New 2023 Names Who Emerged in 2nd Half

<p>What prospects in the 2023 class emerged during the second half of the high school basketball season?  Here are a few of the new names that jumped on our radar with their play!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939073" first="Macaleab" last="Rich"] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <p>We had heard ESL had another big time prospect in the freshman class and he showed it in all three outings during the second half that we saw him.  The 6’4” powerfully built wing has such a physical body for a freshman, but has some projectability as well.  He is at his best around the hoop using his superior strength to post up defenders and get on the glass for put backs.  Displayed handles on a hesitation drive from the wing where he beat his man to the cup.  Also can connect for three on occasion.  Plus defender with good positioning.  Elite level rebounder from the wing that gets on the offensive glass with a quick second jump.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939049" first="Cade" last="Altadonna"] (Highland)</strong></p> <p>We had seen Altadonna in some camps and playing with the Illinois Bears during the summer a little, but it was quite impressive to see the young guard be the best player for a varsity basketball team as a freshman at the Highland Shootout back in January.  This lefty point guard is crafty with the ball in his hands being able to get in and out of the defense for scores including and-1s.  Sound three point shooter that can also stop and pop from mid-range.  Had a knack for drawing fouls and getting to the charity stripe.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jake Hamilton (Sacred Heart Griffin)</strong></p> <p>This shooting guard certainly did not play like a freshman in a big game against Normal U-High.  Crafty player that did most of his damage inside either on drives to the hoop or quick moves on post ups.  Very productive freshman season for Hamilton and one to watch this summer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Asa Thomas (Lake Forest)</strong></p> <p>Thomas showed a lot of upside with his length, size, and shooting on the perimeter when we evaluated him in the playoffs.  The freshman stands at 6’4” displaying a high basketball IQ and the ability to play both on and off the ball.  Clean looking shot from the perimeter.  Projectable combo guard with upside.</p>