Illinois 2016 Wing Stock Risers

<p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Who helped boost their stock the most during the summer to move up in the new 2016 rankings at shooting guard and small forward?</span></span></p><h2>Justin Pierce (Glenbard West)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">It’s pretty impressive that Pierce was on this list both after the spring and now.  Each time making significant leaps in the rankings.  This time it was all the way to inside the top 10 overall.  The 6’5” shooting guard took his game to another level with Mercury Elite during the spring and summer.  We saw him at several tournaments in July where he lit it up, but was particularly effective at NY2LA the first weekend of the live period in which he displayed his full offensive repertoire.  Pierce can score at all three levels including a plus jumper from mid-range and deep.  The athletic guard attacks with solid handles and competes on the glass.</span></span></p> <h2>Chris Harris (Lake Forest Academy)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Harris has always kind of mixed into the background with the Wolves as a very good role player.  When we saw him in July he did what he usually does, but showed even more to his game.  He is a plus athlete that is awesome in the transition game.  His handles have gotten tighter and jump shot has become a viable option from deep.  He is a plus passer from the wing position that makes several great finds a game.  Defensively he has a chance to be a plus wing defender at the next level.  Worth consideration by low-major programs.</span></span></p> <h2>Zach Hollywood (Bradley Bourbonnais)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Hollywood impressed during July with Example Sports.  The 6’9” combo forward has great size, but will need to add strength.  He can really shoot it from deep with a nice looking stroke and consistency from beyond the arc.  More than just a floor spacer Hollywood also has some bounce to his game and can get to the hoop off the dribble.  Borderline low-major/high D2 prospect.</span></span></p> <h2>Isaac Gassman (Ottawa)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Gassman is a prospect that grows on you the more you watch him.  He doesn’t do one thing exceptionally well, but is very good in all areas.  The Ottawa senior was the Swiss knife for Quad City Elite this past summer.  The lefty is a sound passer that makes great reads in the half court to cutters finding them for easy baskets on a regular basis.  Gassman is a plus shooter with a quick lefty stroke as a spot up guy from three and can knock down an occasional mid-range jumper.  He plays with a high activity level and has a nose for the basketball.  Solid rebounder for a wing.  He will need to add significant strength in college which will help him finish better at the rim through contact.  Defensively his length and lateral mobility project him well at the next level.  Like Hollywood should be on the high D2 radar.</span></span></p> <h2>Kevin Krieger (Plainfield North)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Krieger broke out during July playing with Mac Irvin Fire Black on the travel team circuit.  The 6’4” shooting guard has great size and a solid build.  He proved he could connect from distance, but is also a solid athlete being able to handle through traffic and make plays in transition.  He is garnering some looks by low-major D1’s and would be a nice D2 prospect.</span></span></p> <h2>Mike Schroeder (St. Charles North)</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">The top D3/NAIA stock riser in the class was this shooting guard.  Schroeder was good in the spring, but outstanding in July with Tri City Thunder.  He plays all out every game doing a great job moving without the ball to get open.  Schroeder is a plus shooter that gets his shot off quickly and they consistently go down.  He is one of the best catch and shoot guys in the state.  Will be a small school steal!</span></span></p>