Summer Challenge: Wilk’s 16u Forwards Who Stood Out
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The Summer Challenge in the Chicago region over the weekend was the last stop on the Prep Hoops Circuit before the regional finals at the end of the month. The field was rich with top-notch programs and uber-talented prospects. Early…
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Continue ReadingThe Summer Challenge in the Chicago region over the weekend was the last stop on the Prep Hoops Circuit before the regional finals at the end of the month. The field was rich with top-notch programs and uber-talented prospects. Early on in the week, I will be highlighting the front-court players who caught my eye throughout the event in the 16u division. Here’s a look at several forwards from Illinois and out of state who controlled the paint:
Darrell Reed – Young and Reckless
The 6’7 power forward for YnR has shown tremendous improvement throughout the spring and summer according to our Illinois expert Scott Burgess, and he clearly established himself as a standout over the weekend at the Summer Classic. With a chiseled frame and what appears to be more room to grow, Reed was a force on the glass and in transition which often times meant he was dropping the hammer with power slams. If the ball found its way near the rim, whether it be from a lob or off a miss, you could count on Reed to be there to flush it home. He owned the glass on both ends, defended the paint at a high level, and showed nice touch on his jump hooks and mid-range jumpers.
Shaun Riley – SW IL Jets
I’ve already highlighted Shaun once this week for his versatility and ability to defend multiple positions and operate on the perimeter and as a rim runner. That being said, what he is able to do in the lane cannot be overlooked. A superb athlete with a college-built body, Shaun was extremely active inside the arc on both ends. He soars above the rim for rebounds on both ends, bodies up and uses his length well defending the post, and frequently sneaks over from the weakside to swat away shots. He can play back to basket, but impressed me the most by facing up and attacking from the short corner or high post and finishing well with his left hand.
Brian Mathews Brian Mathews 6'8" | C Depaul Prep | 2021 State IL – H.I.T
Brian is one of the top ranked big men in Illinois for a reason. He is a walking double-double that proved to be a very tough box-out as he was a force on the glass that consistently led to easy put-backs or extended possessions for his team. He probably had one of the better back to the basket skill sets that I saw and has really nice touch around the rim. He operates well in the pick and roll and does a solid job protecting the rim on the other end. He will find a nice D1 home in the future.
Ola Ajiboye Ola Ajiboye 6'8" | PF Evanston | 2021 State IL – RWA
Another power forward with multiple D1 offers, Ola has loads of potential. He kept my attention with his relentless effort on the defensive end where he cleaned the glass and altered shot after shot. He is still raw offensively, but did a nice job of cashing in his opportunities on dump offs and offensive rebounds around the cup. As his offensive game continues to progress, his offer list will continue to increase. He had a nice showing over the weekend.
AJ Braun – Team Flyght
AJ is another forward who was mentioned in a previous article for his versatility and perimeter shooting, but he can also make his money in the lane. He operated efficiently on the block, showing the ability to play with his back to the basket and score going whether he turned middle or baseline. He uses his off arm or the rim effectively to shield his defender, and will finish even better through contact as he continues to add strength. Good luck keeping him away from the offensive glass. AJ is in line for a stellar finish to the summer.
Gavin McGrath – Wisconsin Playground
McGrath was a stat-sheet stuffer on Saturday at IBA. It seemed like every time I looked up from my packet during their games, there he was pulling down another rebound, blocking another shot, or finishing another put back. He is very agile at 6’10 and is a high IQ player with a strong motor that challenges at the rim on both ends of the floor. As he continues to add strength to his frame and develop his tremendous potential, I expect his stock to really jump through the roof. He will be a D1 player.
Others of note:
- Aaron McQueen Aaron McQueen 6'5" | PF Lane Tech | 2021 State IL – Illinois Jaguars
- Daine Hansen – Illinois T-Wolves
- Jaylen Bryson Jaylen Bryson 7'0" | PF Champaign Centennial | 2021 State IL – AIA
- Jameson Daugherty – Wisconsin Playmakers
- Jerimiah Burke/Kameron Wood – Wisconsin United