#LiveSZNKickoff: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook
What went down in Lincoln on Saturday in the Live SZN Kickoff event? Prep Hoops has your covered! Here is what I saw in #LiveSZNKickoff: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook! Pedulla Out Lasts MN Chill Frontline in 16U Triller What…
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Continue ReadingWhat went down in Lincoln on Saturday in the Live SZN Kickoff event? Prep Hoops has your covered! Here is what I saw in #LiveSZNKickoff: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook!
Pedulla Out Lasts MN Chill Frontline in 16U Triller
What a great way to start the day off in Lincoln as Buddy Buckets and MN Chill 16U played an absolute thriller! Buddy Buckets won in OT 75-73. Their star 2024 Ciaran Pedulla played up to his last name’s reputation on the PHC. Pedulla absolutely took over the game in several stretches including multiple deep threes. He is such a competitive lead guard that has the ability to score with his handles as well, but it was his sharp shooting that he got most of his 25 points on. Primed to breakout this spring/summer! He was complimented by Rodney Gray in the backcourt. Gray made the biggest plays in overtime with a three ball along with a scoop shot to win the game. He finished with 13 points. MN Chill 16U has some legit college prospects led by Khalif Bettis. The 6’4” small forward scored inside and outside all game long. Strong baseline takes, ran the floor, and showed excellent quickness in the paint en route to 23 points. Joe Ofori opened eyes with his versatile game at 6’5”. Powerfully built kid that can slash and get on the glass for 11 points. Intrigued with the long term potential of Molley Kamara. Angular 6’6” four man that has a hook shot game around the hoop and overall feel in the paint for scoring on his touches. Multi positional defender had 10 points.
AJ Storr and Jerome Brewer Duel in Lincoln
Two of the top players on the Prep Hoops Circuit in the Midwest went head to head on Saturday afternoon in Lincoln. Brand new Illinois commit AJ Storr of Illinois Hoopstars and NEBC power forward Jerome Brewer went at it. Storr’s team got the victory and he was a major reason why! The 6’6” small forward has tremendous upper body strength along with explosive athleticism. He put it on the deck consistently getting in the lane where he was fouled or scored. Best drive was a monstrous left handed jam. Also crashed the glass on both ends and continues to improve his jumper. Knocked in from mid-range on a stop and pop along with a top of the key three. He finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds. On the other side for NEBC Brewer is an imposing presence at 6’8” having a strong frame and quickness that allows him to take opposing posts on the perimeter and beat them with his spin move from the high-post. Works well in pick/roll. Gets to the line at a high rate. Solid defender that contests shots in the paint and on the perimeter. Mid-major prospect with high-major potential. Others that stood out in this game for the Hoopstars included Evanston unsigned senior point guard Isaiah Holden. Small college and JUCO’s should be all over him with his leadership, passing, and shot making from deep. Went for 11 points and 8 dimes. Yorkville Christian 2022 shooting guard Kevin Vasser is a versatile wing at 6’2” that does a little bit of everything as the perfect glue guy! Zach Cleveland continues to post monster numbers for the Hoopstars. The Normal Comminity face up four Zach Cleveland netted 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win. A lot of buzz starting to get going with him among D1 coaches. On the NEBC side Ryan Kelly flashed what he does best at the stretch forward knocked in several threes. Plus shooter with size is on the D1 radar.
Jevon Porter is a Program Changer for Pepperdine
MJP Elite and Father Tolton (MO) 2022 6’11” center Jevon Porter showed a lot of intriguing tools when I last saw him at the Highland Shootout about a year and a half ago. He has gotten taller since and the skill level continues to be ridiculous for a player his size. Against Wisconsin Crusaders he put on a show on both ends. Defensively he anchors as a plus shot blocker that can defend all over the floor due to his mobility. On the offensive end his best asset might be his passing both out of the post and in the open floor where he can handle it some. Sound shooter from mid-range and even stretched it out to three on one occasion. Runs the floor with ease. Pepperdine is getting a steal in Porter! He had 21 points in a 74-49 win.
Duo of Point Guards and High Motor Posts Shine for Illinois Hoopstars 16U
The Illinois Hoopstars 16U have a smaller backcourt that came up big on Saturday afternoon. Bryce Tillery is a 5’9” point guard from Hillcrest that netted 21 points in the win. Tough and quick guard that has crisp handles, can hit a pull up shot, and gets after it on the defensive end. Maurice Thomas is a sleeper point guard from DePaul Prep who at 6’1” will see a larger role for his high school team next year. Got to the line and had quick hands defensively scoring 11 points. The athleticism up front for the Hoopstars group is impressive. Bolingbrook 6’7” power forward Keon Alexander had 14 points and 7 rebounds. The lefty is a high energy post that rebounds in traffic, makes tough shots in the post, and can put it on the deck from the mid-post. Lincoln Way East 2023 power forward George Bellevue is a plus athlete who is explosive around the hoop finishing dump off passes and snatching rebounds at their high point. Finished with 10 points.
Another Standout Performance from Different Buddy Buckets 16U Prospect
Earlier in the day it was Pedulla that had a monster performance for Buddy Buckets 16U. Their second game featured a huge outing from angular power forward Luke Gray who was playing up a year. The 2024 four man brings energy, athleticism, and acrobatic finishes around the hoop. Bounce off the floor on both ends finishing and swatting shots at a high rate. Went for 27 points.
815 Select Tops South Cook Jaguars in Illinois Battle
A couple of Illinois squads got together in an afternoon matchup in Lincoln. Team 815 North moved to 3-0 with an impressive win over the South Cook Jaguars. Their wing play once again led the way. Mekhi Doby is a smooth scorer from Rockford Guilford that has made a name for himself early in the spring. Won off the dribble at a high rate including multiple and-1s. Handles it with ease which creates so many opportunities for him. Beloit Turner wing Donavhan Cain also is opening eyes with his play as well. The 6’4” Wisconsin product is a multi level scorer that has nice size. On the other side Matt Somerville is a prospect for the South Cook Jaguars to keep tabs on. The Whitney Young small forward is a major athlete that can also stretch it out to beyond the arc. Just scratching the surface of his potential. The 6’6” wing will see a major growth in his game this summer and be primed for a breakout senior season for the Dolphins.
Illinois Hoopstars 17U Spreads Wealth in Night Win
The Hoopstars 17U were clicking on all cylinders in their 69-48 win over Colorado Titans. They spread the wealth in this victory. Illini commit AJ Storr led the way with 19 points. He scored from all three levels hitting threes, throwing down alley oops, and getting loose in transition. KJ Debrick was a force early on swatting shot after shot in the first half. Played bully ball down low for 12 points. A pair of unsigned seniors also made an impact with their perimeter shooting as Springfield Southeast two guard James Dent notched 13 points while Evanston point guard Isaiah Holden had 10 points. Each are among the best remaining uncommitted prospects at their positions in Illinois in the 2021 class. For the Colorado Titans Esmond Griffin was their top performer. Quick and shifty point guard that loved getting in the lane for floaters along with stopping and popping for jumpers.