Fall 2021 Top Performers: Part 2
Prep Hoops Illinois dives into what we saw from a variety of events during the fall months. We saw tons of basketball over the last few months and now we recap that. Check out our Fall 2021 Top Performers: Part…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Illinois dives into what we saw from a variety of events during the fall months. We saw tons of basketball over the last few months and now we recap that. Check out our Fall 2021 Top Performers: Part 2!
Max Christie Max Christie 6'4" | SG Rolling Meadows | 2021 State #12 Nation IL (Rolling Meadows)
Event: Illinois Wolves Scrimmages
The top ranked prospect in the state played like it in the scrimmage. Christie came out on fire drilling feathery jumpers. Hit them from three and pulling up from mid-range keeping his defender off balance rising on a dime. The Michigan State commit is just uber skilled being able to handle it well with either hand getting to the cup where he finished with creative layups and euro steps. Had a couple put backs in the game as well. Put his complete skill set on display in this one.
Connor Davis Connor Davis 6'4" | SG Nequa Valley | 2021 State IL (Neuqua Valley)
Event: Stealth Runs Next Wave Session 1
Davis was one of the top prospects in the gym. The 6’5” wing brings three level scoring to the table which he showcased. Connected on a couple threes, stopped and popped from mid-range, and had several aggressive slashes for scores. Little bit of passing flair as well.
Brandon Hall Brandon Hall 6'6" | PG Thornton | 2021 State IL (Thornton)
Event: South Suburban Hoops Kings of the Court
Hall is a thick bodied 6’4” combo guard that is so physical on the perimeter. Rebounds incredibly well for a guard getting offensive rebound put backs at a high clip. Strong straight line takes to the hoop where he either scored or was fouled. Got after it on the defensive end as well blocking several shots.
Devonta Blevins Devonta Blevins 6'4" | SG Rich East | 2021 State IL (Rich Township)
Event: South Suburban Hoops Kings of the Court
Blevins is a name to track this season. The 6’6” combo forward was a beast in transition finishing very well and used his long strides to win off the bounce as well taking it right at his defender.
Tyler Van Eekeren Tyler Van Eekeren 6'5" | SF Benet | 2021 State IL (Benet)
Event: HIT Scrimmages
TVE was one of the biggest stock risers from the summer with his all-around play for HIT. The Benet wing has size and length at 6’4” with a super high-motor. The biggest growth in his game has been his ability to win off the bounce on straight line drives. That was shown again on Thursday night. Did a nice job of winning off the dribble for buckets and finishing in transition. Capable shooter that knocked down a three and baseline shot. Crashes the glass for second chance points and was one of the better defenders on the night. D2s need to invest some time looking at his film!
Blake Peters Blake Peters 6'1" | SG Evanston | 2021 State IL (Evanston)
Event: Details Training
Peters is an elite shooter that is headed to Princeton next season. Probably the best pure shot maker in the state especially spotting up. He showed in this setting there is much more to his game beyond that. First thing we noticed was the added strength in his upper body. His ball handling has steadily tightened up throughout his high school career and now his passing feel is really coming along as he made sound decisions in both the half court and transition. Played on the ball quite a bit making quality reads in ball screen situations. Got to the rim a couple times and of course the jumper was wet! Going to be a star in the Ivy League.
Isaiah Stafford Isaiah Stafford 6'1" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2021 IN (Bolingbrook)
Event: Details Training
Stafford might be the most underrated guard in the class. The Bolingbrook combo guard is a smooth athlete that can play both on and off the ball. He got to the rim multiple times for layups and was effective despite his shot not falling early. As it went on he dropped several of his patented pull ups with great elevation. Rebounds well and shows creativity as a distributor. Low-majors are missing out!
Ethan Roberts Ethan Roberts 6'4" | SG Hersey | 2021 State IL (Hersey)
Event: Details Training
Roberts is a prospect we have heard a lot of buzz about this fall. Physically he definitely looks the part. At 6’4” he has plus positional size for the shooting guard position. Liked the overall athleticism he showed throughout the games. Crisp ball handler that sets his shot up well. Got off to a slow start, but then really hit his stride. Drilled several deep threes both off the catch and creating on his own.
Evan Ambrose Evan Ambrose 5'10" | PG Stevenson | 2021 State IL (Stevenson)
Event: Details Training
Loved the way Amrbose performed! The Stevenson guard is severely under recruited as he should be getting significant D3 and NAIA interest. He is small, but Ambrose brings such creativity and playmaking to the point guard position. Shifty ball handler that has it on a string. Changes gears in the blink of an eye and accelerates through holes in the defense. Really good passing feel that understands the game and makes sound decisions with the rock. Capable three point shooter and likes to pull up from mid-range as well.
Dre’ Scott Dre’ Scott 6'4" | SG Pinckneyville | 2021 State IL (Pinckneyville)
Event: Illinois Bears Jamboree
Scott was very impressive in this setting. The 6’5” small forward is a big and strong wing that showcased his entire game. He started off shooting it at a great clip drilling several mid-range shots and then extending it to three. Extremely active on the glass on both ends. His burst and ability to score in transition was what set him apart from everyone else. Big and strong wing that brings athleticism to the table.
AJ Smith AJ Smith 6'7" | SG Metro East Lutheran | 2021 State IL (Metro East Lutheran)
Event: Cape Girardeau Scrimmage
This was our first look at Smith since last high school season. We really liked the progression he has made over the last year. Big and strong shooting guard that has broad shoulders and a strong frame. Not overly bulky though as he maintains his athleticism which he showed throwing down a pair of explosive one handed slams. Smith was effective putting it on the deck with smooth ball handling getting to the rim where he converted with euro steps, off hand finishes, and reverse layups. Hit a pair of threes including a pull up in transition and one off the catch. Sound form with elevation and just the slightest hitch at the top. Defensively he had a couple of swats coming from the weakside notching three of them to go with his 16 points. Smith will get a nice bump in our next rankings update.