Chi-Town TipOff: Standout 15U Guard Performers Pt 1
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Stationed at what was the former Berto Center for this past weekend’s Chi-Town TipOff, previous practice home of the Chicago Bulls during the glory days of Jordan and Co., we got to see quite a variety of guard play from…
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Continue ReadingStationed at what was the former Berto Center for this past weekend’s Chi-Town TipOff, previous practice home of the Chicago Bulls during the glory days of Jordan and Co., we got to see quite a variety of guard play from hybrid PG’s to pure scoring guards.
As with many of the major markets along our circuit, the guard play was deep across the entire 15U division, here we highlight the 2024’s (or 2025’s as so listed) who jumped out (in no particular order):
Jonathan Calmese | 6-0 | Big 3 Basketball
Quick, slashing PG who cut through the AIA Rodell Blue defense early and often for finishes and distribution to teammates, a top defender of the weekend with sly hands and great lateral movement cutting off penetration.
Nathaniel Williams | 5-11 | Illinois HoopStars Williams
A no conscience 3-point shooter with all the range he needs moving forward, got into the mid-range as well with some pull-ups off the break instead of bulling his way to the basket even though he has the solid frame to do so, showed nice instincts on D and handled the ball some as well as a lead man.
Brendan Molis | 6-3 | H.I.T.
One of the weekend’s true delight’s both in the way he showed off his versatile skillset and in his wonderful demeanor and enthusiasm, like the whole HIT bunch he really brought the energy at both ends, used his good size and athletic ability to affect the game defensively and of the boards, has an advanced and savvy offensive attack package at a young stage with a mix of hesitation moves, plenty of range past the arc and high-rise finishes near the bucket.
Philip Erickson | 6-3 | Swish Chicago
Goes about his business doing positive things in such an efficient and solid way it can seem almost effortless or not impactful, but it is and he is simply a sound basketball player with scoring ability at multiple levels who can shoot it at a high clip, handle the ball when needed, guard 3 spots and do all the little things coaches desire in winning players.
Tim Handy | 6-2 | Swish Chicago
Such depth of talent on this roster it was tough to highlight just a few, Handy was just so super athletic particularly getting to the basket through or over traffic with his high rising, loved his mid-range game and his aggressiveness both on defense and as a rebounder from the wing, when teamed on the floor with slick, 6-4 PG Tavariyaun Williams (yet another special talent at guard for Swish) it made for arguably most entertaining guard combo of the weekend.
La’montae Cross | 5-9 | 94 Feet Elite (pictured above)
His 16-pt first half against Swish Chicago was a sure-fire nominee for maestro performance of the weekend, even with the athletic talent on Swish they had no answer for his variety and creativity suing the dribble and then his ability to convert from both long-range and driving it into the teeth, 5-9 is a tough sell to the next level, but with his innate ability if he gets to 6-0 by the time of his junior summer he will have to have climbed to top status among Illinois guards by then.
Carmello Taylor | 5-11 | 94 Feet Elite
Strong going to the basket from the wing spot, plays bigger with that strength and benefitted from playing alongside dynamic teammate Cross, among the best rebounding guards of the weekend with a battle-energy that was as good as anyone’s I saw, showed off good quickness with the ball in his hands or working off the O-glass, put up 20 against a really deep and talented Swish Chicago team on Saturday.
Dominic Smith | 2025 | 6-1 | IBA Illinois Stars Englemann
On a team made up almost entirely of 2025’s playing up, at 6-1 with a good all-around perimeter skillset he took it to much bigger players both in the backcourt and getting downhill to the basket, good frame already and has the look of an athlete that is sure to grow both physically and within his game, think this will be a player to watch in the state of Illinois.
Ty Fernholz Ty Fernholz 6'2" | SG Stoughton | 2024 State WI | 6-2 | Wisconsin Academy Elite
Playing on a balanced and deep team full of players ready to take the next jump in their evolution, Fernholz has the look of the most next-level ready player on the roster, a polished guard with a steady and composed handle he can score from deep and use his good quickness and craftiness to score at the rim, also physical and well-schooled on-ball defender, had 20 impressive points (four 3s) Saturday against a strong Swish Chicago bunch, sure to be a fast-rising Wisconsin guard prospect to watch.
Andrew Kelley Andrew Kelley 6'1" | PG McFarland | 2024 State WI | 6-1| Wisconsin Academy Elite
One of the weekend’s best glue guys Kelley showed he could do it all on a roster filled with versatile players, a fine athlete possessing a solid acumen for how to play the game, was dangerous when left open from the arc but used quickness off the bounce to create havoc near the basket as well, can handle it when needed, was one of the weekend’s best on-ball defenders, and rebounds like a power forward, can see him making a big jump to elite Wisconsin status in a hurry.