NY2LA Summer Jam: Derrick’s Dimes Saturday Standouts
Mequon, Wi — Another full day of games were on tap at Homestead High School as the NY2LA Summer Jam continued. Prep Hoops Illinois was back in the house to check out the day’s action. Some familiar Illinois names counited to impress and some new names stood out also. We take a look at some Illinois standouts as well as some national prospects here in NY2LA Summer Jam: Derrick’s Dimes Saturday Standouts!
SG – 6’1’’ Nick Kosich Illinois Wolves – (2019)
Nick Kosich, who attends York high school is coming off on an injury he suffered during the high school season. This is only his second event of the summer but it appeared he is back healthy, and kicked off Saturday with a solid shooting performance coming off the bench for the Wolves 16U. Kosich poured in 5- three pointers and 17 points in a win. His shooting was his highlight, but he also showed he can make plays for others dishing out several assists to teammates off the dribble. I was impressed with his quick release on his shot, and also his court awareness, Nick knew how to get open and get to his spots and his teammates did a good job finding the hot hand. This was our first time seeing Kosich, but we will continue to track his development.
SG – Eddie Creal 6’3’’ Hoops4Health – (2018)
Creal, who recently transferred from Joliet West to Romeoville. Faced a tough game in their opener playing Game Elite (GA) 2019 team which is stacked with five-star prospects such as Ashton Hagans & Co. Hoops4Health would not back down from the challenge and Eddie Creal was a major part of that. He plays a fearless type of game and was always in attack mode. He is best off the dribble and getting into the lane where he can use his athleticism to his advantage. He showed he could adjust while playing against players just as athletic as him and worked the mid-range for several baskets, as well as knocking down a three. His bread and butter is at the rim and he didn’t shy away from that. He had two big time dunks in the lane as well as multiple acrobatic finishes. What impressed was his ability to go out and compete against some of the best in the nation. Creal helped keep them in the game with 18 points.
PG – Ashton Hagans 6’4’’ Game Elite (GA) – (2019)
One of if top the top point guard in the class of 2019 nationally Ashton Hagans out of Georgia is an electric guard who is lightning quick. In my first time seeing him live I walked away impressed with the point guard. He is a defensive force and uses his quick feet, hands and size to disrupt on that end of the court. His defense leads to offense where he can get to the basket. He is not a small guard at 6’4’’ and is very tough to stop at the rim especially when he has a full steam ahead. Not only is he tough on D, a solid scorer but he also has elite court vision and can really distribute the ball, which makes him a fun player to watch. Hagans pulled out the post game in the second game of his I scouted, where he took smaller defenders in the paint. His motor never stops and it’s really pick your poison for opponents because he is so versatile.
WF – Austin Richie 6’5’’ Chicago Demons – (2018)
For the second week in a row I came away impressed with the Wing Forward Austin Richie who reclassed to 2018 and will attend Prep. He has good size from the wing and can score in a variety of ways. He faced off against a really tough MBA Hoops Elite 2019 team out of Mississippi. He made plays at the basket from deep shooting the three and also at the line to finish with a game high 22 points in the upset victory. Richie is also a tough hard noised defender who competes and plays hard to get rebounds and stops on defense. A prep year should help his development out on the wing where he will likely transition to a Small Forward and possibly some Guard.
C – Paul O’Leary 6’9’’ Illinois Stars – (2018)
We first saw Paul O’Leary at our Prep Hoops 250 camp in the Spring and I got the chance to see him for the first time running with the Illinois Stars Saturday. One thing that stood out quickly for Paul is that he competes, loves to play and is a great teammate. He is always active and communicating on defense. Still a little raw skill wise but his effort is always there. At 6’9’’ with good build he is able to get into good position in the post where he likes to utilize a jump hook. The center finished with a team high 13 points and had some big rebounds down the stretch for the Stars as they defeated the All-In Athletics 53-51