Rock Classic: 2020 Evals Pt 2
PrepHoopsIllinois had tons of coverage over the weekend from the Rock Spring Classic in Madison, Wisconsin. Now it is time for evaluations of all the prospects at the event. Here is part 2 of our look at the 2020 Class.
PG Reggie Strong (Young & Reckless 16U)
Strong is a top 10 prospect in the 2020 class. The angular 6’1” point guard was crisp passing the ball all weekend. He got others involved with his passing in both the half court and transition. Was comfortable shooting the ball especially pulling up from mid-range. In the first game we saw he also connected on a pair of threes. Strong was very solid with his play as both a distributor and scorer. Mid-majors and low-majors should track him this spring.
PF Seryee Lewis (Young & Reckless 16U)
This was absolutely the best I have ever seen Lewis play over the weekend. He has always had the physical tools that profile as a D1 post, but the production was never there. He brought his A game to Madison. At 6’7” he has size and athleticism. Lewis has a quick second jump which allows him to be a major presence on the offensive glass. He was assertive on the boards crashing the glass with more aggression than we had seen on both ends of the floor. Lewis made quick post moves and also connected multiple times from mid-range on his jumper. Runs the floor very well when motivated. Used his length defensively to alter several shots. He had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 boards in a Saturday game we saw. If he can play motivated he could make a big leap this spring. Should be monitored by low-majors during the live periods.
SG Keshawn Williams (Young & Reckless 16U)
Williams had a consistent weekend for Y&R. The Bloom 6’1” shooting guard is an athletic scorer that can shoot it from three. He drilled multiple threes from the wings. Quick first step off the bounce getting to the rim. Made some big plays late in their Saturday morning game. Would like to see some development in his floor game as a passer this spring. He is a low-major prospect with potential mid-major upside.
SG Johnny Close (Young & Reckless 16U)
This Rockford Boylan wing is a rangy two guard that can flat out shoot the basketball! Close was on fire from three in the game we saw him play. He is always ready to shoot it when spotting up on the perimeter. Lightning quick release from three. He has deep range on his shot as well. More than just a shooter he is a sneaky athlete that can score on drives when defenders close too quickly. D2 prospect with the chance to elevate to low-major status over the next two years.
PF Kendale Anderson (Young & Reckless 16U)
Anderson is a junk yard dog energy four man that is a bit undersized. He gets on the glass for put backs and mauls opponents on the boards at both ends of the floor.
SG Josh Holmes (Young & Reckless 16U)
Holmes is a two guard from Jones that puts up points in a hurry! Was quiet in their Sunday game, but on Saturday he showed what he brings to the table as a prospect. Hits open shots from beyond the arc and showed growth as a passer. Plays well in transition with his athleticism. Worth monitoring for low-majors as an energy scorer.
SF James Wolf (Young & Reckless 16U)
Wolf didn’t play on Saturday, but was there on Sunday. The 6’4” small forward from Latin is a high academic kid that has some strength in his upper body. Finished a couple times with layups at the rim including a nice spin in the lane.
F Kee Hargrow (Young & Reckless 16U)
Hargrow might have the most upside of any prospect on the Young & Reckless 16U teams. He is a 6’8” long and rangy combo forward from Joliet Central. He burst on the scene last spring with Meanstreets and after a bit of a bumpy year at Joliet Central he is starting to show his immense potential again. He has greatly improved his perimeter skill level over the last year. Jumper has become a weapon despite a release where it seems like he is pushing it toward the hoop. Can play above the rim with big dunks. Hargrow can be a bit wild with the ball and didn’t rebound at as high of a rate as we would have liked. Also with his athleticism and speed could be a beast running the floor, but didn’t seem like he wanted to in this game. Defensively he has length and timing which allows him to be a shot blocking presence. Hargrow had 11 points in the game we evaluated. Mid-majors and low-majors should keep tabs on him.
PG Alex Wood (Young & Reckless 16U)
This Normal U-High point guard intrigued us when we saw him last summer with his leadership and ability to get others involved. His game continues to grow and evolve. Wood has become a more consistent threat from the perimeter shooting from three. Quick and concise release. Shoots one dribble pull ups with ease. Wood is a plus passer that plays with a high IQ especially in the half court. Worthy of low-major interest.
SF Elijah Watson (Young & Reckless 16U)
Watson is yet another player from Bloom in the 2020 class to watch. The 6’6” rangy forward rebounds well and is very active. Quick to the glass and can defend multiple positions defensively.
SG Jaquan Davis (Young & Reckless 16U)
Davis is a big and strong athlete that can really score it. Beast slashing it to the hoop with his explosiveness and ability to finish at the rim. He is capable of knocking down an open three point shot. Rebounds great from his guard position. This Bogan wing is a sleeper prospect in the 2020 class with his potential to get better.
C Shontrail Key (Young & Reckless 16U)
Key is a 6’7” big bodied post from Kenwood that is an area rebounder. Gobbles up rebounds at a high rate. He struggled finishing and isn’t much of a vertical player at this stage.
SF Colin O’Rourke (Breakaway 16U)
The 6’5” combo forward is a super productive player. He isn’t the most athletic and struggles a bit with length, but he just gets stuff done. O’Rourke has long strides and showed that off with a couple strong baseline drives. Mostly a slasher that runs the floor well. Capable of hitting a shot every now and then. Rebounds very well for his size. He had 21 points in a Saturday win. One to continue to monitor.
SF Kyle Lillwitz (Breakaway 16U)
This 6’4” Lemont forward is a lefty that present some ability as a shooter. Hit a pick and pop three as well as banking in another one.
PG Nate Shockey (Breakaway 16U)
Shockey is a point guard from York at 5’11” that got out in transition. Connected on a pull up jumper and a runner in the lane.
SG Sam Ronneberg (Breakaway 16U)
This Benet 6’3” wing is a sharp shooter as he drilled a trio of triples in the game we saw he played for Breakaway. Didn’t do much else. Fits the Benet style of play with his ability to knock down shots.