Battle at the Lakes: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook
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It was a jam-packed day of games from Battle at the Lakes in Minnesota. We dive into the top Illinois prospects along with national players that shined in Battle at the Lakes: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook! PM North Showcase…
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Continue ReadingIt was a jam-packed day of games from Battle at the Lakes in Minnesota. We dive into the top Illinois prospects along with national players that shined in Battle at the Lakes: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook!
PM North Showcase 17U Wins over Next Generation with Monster Effort from Wing
The story of the opening game on Saturday was the play of Hibbing (MN) 2022 6’2” shooting guard Tre Holmes. He absolutely went off in PM North Showcase’s 82-77 win. The two guard did just about whatever he wanted draining a handful of threes with feathery touch and always seemed in rhythm whether shooting off the catch or bounce. Also mixed in some creative transition buckets. Prospect that D2s should really look into him. He had 29 points in the win. Kevon Powell was the other go to player for their squad. The unsigned 5’11” point guard is a scrappy guard that handles it well, gets after it on D, and rebounds surprisingly well for his position. Next Generation Blue out of Illinois was led by Homewood Flossmoor 6’4” shooting guard Chakaris London. Athletic slashing wing with length that has a projectable game showing he could get to the rim along with hit the deep ball. Solid defender. Unsigned senior Omarion Mollette from Plainfield South also was effective with his reverse layups at the cup and play in transition.
Illinois Hoopstars McAllister Cruise to Opening Win
It was a pretty easy win for Hoopstars McAllister in their first game of the event as they defeated 920 Elite by a final of 76-55. Normal U-High point guard DJ Starr DJ Starr 6'1" | PG Ravenwood | 2022 State TN continues to shoot at a high clip this spring. The lead guard can let it fly from deep. Plus off the catch along with pulling up creating his own shot off the bounce. Releases it with a ton of confidence. Good leader on the floor and solid passer although at times he can turn it over. Bloomington 2022 small forward Famious French Famious French 6'6" | SF Bloomington | 2022 State IL is another central Illinois prospect to track in the rising senior class. At 6’6” with plus athleticism he has a lot of physical tools to like. Bouncy around the hoop for second chance points, runs the floor for transition scores, and can post up smaller defenders. D2s need to be investing time here! Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin 2023 6’4” small forward Brett Meidel Brett Meidel 6'4" | SF Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin | 2023 IL flashed some athleticism and smooth handles on drives. One to track as he did it against small school comp during the season and is starting to show well on the circuit. For 920 Elite the standout was David Danforth. The lefty point guard is a shifty playmaker that plays with nice pace and has a sweet southpaw stroke from deep! Small college prospect.
Young & Reckless 16U Backcourt Impresses
The Y&R 16U team continues to roll along. They got a W on Saturday morning against Kevon Looney Power 5. Their point guard Ahmad Henderson Ahmad Henderson 5'10" | PG Brother Rice | 2023 State #291 Nation IL is an explosive scoring point guard with quickness for days. Deep range on his shot and can score in the open floor. Proviso East combo guard Jaloni Johnson Jaloni Johnson 6'4" | SG Proviso East | 2023 State IL continues to progress as well. Slick handling thin guard that makes plays finishing at the cup with his athleticism.
Top Unsigned Seniors Ignite Blowout Young & Reckless Brim 17U Victory
Three of the best uncommitted 2021s in Illinois are playing with Young & Reckless Brim this weekend and wow did they impress. Amar Augillard Amar Augillard 6'5" | SF Zion Benton | 2021 State IL of Zion Benton is a grown man at 6’5” with an NFL body. He has skill to match as he handles it crisply off the bounce playing bully ball getting downhill off the dribble. Plays above the rim in transition with dunks and has some passing flair. No doubt low-major and possible mid-major guy. Whitney Young floor general Jaehshon Thomas Jaehshon Thomas 6'1" | PG Whitney Young | 2021 State IL is a physical point guard that has really improved as a consistent shooting threat pulling up as his career has progressed. Also when he gets his shoulders turned downhill is a tough cover. Low-major point guard for sure. The third is North Chicago’s Kimahri Wilson Kimahri Wilson 6'2" | PG North Chicago | 2021 State IL . Shifty lead guard that pushes and makes plays as a flashy passer. Really nice JUCO prospect. As far as 2022 prospects they had a few of them shine as well. Simeon point guard Avyion Morris Avyion Morris 5'9" | PG Simeon | 2022 State IL is a pit-bull at the point of attack defensively and uses his speed offensively. Keynan Davis continues to elevate his play this spring. The small forward converted a ton around the rim on slashes, put backs, and in transition. Proviso East combo guard Javon Johnson Javon Johnson 6'3" | SG Proviso East | 2022 State IL had a nice outing hitting a three and being a multi positional defender on D. Bloom 2022 power forward Emondrek Ford Emondrek Ford 6'8" | PF Bloom | 2022 State IL has a high ceiling with the way he protects the rim and dives to the hoop. Just scratching the surface of his potential.
