Southern IL Underclassmen Skills Night
Tuesday night PrepHoopsIllinois spent the evening at the Southern Illinois Underclassmen Skills Night in Carterville. The event run by Justin Barrington featured some quality 2021 and 2022 talent from the 618. Check out what players stood out!
SG Eli Brown (Paducah Tilghman, KY – 2021)
Brown might have been the most impressive player at the camp. The Kentucky native shot lights out from the perimeter. The 6’1” rangy guard has a picture perfect looking shot with elevation off the floor. Plus plus shooter as he drilled them all over the floor off the catch and pulling up. Mixed in some transition scoring. Definitely one to keep tabs on in Kentucky!
SG Landon Zurliene (Fairfield – 2021)
Zurliene was quite an impressive guard to watch from Fairfield. Solid size at 6’2” for the guard position. Crisp ball handler that can really shoot the basketball. He is a plus scorer that is best shooting the rock, but also showed some stuff off the dribble including a nice drive where he finished with his off hand.
C Joe Melton (Norris City Omaha Enfield – 2021)
Melton is an intriguing prospect from a high school that I had never heard of before. He stands at 6’5” with a frame that should allow him to grow vertically as well as add strength. Broad shoulders, but thin at this stage. In the shooting drills he had a bit of an awkward release but did hit some shots. Like his footwork around the hoop and he has a soft touch finishing. Crashes the glass hard and is a tough rebounder. Post player with some ability.
PF Elijah Downen (Herrin – 2021)
Downen is a thick power forward out of Herrin. The four man has an average mid-range game for his position. Tough kid that should be a solid contributor for Herrin next season.
G Ethan Bible (North Clay – 2021)
Bible is a combo guard from North Clay that did a nice job both shooting it and distributing as a passer. He is a crisp shooter with clean mechanics hitting from all over the floor. Also made some nice passes and pushed in the open floor.
SG Drew Thompson (Effingham – 2021)
Thompson is another young prospect to watch for Effingham. This guard is a knock down perimeter shooter that plays with grit. Also wasn’t afraid to take it to the hoop with some tough drives.
SG Grant Gunter (Sesser-Valier – 2021)
Gunter is a thick bodied wing that is best attacking downhill and getting to the basket where he can finish with his strength.
G Jordan Hardiek (Teutopolis – 2021)
Hardiek is a point guard that is a sound perimeter marksman. Knocked down several shots from beyond the arc.
G Jordan Hughes (Chester – 2021)
Hughes is a slick handling lead guard that had a few nice drives right down the lane. Likes to score in transition and converted several tough layups. Plays really hard!
PF Hayden Robinson (Nashville – 2022)
Robinson is a 6’4” forward that has length and projectability. With prospects this young you are looking for bigs that have the physical tools to grow a few more inches. Long and lean frame that should allow for growth. As with any young big man he will need to get stronger. Showed some nice footwork around the hoop including a couple sweet up and under moves. Flashed a nice combination of skill and athleticism around the rim. Jumper has a long release on it as shown in the drills.
SG Brayden Smith (Salem – 2022)
Smith is a tough and physically built guard that isn’t the best athlete, but plays hard and can finish around the hoop on occasion.
PG Kaleb Calhoun (Sandoval – 2022)
Calhoun is a tiny and wiry lead guard that will attend Sandoval next season. The guard is a crisp ball handler that plays with a high basketball IQ. Capable shooter.