Highland Shootout: 2017 Illinois Scouting
PrepHoopsIllinois attended the Highland Shootout on Saturday which is annually one of our favorite days of hoops during the high school basketball season. Here is our scouting report on the Illinois 2017 prospects in attendance. SF Javon Pickett (Belleville…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois attended the Highland Shootout on Saturday which is annually one of our favorite days of hoops during the high school basketball season. Here is our scouting report on the Illinois 2017 prospects in attendance.
SF Javon Pickett (Belleville East – 2017 – Illinois)
Pickett has quietly been posting quality numbers throughout the first half of his senior campaign. The Illini commit made a LOUD statement to basketball fans that he is truly one of the most complete players in the state. Pickett scored in a variety of ways against a quality Webster Groves squad. His jump shot was falling hitting mid-range shots, threes, fadeaways, etc. Also was aggressive taking it to the cup using great angles getting to the hoop. He uses oustanding body control at the rim to finish through or around contact. Pickett also did work on the glass. He finished with an event record 40 points along with grabbing 10 rebounds.
SF Doug Wallen (Champaign Central – 2017)
Wallen has been one of my favorites to watch on the circuit over the last couple of seasons. The 6’4” combo forward is a versatile inside-outside threat that has a quality skill level. Showed that in this game with a few hook shots inside, several clutch threes, and quality passing. Wallen had 19 points against Chaminade. He is a great D2 prospect.
SF Justin Smith (Stevenson – 2017 – Indiana)
The Indiana commit put on a show in a blowout win over a Manual squad that was without their four D1 prospects. Smith was electrifying with his athleticism playing above the rim with multiple high flying jams including the play of the event on a one handed jam where his hand was well above the square before he brought the slam down. The 6’6” senior has such smooth and explosive acceleration with the ball off the bounce. Moves well without the ball to set up his shot. Sound perimeter shooter as was shown with a few in this game. Also got after on defense with some steals and a pair of huge blocks. The #3 senior had 19 points in a win.
PG Willie Herenton (Stevenson – 2017)
Great game for Stevenson’s second best player. Herenton was on fire shooting it from deep. The point guard couldn’t miss no matter where he was on the floor from deep threes to runners in the lane. Dished it solid when playing on the ball finding open shooters. Should be on the high D3/NAIA radar.
PG Neshawn Brooks (Peoria Manual – 2017)
With Manual’s top four players out it was Brooks who had to somehow keep the game semi close. The strong lead guard is a solid jump shooter that can hit them from three pulling up off the bounce. Gets elevation on shot. Brooks does a nice job of getting to the foul line. He had 15 points. Quality JUCO prospect.
SF Marvin Bateman (Belleville Althoff – 2017)
With their star Jordan Goodwin sidelined in the second quarter with a shoulder injury it was one of their other go to players that stepped up. Bateman is a 6’4” wing that when he is rolling can be one of the hottest perimeter threats in the state. He was just that against East St. Louis. Bateman had a variety of threes throughout the contest. Most of them were off the catch where he has great balance and a quick release. Bateman also got on the glass for several put back finishes. He had 26 points.
SG Jordan Goodwin (Belleville Althoff – 2017 – SLU)
The leading contender for Mr. Basketball was rolling early against East St. Louis. Goodwin was going all beast mode attacking the cup and dominating the glass. Hit a pair of 15 foot jumpers which looked very effortless. This along with his free throw shooting are his weaknesses. Then midway through the second quarter Goodwin hurt his shoulder grabbing it and was in a ton of pain. He would not return. The SLU commit and #2 senior finished with 13 points.
PG CJ Coldon (Belleville Althoff – 2017)
Coldon will probably play football in college, but I think he would be an outstanding D2 point guard prospect. He looked to spark their offense with Goodwin out. He passed it well drawing defenders and finding Bateman for open looks. Pushes it in transition and hit a three. Coldon had 12 points.
SG Edwyn Brown (Belleville Althoff – 2017)
Brown is a rangy 6’5” wing with long arms and projectable frame. Handles it well in traffic. Slashes on the offensive end. Quality defender. He had 9 points. High level D3/NAIA prospect with upside.
SF Dante Ray (Belleville Althoff – 2017)
Ray is a 6’4” wing with broad shoulders and good upper body strength. He has a good looking shooting stroke although he is a bit streaky from three. Did hit one from the corner. Potential D3/NAIA kid with upside because of his frame. He had 7 points.
C Jeremiah Tilmon (East St. Louis – 2017)
Tilmon is the state’s top 2017 prospect because of his long term potential. He showed that against Althoff. He was going up against a 2-3 zone that was packed in and every time he got close to touching the ball there were three or four defenders draped all over him. He got in a little foul trouble early, but like we mentioned last week it was impressive to see him fight through this and not pick up another quick foul which would have held him out of a major portion of the game. He was a force on the defensive end especially after Goodwin left. He manned the paint with his shot blocking ability staying straight up and not committing fouls. One of the premier shot blockers in the state. Offensively the Illini commit showed a few skilled hook shots and fought hard on the interior for scores against multiple defenders. Ran the floor well and was rewarded. Rebounded high pointing balls on both ends. He had 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
PG Arthur Carter (East St. Louis – 2017)
Carter was awesome for ESL in their win over Althoff. Once Goodwin went down Carter took over. He is a stocky point guard that finds seams in the defense to exploit attacking off the bounce. Sound perimeter shooter especially off the catch. Pushes the tempo and has a feel for getting others involved. High level D3/NAIA kid that would be a great JUCO find. He had 19 points.
PG Kerian Chairs (East St. Louis – 2017)
Quick and shifty point guard at 5’10” that gets in the lane and makes plays driving to the hoop. He had 7 points. Small college prospect.