Arch Elite Showcase: 2021 Evaluations
PrepHoopsIllinois was at the Arch Elite Showcase in St. Louis over the weekend. Here are our 2021 evaluations from the event!
SG Max Christie (Illinois Wolves)
Christie was the top prospect at the event. He played at all different age levels, but we saw the Rolling Meadows 2021 guard shine for the Wolves 15U squad against Gateway 16U. Gateway had some huge dudes inside, but he and his teammates were aggressive attacking them. The slender and long wing wasn’t afraid to take it right at the trees inside. He is an excellent ball handler being able to get wherever he wants on the floor. Christie is a sound mid-range shooter both pulling up from mid-range and shooting off the catch from three. He moves well without the ball to get open. Advanced basketball IQ and tremendous skill set for best 2021 in state. High-major player.
SG Isaiah Barnes (Illinois Wolves)
Barnes was the most assertive off the bounce we have seen him against Gateway. The long and projectable OPRF transfer used his athleticism and long strides to get to the rim consistently where he was either fouled or went to the charity stripe. So smooth with the ball in his hands. At times can be a bit wild finishing, but seems to have improved his feel for taking the contact and converting. Rebounded well throughout. Clean looking shot. Ton of upside here. Barnes is a D1 prospect.
C Chris Hodges (Illinois Wolves)
Hodges is clearly the top post prospect in the 2021 class. The Schaumburg big man has broad shoulders and a strong frame. He is a really good rebounder that is particularly effective on the offensive end getting put backs. He was going up a big man that might have been stronger than him in Yaya Keita. That is probably rare for Hodges, but he did a fine job playing physical against him and boarding at a high rate. Mid-major plus and potential high-majors should monitor him.
SF Bryce Hopkins (Illinois Wolves)
Hopkins is a thick bodied wing that has some skill. Like how he competed on the glass. Was relentless rebounding. Struggled finishing around the hoop on shots that he usually knocks down. D1 prospect.
PG Connor Enright (Illinois Wolves)
Enright started at the lead guard spot with Sayles playing up in this particular set of games. He proved to be a sound shooter from the perimeter hitting a mid-range jumper and three from the wing. Tough kid that has a lot of competitiveness at the point guard position.
SF Dylan Ingram (Illinois Wolves)
Ingram is the younger brother of former Simeon standout and member of Loyola’s final four team Donte Ingram. This Simeon small forward has long arms and some baby fat which indicate that he should continue to grow. He drilled several threes off the catch in the game that we saw. One to continue to monitor.
C Yaya Keita (Gateway)
Keita is a 6’9” post from Desmet (MO) that looks like a grown man! The 2021 post plays up for Gateway’s 16U group and is the best prospect on the team. He is a major shot blocking presence on the interior with his explosive jumping ability and timing. Beast rebounder that snatches them in traffic. Powerful finisher with big dunks. Has a soft touch from the line. D1 prospect early in the process.
C Sekou Gassama (Gateway)
Gassama is another post from Desmet. The post is very strong in his upper body. He is a shot blocking presence with his length. Flashed some skill in the high/low game and also displayed a right handed hook shot. D1 player.
PG Parker Wolfe (Illinois Bears)
Wolfe is the next in line of the Wolfe brothers at Effingham. The 2021 point guard is a smaller guard at only about 5’9”. The lefty is a crafty guard that knows how to play angles and creates space to get his shot off. He is crafty off the bounce being able to make some tough layups in the lane. He can also hit the three ball when left open. He was good when we saw him and reportedly scored 36 points later in the day. Most likely will be a small college player unless he grows significantly.
PG Jordan Hardiek (Illinois Bears)
Hardiek is a 6’0” point guard from Teutopolis. Was impressive with the way he shot the ball from the perimeter. Was particularly effective from the corners shooting threes. Plays with a lot of confidence. Has some length to him.
SF Nate Thompson (Illinois Bears)
Thompson is a projectable 6’2” wing from Effingham with some projectability. Scored on some cuts away from the ball and had a nice baseline take. Also got on the offensive glass for a put back.
PG Khristian Lander (EG10)
Lander is a quick and shifty left handed point guard. Nice length on the perimeter and handles it well. Plus shooter that can hit both pulling up and shooting it off the catch. He has a chance to be one of the better guards in Indiana in 2021.
SF Drew Carlton (EG10)
Carlton is a forward that can shoot the basketball. Where he stood out in this particular game was defensively. He blocked multiple shots on recoveries and even swatted a three point shot. Indiana native is a low-major prospect.
C Blake Sisley (EG10)
Sisley is a 6’8” center from Indiana that has great size at a young age. He is a terrific area rebounder. Got on the glass for multiple put backs. Quality mobility in the post. D1 player.