Summer Challenge: Friday Standouts
The PrepHoops Summer Challenge kicked off at Joy of the Game on Friday in Deerfield. We break down some of the top performers from the first day!
PF Carter Thurman (Illinois Attack 17U)
Thurman is a 6’6” power forward that has good size and strength at 6’6”. Liked how he attacked downhill from the high post area and the lefty did a nice job converting at the rim. Tough forward that works best facing up and getting to the hoop.
SG Connor Davis (HIT 15U)
Davis is a 6’3” shooting guard from Neuqua Valley High School. The rising sophomore likes to use shot fakes and skilled moves to get where he needs on the floor. Quality mid-range shooter that stretched it to three on one occasion. Rebounded well from his guard position.
SG Brandin Podziemski (Wisconsin RAP 15U)
Came away very impressed with this Muskego (WI) 2021 wing. He has size and strength at 6’3” on the perimeter. Good mix of inside/outside to his game. Drilled a couple threes, passed it, and scored inside well early in their contest. Gritty defender.
PF Scotty Ebube (Kessel Heat 16U)
Ebube was a grown man playing up in Kessel’s 16U game. The 2021 power forward from Mundelein is trending as one of the top posts in the class in Illinois. He is a beast rebounder that has timing for where they are coming off the rim and man does this kid go after them! Super aggressive mauling opponents on the offensive glass for put backs. Seals well in the high/low game. Defensive presence with his raw strength and shot blocking inside. Went for 22 points.
SF Connor Ilyavi (Breakaway 17U)
It was lights out shooting from the perimeter for this Breakaway wing. He has been a consistent presence throughout the spring and summer, but he was absolutely in a zone in their game on Friday night. He connected on four triples off the catch particularly being effective from the wings. Big time spot up shooter.
SG Ocean Johnson (Breakaway 17U)
Johnson who is from Leyden High School is a plus athlete that flies around making plays on both ends of the floor. Multiple strong slashes to the rim and was also active on the offensive glass getting put backs.
PF Da’Quan Grimes (Twin Cities Finest 17U)
Grimes team struggled, but this big man did his fair share of work on the block. Wide bodied four man that plays with a mean streak to him. He had defenders bounce off him inside on finishes at the cup. Flashed some mobility working well on a couple pick and roll finishes.
F Gabe Mason (Diversecity 16U)
Mason is a 6’4” wing with long arms and a rangy build who hails from Metamora. This kid can flat out shoot the rock! He was on fire in their game on Friday night connecting on an array of threes along with a couple skilled drives. Definitely will need to add strength moving forward, but wow can this kid shoot it! Finished with 28 points.
SG Jacob Schoffstall (Kessel Heat 16U)
This Fremd 2020 shooting guard looked like he was going to score every point to open their game. The lefty wing can shoot it off the catch specializing in knocking them down from the corners. Couple explosive takes off the bounce especially on the baseline. Moves well laterally on defense.
PG Trey Schroeder (Wisconsin Academy 16U)
Schroeder is a 6’0” point guard from Deforest High School in Wisconsin. The guard proved to be a fantastic layup maker at the rim converting a handful of tough shots including multiple scoop shots. This lefty has crafty handles and scored consistently in the paint. Showed a decent stroke, but most of his damage was off the bounce.
C AJ Casey (Meanstreets 14U)
Simeon is getting the next potential star of high school basketball in Illinois with Casey. Already he is 6’8”, has plus athleticism, and a wing type skill level. It is absolutely scary how good he could be. Best play of opening night was his left handed drive that he finished with a monster dunk. Comfortable handling and finishing at the rim with both hands. Put the ball on the deck quite a bit bringing the ball up the court many times and took his man off the dribble from the high-post area. Defensively he is so active covering ground with his quickness and length. So engaged on that end of the floor for a young prospect.
SG Kam Craft (Meanstreets 14U)
With several highly touted national prospects on Meanstreets, it was Craft who led them in scoring by putting a shooting clinic from deep. The big wing hit spot up shots from all over the floor. Big time shooter that can also play in transition.
PG Kenton Wright (Meanstreets 15U)
Wright made several clutch plays throughout Meanstreets close game against Breakaway. This point guard is known for his speed, short area quickness, and pull up game. All three were on display. He pushed the tempo offensively getting the ball up the floor in a hurry. As a scorer it was all about his jumper connecting regularly from both mid-range and three.
PG Nathan Shockey (Breakaway 16U)
This York 2020 guard brought his A game against Meanstreets. He was great shooting it from three connecting on a handful beyond the arc. Quick release on his shot and consistent accuracy. Can play with the ball in his hands starting the offense and then moves to get open for his shot. Also mixed in a few gritty drives.
PF Dawson Garcia (D1 Minnesota 16U)
Absolutely a huge fan of this 6’10” Prior Lake (MN) power forward. He has off the charts skill at his size being able to win off the dribble like a guard. Quickness around the hoop getting on the glass for tip ins. Sound footwork both facing up and with his back to the basket. Feathery jumper from mid-range that easily extends out to three. He is a shot blocking presence with his length too. Garcia is one of the most coveted post prospects nationally because of how well he fits today’s game.