! SG Zack Norvell (Simeon – 2016) The state’s top wing prospect in the senior class…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois was at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament on Wednesday. There were tons of great games and performances. Here are a few of the standouts!
SG Zack Norvell (Simeon – 2016)
The state’s top wing prospect in the senior class just wouldn’t let his team go home with a loss against Bloomington. The physical lefty went to the rack with authority both off the bounce with some powerful drives and was very active on the boards especially early. They were throwing multiple defenders at him, but he couldn’t be stopped. His body control around the hoop has become one of his strong suits. Later in the game the Gonzaga commit got the three ball to fall from deep. He had 26 points (10-17 FG) and 13 rebounds.
PG Alante Pickens (Curie – 2017)
The 5’9” junior point guard has had it going this season continuing to elevate his stock each time we see him perform. His play at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament was no exception. Pickens is a quick and shifty guard that excels at shooting the ball from the perimeter off the catch. He was raining in three pointers. Pushes in transition and shows he can take his man off the dribble at times. Pickens had 20 points (7-11 FG) (5-8 3PT).
SG Jamal Parks (Bloom – 2016)
Parks emerged on our radar with a strong performance. The 6’5” senior shooting guard is a rangy prospect that has a plus perimeter stroke. The release point is in front of his face, but he gets it off quickly and has a soft touch when in lands in the net getting a lot of arc on it. Shows toughness hitting the offensive glass for a put back every now and then. Talented perimeter shooter that could develop into a nice prospect for a D3, NAIA, or JUCO program.
SF Kevin Krieger (Plainfield North – 2016)
Krieger played well in their two games on Wednesday. The 6’6” small forward has good size and athleticism for the position. He is a plus perimeter shooter that can knock down pull up jumpers from mid-range. Good feel for when to take his shot and when to give it up. He is more athletic than I remembered from the summer as he had several blocks and dunks on back cuts. Against Niles West Krieger went for 20 points on 6-11 from the field and 6 rebounds. Probably best suited for the D2 level.
SG AJ Youngman (Peoria Manual – 2017)
Manual 6’5” shooting guard AJ Youngman was making it rain from three! He let everyone know it too with that gesture after one of his many triples. The junior shooting guard has slimmed down considerably and is in the best shape of his life. He is still best at shooting it from deep. One of the top perimeter marksmen in the junior class. In the third quarter against Oak Park River Forest he couldn’t miss! Youngman finished with 15 points (5-8 3 PT). Projects as a D1 prospect. Level is still TBD on how the rest of his game continues to evolve.
PG Da’Monte Williams (Peoria Manual – 2017)
The Manual 2017 guard totally looks the part and is a superior athlete to everyone on the floor. He had a few emphatic blocks and was a presence defensively with his speed, quickness, and anticipation. Even blocked a three point attempt. Offensively he flashed and most of his scores came on the interior or from the charity stripe. 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Needs to cut down on turnovers. One of elite prospects in the state.
PG Teyvion Kirk (Joliet West – 2017)
Best game I have seen the Joliet West junior point guard play. Kirk is a 6’2” combo guard that continues to develop into a point guard. The long and rangy Kirk is quick and explosive with the ball in his hands getting in and out of tight spaces with ease. He showed leadership and command of his team. Made several great passes throughout the game. Kirk is an improving jump shooter and he showed that hitting several pull ups. Got to the line on a large number of drives. Went for 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
SF Charles Payton (Bloomington – 2017)
Payton was a bit slow and tentative early against Simeon in their first game of the day. He couldn’t get into a rhythm. In the night cap against Danville it was a totally different player. The top 10 potential high major prospect came out to play! Payton is an elite athlete that lives above the rim. He had several tip dunks including a sick one to open the game. Payton finished well on the interior where he played most of the day. Uses quickness to receive passes and beat opponent to hoop. Finished through contact on multiple and-1s. His most impressive move was when he got the ball in the high post, blew by him, and finished an and-1. Payton had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks against Danville.
PG Ilijah Donnelly (Bloomington – 2016)
Donnelly was also impressive throughout the day. Against Simeon he used his feel and passing to get others involved, but struggled to score. The senior had the scoring part down cold against Danville as he used his speed to get in the lane and push it in transition. Shot the ball well from beyond the arc. He can be a bit streaky with the jumper, but when he is on he can carry a team with his ability to beat a defense. Potential defensively with length and lateral quickness. University of Illinois Springfield got a good one! He had 19 points in the final game of the day.