First Person Grassroots: Illinois Stars
In our “First Person Grassroots Recap” series we take a look at how the travel team season went for one our state’s programs.
Here we speak with Troy Johnson of the Illinois Stars to get an in depth look at their 17U, 16U, and 15U programs.
17U
Record
About .500 for year
Championships/Accomplishments
Competed in the inaugural PowerAde Circuit
Overall Thoughts on Season
Started slow in the PowerAde Circuit competing against numerous teams that included Unsigned Seniors. Lost several players to early season defections
. We eventually brought up our top 16U players to join our seniors. It was additional exposure for our young guys while making our 17u team very competitive. Finished Milwaukee & Kansas playing primarily 16U guys due to 4 injured 17U players.
Standout Performers
Paul OLeary (6’10; Lemont) has an up (Spring) & down (Summer). After a great Spring he was named to the Powerade League All-American team and an Outstanding Performer in the game. However, tried to play in early July with a misdiagnosed injury which was found to be a broken ankle.
Eldwin Neritani (6’5″; DG South) was solid for the 17U team all season and has drawn attention from several D2/NAIA schools that love his shooting, defensive versatility, & toughness.
Joffari Brown (6’4″; St. Joseph’s) came over to us from Mac Irvin and gave us someone who could score. Finished July with great games in Charlotte & Milwaukee before ankle injury shut him down.
16U
Record
Won over 30 games
Championships/Accomplishments
Finished PowerAde Circuit tied for the league lead
Lost to Team Thad for the Powerade Circuit Tournament Championship (Charlotte)
Key Wins
Next level Indy, SYF (IN), 6’10” Xavier Foster’s Pure Prep (IA) squad, Young and Reckless, Chandler Parson Elite (FL), West Virginia Wildcats, Illinois Heat, Fundamental U, CanAmera & Toronto Basketball Club
Overall Thoughts on Season:
National Scouts & college coaches loved our Guard-Dominate lineups. We played a fast-paced style of basketball that showcased the ability of so many of our players to pass, dribble, shoot, & move without the basketball. It was fun watching their interest and attention gain momentum as most of them were virtually unknown going into the Spring. Now the tandem of Burnell, Calvin, Helwig, & Brown have garnered lots of D1 interests!
Standout Performers
Trey Calvin (St. Viators) had a solid spring but enjoyed a breakout week in Milwaukee in front of several top recruitniks/ college coaches in big 16U and 17U games against other top guards.
Ethan Helwig (Metea Valley) was an unknown to most heading into the Spring but is now on many mid-majors boards as he was a standout performer all season but especially in July.
Chris Burnell (Rockford East) was probably the most productive of all our players in the spring playing with our 16U Illinois Stars Elite squad (coached by Tim Knauf) which culminated in being named a Powerade Circuit All-American. Really enjoyed a lot of success in July when playing up 17U alongside the other 16U guards. Most are loving that his bigger/stronger frame allows him to finish easily in traffic.
15U
Record
Won over 20 games
Championships/Accomplishments
Played in 5 NCAA sanctioned events as well as the D Rose Tourney, and Chicago Classic. Also played up as 16U in other weekend shootouts. Finished as pool winners in Nike Indy Live, Chicago Classic, and NY2LA Sports Summer Jam.
Key Wins
Key wins against Kessel Heat Black (which won NY2LA league end of season playoffs) Arsenal Hoops from Missouri. Other big wins include Indiana Elite, MBA Select, Illinois Irish, Hyperfuse (TX), Team Lennox, & Rockford Ice.
Overall Thoughts on Season
This group of young men played an extremely competitive schedule against and never was out of a game. They continued their development throughout and are poised to take on the challenges required of them for next level. They have a great future ahead of them!
Standout Performers
Timmy Glavan (York) who played outstanding in the Sunflower Showcase averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. Along with his interior defense and passing led us to 3 tough victories.
Garrett Horner (Wheaton North) whose outside shooting throughout the year kept defenses on their heels. Especially scoring 21 against Arsenal Hoops to led us back from a 20 point deficit.
Milo Mann (York) provided solid Ball Handling and timely outside shooting as well as consistent perimeter defense throughout the season. Capping the season with 13 points against Rockford ICE.