Grit Region Finals: Top Illinois PGs/Combos Pt 2
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PHI took in the Grit Region Finals over the weekend in Indianapolis. We now focus on the Illinois prospects that made the most impact in the games we evaluated. Here are the Grit Region Finals: Top Illinois PGs/Combos Pt 2!…
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Continue ReadingPHI took in the Grit Region Finals over the weekend in Indianapolis. We now focus on the Illinois prospects that made the most impact in the games we evaluated. Here are the Grit Region Finals: Top Illinois PGs/Combos Pt 2!
Artavious Smith (Next Generation Academy 16U)
Smith popped on our radar Saturday with a big game against Big 3 Shah. Stocky guard that knows how to use his strength finishing downhill through contact for multiple and-1s. Also rebounded well from his wing spot.
Jimmy Pajauskas Jimmy Pajauskas 6'1" Lyons Township | 2024 IL (Big 3 Shah 16U)
The Lyons 6’1” combo guard has some good length with the ability to get to the foul line with consistency. Made plays quite a bit in transition on spinning layups and moves the ball as a passer.
Carlos Day Carlos Day 5'10" | PG Springfield | 2024 IL (Capital City Teamwork 16U)
Springfield High School 5’10” point guard that is shifty and quick with the rock. Got to the rim with his burst and acceleration. Liked what he did defensively using his active hands to get steals and push the other way.
Cayden Mudd (Fundamental U 16U)
Mudd put his team on his back and carried them to a win. The Wauconda 5’11” 2024 guard can shoot it from distance hitting threes, but it was impressive to see how despite his lack of ideal size he was willing to relentlessly get to the rim over and over.
Tommy Bredemann (Illinois Jaguars 16U)
St. Ignatius 5’10” point guard shot it well from the perimeter. Should see him be a contributor this year for Iggy as he can make shots as a spot up guy with some on the ball ability which will compliment their stars.
Marcus Halliburton (IHUSTLE 16U)
Halliburton is a 2025 prospect that was playing up on the 16U level. Morgan Park product that brings a ton of power from the lead guard spot throwing bullet passes and getting after it on the defensive end.
Dekwon Brown Dekwon Brown 6'4" | PG Simeon | 2024 #273 Nation IL (Team FVV 16U)
Brown is in contention for the top guard/combo in the 2024 class. Peoria High product is a scoring combo guard that has range on a pull up or step back three. Slick ball handler that wins off the bounce on crossover moves and straight line takes. Good layup maker. Flashed a little as a passer, but the value is in his scoring.
EJ Breland EJ Breland 6'0" | PG St. Patrick | 2025 State IL (Grind Family Chicago 15U)
We got a much better feel for Breland with a strong outing for GFC. The St. Patrick rising sophomore is a high IQ guard that has a feel for the position. Good passing in the half court finding his guys while also connecting on a plethora of threes for 16 points. Good defender that projects as a potential D1 guy.
JJ Crawford (Motion Elite 16U)
It was a big early morning performance from Crawford on Sunday morning. The smaller scoring guard drained threes in bunches while also pushing in the open floor where he got to the line or finished with scoop shots.
Brayden Fagbemi (Illinois Attack 17U)
Benet 2023 6’0” point guard that took over their game in stretches against Fundamental U. Crisp passer that makes sound decisions as a decision maker while mixing in drives off the bounce where he scored at the rim on crafty conversions. High IQ guard that is a winning player!