Fall 2022 Top Performers: Part 1
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 2022 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 2022 Top Performers: Part 1!
Ben Vander Wal (Timothy Christian)
Event: Breakaway Scrimmage
One of the more intriguing junior wings in the class. At 6’6” he has positional size and can really shoot it from three. Drilled an array of triples off the catch from the wings. Also displayed his bounce running the floor and finishing in transition. Flashed as a passer and cutter at times too.
Bobby Durkin Bobby Durkin 6'6" | SF Hinsdale South | 2022 State IL (Hinsdale South)
Event: Breakaway Scrimmage
It was an excellent showing for the 6’5” small forward. This junior played with a ton of confidence and it showed through in his production. Skilled forward had his feathery mid-range jumper working as they were falling left and right. Put it on the deck a few times including a strong straight line take for a nifty finish at the cup. His passing feel was something we had never really seen out of him before. Showed a good sense of getting others involved in both the half court and transition. Can really elevate his stock if he can consistently pass this well.
AJ Casey AJ Casey 6'8" | PF Whitney Young | 2022 State #55 Nation IL (Whitney Young)
Event: Meanstreets Mini-Camp
The new Whitney Young product is the top prospect in the state’s junior class. At 6’8” the power forward has tremendous mobility and athleticism in the paint. That was shown on several spectacular moves including and-1s on quick post moves and explosive dunks. Got to the line at a high rate throughout the day where he shot it at a nice clip. Flashed his three point range off the catch.
Robbie Avila Robbie Avila 6'9" | PF Oak Forest | 2022 State #225 Nation IL (Oak Forest)
Event: Meanstreets Mini-Camp
Avila is one of the best prospects in the junior class and the power forward showed some of the reasons why at the Meanstreets camp. He has such a free and easy game. Worked well in pick/roll situations as well as in the give and go. Consistently made trips to the foul line drawing contact inside. More than capable three point threat from his post position.
Justin King Justin King 6'4" | PG Mascoutah | 2022 State IL (Mascoutah)
Event: Stealth Final Runs 2022
King made the trip up from southern Illinois to prove he is a top 15 prospect and more than lived up to that billing. The big guard has excellent length with projectability moving forward. Ultra smooth with the ball in his hands taking it off the dribble for scores at cup. Shot it pretty well with step back threes and pull ups. Crashed the glass from his guard spot. Played with a lot of confidence.
Kam Craft Kam Craft 6'5" | SF TSF | 2022 State #54 Nation GA (Buffalo Grove)
Event: Stealth Final Runs 2022
Craft was outstanding in this setting! The Buffalo Grove 6’4” small forward is a creative wing that can really shoot the rock. Loved drilling threes from the corners. Also mixed in some mid-range shots and showed bounce off the dribble including an explosive dunk late in the event.
Cooper Noard Cooper Noard 6'2" | PG Glenbrook South | 2022 State IL (Glenbrook South)
Event: Stealth Final Runs 2022
One of the more underrated point guards in the class is this 6’0” point guard. Elite level shooter that was lights out throughout the games. He connected on threes pulling up, off the catch, and side stepping for triples. Hit mid-range shots and turnaround jumpers with ease. Had a couple runners and was a sound passer, but it was his shooting that shined the most!
Ethan Marlowe Ethan Marlowe 6'8" | PF St. Charles North | 2022 State IL (St. Charles North)
Event: Stealth Final Runs 2022
Marlowe showed some raw tools when we watched him during the high school season. The well-built four man has broad shoulders and good mobility. He displayed skill around the hoop on a spin move, reverse layups, and utilized sound footwork. Played better as the night went on.