4A State Finals Top Performers
PrepHoopsIllinois evaluated the prospects this weekend at the Illinois State Final Four in the 4A field. Curie took home the crown over Benet behind a 19-0 run for the ages to give them the lead and extend it. Here we…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois evaluated the prospects this weekend at the Illinois State Final Four in the 4A field. Curie took home the crown over Benet behind a 19-0 run for the ages to give them the lead and extend it. Here we break down the top performers on all four teams involved in the two days from Peoria.
PG Devin Gage (Curie – 2016)
Curie’s senior has played his best on the biggest stage. Pontiac Holiday Tournament MVP in December and he came up huge for his team leading them to a state championship on Saturday. The DePaul commit put on a show in the championship game. When the physical guard is hitting his jump shot he is tough to stop. Gage had one of his best perimeter shooting games of the season drilling four triples as part of a run that would lead them to a title including a ridiculous step back. The senior shot the ball well from mid-range on stop and pop shots. Gage attacked the rim including finishing through contact well. In the semifinal game he didn’t shoot it quite as well from the field, but did a great job distributing the rock showing he can be a point guard in the Big East. Also a solid rebounder. Great way to close his career. He had 14 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds against Auburn. In the title game he went for 23 points.
SG Elijah Joiner (Curie – 2017)
Joiner was lights out in the semifinal game! He is among the top wings in the junior class and when he is on can carry a team. Shooting in a big arena didn’t bother him at all as he hit three after three including 13 points in the first quarter of their opening game. Sound mechanics and elevation off the floor on his shot. Really shoots it well off the catch. Also played a lot on the ball at the lead guard position proving he could handle the ball against pressure. Good handles for a two guard to create his own shot. Will never be a true point guard, but could be a combo in a pinch. Joiner cemented his status as a top tier recruit and should be coveted by mid-major plus programs. He had 22 points in the semi followed by 10 in the championship.
SF Landers Nolley (Curie – 2018)
Nolley is a tall and long projectable wing with a smooth shooting stroke. He couldn’t buy a shot in the semifinals as he was 0-3 from thee and didn’t really contribute much. The sophomore did hit a pair of key free throws to clinch the game. Nolley hit one three in the championship game, but also showed some versatility. He got on the glass at a nice clip, passed it well, and got out in transition. In the final he finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Potential D1 wing in 2018.
PF Treavon Martin (Curie – 2018)
Way to break out young man on the big stage! Martin has played solid all year making plays every now and then, but nothing real consistent. That changed in the championship game. On Friday he was effective and active as a rim protector, but picked up several fouls which hampered him. Saturday was a different story. The sophomore completely dominated on the boards. He high pointed them and started the break. Also had a pair of offensive rebounds that he turned into points. His overall motor and activity level was impressive. As I said defensively he has a chance at 6’7” with a long and lanky frame to be a tremendous rim protector. Offensively he doesn’t show a ton of skill at this point, but has a good looking free throw stroke. The raw talent is definitely there for him to be a D1 prospect and his stock is one the rise. Martin went off for 10 points and 16 rebounds in the championship game.
SG James Dockery (Benet – 2016)
Dockery is a tough wing that plays with a lot of grit. He is at his best when he looks to attack off the bounce and use his strength to finish in the lane. Crafty ball handler that puts his head down and gets bucket. Solid three point shooter when in rhythm. Contributes on the glass. In the championship Dockery had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Should be a guy looked at by D3 and NAIA programs.
PG Jack Nolan (Benet – 2017)
Nolan stood out last summer when we saw him play. The kid can flat out shoot the basketball at 5’11”. He is a sniper from deep off the catch with a quick release and accuracy. Solid passer as he had a pair of assists in both games, but is far from a true point guard yet. Look for him to focus on developing that this summer. That will tell what level he ultimately plays at. Nolan had 11 points in both games he played.
SG Zack Norvell (Simeon – 2016)
The Gonzaga commit showed why he is considered among the best prospects in the 2016 class. The lefty shooting guard hit some tough jump shots throughout the game including several from the baseline, one where he drilled a pull up after going behind his back, along with an NBA range three. Norvell also hit a nice floater in the lane and a crazy reverse layup that was super tough to convert. Showed his offensive scoring game has come a long way in the last couple years. He finished with 18 points against Benet. Look for him to be an impact scorer for multiple seasons with the Zags.
PG Evan Gilyard (Simeon – 2017)
Gilyard has elevated his game as a junior. He was particularly effective shooting the ball from the perimeter hitting four from beyond the arc. The lefty has become a much more viable three point weapon over the last six months especially off the catch. Quick with the ball and when he draws defenders gets others involved. Pesky defender with active hands. He had 16 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals against Benet. Should be a mid-major target.
SG Trayvon Tyler (Rockford Auburn – 2016)
Auburn’s go to senior struggled shooting it from the field against Curie. The 6’0” strong guard is best when attacking downhill getting in the lane and finishing in the paint. Slippery in traffic and physical around the hoop. Jumper was not falling at all from three. He shoots a set shot and doesn’t get a lot of lift on it. Solid passer can play some combo at the small college level. Projects as a good D3/NAIA/JUCO prospect. Tyler went for 12 points and 4 assists.
SG Juwane Parchman (Rockford Auburn – 2016)
Parchman is a tough shooting guard with some length. He is a slashing two guard that scores most of his points on the interior. Has a nose for being around the basketball. Good rebounding guard. Finished with 9 points and 7 dimes. Small college prospect.