PrepHoopsIL Showcase: Derrick’s Dimes
Prep Hoops Illinois hosted the annual Stock Up Showcase at Joy of the Game Sunday in Deerfield, Il. The Showcase was an opportunity for prospects to boost their stock in front of the Prep Hoops Scouts as well as College coaches. The event hosted over 100+ participants from all throughout Illinois. Here are a few of the day’s standout performers in PrepHoopsIL Showcase; Derrick’s Dimes.
PG- DeAndre Heckard- 6’2 Romeoville (2018)
The Romeoville HS guard DeAndre Heckard was one of the top performers at the Showcase. From the opening tip Heckard was a force on the offensive end scoring in a variety of ways. Heckard has good size for a lead guard; a solid frame, and nice athleticism. Heckard used a quick first step to get to the rim with no wasted movement to score. He also shot the ball well from deep and had good vision out of the break to find open teammates. Heckard currently ranked #10 in our 2018 rankings is poised for a breakout summer running with Hoops4Health grassroots team.
G-Rocco Ronzio 6’2- John Hersey HS (2019)
Ronzio was one of the top shooters at the event. He was deadly from deep especially off the pass when he spots up. Ronzio did a good job making himself available out in the open court and once his defenders knew he was a sharpshooter he utilized a couple nice head fakes to drive into the lane for some mid-range jumpers. He had one of the most impressive half of play knocking down 5 three pointers . Ronzio will be a prospect to track this summer with running with Fundamental U grassroots team.
F-Joel Adese 6’7- La Salette Academy (2018)
Adese is an interesting prospect. Originally from Nigeria he is still a little raw but he was a threat in the post on offensive when his back was to the basket. Adese also rebounded at a good rate and moved well in the open court at 6’7.
G/F- Karl Polk Jr. 6’5- Rich East HS (2019)
Polk Jr is a long wing forward that can play above the rim on both ends of the court. Polk finished well around the basket. Also, still a little raw he is very athletic which helps him makes plays on defensive. Polk had several big blocks at the showcase and was one of the better defenders who could guard multiple positions.
G-Chris Burnell 6’3- Rockford East HS (2019)
Burnell is a combo guard that can play both on and off the ball. Has good size at 6’3 and is built like a running back he uses his strength to get through the lane where he can either finish at the rim or find open shooters. Burnell did a good job finding open teammates and will be an intriguing prospect to track at Rockford East HS.
G- Jaxson Dian 6’0 – Lemont HS (2019)
Dian was another sharpshooting guard that shoot the ball well from deep. Quick release on his shot and doesn’t need much room to get his shoot off. Shows good vision and the ability to get to the lane also which complements his shooting ability.
G-Jalen Hughes 5’11- Hillcrest (2018)
Hughes isn’t going to blow you away with size or super athletic ability but he showed he can make plays and knock down shots. Hughes liked to work the mid-range area, and had success getting into the lane and knocking down 15 footers or floaters. High energy guy that is going to play hard on both ends.
G-Connor Barrett 6’3 Loyola Academy (2019)
Barrett was another one of the sharpshooters at the showcase who can shoot it both off the dribble or off the catch. Handles the ball well and had some nice drives to the lane. Good size for a young prospect at the guard spot. Hit some deep 3’s well beyond the arc. Connor Barrett will be another prospect to track.