Havoc in the Heartland: Top Illinois Performers
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This past weekend we were at the Havoc in the Heartland tournament in Indianapolis. It was the only place to get seen by the PrepHoopsIllinois staff during this weekend of the spring. Here we dive into the Top Illinois Performances…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend we were at the Havoc in the Heartland tournament in Indianapolis. It was the only place to get seen by the PrepHoopsIllinois staff during this weekend of the spring. Here we dive into the Top Illinois Performances from the weekend!
Rolondo “Pee Wee” Brown (Peoria Area Elite 17U)
This Peoria Manual shooting guard was excellent leading his team to the 17U championship. What you have to like about Brown is how hard he always plays and his ability to elevate the play of those around him. Just like he did leading his team to the 3A final four it was Brown who helped carry his team to the championship in Indy. Brown is a slippery slashing two guard that gets to the rim consistently scoring off the bounce. In the championship game he showed more of a perimeter game knocking down several spot up threes. Excellent on ball defender that takes pride in that end.
Beau Frericks (Team RWA 17U)
Frericks continued his assent this spring with another strong event in Indy. The Cary Grove point guard has been super consistent every weekend. Plus shooter from beyond the arc with a clean looking shot. Really spaces the floor to beyond the college three point line. Also runs the team with quick dishes in the half court and showed a more versatile scoring game this weekend.
Sam Schultz (HIT 17U)
Schultz is among the top power forwards in his class. He can shoot it spotting up from three or work in the pick/pop game. Also an effective scorer on the low block with sound moves and counters. The area he has improved the most is his ability to break down a defense from the mid-post area beating them with a couple dribbles and/or spin move for buckets. Competes on the defensive end in the post and rebounds well.
Marcus Skeete (HIT 17U)
Skeete has had quite a spring for Hoops Intensity Training. The wing has slimmed down and become a go to scorer on the perimeter. He was dynamic creating his own shot over the weekend especially on pull up jumpers. In one game he was unguardable with his pull up jump shot drilling them all over the floor with smooth elevation. Tough kid that has improved as a passer as well.
Saiveon Williams (Young & Reckless 17U)
Williams is an athletic wing from Curie who is going to be a name to know this upcoming high school season. Size for position along with excellent athleticism. He has a burst with the ball in his hands getting to the basket and showed glimpses of a three point shot. Plays with a lot of intensity on both ends of the floor.
Grant Johnson (HIT 16U)
Johnson learned a lot from Naperville North post Tom Welch and he showed it over the weekend. The next star from that school is similar in many respects to the last. Face up four man who can really shoot it with a feathery touch from deep. Over and over on Sunday it was “SWISH” from three. Brings toughness on the glass rebounding well in traffic and is a decent athlete.
Jaehshon Thomas (Young & Reckless 16U)
Thomas is making a serious run for the #2 point guard spot in the class with the way he has played this spring. What you have to like about his game is the strength he brings and his burst to the hoop. Scoring point guard who gets to the rim with force. Capable shooter from three and is a sound passer when he is looking to set others up. Showing he is a complete player!
Isaiah Stafford (Young & Reckless 16U)
Stafford was the breakout player of the weekend. Dominant showing from this Bolingbrook combo guard. Elite shooter from the perimeter making threes and mid-range jumpers all weekend. At times it was almost Steph Curry like where you thought it was going in every single time. Stafford is going to make a massive debut in the next rankings update.
Ola Ajiboye (Team RWA 16U)
We only caught a half of this Von Steuben post, but man was he impressive. Long and lanky four man who rebounds really well high pointing them in traffic and really going after the ball. Once he adds strength he will be an even better rebounder. Major shot blocking presence on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively he is still developing, but there are definitely a lot of tools to work with as he has a soft touch, good footwork, and form on his jumper.