Rock N Ball Week 4: 2023 & 2024 Standouts
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It was week 4 of the Rock N Ball Winter League in Indiana. Prep Hoops Illinois had it covered from wall to wall. Here we dive into some of the top performers in our Rock N Ball Week 4: 2023…
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Continue ReadingIt was week 4 of the Rock N Ball Winter League in Indiana. Prep Hoops Illinois had it covered from wall to wall. Here we dive into some of the top performers in our Rock N Ball Week 4: 2023 & 2024 Standouts!
Class of 2023
Matas Buzelis Matas Buzelis 6'9" | SF Sunrise Christian | 2023 #2 Nation NLG (Brewster Academy)
Buzelis would have probably been the #2 prospect in the next update if he would have stayed in Illinois. Instead at the New Year he will be going out east to play at Brewster Academy. The 6’8” small forward has top 50 national recruit if not higher ability. Elite shooter especially off the catch. Feathery touch from beyond the arc. He weaves in and out of the defense like they aren’t even moving as he got to the hoop several times for finishes. Also played above the rim on lobs. With his insane length once he gets stronger he is going to be a big time defender.
Javonte Taylor Javonte Taylor 6'7" | PF Donda Academy | 2023 #41 Nation CA-S (Kenwood)
Taylor is the top 2023 prospect in the state and it’s not exactly close. The mobile power forward is a straight flame thrower from beyond the arc. Has a quick and easy release from beyond the arc. Very smooth the ball in transition for scores. At times he does leak out a bit early, but often those were finished with monster alley-oop dunks.
Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL (Kenwood)
It was a solid outing from Ames. He is definitely trending toward taking over as the top 2023 lead guard in the class. The lefty is silky smooth getting in the heart of the defense. Works well in pick/roll situations. On this night he was at his best distributing the his plethora of weapons.
Ahmad Henderson Ahmad Henderson 5'10" | PG Brother Rice | 2023 State #291 Nation IL (Brother Rice)
Henderson is a smaller point guard, but does this kid have game! Excellent ball handler that makes quality decisions with the rock. He is really good in ball screen situations. Also found shooters in the drive and kick game. Can hit shots from deep on his own as he nailed a ton of threes on the night off the bounce.
Kaiden Space Kaiden Space 6'2" | SG St.Rita | 2023 State IL (St. Rita)
Space is a quality perimeter defender that can check both backcourt spots. Offensively he was effective getting in the lane for finishes with either hand along with some nifty scoop shots.
Khalil Ross Khalil Ross 6'6" | SF Brother Rice | 2023 State IL (Lincoln Way East)
Ross is a rangy small forward that has an angular frame and plus athleticism. For the Avengers he was at his best when using his bounce to get on the offensive glass along with a couple of explosive dunks. Streaky perimeter shooter.
Cannon Leonard Cannon Leonard 6'10" | C Iroquois West | 2023 IL (Iroquois West)
Leonard is a well-built 6’8” center that has broad shoulders and a bruising frame. Solid area rebounder that his best play came on a powerful drop step for a score.
Owen Freeman Owen Freeman 6'10" | C Moline | 2023 State #179 Nation IL (Bradley Bourbonnais)
Was really looking forward to seeing Freeman again. The 6’9” center is a strong bodied post that has immense skill. His hook shot is one of his biggest strengths. Knows how to position his body in the post to get deep post position on the catch or seal off his opponent. Looked good shooting it from mid-range. Can push off a defensive rebound. High level rebounder that brings athleticism to the front court.
Bryce Coleman Bryce Coleman 6'6" | SF Proviso East | 2023 State IL (St. Joseph’s)
Coleman is a top 5 2023 prospect. At 6’6” he has a strong frame with athleticism and skill to match. Got out for quite a few transition scores. Coleman plays really hard on both ends of the floor. Sound shooter especially off the catch from beyond the arc. Can guard both wing spots effectively.
Mekhi Lowery (Oswego East)
Lowery is a two guard from Oswego East that put his name on our radar. Wing that has long arms and is a solid perimeter defender. Offensively he got to the rim several times where he was fouled.
Class of 2024
Morez Johnson (St. Rita)
Johnson continues to impress this fall/winter. He is looking like one of the premier prospects in the 2024 class early on. Projectable power forward that is extremely active on the glass as an offensive rebounder. Knocks in mid-range jumpers and is a force defensively with his mobility along with his shot blocking prowess.
Jaedin Reyna (St. Rita)
Reyna is a high IQ guard that runs the show. Going to be one of the star point guards of Chicago for many years. Had several acrobatic finishes at the cup along with scoop shots. Playmaker as a score and distributor.