All-Illinois Invitational: 2017 Top Performers
The first annual All Illinois Invitational hosted by Joe Henricksen was an event for many of the top travel teams in the state of Illinois. Here is our breakdown of the 17U group top performers. PG Jimmy Sotos (Young…
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Continue ReadingThe first annual All Illinois Invitational hosted by Joe Henricksen was an event for many of the top travel teams in the state of Illinois. Here is our breakdown of the 17U group top performers.
PG Jimmy Sotos (Young Legends) Conant
Jimmy played well in the morning session. He controlled the game just by playing with a lot of energy and tenacity. Sotos was at his best with the ball in his hands driving to the basket and often finishing with fouls in the end. He is very crafty with the ball and plays at his own pace never being sped up finding his teammates spotting up for shots and also excels at getting the ball into the post a lost art amongst guards this era.
SG Demarius Jacobs (AIA Y&R) Uplift
The 6’3” guard can do a lot. He’s very gifted in the open court where he takes advantage of teams racing to get back on defense to stop him. In a game against Chicago Lockdown, Demarius scored on numerous occasions either after a steal he created or contested/block shot he altered practically always leading to him scoring. Jacobs is a high major athlete who excels all over the court, but he only shows it in spurts. If this kid can ever develop the motor it takes to dominate a game watch out he could become a major prospect.
SF Justin Smith (Mac Irving Fire) Stevenson
Playing rather shorthanded Smith and Michigan commit Jordan Poole did most of the damage for the fire squad. In the early match-up against Lockdown, Justin was able to make plays with the ball in his hands. For a game that was close down the stretch he made the right decisions that show why he’s being recruited by high major programs. So athletic and gifted his heroics led his team to a victory finishing with 11 points and 8 rebounds.
PG Rafael Cruz (Demons) Von Steuben
Cruz had a pretty good day. The lefty guard was pretty consistent in his play. He’s a scoring guard that can shoot and also make plays at the rim. In a matchup against Full Package I watch Rafael bring his team back from double digits just by making simple plays. While his shot didn’t fall in this particular game he was smart enough to put pressure on the defense and create for teammates Jason Towers and Marvin Nesbitt. Cruz’s energy fueled a late rally for the Demons to win a game where they were down for majority of the game.
C Cameron Krutwig (Young Legends/FU) Jacobs
Cameron went to work early in his matchup against All In/Y&R on Saturday. The big man from Jacobs punished whoever was behind him in the post. Krutwig possesses great footwork for a player his size and mass. He has soft hands around the rim and he plays with a motor. Very dangerous and skilled big man, he finished the game in double figures and with a win.
PF Manny Patterson (AIA/Y&R) Kenwood
Patterson was instrumental in Y&R’s 2-1 record on Saturday. The 6’7 big man owned the paint. In all three games Manny recorded 10+ rebounds per game which is the part of his game he excels at. Patterson keeps the ball alive off the backboard and often tips the ball back in or to himself for a better scoring opportunity. He showed extra pieces to his game as well making 15 feet jumpers and even connecting on a shot one step inside the three point line. Manny is a hard worker who continues to improve on his game.
PG Paris Parham Jr. (Full Package) St. Thomas More
The 6’3 guard has sprouted since last summer and he’s become a three point specialist for Full Package. Paris shot the ball at a high rate early against the Demons. It seems as soon as Parham crossed half court he was in range once he set his eyes on the rim. Paris has a high IQ and good ball skills and a competitive drive. Attending prep school next school year Parham hopes to add extra dimensions to his game and the opportunity to play at the next level.
PG Jason Towers (Demons) St. Joes
Towers was a ball of energy all day for the Demons. On offense he attacked with a quick first step and superb athleticism finishing a lot of his plays above the rim. Jason even mixed in a couple of shots along the way. Defensively he was a terror, often speeding guys up creating havoc turning it into easy points for he and his teammates. Jason is poised to have a good summer I expect a couple of offers at the LM level.