Swish N Dish: Derrick’s Friday Dimes
The grassroots season kicked off Friday and Prep Hoops Illinois were at the NY2LA Swish N Dish which is held in Milwaukee, WI at Homestead HS. Several Illinois programs are in attendance as well as teams from across the Midwest. Here are some standouts from matchups that I watched Friday night day 1 in Swish N Dish: Derrick’s Friday Dimes.
G- Kevin Caldwell (2018)- Alton, Il (Jets-Ramey United)
Kevin Caldwell had a nice shooting night for Jets-Ramey United. The Alton, Il guard has good handles and displayed some good court vision finding his teammates out in transition. Down the stretch, Caldwell scored 7 points hitting a mid-range jumper, a deep 3 and then scoring off a dribble drive, to help propel his team to the win. Caldwell finished with a game high 16 points.
G- Vashawn Sims (2018) – Park Forest, Il (Example Sports)
Vashawn Sims had a solid first day of NY2LA Swish N Dish. The 2018 SG was at best out in the open court attacking the rim. Athletic wing whose game is still a little raw, made some aerobatic finishes leading his team with 18 points. Sims also rebounded well from the guard spot, he defended and used his quickness and toughness make it difficult on his opponents to score. High motor and played with good energy.
G-Malachi Smith (2018)- Belleville East (Jets-Ramey United)
The 6’3 guard was fantastic out in the open court. Smith is a combo guard that can play on or off the ball. He handled it well and made good decisions out on the break often taking his defender right to the rim using his size and athletic ability to finish plays. Malachi also showed the ability to pass it well finding teammates. He played under control and helped control the pace of the game for Jets-Ramey United.
PF/C Francis Okoro (2019) Normal Community (Brad Beal Elite)
The top post in his class in Illinois had a nice first night. Okoro showed improved footwork with some impressive post moves. The 6’9 post moves well and can also handle the ball a little. Okoro was effective with his back to the basket but showed he could also face up and knock down the little 10-15 footers. Playing above the rim on both ends of the court Francis has some nice dunks and blocked shots and rebounded well on the defensive end. Love the upside of Okoro who is still developing and oozing with major upside. High major prospect who can be one of the top post in the country as his development continues.
PG- Darius Garland (2018) Brentwood, TN (Brad Beal Elite)
Easy to see why Garland is one of if not the top PG in the 2018 class nationally. Garland has great court vision which showed when he threw a one handed no look pass on a laser 30-plus feet down the court hitting his teammate right in stride for the layup. Garland plays with great control and ultra-slick handles. He was getting to the basket with ease in a blink of an eye and stepped up and hit some jumpers also. A tough matchup for defenders he can be effective so many ways, he defended well and had several steals both on ball and out in the passing lanes. High major recruit who will have his choice of schools to choose from.