Derrick’s Dimes: Riverside-Brookfield Shootout Day 1 Standouts – (2019, 2020)
The start of June means that we transition from the grassroots spring to the high school teams getting the chance to practice and play in team camps together. I spent Saturday at one of the top team camps in June in the area at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout. It is a loaded field like always and here I look at some of the top performances from the classes of 2019, 2020 & 2021
PG – DJ Steward 6’1’’ – Fenwick (2020)
The electric guard DJ Steward out of Fenwick had a stellar freshman debut helping lead Fenwick downstate. The PG has been having a nice spring with the Meanstreets, and he came out the gates hot for Fenwick knocking down shots from all over the court. He hit two deep pull up threes to start the game in a win over Plainfield East. Steward is a quick guard who has a great feel for the game and lets it come to him. He can get out on the break and score at the rim, has solid handle and a smooth shot from deep. He needs to add strength but is still young. He has all the makings of an elite prospect down the line and has already picked up division 1 offers.
SG – Antonio Reeves 6’3’’ – Kenwood (2019)
Reeves is a smooth shooting guard who displayed the ability to hit shots the perimeter from either off the catch or off the dribble. Has a quick release and can get his shot off with a defender in his face. Also had some nice drives but needs to improve his strength to be able to finish through contact. Reeves will be counted on to replace some of the scoring production left void from Manny Patterson and Octavius Parker’s graduation.
WF – Pat Baldwin 6’6’’ – Loyola (2021)
This was my first look at the Freshman to be Pat Baldwin of Loyola. He certainly will be a prospect to track and will be near the top of the prospects for 2021 early on. He has great length at 6’6’’ and can play multiple positions. He is a mismatch problem for defenders at the point-forward where he can bring the ball up and work the pick and roll. Baldwin is a big time shot maker pouring in 4 three’ pointers in his first game today and finished with 16 points. Still early for Baldwin but he has the making of a P5 Division 1 player in the future.
SG – Detalian Brown Jr. 6’2’’ – Morton (2019)
Detalian Brown out of Morton is an ultra-quick SG that can really light it up when he gets hot from 3. He kept Morton in the game vs St. Louis Vashon with his shooting from deep. He has a quick release and likes to pull from off of the dribble for shots from deep. Once teams saw he could hit from the perimeter he began to attack the rim and have some success there. I like how he competes and plays with a high motor.
PG – Kejuan Clements 6’1’’ – Simeon (2019)
Kejuan Clements will have big shoes to fill in replacing Evan Gilyard who heads to UTEP, but Clements had an impressive spring with the Mac Irvin Fire and has shown he is ready to take the next step in his development. He blew by defenders in a win over Andrews. Clements has good size and quickness and can really attack and finish at the basket. He dished it out well to wings Zion Young & Messiah Jones setting them up for some easy baskets. It appears things will continue rolling at Powerhouse Simeon with Clements the next up at the PG position.
CG – Marquise Walker 6’1’’ – Curie (2019)
Walker transfers in from St. Joes and will be a key piece for Curie who loses guards Elijah Joiner and Allante Pickens. Walker is a 6’1’’ PG with good strength and handle who can play off or on the ball. He played off the ball with Maurice Commander being on the ball. Walker showed an improved jump shot and hit some mid-range shots. Walker also has the potential to be a really good on ball defender with good size and decent foot speed.