Derrick’s Dimes – NY2LA Saturday Standouts
Mequon, WI – Prep Hoops Illinois was back at Homestead High school in Mequon, WI for another day of action packed games at the NY2LA Swish N’ Dish in a full day of action we had the opportunity to see a lot of games and scout a good amount of prospects from Illinois as well as other states. Here we look at some of the day’s top performances in Derrick’s Dimes – NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Saturday Standouts
G/F – 2019 6’5” Bryant Brown (Illinois Wolves UAA) IL
Bryant Brown out of Waukegan had a strong performance in his early game for the Wolves in a win over the Chicago Storm. Brown got started hot working the baseline and displaying a smooth jumper from 15 feet on out. Brown is a 6’5′” wing that is long and has a very fluid game. Plays under control and just lets the game come to him. Brown also had some nice finished in traffic and rebounded it well from out on the wing. Could be a big spring for the Top 5 2019 Illinois prospect if he can bring that type of effort on a consistent basic.
G – 2021 6’5” Tevin Smith (Hoops Avenue Manimal) IL
Guard Tevin Smith (Danville HS) was impressive on Saturday he displayed a quick first step and burst to the rim to score off the dribble as well as being able to hit shots off the catch from 3. Tevin is a combo guard with good size at 6’5” who has big time potential if he can continue to develop and be consistent on the defensive end as well as shooting it out on the perimeter. He is best when out on the break where he can finish it at the rim on get it out to teammates for the score. He had some really nice passes in the game I scouted also showing off a good feel for the game and court vision. Smith with be a player to keep an eye on and look for him have a big spring/summer with Hoops Avenue Manimal.
PG – 2019 6’1” Marquise Kennedy (Illinois Wolves UAA) IL
Brother Rice (IL) PG Marquise Kennedy sliced and diced his way onto the standout list as he had his way in the lane for the Illinois Wolves UAA team. He is an extremely shifty guard with plus handles and vision. He was able to create off the dribble and finish at the rim at a high rate in the win over the Chicago Storm. He finished with a game high 15 points for the Wolves. What I liked most about Kennedy was his ability to pick his spots and change pace quickly to use a burst to get to the rack.
SF – 2019 6’7” Kahlil Whitney (Mac Irvin Fire) IL
The top 50 national prospect in Kahlil Whitney picked off where he left off Friday with a strong opening game Saturday. The 6’7” super athletic wing showed he really could do it all. He was the best shooter in the game showing off a smooth jump shot that has really improved. He opened with a couple three’s and two dunks and never looked back at the Mac Irvin Fire cruised to a victory. The upside for Whitney really high and he has big time potential especially if he continues to shoot it like he has. That just adds another facet to his game. We know he can get buckets out on the break and off the bounce at the rim, but he also uses his length to disrupt plays on the defensive end of the court. High Major schools will get a good look at him again soon as the live period nears look to Whitney to add more interest and offers to his already long list.
SF – 2020 6’8” Jalen Johnson (Phenom University) WI
The highly touted 2020 SF Jalen Johnson continued his strong play again Saturday against the Meanstreets 16U EYBL team where Johnson helped lead his team to victory. He started off a little slow in the game but quickly heated up. He uses his size and strength to bully smaller defenders or can step out and take bigger defenders off the dribble to create mismatches. Johnson he can be a play the point-forward role by often getting the rebound and leading the break. He made sound decisions in the open court and can finish with flash around the rim. The high major prospect holds multiple D1 offers but look for that list to grow quickly after the spring for the 2020 SF out of Wisconsin.
PG – 2020 6’1” Ahron Ulis (Meanstreets EYBL) IL
You probably recognize the last name and yes Ahron Ulis is the brother of Tyler Ulis but he is ready to make a name for himself and let his game do the talking. Ulis showed poise from the lead guard spot. He also showed he can attack the rim and finish in traffic often over taller defenders. His body is maturing, and he has added size. He has plus handles and keep it on a string and has no problem breaking pressure. Ulis is also a tough defender who moves his feet and plays fundamentally sound defense.
SF – 2020 6’6” Moses Moody (Brad Beal Elite) AR
Moses Moody out of Little Rock, Arkansas is a long SF who is playing up with the 17U Brad Beal EYBL team. A bouncy athlete he uses his length to make plays on both ends. Moody can score from all three levels and showed deep range knocking down threes.
SF – 2021 6’4” Amir Agillard (Meanstreets) IL
The young prospect out of Zion Benton will be a prospect to track this spring/summer for the Meanstreets a big bodied SF he uses size and strength to score around the rim. Showed off footwork on the block and attacked the glass on both end for the Meanstreets 15U in a win over Made Men.