Havoc in the Heartland: Top Illinois 2024 Standouts Part 2
In this article:
We were at the Prep Hoops Havoc in the Heartland event in Indianapolis May 15-16. It was a great event full of talent from across the state line in Illinois. Here is a look at some of the prospects that…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe were at the Prep Hoops Havoc in the Heartland event in Indianapolis May 15-16. It was a great event full of talent from across the state line in Illinois. Here is a look at some of the prospects that caught our eye in Havoc in the Heartland: Top Illinois 2024 Standouts Part 2!
James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO (Mac Irvin Fire)
If you look up the definition of elite young post prospect Brown’s picture would be there. The 2024 five man will debut as the #1 prospect in his class when we change it from watch list to ranking. He already holds multiple high-major offers and landed one from LSU after the event. So mobile and agile at 6’9”. Runs the floor like a guard. Elite area rebounder that grabs them in traffic and gets it out to his guards with excellent outlets. His skill level on the block is off the charts. Spin moves and combination moves leave defenders in the dust. He can finish over either shoulder. Mid-range jump shot looked good. Finished in the pick/roll for slams. Rim protector on the defensive end straight up or coming from the weakside. Top 10 type player nationally.
Jaden Smith Jaden Smith 6'10" | C Kenwood | 2024 State IL (Mac Irvin Fire)
Smith is a super intriguing post prospect as well. Listed at 6’10” the Lincoln Park post is a very projectable and athletic prospect. Rim runner that does a lot of his damage in transition and crashing the offensive glass for put backs. A bit raw, but without question has high-major upside as a two way impactful post.
Christopher Riddle (Mac Irvin Fire)
Riddle opened our eyes as a freshman with his powerful build and elite athleticism this past season at Kenwood. The 6’5” wing plays with such a high motor. Really scores in transition running the floor and throwing down thunderous slams. Elite level rebounding wing. What stood out to us the most was his passing. We did not know he could dish it that well. That along with his ability to knock down shots at a decent clip from three make him a high-major prospect.
Max Johnson Max Johnson 5'10" | PG Oak Park River Forest | 2024 State IL (Mac Irvin Fire)
OPRF 2024 point guard displayed an excellent feel for the game at the point. Ran the show for the Fire getting others involved in the half court getting his teammates the ball in the right places to succeed. Tough kid that is very skilled.
Calvin Robins (Mac Irvin Fire)
First look at this Kenwood 6’4” small forward. Jumped off the floor (literally) with his bounce. Finished with his athleticism around the hoop with explosive finishes and swatting shots. Best basketball is ahead of him!
Parker Sulaver (Mac Irvin Fire)
Benet small forward stands at 6’5” with a strong body. Spot up shooting threat that rebounds the ball well on the offensive end sneaking in for put backs. High-motor kid running the floor.
Nyzir Duncan (Mac Irvin Fire)
Hillcrest 6’5” thick bodied wing that was impressive early on Saturday with his ability to get in the lane for runners and finish in transition. Tough and competitive kid.
Nate Fiore (M14 Academy)
Neuqua Valley undersized 6’4” power forward plays taller than his height using his long arms to block shots and rebound in his area on the defensive end. Has some touch to three as well.
Hudson Parker (M14 Academy)
Parker did a nice job of running the show. Crafty finisher at the rim that can hit from three and is a nice distributor in the pick/roll.
Jaeden Rush Jaeden Rush 6'0" | PG O'Fallon | 2024 State IL (Rush Academy)
Rush is a slick handling point guard from O’Fallon that has the ball on a string. Made defenders look silly at time including one slash where he went though what seemed like the entire defense for a bucket. Also a capable three point shooter.
Jamorie Wysinger (Rush Academy)
Athletic 6’0” combo guard from Collinsville that shined in transition going coast to coast on several occasions along with looking comfortable shooting a three from the top of the key.