Sleeper 2024s Emerge in Afternoon
During the 1:25 slot we caught some 15U action. DTM Elite Chicago has a few sleeper prospects in the 2024 class to monitor in Illinois. St. Ignatius 6’1” combo guard Reggie Ray jumped off the floor at us. Strong bodied guard that impressed with his combination of physicality and skill. Fluid ball handler that got where he needed for scores in the paint. Got to the rim consistently. Hit a three behind a ball screen along with a step back. Potential as a shooter with some mechanical work to go. Best play was snatching a defensive rebound, going coast to coast, behind his back for a finish. Kenwood 2024 point guard Askia Bullie is another name to watch. The 5’10” guard is a shifty ball handler that likes to break down the defense for scores in the paint. Charles Lay out of Mt. Carmel is an undersized four with sound footwork and a mid-range shot.
Breakaway 17U Leaves No Doubt in Victory over Tulsa Hawks
What a show Breakaway 17U put on Saturday afternoon. After a morning win with a buzzer beater they completely dominated their second game against the Tulsa Hawks winning 78-67. It all started with the sharp shooting of Hinsdale South 2022 wing Bobby Durkin Bobby Durkin 6'6" | SF Hinsdale South | 2022 State IL . One of the best shooters in the state of Illinois was completely on fire. Plus size and every time it comes off his hands you think it is going in as he scored 18 points. Made five from distance along with excellent passing to cutters. The recipient of several of those dimes was his wing running mate Timothy Christian’s Ben VanderWal Ben VanderWal 6'5" | SF Timothy Christian | 2022 State #201 Nation IL . He is an elite shooter as the 6’7” small forward hit a pair in this one, but he made several instinctive cuts to the hoop for layups which stood out to us. Went for 20 points. Riverside Brookfield shooting guard John Paul Hanley John Paul Hanley 6'2" | SG Riverside Brookfield | 2022 State IL was excellent defensively face guarding the Hawks star while hitting several threes on his way to 14 points. Really nice small college three and D threat. Their versatile forwards Nick Hesch Nick Hesch 6'5" | PF York | 2022 State IL (York) and Garrett Bolte Garrett Bolte 6'6" | PF Hinsdale South | 2022 State IL (Hinsdale South) did the dirty work inside with Bolte notching 15 points with his rugged inside/outside game. Rock solid guard play from the Breakaway trio. South Elgin lead guard Drew Cwik Drew Cwik 6'2" | PG South Elgin | 2022 State IL was a pesky defender and excellent decision maker kicking to shooters. Same can be said about Benet’s Brennan White Brennan White 6'0" | PG Benet Academy | 2022 State IL who pushed in the open floor and got his shooters in spots to succeed. Naperville North combo guard Zeke Williams Zeke Williams 6'3" | SG Naperville North | 2022 State IL is a plus athlete that did a nice job on the defensive end defending the opposing guards. The Tulsa Hawks superstar Parker Friedrichsen had to work for his points in this one. A rangy 6’4” shooting guard he still got his knocking in four from distance along with a couple of other buckets for 25 points. Athletic two guard with a lightning quick release and high-major ability.
Young & Reckless Knocks Off D1 Minnesota 63-62 on Ahmad Henderson Ahmad Henderson 5'10" | PG Brother Rice | 2023 State #291 Nation IL Buzzer Beater
What a game! Two of the top 16U teams in the event went at in on Saturday afternoon and the contest lived up to the hype. Young & Reckless won in OT on a buzzer beating three by birthday boy Ahmad Henderson Ahmad Henderson 5'10" | PG Brother Rice | 2023 State #291 Nation IL from Brother Rice. It was fitting as he completely and utterly carried his team in this game. The mid-major prospect drained threes at a high rate both spotting up and off the bounce from his point guard position. Mixed in some scoop shots and was willing to make the extra pass. He was complimented by Jaloni Johnson Jaloni Johnson 6'4" | SG Proviso East | 2023 State IL from Proviso East who had another solid game and St. Rita’s Kaiden Space Kaiden Space 6'2" | SG St.Rita | 2023 State IL who is just a rock solid off guard. Make no mistake though Henderson was the reason they won the game 63-62! He had 27 points including six triples. Emondrek Ford Emondrek Ford 6'8" | PF Bloom | 2022 State IL held his own against a huge front line for D1 Minnesota as he competed on the glass and blocked a couple shots. For D1 Minnesota we have really enjoyed watching Jack Janicki all spring. The 6’3” lefty combo guard is effective playing both on and off the ball. Crafty scorer that is lethal off the catch. Works well around ball screens and is crafty with the rock in his hands. Went for 23 points. Patrick Bath is a 2023 post that intrigues us. The 6’9” five man has mobility and agility on the interior with touch around the basket. Shot blocking presence.
