Class of 2018 Post Stock Risers
The power forward and centers might have the biggest stock risers of any positions in the state. Here we examine that.
George Conditt (Corliss)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #5
Conditt is a 6’10” center that has a long and rangy frame. He emerged out of nowhere! Literally not even on the radar heading into the spring and now he is the top post in the state. He is a skilled face up five that can handle it on the perimeter, shoots it well pulling up, and runs the floor with fluidity. Conditt is also a rim protector on the defensive end. Look for him to be a prospect that is heavily tracked by high-majors in July.
Tamell Pearson (Morgan Park)
Previous Rank: #21
Current Rank: #15
Pearson helped himself this spring by playing with a higher activity level. He was solid in the Mustangs run to a state title, but definitely took it to another level this spring with the Mac Irvin Fire. Pearson was a lot more assertive on the glass getting put backs and clearing the defensive glass. He has size at 6’8” along with quality athleticism. Rim runner in transition. Mid-major target.
Ryan Davis (Conant)
Previous Rank: #54
Current Rank: #16
Davis is a big bodied post out of Conant that was inconsistent when we evaluated him during his junior year. He had some tools that intrigued us, but it wasn’t consistent. That changed in the spring as he took his game to another level with Wisconsin Playground Warriors on the UAA circuit. He is a face up five man that can stretch the floor with his shooting. Better athlete than you would think that can score in the paint and became a more tenacious rebounder. Davis has landed quite a few offers in recent months from mid-major and low-major schools.
Paul O’Leary (Lemont)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #39
O’Leary jumped out to us at the Prep Hoops Showcase at the beginning of the spring. The first aspect that stands out is his pure size at 6’9” with tremendous strength. He has the ability to anchor down low and get deep post position which helps him score on the block. Potential as a shot blocker.
Jackson Marcotte (Mt. Carmel)
Previous Rank: #69
Current Rank: #41
Marcotte could not have been more impressive down the stretch of the high school season for downstate Mt. Carmel. We saw him in person put in work using his physical strength on the interior to score in the post as well as stretching the defense with an effective pick and pop shot. Very good area rebounder.
Dusan Mahorcic (Niles Notre Dame)
Previous Rank: #156
Current Rank: #45
Mahorcic has only been in the country for about a year and a half. He flashed some skills in limited minutes last year with Niles Notre Dame which got him ranked intitally. Has taken another big step forward playing for the Illinois Wolves in the spring. Face up four man that has skill. Runs the floor with ease. Flashes potential to score on the block with a hook shot. Intriguing prospect to track in July and this upcoming season.
Kyle King (St. Charles North)
Previous Rank: #132
Current Rank: #60
King might be one of my favorite players to watch in this class. With Tri City Thunder he just goes and gets buckets. The 6’5” four man is a bit undersized, but makes up for is with skilled footwork and quick moves on the interior. Gets deep post position and knows how to score in one on one situations. Effective passer out of the double team.
Jack Halverson (Peotone)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #73
Halverson jumped on our radar this spring with his play at Baylor event during the live period and then again in May at Run N Slam. Great size at 6’7” with long arms. Very good athlete that attacks his man off the bounce from the high post. Consistently gets by his slower post defender.
Joel Adese (La Salette Academy)
Previous Rank: NR
Current Rank: #74
Adese put his name on our map at the PrepHoops Camp in the spring. From central Illinois La Salette Academy he wasn’t much a known prospect heading into the event, but the 6’7” broad shouldered four man rebounded at a high rate and plays with a high motor.
Jack Sorenson (Wheaton North)
Previous Rank: #158
Current Rank: #91
Sorenson helped himself with his play this spring for Mercury Elite. He is a skilled face up four that plays with an ease to his game. Can hit a mid-range jumper and flashes post scoring skill. Should be a nice small college player.