Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250: Steve’s Top Performers
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This Sunday was the Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250 Expo. It is an event we look forward to each year. This year there was no shortage of talent as players from all areas of the state traveled to Romeoville to be…
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Continue ReadingThis Sunday was the Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250 Expo. It is an event we look forward to each year. This year there was no shortage of talent as players from all areas of the state traveled to Romeoville to be evaluated by the Prep Hoops scouts. With tons of coverage to follow this week here are my Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250: Steve’s Top Performers!
Xavier Sulaiman Xavier Sulaiman 6'3" | SG Oak Lawn | 2023 State IL (Marist) 2023
Sulaiman had a strong showing at the Top 250 Expo. In his first game started out well making several pull up three pointers in transition and a few from the corner. He was in attack for most of the games doing a lot of friendly chirping trying to rev up competition. Xavier’s biggest attribute is his athleticism and he used that in every game catching lob dunks, multiple drives down the lane for slams, and even took off from outside the free throw lane for a nice one handed finish. He scored 40 in the first and 27 in the second game, leaving no doubt that’s skies the limit for Sulaiman and he made sure those in attendance knew it.
Cam Cleveland Cam Cleveland 6'2" | PG Leo | 2022 State IL (Leo) 2022
Cam played really well on Sunday. Showing his versatility whenever he was giving the opportunity. Cleveland was aggressive at getting in the lane showing touch on pull up jumpers and finishing at the rim. He mixed up his attacks often keeping defender off balance. If guys backed off of him for being afraid to get beat Cam just knocked down a shot in their face. Cleveland showed much improvements from a year ago and his scoring ability is starting to standout from the pack.
Hunter Duncan Hunter Duncan 6'0" | PG Evanston | 2023 State IL (St. Viator) 2023
What more can you say about the highly entertaining Duncan. The junior guard pushed the tempo often in games hitting players right on the money for easy buckets. Hunter is an exceptional passer in the open court and he made a lot of guys better on Sunday. Duncan used his second gear to blow by defenders and score in the lane. He showed improvement on his perimeter shooting since my first time watching him play this spring. This will be an exciting year for Viator as Hunter adds excitement to their backcourt.
Ethan Marlowe Ethan Marlowe 6'8" | PF St. Charles North | 2022 State IL (St. Charles North) 2022
There were three words used to describe Ethan om Sunday “Hard to Guard”. The 6’8 stretch four man was just a tough matchup for anyone. He made solid post moves around the rim but showcased his shooting ability more. Marlowe was seen making shots from all areas on the perimeter. When matched up with taller defenders Ethan drove to the basket and made several two handed slams. Ethan is a bonified D1 talent that needs to be on some school’s radar.
Evan Jackson Evan Jackson 6'6" | SF St Rita Chicago | 2023 State IL (De La Salle) 2023
In what was a breakout showing for me Evan was finally able to show what his potential can be on Sunday. Mr. Jackson is one of those versatile players who can become a #1 go to guy for a team or dangerous role player for any squad. Evan at 6’6” can push the ball in transition and is able to be a scoring threat or passer to finish plays. One of the better iso players at the expo Jackson repeatedly broke guys down with KD like isolation moves. Evan performance changed my initial trajectory of what this kid can become as D1 prospect.