Director’s Cut: Illinois Edition (Part 1)
As the first half of the grassroots season comes to a close we wanted to touch base with programs directors and coaches to see how things went during April and May. These articles aim to provide updates on the teams as well as under the radar players or the kids who are on track to have a big July.
Team Name: Quad City Elite – 17U
Mid-Season Update:
This Northwest Illinois/Southeastern Iowa squad has been competitive all year long playing in the NY2LA events. A charge lead by high major offered guard DJ Carton, this Quad City Elite team is a handful to deal with. Coach Logan Wynn says that this is such and unselfish group that just want to win, he said that this group is “special” and you can see that in how they play.
Under the Radar Players:
• Jermaine Hamlin – 6’9 F/C – very raw, rim protector, great frame, progress on
offense has been huge this year
• Deonte Billups – 6’4 G – scores at a high level at all levels, constantly puts pressure on the defense
• CJ Wilborn – 6’8 F – high academic kid with an old-school game can catch and
shoot, Bradley, Drake, Northeastern interest
• Dylan Peters – 6’7 F – super bouncy kid that can put it on the deck, contacted
by IUPUI, Drake and numerous D2
• Jamir Price – 6’1 G- high D2/low D1 talent that handles the ball extremely well,
visited Bradley recently
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: NY2LA Association Championships/Next Level – Milwaukee, WI
July 18-22: NY2LA Summer Jam – Milwaukee, WI
July 25-29: Fab 48 – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Quad City Elite – 16U
Mid-Season Update:
This group of 16’s as of late as been nearly flawless. Going 4-0 in Minneapolis and 6-0 in their last tournament, Quad City 16’s is climbing the ranks in their age group. A team that Coach Andy Saey says is full of high character kids that love to play the game.
Under the Radar Players:
• Isaiah Riviera– 6’5 F – most intriguing prospect mid major with high major ceiling, visiting Drake
and Loyola soon
• Devon House – 6’8 F – can do a little bit of everything, will bring it up the floor,
has made big strides as of late, looking to put together a nice July
• LJ Henderson – 6’2 G – controls the game so well, great frame and physicality
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: NY2LA Association Championships/Next Level – Milwaukee, WI
July 18-22: NY2LA Summer Jam – Milwaukee, WI
July 26-29: Jayhawk Summer Finale – Overland Park, KS
Team Name: Team Rose
Mid-Season Update:
Team Rose made the most of their first half of the season. An undersized 17U team that plays to their strengths really started to gel in the closing weeks of May. This is another group fighting injuries and hopes to return in July rested and healthy to make a strong push in the last month of the season
Under the Radar Players:
• DaJuan Gordon – 6’4 G – high upside kid who had a good first half
• Trevon Hamilton – 5’10 G – shifty guard that hounds guys on the defensive end
• Jaylen Johnson – 6’8 F – long wing who can cause mis-matches with his length
• Dillon West – 6’8 F – kid that could blow up with a big July, drawing low major
mid-major interest
Where can you find them in July?:
Team Rose is still working to finalize their July schedule.