Next Level Invitational: 2018 All-Tournament Teams
PrepHoopsIllinois was in Mequon, Wisconsin all week for the NY2LA Next Level Invitational. It is time for us to unveil our first, second, and third Illinois All-Tournament 2018 Teams. This is based off the play that we personally saw throughout the week!
First Team
MVP: PG Kevin Caldwell (Jets-Ramey United)
Our 2018 Next Level Invitational MVP is Alton rising senior point guard Kevin Caldwell. He did it all week and capped it off with a game winning shot in the championship game. It was fitting as it was a breakout event for the lead guard. We had Caldwell projected as more of a D2 player coming into the event, but after blowing up he has secured a low-major grade. Caldwell isn’t the biggest guard, but he is a big time shot maker that hit threes consistently throughout the event. Also attacked off the bounce and found teammates for easy baskets.
PG DeAndre Heckard (Hoops4Health)
Heckard was the highest rated prospect from Illinois as he checks in at #9 overall in the state. Hoops4Health might not have had the record throughout the week that Heckard would have liked to get, but for the majority of the games he did his job. Heckard is a combo guard that is best attacking downhill. Explosive burst off the bounce allows him to get to the rim and score. Jumper was streaky throughout the week. Low-major plus prospect.
SG Quinlan Bennett (Kessel Heat)
Bennett was the most consistent player for Kessel Heat throughout. The Proviso East shooting guard is a smooth wing that excels scoring in transition. Loves to get out and run where he can score getting to the rack and pull up for mid-range jumpers. Was just overall impressed with the level of competitiveness he showed and improved defensive intensity. Low-major player.
PG Xavier Pinson (Mac Irvin Fire)
Pinson had a monster spring with the NY2LA Mac Irvin group and continued that leading his team to the championship game of the Association. The St. Patrick’s guard is uber smooth with the rock in his hands. Easy acceleration off the bounce and it was tough for defenders to stay in front of him all week long. Showed an advanced feel for passing it finding guys in both the half court and transition. Pinson has secured a low-major ranking and should see his ranking boost even more in next update.
PF Kyle King (Tri City Thunder)
King was dominant when we saw him go up against a stacked Team Blaze squad. The St. Charles North 6’5” four man isn’t the biggest or most athletic post, but he absolutely knows how to play the game. Old school big man that is crafty with an array of quick post moves. Shoots a very high percentage on the block. Sound passer and outstanding area rebounder. D2 programs should be checking him out!
Second Team
C Jalen Shaw (Kessel Heat)
Shaw was the second highest rated prospect from the state of Illinois rising senior class here. He was good throughout the week. Showed improved toughness and aggressiveness on the interior. Rebounded well, protected the rim, and flashed skill. Shaw is a mid-major prospect that has upside.
SG Eddie Creal (Hoops4Health)
Creal can impact the game with his athleticism. The Romeoville 2018 shooting guard is a strong and explosive athlete that gets out in transition where he finishes with force. Played with a high motor on both ends of the floor and flashed improved consistency on the jumper. Low-major/D2 player.
PF Ethan Schuemer (Mercury Elite)
Schuemer is a skilled forward that at 6’5” will probably have to play the post at the next level. He is efficient with his touches on the block. Uses a hook shot and up and under to score. Gritty player that runs the floor and is solid area rebounder. Low-major/D2 player.
SF Alton Thompson (Mac Irvin Fire)
Thompson is a prospect that moved to St. Patrick’s for his senior season this past year. He will most likely go prep next season. The wing is a freak athlete that has monster dunks on a regular basis. Showed more than just his raw athleticism though. Rebounded extremely well in traffic, defended at a high level, and even hit a few jumpers. After a year of prep he should end up as a low-major kid.
SG Malachi Smith (Jets-Ramey United)
Smith is an underrated prospect that can really score it. He got off to a slow start, but settled in as the event went along. The wing pushed it in the open floor and finished well around the rim. Got to the foul line at a nice clip as well. Didn’t shoot a ton of jumpers during the event. Low-major prospect.
Third Team
SG Anthony Lynch (Kessel Heat)
Lynch is a wing from Larkin that has continued to elevate his game. He can really score it at the rim. Is relentless attacking off the bounce with crisp handles both in the half court and transition. Low-major and D2 schools should monitor him the next two weeks.
PG Bailey Dee (Illinois Irish)
Dee is a pit bull at the lead guard spot. The tough point guard is the leader of the Illinois Irish 17U. He attacks the basket off the bounce and finishes excellent at the rim. Also can hit pull up threes on occasion and gets after it on the defensive end of the floor.
SF Calvin Fisher (Illinois Irish)
Fisher was one of the breakout stars of the week. This wing proved he could really shoot the basketball from the perimeter. Drilled shots off the catch and pulling up. Put himself in contention as a priority D3/NAIA prospect.
PG Isaiah Fuller (Mercury Elite)
Speed kills and Fuller definitely has that! The OPRF point guard made an impact with his new team. Was outstanding in the open floor getting to the rim and finding teammates for assists. He was a sound perimeter defender and knocked down jumpers at a solid clip. D2 prospect.
PG Brandon Ellis (Kessel Heat)
Ellis is the track star from Warren that steadily sees his stock rise every time he hits the floor. He was consistent throughout the week. Might not have been the best player in any single game, but throughout the week he knocked down threes off the catch and passed it well. Low-major prospect.