Grit Region Final: Top 2023 and 2024 Illinois Performers
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The Prep Hoops Circuit concluded with the Grit Region Final. Here we examine the top performances from rising seniors we saw at the event. Check out Grit Region Final: Top 2023 and 2024 Illinois Performers! Class of 2023 DeAndre…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit concluded with the Grit Region Final. Here we examine the top performances from rising seniors we saw at the event. Check out Grit Region Final: Top 2023 and 2024 Illinois Performers!
Class of 2023
DeAndre Craig DeAndre Craig 5'11" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2023 State IL (South Cook Jaguars)
This Mt. Carmel 2023 point guard played up on the 17U level during July with South Cook Jaguars and fit right in. Love the toughness he brings to the table along with his leadership. He was at his best getting to the rack where he finished or got to the line on a regular basis. Competitive guard that wasn’t fazed at all playing up and definitely helped his stock in July. Low-majors are intrigued.
Sherod Dent (Hoops 4 Health)
Dent is a big bodied four man that likes to play on the perimeter. He is a solid spot up shooter that likes to let it fly off the catch. With his physical tools would like to see him mix it up a little more inside. Projects as a potential D2 guy at this stage.
Jake Fiegen Jake Fiegen 6'3" | SG New Trier | 2023 State IL (Full Package)
Truly elite shooter from the perimeter. Fiegen had it rolling from deep in the game we saw during their second half comeback attempt. Every time it leaves his hands from anywhere beyond half court you think it is going in. Legit range and consistent mechanics. More than just a shooter he is an above average athlete in the open floor and can also post up smaller/weaker guards. Emerged as a D1 prospect during the summer.
Rokas Castillo Rokas Castillo 5'11" | PG Lemont | 2023 State IL (Full Package)
Castillo is a creative ball handler that plays with a lot of grit. He is a very good shooter from the point guard position along with scoring on acrobatic layups.
Camron Williford Camron Williford 6'0" | PG Hyde Park | 2023 State IL (BC Elite)
Williford was very impressive playing up at the 17U level for BC Elite. The Hyde Park 5’10” guard dropped 29 points with his slithering game winning off the bounce on slick takes to the hoop. Love the fluidness he played with getting wherever he wanted off the bounce.
Class of 2024
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (Indy Premiere Team Rock)
Johnson was a man among boys at the 15U level over the weekend. The 6’8” power forward from St. Rita swatted shots all over the floor whether it was in the paint or on jumpers. Absolute force on the defensive end. His athleticism and versatility certainly pops on that end of the floor. Snatches rebounds with ferocity grabbing them with two hands in traffic. Offensively he made quick and assertive moves for scores and even stepped out to hit a three. Has five-star potential and is a no doubt high-major target.
Isaiah Green (Indy Premiere Team Rock)
Green is an athletic point guard that has really made strides as a passer just over the last few months. He was zipping passes all over the floor for dimes to his talented teammates. Won off the dribble and was an impactful defender on the defensive end. Had the key put back to send them into the semis. Looking like a potential D1 guy.
Dekwon Brown Dekwon Brown 6'4" | PG Simeon | 2024 #273 Nation IL (Indy Premiere Team Rock)
Brown is in the conversation for the top point guard in the 2024 class. In two games we caught over the weekend he showed why. The Limestone lead guard is so explosive with the rock in his hands especially in the open floor. Pushes with speed and has his head up looking to make a play. Burst with the ball in his hands and has an extra gear that others don’t. D1 prospect early in the process.
Jason Jakstys (Basketball Paradise)
This 6’8” thin bodied five man put his name on our radar with a strong performance against Johnson. The Yorkville High School center had a nice hook shot, spin moves, and sound footwork on the block. Ran the floor well and is a solid shot blocking presence.
Luke Kinkade (Basketball Paradise)
Kinkade is a plus shooter at the point who netted 21 points in the most exciting game of the weekend. The lefty guard is a crafty shooter that sets it up off the bounce or can drain shots from deep which he nailed four in the game we saw. Neuqua Valley guard is one to track this season.
Nick Schroeder (Basketball Paradise)
Schroeder was the most consistent presence for Basketball Paradise throughout the circuit. Plus shooter from Metea Valley at about 6’2” he drained five of them in the game that we caught. Clean and easy release with some projectability.