PrepHoops Top 250: Scott’s Upperclassmen Standouts
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Sunday was the 2019 PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 Camp. It was the biggest camp the company has ever had and it was loaded with talent all day in Romeoville! We will have coverage all week from our staff of writers that…
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Continue ReadingSunday was the 2019 PrepHoopsIllinois Top 250 Camp. It was the biggest camp the company has ever had and it was loaded with talent all day in Romeoville! We will have coverage all week from our staff of writers that were in the house. Let’s start with Scott’s Upperclassmen Standouts!
Aaron Tims (Hinsdale South – 2020)
Tims is a top 30 prospect in the 2020 class and he definitely showed why on Sunday. What you have to like about this kid’s game is his elite athleticism and quickness around the hoop. He showed that off with quick moves inside for scores. Got on the glass. Finished dump off passes. Also displayed a face up game knocking down mid-range jumpers and taking his man off the dribble a few times including a nice euro step in space.
Ryan Isaacson (Hinsdale Central – 2020)
Isaacson has always been known as a skilled face up four that can stretch the floor. That is still true, but we liked what we saw in him with his growth athletically and defensively. He was very good swatting shots on the interior using his length. Scores on the block with either hand using a soft touch on his hook shot.
Jaden Terrell (Wheeling – 2021)
Terrell has always been more of a three and D wing. Stretches the floor with his shooting and can check multiple positions on the perimeter defensively. The area we thought stood out the most was the growth in his handle. Used a strong shot fake and put it on the deck multiple times. Handles are much improved since we last saw him in July.
Jeffery Oakley (Perspectives – 2021)
Oakley is a prospect we identified with Team M.O.R.E. during July as a potential breakout candidate in the Chicago Public League this season. He has continued to trend in that direction. The junior stands at 6’5” with a long and lanky frame. Wiry explosive athlete. He had several big dunks throughout the day. Got to the rim consistently all day long. Flashed as a shooter, but that will be the next step in his development. Quick to the glass.
Tommie Williams (Belleville West – 2021)
This wing will now be the man for the two time defending state champion Maroons. He was outstanding when we saw him on Sunday afternoon. The two guard played with such a high energy level on both ends of the floor. It started with what he did defensively. In a camp setting sometimes it is hard to find standouts on that end, but he was definitely that. Got in passing lanes for steals which he took the other way, blocked shots on the perimeter, and was overall aggressive defending in one on one situations. Offensively he showed more confidence on his three point ball and had a couple nice takes to the cup.
Paul Zilinskas (Riverside Brookfield – 2020)
Skilled and tough! That is exactly what a college will get in this wing. The small forward has continued to add strength to his frame which has allowed him to be more explosive on straight line drives and finishing in the paint. Has more shake to his handle than earlier in his career. Finished with power and acrobatics at the rim. Also knocked down jumpers as usual.
Malachi Key (Rock Island – 2020)
Key got on our radar back in the spring as an upside four man with athleticism. He was a bit raw though. Seems to be starting to put it together. Quick second jump on the glass allowed him to rack up points on the offensive boards. Flashed some handles. Used length on the defensive end.
Devon Vandenheydt (Washington – 2021)
This forward from central Illinois can flat out shoot the rock! Floor stretching combo forward that showed more athleticism and pop than we had seen in the past. That was evident on one take from the baseline where he threw down! Natural scorer that is starting to display more versatility to his game.
Grayson Goetz (Oswego East – 2020)
It was a nice day for the 6’3” wing from Oswego East. He came out assertive on the defensive end getting steals and them taking them the other way for scores at the rim. Had several sweet up and under conversions. Like the overall energy level he played with on both ends.
Elijah Watson (TF South – 2020)
Watson is a long and lanky forward that uses his quickness around the hoop to get on the offensive glass for second chance points. Much improved consistency as a shooter including being able to spot up and hit a three. Even had a couple nice passes.
Bryson Tatum (Urbana – 2020)
Tatum played the best we have seen him in his career. At 6’4” Tatum has broad shoulders and a strong frame. He used that to attack off the bounce and finish through contact at the cup. What was most impressive was the growth in his perimeter game especially his jumper which he knocked down at an impressive clip.
Christian Shumate (Bloom – 2020)
Shumate is the best dunker and athlete overall in the state and I don’t really know if it’s close. He has been creating quite a buzz since he made the move over to Bloom for his senior season with his play in open gyms. The top 20 senior had several highlight reel dunks which had everyone on their feet! He will fit in seamlessly as a combo forward this season at Bloom. Did knock in one mid-range jumper, but his shot definitely needs to improve on a game in and game out basis.
Jayden Johnson (Batavia – 2020)
No question about this kids shooting. The top 15 senior is one of the premier snipers in the state. Knocked down threes behind screens, off movement, and spotting up. Clean and easy stroke. Drilled triple after triple. Elite level shooter that hopefully some D1 school will take notice of in the near future. Kid just gets buckets!
Lucas Castle (Rolling Meadows – 2021)
Castle is a 6’1” two guard that will provide some help for Max Christie this season. What we liked about his game was how hard he played late in the day. Power guard that can shoot the ball from three. Scored in bunches!
Jake Dimovski (Downers Grove South – 2021)
This 5’10” point guard is a crafty lead guard that plays the game with a lot of flair. He scored on creative layups and and-1s in the lane. As a passer he worked well around ball screens and pushed the tempo. Crossed his opponent pretty bad on one occasion. Fun player to watch!