Senior Sunday: Recruiting Updates
We are getting closer and closer to the end of the high school season and that means seniors will be making their college decisions. PrepHoopsIllinois will be checking in weekly to get an update on a different group of prospects…
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Continue ReadingWe are getting closer and closer to the end of the high school season and that means seniors will be making their college decisions. PrepHoopsIllinois will be checking in weekly to get an update on a different group of prospects in our series Senior Sunday to see where things stand with their recruitments.
SF Oliver Stephen (Edwardsville)
Overall Rank: #47
Position Rank: #10
Projected Level: D2
Stephen is a 6’4” small forward who is one of the best perimeter shooters in the state. He is deadly in the catch and shoot with a quick and accurate release. Also mixes in a slash on occasion. He tells us he has been talking to D2 schools St. Cloud State and Drury. Also been in a little communication with Quincy, UMSL, and Midwestern State. SIUE has spoken with him and he holds an offer from Illinois Springfield.
PF Lenell Henry (Morgan Park)
Overall Rank: #52
Position Rank: #11
Projected Level: D2
Henry is a 6’7” four man that has come on strong late in the season. He can score with his back to the basket more than earlier in his career. Solid area rebounder. Playing with a higher energy level and producing more. Chicago State and Mississippi Valley State extended offers to the senior in the last week. Alabama A&M is also showing some interest. He is focusing on closing out the Mustangs season strong before turning to recruiting.
PF Melo Burrell (Morgan Park)
Overall Rank: #61
Position Rank: #16
Projected Level: D2
Burrell is also playing well down the stretch. He was very good in the city championship for MP against Simeon hitting a couple threes and getting on the glass. Projectable big that hasn’t ever been overly productive, but is starting to flash that ability late in the season. He tells us he is talking to SIU and Illinois State. Also hearing from a few JUCO’s including Lincoln Trail and Walter’s State.
SG Tyler Chisom (Proviso East)
Overall Rank: #72
Position Rank: #18
Projected Level: JUCO
Chisom is a defensive minded and tough two guard. He has the ability to lock down people on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively he is best getting out in transition and slashing.. Not a great shooter. He is a JUCO prospect that is hearing from Florida Southwestern, State Fair, and Harcum in Philadelphia.
PF Michael Downing (Conant)
Overall Rank: #74
Position Rank: #17
Projected Level: D3/NAIA/JUCO/Prep
Downing is a big that has always been a bit raw, but his length and athleticism make him intriguing. The senior has improved his skill level some as a senior, but his biggest value still comes from protecting the rim and running the floor. He tells us he is deciding between picking a college or going to prep school for a year. The colleges he is in communication with are Elmhurst, Loras, Oakton, Rock Valley, and Trinity. He has taken a visit to Elmhurst.
SF Elijah Ward (Joliet West)
Overall Rank: #82
Position Rank: #20
Projected Level: JUCO/Prep
Ward is a big wing that is projectable with upside. Has quality length to get after it on the defensive end of the floor. Plus passer from the wing position as he can play some point forward. Ward will play with Hoops4Health 17U this spring on the circuit to try to boost his stock among JUCO programs. The junior colleges that are recruiting him right now include Neosho, DMACC, State Fair, Lincoln Trail, Lamar, and Eastern Florida.
SG Trevor Ross (Bolingbrook)
Overall Rank: #91
Position Rank: #21
Projected Level: D3/NAIA
Ross is a power two guard that is one of those prospects that maxes out everything he has. Was productive with his play for the Hoopers/Celtics last summer and had a good start to his senior campaign with Bolingbrook. Rebounds well and can shoot it a little. He suffered a ACL tear mid-season and that will sideline him for the rest of the year. He tells us the two schools he is in contact with are Minnesota State and Midland.
SF David Hunt (Kenwood)
Overall Rank: #100
Position Rank: #23
Projected Level: D3/NAIA
Hunt is a 6’4” small forward that is more of a power wing. Tough and gritty player that outworks more talented players. This season he really improved his handles to go along with his ability to rebound at a high level from the forward spot. He has interest from Lincoln University in Missouri, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Northwood University. He has not taken any visits at this time.