Top Illinois 2021 Wing Prospects
The strength of the 2021 class is definitely at the wing spot. Eight of the top 10 overall prospects in the class are wings and 18 of the top 30! That is an insanely high level group of D1 wings!…
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Continue ReadingThe strength of the 2021 class is definitely at the wing spot. Eight of the top 10 overall prospects in the class are wings and 18 of the top 30! That is an insanely high level group of D1 wings! Here they are the best 2021 shooting guards and small forwards in the state of Illinois.
Max Christie (Rolling Meadows)
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Ranking: #1
Christie is the clear top 2021 player and is without question the top prospect in the state regardless of class. The Rolling Meadows wing can score at a super high rate from all three levels. Plus jump shooter from three and can handle it off the bounce scoring at the rim. Elite feel for the game as a wing scorer. The best of the best nationally are recruiting him.
Bryce Hopkins (Fenwick)
Travel Team: MoKan
Ranking: #2
The big bodied wing is at his best using his skill to attack the defense off the dribble going downhill along with getting on the glass. He was outstanding during June with his high school team and that continued in July with MoKan at Peach Jam. Liked how he competed against the best talent in his class at Nike Elite 100 getting better as the week went along.
Brandon Weston (Morgan Park)
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Ranking: #3
Weston is one of the top pure athletes in the class. Such a burst with the ball off the bounce scoring in the half court and he is dynamic as a wing finisher in transition. Quick to the glass and has a chance to develop into a quality wing defender.
Ahamad Bynum (Simeon)
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Ranking: #5
Bynum is the epitome of an elite microwave scorer. When he gets hot the Simeon junior can absolutely carry a team. Streaky shooter that seems to get on insane hot streaks with his three point shot. Also has athleticism and power taking it to the rim.
John Poulakidas (Neuqua Valley)
Travel Team: MoKan
Ranking: #6
Poulakidas is one of the fastest rising prospects in the state. This is a player we have been on for a while, but he even exceeded our expectations this spring and summer. The lanky lefty is an excellent scorer that has a big time three point shot and has tightened up his handles considerably being able to score in more ways.
Isaiah Barnes (OPRF)
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Ranking: #8
Barnes has extreme projectability with his size and length on the perimeter. Smooth wing with three level scoring ability and considerable upside. The OPRF wing has a feathery jump shot and a silky smooth driving game. Could breakout this season as a major star!
Louis Lesmond (Niles Notre Dame)
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Ranking: #9
Lesmond came over from France last season to put his name on the map as a sophomore for Evanston. He moved over to Niles Notre Dame this summer where he will play his final two seasons. Plus shooter that can flat out shoot the rock with the best of them in the class. Starting to show flashes of a versatile game.
Jaylin Gibson (Evanston)
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Ranking: #10
Gibson is a shooting guard that’s best asset might be his passing! He is a high level distributor that has a feel for finding his teammates. Ultimate Swiss army knife type player as he brings a little bit of everything with his slashing, shooting, defense, and rebounding.
Tevin Smith (Danville)
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Ranking: #12
Smith had a ton of momentum after a very good sophomore season for Danville. Strong and athletic wing that became more consistent as a shooter and can really rebound from the wing. He was slowed down by an injury that held him out all spring and summer. Look forward to seeing him back on the court this season.
Troy D’Amico (Niles Notre Dame)
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Ranking: #13
Big fan of this Niles Notre Dame wing. The wiry small forward can really score it. Plus shooter with deep range on his shot. Highly skilled player that can put it on the deck, shoot, and pass. Also does a nice job of taking it off the glass and pushing in the open floor.
James Dent (Springfield Southeast)
Travel Team: All-In Athletics
Ranking: #15
Dent was one of the premier 16U players this spring and summer on the PrepHoops Circuit. The two guard can score it with such ease. Dent dropped feathery jumpers from all over the floor, but especially on deep threes. One of the best pure shooters in the class.
Jaiden Lee (Joliet West)
Travel Team: Illinois T-Wolves
Ranking: #18
Lee is also right up there when it comes to the top snipers in the class. Positional size and length are impressive. Best as a three point shooter that moves well without the ball to get open. Improved as a ball handler putting combination moves together.
Ben Schwieger (Waubonsie Valley)
Ranking: #19
Schwieger looks the part of a D1 hoops recruit at 6’5” with a long and wiry frame. Plus shooter that drills shots with a clean looking shot. More than just a shooter he has athleticism with a quick first step and acrobatic finishes at the rim.
Julius Rollins (Hillcrest)
Travel Team: Young & Reckless
Ranking: #20
Long and angular combo forward from Hillcrest who is intriguing to D1 schools. Runs the floor, rebounds, defends the 2-4 spots, and can hit an occasional jumper. If that shot becomes more consistent this athletic forward could see his recruitment take off!
Odin Lium (Oswego East)
Travel Team: HIT
Ranking: #22
Lium has positional size on the perimeter with good length. Wiry small forward can really shoot the ball with a sweet pull up game from mid-range and three. Quality athlete that can play in the open floor. Look for him to emerge as a junior!
Amar Augillard (Zion Benton)
Travel Team: All-In Athletics
Ranking: #23
Augillard is a physical combo guard from Zion Benton that plays with a lot of power with his physical frame. Knows how to finish through contact. Consistently attacks downhill and gets to the foul line. Capable three point shooter that is streaky with it.
Blake Peters (Evanston)
Travel Team: Fundamental U
Ranking: #25
Peters is an ELITE shooter! The Evanston two guard is maybe the best pure three point threat in the state. He has proven that both on the high school level and in travel team ball. Moves well without the rock to get open and has a quick release.
Tommie Williams (Belleville West)
Travel Team: Brad Beal Elite
Ranking: #28
Williams is a 6’3” shooting guard that was a role player for Belleville West last season, but will be their star moving forward. Plus athlete that has a nice all-around game. Can knock down a catch and shoot three. Burst with the ball on drives. Gets to the line.