Scouting Chicago Elite: 2018 & 2019
The Chicago Elite Classic has become one of the premier national high school basketball events. PrepHoopsIllinois was in attendance from start to finish and we break down several of the 2018 and 2019 prospects in attendance in our sophomore and…
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Continue ReadingThe Chicago Elite Classic has become one of the premier national high school basketball events. PrepHoopsIllinois was in attendance from start to finish and we break down several of the 2018 and 2019 prospects in attendance in our sophomore and freshman scouting report.
PG Ayo Dosunmu (Morgan Park _ 2018)
The sophomore transfer is fitting in with ease for the loaded Mustangs. Dosunmu is among the premier 2018 prospects in the state and he continues to show why. He is a plus shooter especially when playing off the ball where he can let it fly off the catch. Threads the needle on passes although he did have a few turnovers. Defensively his quickness and pressure at the point of attack along with willingness to throw his body around creates steals and easy opportunities. Dosunmu finished with 8 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds, and 6 steals. Needs to be on the high major radar now!
G Dravon Clayborn (Evanston _ 2018)
The 6’0” combo guard flashed potential with range on his jump shot. He came off the bench for Evanston and provided offensive scoring punch with deep threes and a runner. Handles it well and shows upside as a passer. He had 10 points and 3 assists in the game.
SG Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon _ 2018)
The 6’3” shooting guard has continued to elevate his game during the spring and summer. Horton-Tucker’s role will be a little more limited for the Wolverines, but he definitely made an impact. The most impressive thing that the sophomore did was get up for two emphatic blocks. His athleticism has come so far in the last year. Also had a nice dish to Josh Thomas. In limited minutes and without taking a shot he still made an impact on the game.
PF Messiah Jones (Simeon _ 2018)
Jones is among the premier 2018 prospects in the state. He only played five minutes in this contest. The super bouncy 6’5” forward grabbed a grown man offensive rebound and blocked a shot.
PG Xavier Castaneda (Whitney Young _ 2018)
After an injury plagued summer with Meanstreets the sophomore point guard is back healthy and looked clearly like the Dolphins best player. The 5’9” strongly built floor general was one of the few players on his team that looked to attack. He consistently knocked down pull up mid-range jump shots. Great elevation on the shot while staying balanced and in rhythm. Also has some ability off the bounce with impressive speed on his first step. Turned the ball over a little, but also made some nice passes. Finished with 16 points. One of top 2018 prospects in Illinois.
SF Jake Kosakowski (Whitney Young _ 2018)
This was my first opportunity seeing the Brother Rice transfer. At 6’6” he has great size already for position. The long and lanky wing moves well laterally and is a solid rebounder. Shot looks good mechanically and he wasn’t afraid to take it so that is probably what he does best, but they didn’t fall. He had 3 points, 3 boards, and 2 blocks.
PG Chase Adams (Marian Catholic _ 2018)
The Marian Catholic point guard was solid, but not spectacular in their loss to Mater Dei (CA). The 5’4” point guard has great quickness in the open floor and works well in space. As a passer he gets others involved in the drive and kick. Scoring his only points came on a catch and shoot three.
PG Brandon Hurt (Marian Catholic _ 2018)
Hurt is a 6’0” point guard that likes to use his size to his advantage. He tries to play bully ball against smaller guards powering his way in the lane. Banked in a mid-range jumper. Finished with 4 points.
PF Jalen Shaw (Larkin _ 2018)
At 6’8” this sophomore power forward presents some upside! Shaw is super long and lanky. He runs the floor very well for his size. Offensively he is a bit raw with his body control and missed some easy shots inside. Did knock in a mid-range 15 foot jumper. Good rebounder that once he adds more strength should be even more effective in that area. Presence on the defensive end blocking shots. He had 2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. A name to watch moving forward.
SF Ryan Cicenas (Riverside Brookfield _ 2018)
This sophomore prospect is intriguing with this ability to shoot the basketball at 6’3”. He has long arms and projectable frame. Moves well without the ball to get open. Looks like one of those classic catch and shoot guards that knows how to get open setting up his shot. He had 9 points (3-5 3PT) and 3 assists.
PG Kejuan Clements (Simeon _ 2019)
It is extremely rare for a Simeon freshman to play varsity. Clements must be a special guard as he got minutes in his first varsity game for the Wolverines. The athletic 6’0” point guard has a projectable body and game. He wasn’t afraid as he hit 2-3 from the field including a sweet mid-range jumper. Finished with 4 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes of action.
PG Andre White (Loyola _ 2019)
The 5’8” freshman point guard was not afraid at all of playing on the big stage. He is a plus shooter from deep that hit back to back triples to open the contest. Quick and shifty guard has a good feel for the game and makes nice passes on the interior. Speed in the open floor and is tough! He had 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists for Loyola.