Hoopstars Dale Falls While 2023 Forwards Emerge
Despite the loss for Illinois Hoopstars Dale 16U there were several prospects that made a name in this game. First thing that stands out is how big this team is. They have an array of combo forwards between 6’5” and 6’7”. Most impressive in this one was Adhearn Ellis from Uplift. The 6’6” combo forward played inside and out attacking from the mid-post, hitting a three, and cleaning up the glass. Loyola 6’5” forward Jason Asante Jason Asante 6'5" | PF Perspectives IIT Math & Science | 2023 State IL finished junk around the hoop and was active on the defensive end. Marian Catholic 5’11” lefty lead guard Donovan Juzang played well off all the size knocking down several shots.
Illinois Elite 16U Duo from Rockford Boylan
For Illinois Elite 16U their 2024 Rockford Boylan point guard Tristan Ford put his name on our radar. Rangy 5’11” lefty is a plus perimeter defender that plays with a ton of speed taking good angles with the ball off the bounce. Ja’Mar Johnson from Rockford Boylan is a 2023 guard that at 6’0” has nice strength and a good passing feel.
Y&R/KL Power 5 17U Scores Key Win
Huge win for Young & Reckless/KL Power 5 17U against Minnesota Fury 57-49 on Saturday night. It all starts with the play of their point guard Tavari Johnson Tavari Johnson 6'0" | PG Lyons Township | 2022 State #171 Nation IL . We have said it for a while, but the Lyons Township lead guard is a ball screen savant and that is exactly what was showcased in this game. He picked Fury apart with his playmaking and shot making. Creative ball handler that gets his defender right where he wants him at all times and takes what the defense gives him. Plus shooter from mid-range that stretched it to three for a pair of key ones in the second half. Can get to the rim with his burst and shake. Above average passer and decision maker in the half court. Mid-majors need to get it now. OPRF 2022 shooting guard Justin Mullins Justin Mullins 6'4" | SF Oak Park-River Forest | 2022 State IL is a two way off guard that defends at a high level which was shown with multiple steals in the second half. Solid shooter and athlete. Steady play this spring has helped his stock. Larkin’s Damari Wheeler-Thomas Damari Wheeler-Thomas 6'0" | PG Larkin | 2022 State IL rounds out their backcourt with rock solid play on both ends. Up front the athleticism of Xavier Lewis Xavier Lewis 6'7" | PF Tf South | 2022 State IL and Troy Glover Troy Glover 6'7" | PF Glenbard West | 2021 State IL were crucial. The duo brings athletic pop finishing with explosiveness in the paint. Lewis is a top 10 prospect because of his ability to defend all over the floor, finish on dives, and flashes offensive upside. Glover is an unsigned senior that should be scooped up soon by a JUCO that can develop him. The toughness of Will Grudzinski Will Grudzinski 6'6" | PF Barrington | 2022 State IL (Barrington) and Gabe Madej Gabe Madej 6'5" | SF Fenwick | 2022 State IL (Fenwick) was displayed as each had a finish around the hoop. Combo forwards that do the little things that help your team win.
Chicago Area 2022 Sleepers
Willowbrook 2022 combo guard Marquel Saleek Marquel Saleek 5'9" | PG Willowbrook | 2022 State IL has elevated his stock with a strong spring for Illinois Hoopstars Taylor. Combo guard at 6’2” with broad shoulders and creativity off the bounce. He can score from multiple levels including being able to create his shot beyond the arc. Rebounds well for a guard and handles it with fluidity. A pair of Whitney Young wings in Matt Somerville Matt Somerville 6'6" | SF Whitney Young | 2022 State IL and AJ Williams popped for South Cook Jaguars 17U. Somerville is a 6’6” small forward with bounce who excels in transition and as a spot up shooter. Potential to defend multiple positions defensively as he moves his feet pretty well in the half court. Williams is a versatile 6’2” thicker bodied off guard that has some passing feel and can hit an open shot. They will be important role players for the Dolphins next year to reach state.