Midwest Collision: 2021 Illinois Top Performers
It was a tremendous weekend of basketball in Minnesota at the PrepHoops Midwest Collision! There were quite a few Illinois teams in the house. Time to break down the prospects that shined. Here is our Midwest Collision: 2021 Illinois Top…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt was a tremendous weekend of basketball in Minnesota at the PrepHoops Midwest Collision! There were quite a few Illinois teams in the house. Time to break down the prospects that shined. Here is our Midwest Collision: 2021 Illinois Top Performers!
Jakobi Heady Jakobi Heady 6'8" | SF Hillcrest | 2021 State IL (God’s Gift)
Heady was outstanding in the final game of the event. The 6’6” combo forward brings versatility, athleticism, and can impact on both ends of the floor. That was apparent in both games we saw, but especially on Sunday. He has long arms and knows how to use it on the defensive end. Heady was active laterally getting steals and vertically with quite a few monster swats! Offensively he has deep range on his three point shot. Smooth release, but is a bit slow getting it off. Plays well above the rim with thunderous slams in transition and slicing through the defense. A lot of upside here in the D1 prospect.
Jesus Perez Jesus Perez 5'10" | PG Morton | 2021 State IL (Illinois Outwork)
Perez battled Heady in the final game of the event. The Morton point guard was fantastic. The 5’10” point guard is a dynamic ball handler who has it on a string. He is quick getting in and out of traffic. Wins off the bounce and likes to finish with floaters, scoop shots, euro steps, and mid-range pull ups. Also an adequate distributor drawing defenders and kicking to shooters.
Brandon Weston (Illinois Stars)
Weston was the highest rated prospect at the event and he played up to it. Recently announced he will play next season at Hillcrest Prep. Continuing his momentum from last year at Morgan Park. Weston is a 6’5” two guard that brings three level scoring and elite athleticism to the table. Displayed both of them all weekend! His burst off the bounce was outstanding as in the first two games he got to the rim at will. When he gets his shoulders turned he is tough to stop from getting to the hoop. Also mixed in floaters on a regular basis along with pull ups from 15-18 feet which looked smooth. Weston shot it about as consistent as we have seen him from three. Gets great elevation on his shot. Defensively he can check three or four spots. High level rebounder for a wing! No doubt high-major player.
Kai Evans Kai Evans 6'3" | SG Bolingbrook | 2021 NV (Illinois Stars)
Evans is a big bodied 6’3” shooting guard that put together a rock solid weekend. He is more of an off guard, but we were able to see him play on the ball quite a bit during the event. The Bolingbrook guard is at his best when using his strength and crisp handles getting downhill for scores. Had several monster jams during the event. Can definitely play bully ball against weaker guards. Shot it pretty well from three including a half court shot to send one game to OT. Plus rebounder.
Sean Gallery Sean Gallery 6'2" | SG Maine South | 2021 State IL (Sharks Basketball)
This Maine South 6’2” guard displayed a better passing and playmaking feel than we had previously seen out of him. Threw several on the money passes which led to buckets. Got loose in transition a few times and can put it on the deck. Brings toughness and grit from the guard spot.
Sincere Malone Sincere Malone 6'7" | PF CBA | 2021 State NC (Team RWA)
Malone continues to impress. The Corliss combo forward has long arms and broad shoulders to carry more strength as his career progresses. At 6’6” he brings versatility on both ends. Liked his activity level especially on the glass. Snatched defensive rebounds throwing strong outlets and offensively was good at getting tip ins with his explosive second jump. Can put it on the deck in the half court and is an outstanding rim runner.
Jadyn Benson Jadyn Benson 6'4" | SG Mt. Carmel | 2021 State IL (HIT)
Benson is a prospect we have seen flashes of throughout his career. The 6’4” combo guard got called up to run the show for the HIT Elite team and man did he deliver! He was outstanding scoring at will. His lethal pull up game was in Steph Curry mode as he was drilling stop and pop threes one after another. The mid-range game was feathery as well connecting on one after another. More than just a shooter he was slippery through traffic for scores at the cup. Great positional size and might have elevated into D2 territory with a strong weekend.
Tyler Van Eekeren Tyler Van Eekeren 6'5" | SF Benet | 2021 State IL (HIT)
The Benet 6’4” wing has really helped himself with a strong showing this summer for HIT. He has always been a sound perimeter shooter off the catch, but has improved his all-around game. It all starts with his enhanced ball handling. That has allowed him to score off the dribble in the half court and be more effective as a transition player. Gets to the foul line at a higher rate than early in his career. Has also developed as a passer and rebounder. Always been a pretty solid wing defender.
Aaron McQueen Aaron McQueen 6'5" | PF Lane Tech | 2021 State IL (Illinois Jaguars)
This Lane Tech 6’6” power forward was his usual productive self when we saw him with his Illinois Jaguars squad. He is an excellent mid-range shooter that can drill them for days. Thick bodied four man is a good area rebounder that got on the offensive glass for second chance points. Runs the floor hard. Crafty four that gets it done!