Jordan’s ChiTown Tip-Off 17U Standouts – 2022s, Part 1
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I was quite excited to get the chance to get out of the Florida heat and travel out to the Prep Hoops Circuit’s Chi-Town Tip-Off. On my trip to Chicago, I was able to see a ton of young talent…
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Continue ReadingI was quite excited to get the chance to get out of the Florida heat and travel out to the Prep Hoops Circuit’s Chi-Town Tip-Off. On my trip to Chicago, I was able to see a ton of young talent that will be dominating all over the Midwest next season. I spent time at the Supreme Courts facility outside the city in Aurora, Illinois and watched many great 17U teams. Here are some of the standout performers from the weekend:
Lincoln Thomae Lincoln Thomae 6'3" | SG Victory Christian | 2022 State IN , 6’3″, SG, Victory Christian (IN)/Indiana Game 2022
Thomae was an interesting prospect from the first jump of Indiana Game’s matchup against Fundamental U. Thomae was elite shooter who was able to get to his spots in both the midrange and from distance. He cooled off in the second half, but got the game started with a 7-point opening tear which was key to getting the win down the stretch. He’s an interesting prospect that will need to improve his physical tools and IQ, but could be a very effective tool on a team looking for a sharpshooter..
Kaleo Kakalia Kaleo Kakalia 6'6" | PF Mishawaka Marian | 2022 State IN , 6’6″, PF, Marian HS (IN)/Indiana Game 2022
Kakalia is a great and agile forward for the AAU scene. He’s a great athlete who can elevate to throw down or finish around the rim. He’s got a good feel around the basket and can finish, especially when he’s playing with a competent point guard. He is relentless and can get to the rim with ease and strength. He’s a decent rebounder and can block shots with his athleticism as well. He’s a threat that will be a fun player to watch this season in Indiana.
Karlo Kolak, 6’5″, CG, New Trier (IL)/Hoops 4 Health 2022
Kolak was a standout all weekend at the ChiTown Tip-Off. Leading a tough Hoops 4 Health squad alongside teammate and top ranked forward Tyler Van Gorp Tyler Van Gorp 6'10" | C New Trier | 2023 State IL , Kolak was a threat on both ends of the floor. He’s listed as a shooting guard, but was the definite leader and functioned in the point guard role all weekend. He’s a great shooter and a reliable finisher with a good build to get into the lane. He was a smooth player who was able to make smart passes and get to the cup with ease. Most importantly, he was absolutely killer in the clutch. He was an electric clutch time performer and seemed like he was built for the moment. He had 17 points for Hoops 4 Health in their win over The Work Foundation and was the star of the show for H4H all weekend.
Jabari Sanders, 5’9″, PG, Calumet (IL)/The Work Foundation 2022
Sanders was an undersized guard who made an immediate impact and kept his team in it in every game they played. He used screens at a high level and was able to facilitate well. He forced defenses to make tough decisions on the pick and roll with his effective distance shooting. He knocked down 3 triples in TWF’s 1 point loss to Hoops 4 Health and finished with 17 points. He is a relentless pest on defense and is a non-stop, go at your throat kind of player. He’s a fun guy to watch and will be fun to watch next season.