Program MVP: Ethan Helwig
Who was the MVP of each grassroots team program this past spring and summer? This might not necessarily be the best player although in many cases it is. We are looking at the player from Illinois that elevated their game and stepped up when it mattered most taking both themselves and their teams to the next level.
The Illinois Stars program was dominated by quality 2019 prospects that played at both the 17U and 16U levels. They had several prospects that could have been the choice for this award, but in the games that we personally evaluated Metea Valley junior small forward Ethan Helwig stood above the rest. This 6’4” wing burst on to our radar with his play during July in both Milwaukee and Kansas City in the last two live periods. He is an uber smooth and rangy wing that has long strides attacking the hoop. His ability to slash and score in transition was what initially intrigued us about this wing. As time went on it was apparent that his jump shot was an even bigger strength. He has the ability to connect with a feathery jumper pulling up from both three and mid-range at a high level. Helwig went from unknown to D1 prospect with his play on the circuit.
Congratulations to Metea Valley 2019 small forward Ethan Helwig on winning the PrepHoopsIllinois Program MVP for the Illinois Stars.