Havoc in the Heartland: Scotty B’s Top Illinois 2023 Performers
In this article:
Havoc in the Heartland was a huge event in Indianapolis featuring talent from across the Midwest. We examine some of the Illinois talent here in Havoc in the Heartland: Scotty B’s Top Illinois 2023 Performers! Darrin Ames Darrin Ames…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHavoc in the Heartland was a huge event in Indianapolis featuring talent from across the Midwest. We examine some of the Illinois talent here in Havoc in the Heartland: Scotty B’s Top Illinois 2023 Performers!
Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL (Mac Irvin Fire)
Top ranked 2023 in Illinois carried his team when they needed him over the weekend with a depleted roster. His quickness off the bounce was the story as usual. Combo guard has such an excellent feel for getting downhill with combination moves, spins, and burst. Has an assortment of finishing moves with scoop shots, reverse layups, etc. Didn’t shoot it exceptional in the games we saw rather doing his damage in the paint.
Davius Loury Davius Loury 6'8" | PF Phhoenix Prep | 2024 State AZ (Mac Irvin Fire National)
Loury plays on the National team for the Fire where he is the go to player. Currently the combo forward sets at #4 overall in the state. He has nice size and in the first half of the game we saw was in all out attack mode. Handled it well in transition getting to the rim for several dunks. The transition game ignited everything else. Won on some drives from the perimeter on floaters and slams. Also mixed in a couple of threes. He was seeking his shot and scored quite a few points as an iso threat.
Nashawn Holmes Nashawn Holmes 6'1" | SG Corliss | 2022 State IL (Mac Irvin Fire National)
Holmes was phenomenal in the game we evaluated. The Homewood Flossmoor guard shot lights out from the perimeter hitting an array of huge threes. Strong frame for the two guard that was a force in transition getting to the cup over and over again finishing above the rim with strength and athleticism.
Matas Castillo Matas Castillo 5'11" | PG Lemont | 2023 State IL (Full Package)
Castillo took on more of a scoring load with Fiegen out. The Lemont standout was sensational both as a scorer and distributor. He is such a creative ball handler that gets in the lane for scoop shots and nifty layups. Hit open shots, but the majority of his points came in the lane. Was effective playing both on and off the ball over the weekend.
Nikola Abusara Nikola Abusara 6'5" | SF Benet | 2023 State IL (Full Package)
The Benet wing’s stock goes up each time he hits the floor. His combination of toughness, athleticism, and skill are what separate him. Two way player that gets after it on both ends of the floor. Multi positional defender that can defend across the board. High level wing rebounder which was shown on several nasty tip dunks he threw down! Solid decision maker for a wing as a passer. Decent three point shot although there is a hitch in it he hits them at a respectable clip. At his best when being aggressive going at the defense.
Matthew Moore Matthew Moore 6'7" | PF Hillcrest | 2023 State IL (Chicago Lockdown)
Moore has been one of the better Illinois performers on the PHC this spring. The Hillcrest power forward played at a high level against the Fire. His quickness off the floor and ability to impact the game with his explosiveness on dives, rim runs, dump offs, and offensive rebounds standout. Finishes with clean flushes. When he is really going like he was in that game the three ball is going down as he hit a pair particularly liking the baseline. Mid-majors and low-majors should look into him.
Dylan Schmidt Dylan Schmidt 6'4" | SG Johnsburg | 2023 State IL (Chicago Lockdown)
Yet again another strong outing from Schmidt. The Johnsburg wing has been very consistent all spring for Lockdown. Knock down shooter that has a quick release off the catch. Plus shooter and that is his calling card. Usually hits several threes every time we see him. Saw some flashes of attacking close outs hard in Indy.
Anthony Jabe Haith Anthony Jabe Haith 6'4" | SG Marmion Academy | 2023 State IL (M14 Adidas)
Haith is an intriguing prospect. Long and lanky wing that has the prospect look. He has a feathery three point shot that he can create or hit off the catch. Can handle it in the open floor as well. Crisp shooting and pull up game are his strengths.