Arch Elite Showcase: Saturday Standouts
On Saturday PrepHoopsIllinois attended the Arch Elite Showcase in St. Louis. This event featured a nice array of teams from Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, and more! Check out the star players from the day here!
SG Perry Cowan (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Cowan had a consistent day for the Wolves in St. Louis. The DePaul Prep 6’4” shooting guard is a smooth operator on the perimeter that when he gets confidence early in the game can be a tough cover. What really got Cowan going was getting out in transition for scores. He did excellent in that area of the game. Ran the floor hard and got multiple dunks. That got his confidence flowing in the half court where he knocked down some of his go to mid-range jumpers.
PG Ray’Sean Taylor (Gateway Illinois 16U)
Taylor was the player I was most anticipating to see at this event and man did he live up to the hype. The Collinsville 6’0” point guard put on an absolute show in the two games that I evaluated him. The point guard pushes the tempo getting the ball up the floor in a hurry with his speed. Ability to win one on one off the dribble getting in the lane where he finishes well at the rim. Also has a nice looking jumper that he can hit both pulling up and from three. Crisp passer that has some creativity dishing to teammates.
SG Max Christie (Illinois Wolves 15U)
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.
SG Isaiah Barnes (Illinois Wolves 15U)
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.
C Yaya Keita (Gateway 16U)
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.
F Keith Kiner (Illinois Bears 17U)
This Chester 6’6” combo forward has made strides since we saw him just a month ago in a camp setting. Kiner was outstanding in a loss to Pocket City. He is an angular forward that plays with a high motor and rebounds well. Defensive presence being able to guard multiple positions and can block shots on occasion. His offensive game is starting to shine through with his improved ball handling in the open floor and even showing he can shoot some from three. Went for 20 points.
PG Parker Wolfe (Illinois Bears 15U)
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.