10 Best: Tournament of Champions
PrepHoopsIllinois attended the Tournament of Champions in Peoria on both Friday and part of Saturday. It has become one of our favorite annual stops to see some of the best prospects from Illinois and across the country. In our 10…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois attended the Tournament of Champions in Peoria on both Friday and part of Saturday. It has become one of our favorite annual stops to see some of the best prospects from Illinois and across the country. In our 10 Best Series we give out awards from the event.
MVP
Kezie Okpala (Anaheim Esperanza – 2017 – Stanford)
The long and lanky 6’7” point forward has a tremendous feel for the game. He was so smooth getting to the hoop at ease. Slippery through traffic and gets to the line. Plus jump shooter especially from mid-range off the bounce. Stanford is getting a good one.
Play of the event
You can say any number of Zion Williamson’s monster dunks. I would say his best was a one handed slam off an out of bounds play that rocked the house.
Best offensive performance
Javonte Perkins (Miller Career, MO – 2017)
The skilled four man was going to work in his team’s Friday game. He has a soft touch on his mid-range jumper and the face up four man was knocking them in even out to three. Also got on the offensive glass. Perkins had 28 points.
Best defensive performance
Demarius Jacobs (Uplift – 2017 – SIU)
Jacobs was great defensively in Uplift’s game against host Washington. The SIU commit had multiple block shots at the rim on opposing guards. He also got steals that started the break the other way.
Best rebounder
Mick Sullivan (Marmion Academy – 2018)
The 2018 center rebounded at a high rate against Proviso East. He grabbed 50/50 balls with his strong hands. Physical presence on the interior. Sullivan had 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Best passer
Kezie Okpala (Anaheim Esperanza – 2017 – Stanford)
Point forward that is headed to Stanford has a great feel for the game and makes spectacular dishes with the rock. Feel for the game in both the half court and transition.
Best catch and shoot guy
Brennan Woods (Harvest Christian – 2017)
Woods can be a streaky shooter at times, but he was on point in their game against Miller Career Academy as Woods connected on lots of threes. He had 20 points.
Best intangibles
Jamal Smith (Proviso East – 2017)
We were impressed with what this forward brought to the table with his toughness and competitive spirit. He hit the glass and played with a tremendous intensity in the paint.
Best under-the-radar performance
Jayden Gasby (Urban Prep Englewood – 2018)
The strong and athletic guard from Chicago has been on our radar for a while, but he was outstanding in their game against Faith Christian. Gasby got in the lane where he hit jumpers at a hit rate. Rebounded well and brought a lot of energy to the game. He had 18 points.
Best underclassmen
Markese Jacobs (Uplift – 2019)
The #2 sophomore in Illinois and Kansas commit went to work early and often for Uplift against host Washington. He is a dynamic scorer with his combination of speed, strength, and athleticism. Hit jumpers and got to the rim.