Quincy Shootout: All-Senior Team (Illinois)
The Quincy Shootout is one of the premier mid-season classics in Illinois that takes place annually in the tradition-rich confines of Blue Devil Gym. Top programs stretching from Tennessee all the way to the West Coast bring high end talent…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Quincy Shootout is one of the premier mid-season classics in Illinois that takes place annually in the tradition-rich confines of Blue Devil Gym. Top programs stretching from Tennessee all the way to the West Coast bring high end talent and excitement to the packed stands in this two-day hoops extravaganza. This years event was as impressive as ever. Illinois was well represented with 6 of the state’s top programs in action. Here are the Illinois seniors who dazzled throughout the weekend:
6’0 Lucas Reis | Quincy
Lucas is a dead-eye three point shooter that can bury a team when he is in the zone. He nailed back to back to back triples against Centralia in a short span to put the Blue Devils up by 15. When the Orphans got within striking distance in the 4th quarter, Reis was ice water at the charity stripe nailing 8 straight in the final minute and a half. He was equally clutch on Friday, knocking down 5 of 6 from the charity stripe down the stretch in an overtime win over Rock Island.
5’11 Adonte Crider | Quincy
Adonte is an impressive two-way player that caught our eyes in Saturday’s win over Centralia. He started things off by knocking down a three pointer and then proceeded to go on a defensive rampage, coming up with multiple steals and deflections that frustrated the Orphans. He did a nice job of getting out in transition and finishing, especially through contact where he connected on multiple hoop and harm opportunities.
6’5 Taurean Holtam | Rock Island
Taurean has a strong frame and some intriguing positional versatility. He is strong and physical, and that allows him to be a presence in the lane on either side of the ball. He is a big piece for Rock Island in the ball-screen action where he can roll to the basket and finish and also showed the ability to flare the screen and knock down the jumper.
6’8 Solomon Gustafson | Rock Island
Solomon had a tough assignment against Iowa City West where he was matched-up with Belmont signee 6’9 Even Brauns. He made adjustments defensively and held his own by being slippery and avoiding the hard seal. Offensively, he showed good patience and discipline. He utilized the shot fake well, and timed his jump hooks to get over the top of the big man and finish a number of baskets inside.
6’2 Ahron Ulis | Marian Catholic
Ahron scored the first dozen points of the game for Marian against a stacked Mehlville (MO) team in route to a game-high 24 points. He is really tough to keep in front with a tight handle and great burst and change of pace as a slasher. Strong to the rim and draws contact and converts at the line. He also showed the ability to knock down the three off the catch or off the bounce.
5’11 Preston Johannes | Centralia
I heard someone at Quincy describe Preston as a “relentless attacker”, and I can’t think of a better way to sum up his game. He stays aggressive regardless of time and score and his attack eventually wears on defenses to the point where he finds himself at the charity stripe often late in games. He knocked down 13 from the line, including 9 in a row, in Saturday’s loss to Quincy.
6’0 Tyree Westbrook | Centralia
Tyree made some critical shots for Centralia. It seemed like any time Quincy would go on a run and the Orphans needed a basket, Westbrook would come through and connect on a three pointer. He has a smooth jumper and deep range.