The wing group is a strong one in 2018 especially at the shooting guard position. That is led by the top two prospects in the class. Tim Finke (Champaign Central) is an athletic wing with size at 6’5”. He can…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inThe wing group is a strong one in 2018 especially at the shooting guard position. That is led by the top two prospects in the class. Tim Finke (Champaign Central) is an athletic wing with size at 6’5”. He can explode on his opponent with huge dunks at the rim, but also is a plus plus shooter from deep. Finke knows how to set his shot up moving without the ball and creates space very well. Kezo Brown (Simeon) follows closely with his electric game as a 6’2” slashing combo guard. Brown has slick handles and can get where he needs on the floor to score. The sophomore has a long and angular frame to where he should continue to grow and is coming off a successful first year of high school ball for one of the state’s premier programs.
After the two potential five-stars the group at the shooting guard position shows depth. Justin Boyd (Whitney Young) was a player that elevated his game in July. The long and athletic wing consistently hits perimeter shots, can score off the bounce, and has potential to be a plus defender. Darius Beane (Carbondale) is a projectable combo guard at 6’3” that’s best asset might be his passing. He gets out in transition where he makes plays and once he adds strength should be a very good on ball defender with his length, quickness, and anticipation. Drew Peterson (Libertyville) and Armon Brummett (Decatur MacArthur) both had monster summers. They each put up crazy scoring numbers on a consistent basis with their athleticism and ability to connect from three. Other names to watch at the position include Lacey Watson (Rock Island), Anthony Lynch (South Elgin), Cardell McGee (Springfield Lanphier), Camron Donatlan (West Aurora), and Day’len Williams (Danville).
The top prospect at the small forward position left the state in Alan Griffin as he transferred to a school in New York. That takes away some of the star power, but several prospects with potential remain. Joffari Brown (St. Joseph’s), Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon), and Bakari Simmons (Simeon) each flashed ability with the Mac Irvin Fire 15U. A quartet of projectable wings with size to watch going forward are Brendon Marton (Steamwood), Jalen Boyd (St. Joseph’s), Kani Acree (Carbondale), and Caleb Strohmeier (Edwardsville).