Summer Challenge: Scott’s Sunday Standouts
The PrepHoops Summer Challenge wrapped up on Sunday in the final day of the July live period. Who made a lasting impression to close out the summer? Here are Scott’s Sunday Standouts!
C AJ Casey (Meanstreets 14U)
The state’s top 2022 prospect was outstanding in his team’s semifinal victory over HIT. Casey is a 6’8” center that will head to Simeon next season and should be an impact player as a freshman. One of the best pure prospects in the state regardless of class. Casey put that on display with fluid post moves and takes from the mid-post converting with spin moves. Also had multiple tip dunks and and-1s. In the semi he went for 16 points and 8 rebounds.
G Jaylen Drane (Meanstreets 14U)
Drane was the guy in the championship game for Meanstreets. The future Simeon combo guard is also one of the top 2022 prospects in the state. At 6’2” with a long and wiry frame he has explosive pop with the ball in his hands. Slippery weaving through traffic. Such a good layup maker early on. Works well around ball screens.
PF Chris Payton (Illinois Warhawks 17U)
The last weekend of July is always an interesting one as sometimes players show up with teams you don’t associate them with. That is what happened on Sunday with the state’s #5 2019 prospect Chris Payton of Bloomington. The 6’7” power forward had a strong showing in Milwaukee last weekend with Meanstreets and flashed some of what makes him a quality prospect for his local Illinois Warhawks squad. Super bouncy around the rim and converted a couple big dunks. Handles it from the high-post and in. Blocked several shots. Really like his potential defensively.
SG Donzell Johnson (Illinois Warhawks 17U)
Johnson is a power wing from Bloomington that plays with a high end motor. He is excellent working in the mid-range where he connected from 15-18 feet on quite a few jumpers. Tough on ball defender that can take a bump on drives.
PF Brian Johnson (Kessel Heat 17U)
Johnson was the star of Kessel Heat’s semifinal victory. The Glenbrook North four man is a gritty post that has a nose for the basketball. Competitive kid that rebounds in traffic. Also displayed his ability to stretch the defense with his three point shot. Went for 15 points in the win.
PG Zach Toussaint (Kessel Heat 17U)
Got to catch the last two games of the Kessel Heat career for this favorite of mine. We nicknamed him the “Baby Faced Assassin” during his 15U year and the name still stands. He is a fun playmaking point guard with a flair for the game. Opened the title game strong with several deep threes and a pair of layups. Pushed the pace and used his creative passing getting his teammates involved.
SG Daniel Filippone (Kessel Heat 17U)
Filippone played well in the championship game. The two guard flies around on both ends of the floor sacrificing his body to make a key play. Did it over and over again. He threw in several tough layups and scoop shots along with hitting a three. Great glue guy!
G Sam Hoiberg (Breakaway 15U)
Hoiberg sealed the deal for Breakaway with his performance in the 15U championship game! The 5’10” guard from Hinsdale Central played mostly off the ball where he was a major shooting threat. Made a pair late to secure the win over Meanstreets. Plus shooter with a sound shot mechanically. Also like the toughness he brings on the defensive end.
SF John Digenan (Breakaway 15U)
This St. Ignatius wing is a rangy prospect that has some length. Really funky looking shot as he almost leans back on it, but he connects from three. Made a trio in the championship game along with a pair of sweeping layups. Will need to add some strength, but has some intriguing tools early on.
PG Clark Dilger (Team RWA 15U)
Dilger is a 6’0” point guard from Lincoln Way East High School that has a nose for the basketball and did a nice job of converting layups in traffic. The majority of his scores came in the paint.
SG Brennan Jass (Team RWA 15U)
The younger brother of YouTube star Tristan Jass had a strong showing in their Sunday morning contest. This Wisconsin two guard connected on multiple threes early in the game and then as the game went on he made some creative layups that his brother has become known for.
SG Donovan Amos (Lake County Challengers 15U)
Amos is a rangy two guard that really jumped on our radar with his play at Summer Challenge. The Fremd long and rangy guard has a feathery jump shot. He was very smooth working his pull up game. Mixed in a few scores off the bounce although his handles need to tighten up. Defensively he has a chance to change the game with his length on the perimeter.
PF Ben Carlson (D1 Minnesota 16U)
Carlson brought in a nice amount of coaches to Chicago on Sunday morning he showed why he is a top 50 prospect nationally. The big and physical post has broad shoulders and tremendous strength. Showed his athleticism at that size finishing in transition. Also rebounded well and did work in the post with a right handed hook shot.
SF Kerwin Walton (D1 Minnesota 16U)
Walton is a big time sleeper wing at the high major level. The D1 Minnesota small forward is a lengthy wing that can defend multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively he was most effective slashing to the rim with his burst splitting defenders left and right. Big fan of the potential here!
G David Williams (Rockford 5-0 17U)
Williams is a 6’1” combo guard from Harlem High School that was the standout for Rockford 5-0 on Sunday afternoon. The rising senior was straight money shooting the basketball. He connected on an array of threes all over the floor. Plus shooter from deep. Finishes well with his off hand at the cup.
SG Stryker Fitzsimons (Wisconsin Academy 17U)
The Darlington (WI) 2019 shooting guard has size and strength for position at 6’4”. He is a big guard that plays with a high motor. Loves to attack downhill and finished very well at the hoop. Plays well in transition too.