Grassroots First Person: Chicago Demons
In our “First Person Grassroots Recap” series we take a look at how the travel team season went for one our state’s programs.
Today we look at the Chicago Demons 17U and 16U squad.
17U
Record:
31-8
Championships/Accomplishments:
Showdown in Chicago – Won Silver Championship
Houston Kingwood Classic – Won Platinum Championship
Joe Hendrickson Shootout – Undefeated beating quality teams
Speice Gym Rats Memorial Run N Gun – Platinum Final Four
Chicago Jam Fest – Platinum Final Four
Las Vegas Live – Platinum Final Four
Las Vegas Classic – Gold Elite Final Four
Key Wins:
Mac Irvin Fire, Team Iverson, TJ Ford Elite, Louisiana Select, Dallas Showtyme Elite
Overall Thoughts on Season:
The 17U Demons enjoyed a season that many members of the media or scouts didn’t anticipate. We won a couple of prestigious tournaments and finished in the top tier in many others. Our top players shined when the lights were the brightest.
Standout Performers)
Marvin Nesbitt, Jr is one of the hottest 2017 prospects in Illinois. He has received ten offers in the last month with the expectation of more to come. He is an explosive athlete with a nice shooting touch. Marvin consistently record double-doubles from the guard position. 6’4 Combo Guard. Can dunk on anyone!
Rafael Cruz, Jr is a versatile scorer that is one of the best shooters in the public league. He is also a sizzling hot recruit following a strong spring and summer. 6’3 Point Guard. Had 6 three pointers against the Georgia Stars.
Austin Ritchie Jr brings a college ready body to the high school game. He can shoot the ball from long range and post up. He’s an intriguing prospect that has received several offers. 6’6 wing forward.
Terry Smith Jr was a late but much needed addition. Smith brought a championship mentality and toughness to a perimeter oriented team. Terry showed the ability to face up and hit mid-range shots with consistency.
Marco Lewis is the unsung hero; offensively his ball handling dictates the tempo of the game is play, while his tenacious defensive pressure forces opposing guards to alter their approach to the game.
Alex Takor provided depth with his length on defensive end and ability to slash. Scored in bunches in transition. Alex will play a valuable role this upcoming season for Uplift.
16U
Record:
45-9
Championships/Accomplishments:
Houston Kingwood Classic
And 1 Tourney
Spiece Run-N-Gun Fort Wayne
Las Vegas Classic Silver
3-0 at All-Illinois Invitational
Key Wins:
Meanstreets, Houston Rookies, Spiece Indy, Fundamental U,
Utah Basketball Club, Mac Irvin Fire, Old Gold
Overall Thoughts on Season:
The team experienced a solid season. Winning three overall championships,
3 Gold Division championships, and one silver in one of the nation’s largest and
most competitive tournaments. Also, finished as runner-up twice. The team
was good and successful because of the skills and contributions of each talented
and unheralded player. The team is one Big/Post player away from national
distinction and recognition.
Standout Performers:
Ultra-athletic Nas Turner attracted interest from several D1 schools during the spring and summer. Dominated play at Spiece Run-N-Gun and Houston. One of the top players at every tournament. Kobe Mapp made big plays in big moments. Capping the summer with game-winning buzzer beater in Las Vegas Classic playoffs. Should be rated higher in 2018 class of guards. Javion May is an outstanding performer on both sides of the ball; relatively unknown will have breakout season at Hope Academy.
Ed Bryant flourished all season with his athleticism, versatility and improved perimeter shot. Can guard all five positions.
Brandon Whiteside is an unsung combo guard that can shoot as well as any guard in the class of 2018. Hit big shots in several quality wins. Hunter Walder is a knockdown shooter that is adept as a passing PG. Timely 3’s in key moments. Zion Fortune provided size, post presence, and the ability to knock down shots from 12 feet out to 3-point range. Two-sport star lead guards Alex Saunders and Jayden Reed provided ball handling, toughness and speed. That was valuable against top tier teams. Both had big scoring games in Vegas run. Guard Jamari Norwood had a solid summer using his speed and carefully calculated crossover dribble to get in the lane for baskets or assist.