Prep Hoops Live: Illinois Standouts
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Who were some of the Illinois prospects that caught our attention at Prep Hoops Live? We will dive into more top performers from Illinois and nationally, but here is a glimpse at 20 that made an impact at the event…
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Continue ReadingWho were some of the Illinois prospects that caught our attention at Prep Hoops Live? We will dive into more top performers from Illinois and nationally, but here is a glimpse at 20 that made an impact at the event in Prep Hoops Live: Illinois Standouts!
Dylan Schmidt Dylan Schmidt 6'4" | SG Johnsburg | 2023 State IL (Chicago Lockdown 17U)
Schmidt is a prospect that has seen his stock rise this spring. The shooting guard brings toughness and shooting to the table. Every time we watch him play he makes shots and always seems to be around the basketball.
Leirre Collier Leirre Collier 6'1" | PG Bloom | 2023 State IL (Chicago Lockdown 17U)
This Marist point guard has had a nice spring for Lockdown. Shot making lead guard that can hit threes and has shown improvement as a passer.
Caden Hawkins Caden Hawkins 5'11" | PG Carterville | 2023 State IL (Illinois Bears 17U)
Hawkins was really good at PHL. The Carterville smaller combo guard is most effective playing off the ball spotting up for threes, but does have some grit off the dribble as well.
Kade Lustenberger Kade Lustenberger 6'5" | SF Carterville | 2023 State IL (Illinois Bears 17U)
Sweet shooting wing that has size at 6’4” with the ability to knock down shots from all over the floor. Effective spot up guy from deep and the baseline.
Jase Whiteman (Quad City Shockers 17U)
Whiteman emerged in the state tournament and did a lot of what we saw as he is a sound shooter and all-around skilled guard.
Terrmell Akers (Quad City Shockers 17U)
Akers brought his lunch pail early on Saturday morning when we saw him play. Tough and physical rebounder that played with a high motor and was efficient finishing on his limited touches.
Ethan Price (Quad City Shockers 17U)
Price is yet another Shockers prospect that caught our eye. Came off the bench with plus size and the ability to knock down shots with consistency.
Tre Davis (IBA Illinois Stars 17U)
Davis is a silky smooth point guard that can really handle the rock. He creates off the bounce with a knack for converting nifty shots around the hoop. Solid stop and pop shooter that can set up others as well.
Jayden Martin Jayden Martin 6'2" | SG Joliet West | 2023 State IL (IBA Illinois Stars 17U)
Martin is a well built combo guard who is most comfortable off the ball. Sound shooter when given space, but in Lawrence we were impressed with how well he finished through contact.
Kamron Causley (IBA Illinois Stars 17U)
Unsigned senior here that will be a great addition to a JUCO or high level small college program. Versatile small forward that can defend all over the floor, rebound in traffic, and slash.
Drelyn Jones (Chicago Lockdown 16U)
Rangy two guard with some projectability. The 6’2” long armed shooting guard has a smooth handle and the chance to be a quality two way wing.
Nikola Abusara Nikola Abusara 6'5" | SF Benet | 2023 State IL (Full Package 17U)
The Benet small forward has continued to impress each and every week on the circuit. Put his head down and got to the rim over and over in transition and on baseline drives. Plus defender and capable shooter.
Mark Nikolich-Wilson Mark Nikolich-Wilson 6'7" | C Rolling Meadows | 2023 State IL (Full Package 17U)
The Rolling Meadows point-forward had small college coaches loving how he plays. Elite passing five that slices up defenses with his ability to dish the rock.
Bryce Salek (Basketball Paradise 16U)
Salek has emerged this spring with his ability to knock down shots at 6’3” along with showing some athletic pop and defensive versatility.
Luke Kinkade Luke Kinkade 6'3" | PG Neuqua Valley | 2024 State IL (Basketball Paradise 16U)
Kinkade is a lefty combo guard that has a clean shot from both mid-range and three. Active defender that competes on that end being able to defend point guards.
Josh Aniceto Josh Aniceto 5'9" | PG Bolingbrook | 2024 State IL (Basketball Paradise 16U)
This Bolingbrook lead guard is a dynamic distributor who has a good feel for the game. In the second game we saw them play he had a nice stretch of slick scoring making tricky layups.
Sonny Williams Sonny Williams 6'1" | PG International Sports Academy | 2023 OH (Hoops4Health 17U)
Williams was impressive in his debut for Hoops4Health. Well built combo guard that was in attack mode all weekend. Used his burst to get to the rack for finishes at the cup. Crisp ball handler that can also knock down crisp jumpers.
Jeremiah Fears Jeremiah Fears 6'1" | PG AZ Compass Prep | 2025 State #31 Nation AZ (Hoops4Health 17U)
Fears is playing up two years and the top 5 2025 prospect in Illinois isn’t bothered by it. He has deep range on his free and easy shot. Quick release. His dynamic speed and ball handling allow him to get in the lane for scores.
Brendan Powers (Kessel Heat 17U)
Powers caught our attention with his positional size on the wing and how well the lefty shot it from deep. Drained a couple early in their Saturday game making it look easy.