Rock N Ball: Steve’s 2023 & 2024 First Half Standouts
In this article:
With the Rock N Ball Winter League at the midway point I’ve put together some of the top freshman and sophomores playing in the league. Javonte Taylor Javonte Taylor 6'7" | PF Donda Academy | 2023 #41 Nation CA-S (Kenwood)…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the Rock N Ball Winter League at the midway point I’ve put together some of the top freshman and sophomores playing in the league.
Javonte Taylor Javonte Taylor 6'7" | PF Donda Academy | 2023 #41 Nation CA-S (Kenwood) 2023
The versatile Taylor has been instrumental in his team’s success. His outside shooting has become consistent the more he plays but his open court play is what draws the attention of the crowd. Javonte leavea each week with at least two big slams either on someone or a ESPN highlight worthy play. As the top prospects in his class JJ continues to separate himself from the others.
Owen Freeman Owen Freeman 6'10" | C Moline | 2023 State #179 Nation IL (Bradley Bourbonnais) 2023
Owen has shown why is getting attention from power 5 schools. The 6’8 big has good touch from the 15-foot elbow but Freeman’s strength is that he makes the game easier by getting good positioning on the inside. His footwork around the rim is phenomenal as is his awareness to read a double team and find the right players when two guys surround him. Owen is athletic and battles hard on the boards. Freeman is a promising prospect for schools.
Richard Barron Richard Barron 6'5" | SF St. Ignatius | 2023 State IL (St. Ignatius) 2023
Barron is the epitome of a pit-bull on the court. He is fearless and competes hard on both ends. As an undersized forward Richard can put the ball on the ground and is able to attack them rim at any moment. When we caught Barron he was making shots from deep at a high rate which adds another dimension to his game. On defense he covered ground from sideline to sideline like a Chicago Bears linebacker. Barron stole the ball several times off long passes turning them all into transition buckets. Richard is a player who will emerge more when things get back to normal.
Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL (Kenwood) 2023
Darrin hasn’t played much in the Rock N Ball Winter League, but when he was there he went to work. Ames is often the long-range marksman when he’s playing but during week 4 the point guard was in the giving mood. Darrin looked to get his teammates involved instead of search for his own shot. His ability to do both score and facilitate makes him one of the top guards in the state.
Morez Johnson (St. Rita) 2024
One half of the freshman twin towers from Rita is a workhorse who battles on the boards tirelessly. Morez, as expected of most young bigs, is still raw on the block as a back to the basket player but he makes up for it by having a non-stop motor to clean up missed shots. Johnson has been effective on the defensive side as well by detouring shots often collecting blocks. Morez has a huge upside and will be a factor for his teams championship run.
Xavier Sulaiman Xavier Sulaiman 6'3" | SG Oak Lawn | 2023 State IL (Marist) 2023
The uber athletic guard maybe had one of the best 5 minute stretches I’ve seen at the Rock N Ball League. Xavier’s team was down double digits. He made a 3 of his 5 three pointers and stole the ball twice. Ended it with a fast break dunk. Sulaiman is very athletic and does his work in transition. In the half court he is solid catch and shooter who is developing a mid-range jumper. Xavier is just starting to trend upwards to his ceiling as far as his potential.
Bryce Coleman Bryce Coleman 6'6" | SF Proviso East | 2023 State IL (St. Joseph) 2023
Coleman is another solid wing in the sophomore class who has been able to show his versatility in the winter league. Bryce has a strong motor and competes hard on both ends. He can score on all three levels for his size. Coleman provides a steady hand for his team when things get out of hand.
Jaedin Reyna (St.Rita) 2024
Reyna is emerging as one of the top scoring freshmen guards. He does a great job at scoring in the lane often using various floaters and scoop shots. Jaedin can shoot but doesn’t rely taking many three pointers. His IQ for a young player is really good and I hope to see more progress in his game the next three years.
Dalen Davis Dalen Davis 6'0" | PG Whitney Young | 2023 State #167 Nation IL (Whitney Young) 2023
Davis has been the steady force for his team, he Usually is the set up man for the Upperclassmen on his team. Dalen does a good job of mixing up when to score and find players for buckets. Davis is another one of the top prospects in his class who has to patiently wait his turn to be a go to player, but in the meantime, he does a great job and being the steady lead guard all coaches love to have.
James Brown (St. Rita) 2024
James is without a doubt the top prospect in the freshman class and the running mate of Morez Johnson as the twin towers. Brown is the mobile skilled big who has good footwork and hands around the rim. I’ve seen him catch passes in traffic and finish with a lefty hook. It’s rare to see a young big man so nimble especially in traffic. James has looked the part of the top prospect in the state and we will continue to watch his game grow as time goes on.