Holiday Tournament Standouts: 2023 Prospects Pt 1
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Prep Hoops had wall to wall coverage from eight holiday tournaments across the state. Check out what players left the biggest impressions in Holiday Tournament Standouts: 2023 Prospects Pt 1! Mekhi Lowery Mekhi Lowery 6'5" | SF Oswego East…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops had wall to wall coverage from eight holiday tournaments across the state. Check out what players left the biggest impressions in Holiday Tournament Standouts: 2023 Prospects Pt 1!
Mekhi Lowery Mekhi Lowery 6'5" | SF Oswego East | 2023 State IL (Oswego East)
We were so impressed with what Lowery did when we saw him in the quarterfinals against Marian Catholic. Long and lanky small forward that wins off the dribble using his massive strides. Gets steals on defense and takes them the other way for scores in transition. Two way wing is primed for a monster spring/summer. He had 19 points in the quarterfinals.
Kaiden Space Kaiden Space 6'2" | SG St.Rita | 2023 State IL (St. Rita)
Space had a solid game against Lincoln Way Central in their opening contest. Strong bodied guard that rebounds well and can take contact at the rim.
Asa Thomas Asa Thomas 6'6" | SF Lake Forest | 2023 State #91 Nation IL (Lake Forest)
Thomas lived up to his status as a high-major recruit in their opener at Jack Tosh against Hinsdale South. He dropped 24 points. Elite shot maker that has deep range on his three point shot. Cuts without the ball. Mixes in straight line takes where he likes to convert with floaters. Rebounds well for a wing.
Rokas Castillo Rokas Castillo 5'11" | PG Lemont | 2023 State IL and Matas Castillo Matas Castillo 5'11" | PG Lemont | 2023 State IL (Lemont)
The twins from Lemont were so impactful on both ends of the floor. Rokas was scoring in bunches with his sniper three point stroke. Deep range on his shot both pulling up and off the catch. Small but excellent defender at the point. Same can be said about Matas as he is a pest defensively with his quick hands and is a high-level distributor on the offensive end.
Cameron Christie Cameron Christie 6'4" | SG Rolling Meadows | 2023 State #76 Nation IL (Rolling Meadows)
Extremely consistent showing from Christie at the Jack Tosh Tournament. Big time shot maker that drained them from all over the floor. Such an effortless stroke as he stops and pops on a dime elevating over his opponent for threes and mid-range scores. More than just a shooter he can break down defenders off the bounce and get to the charity stripe. Makes some good passes for an off guard. Contender for #1 overall in 2023.
Jarrod Gee Jarrod Gee 6'5" | PF Perspectives | 2023 State IL (Leo)
High energy and super bouncy small forward that impacts the game with his athleticism. Quick takes from the mid-post. Explosive finisher around the hoop and in transition.
DeAndre Craig DeAndre Craig 5'11" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2023 State IL (Mt. Carmel)
Craig led his team to a championship at Pekin. We caught their game against Limestone who also has a D1 lead guard. Craig left no doubt he is that dude dropping 37 points and doing literally whatever he wanted on the floor. Craig got in the lane scoring in the teeth of the defense over and over again on difficult layups and runners. Drew contact and converted through it. Hit a couple of threes in the second half. Solid job passing in the half court making several nice reads. Smaller guard that could emerge as a mid-major guy.
Jake Fiegen Jake Fiegen 6'3" | SG New Trier | 2023 State IL (New Trier)
Fiegen was fantastic against Peoria Manual in their win going for 21 points. One of the best pure shooters I have ever covered. The New Trier two guard had six triples in this particular game. Quick and concise shooting stroke. Moves well without the ball and is a crisp passer. Mid-majors and low-majors jump in now.
Jalen Griffith Jalen Griffith 5'9" | PG Simeon | 2023 State IL (Simeon)
Griffith was the most impactful player on the champion Wolverines at Pontiac. The dynamic point guard is so quick and shifty with the rock in his hands. He was good at setting up his teammates both in transition and the half court making excellent decisions with the ball in his hands. Shot it better than we had seen throughout the event and is a pesky defender.
Miles Rubin Miles Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State #243 Nation IL (Simeon)
Rubin is a bouncy rim running big man that loves to catch lobs, seal for dunks, and swat shots. One of the better rim protectors in the 2023 class with his athleticism and feel. Flashes a mid-range jumper at times. Mid-major guy.
Wesley Rubin Wesley Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State IL (Simeon)
Rubin took home the AC Williamson award. Skilled post that rebounded well throughout the event. Excellent passer as one of the better post distributors we have had in recent memory. Good footwork and touch scoring in the paint. Throwback post.