Program Awards: Quad City Elite
Now that the travel team season has wrapped up we dive into programs across the state looking at their teams in a variety of categories in our Program Awards! Today we examine Quad City Elite!
Program MVP
DJ Carton (Bettendorf, IA)
For an out of state prospect to win the MVP it has to be clear cut and no doubt. Think this one is pretty safely in that category. This Ohio State commit proved to be one of the premier lead guards in the country while leading his team to huge wins on a consistent basis. Scores at all three levels with a feathery jumper and explosive athleticism at the rim. Also gets his teammates involved.
Top 2019 Prospect
CJ Wilbourn (Normal Community)
The top overall prospect is definitely Carton, but for this purpose we are looking at their top in-state prospect. We give the slight nod to Normal Community power forward CJ Wilbourn. The four man was extremely impressive throughout the spring and summer, but July was where he shined the most. Wilbourn displayed more face up ability as well as rebounding in traffic at a very high rate.
Top 2020/2021 Prospect
Isaiah Rivera (Geneseo)
Rivera is a crafty small forward from Geneseo that elevated his stock by playing for his national team this summer. He was also effective with QCE with his ability to score with power around the rim along with a pull up jumper from the perimeter. High IQ wing that plays with a lot of basketball smarts!
Sleeper
Jamir Price (Rock Island)
With Carton out during the first week of the July period, Price was able to show how he can play both on and off the ball. Effective shooter that became more efficient doing it. Also proved he could handle some of the ball handling duties initiating the offense. He is going to be a big time player at the D2 level.
Biggest Stock Riser
Deonte Billups (Moline)
Billups helped his stock a lot with QCE after coming back over from a stint with the Fire in the spring. What I liked most about his play in July was that he played more within himself and took better shots. Displayed more of a game off the bounce than we had seen letting his athleticism shine through.