Hard Work Live: Illinois Top Performers
This past weekend in Madison, Wisconsin we took in the PrepHoops Hard Work Live event where there were teams from across the Midwest. Here we dive into the best performances from prospects in the state of Illinois! SG Antoine…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend in Madison, Wisconsin we took in the PrepHoops Hard Work Live event where there were teams from across the Midwest. Here we dive into the best performances from prospects in the state of Illinois!
SG Antoine Bloxton (The Work Foundation 17U)
Bloxton is a player on the rise for sure. We saw him a little bit last summer, then he missed the first half of the season after transferring to Bogan, and finished out the season with a monster second half. Definitely was due for a push up the rankings before this event, but even more so after. Bloxton was extremely fluid and slick scoring the basketball from all three levels. The 2020 two guard showed a plus jumper and the ability to create space to get it off. Slick ball handler and made plays as a passer for an off guard.
PG Beau Frericks (Team RWA 17U)
It wasn’t the best showing from Team RWA in the game we caught on Saturday morning, but they did get a nice performance out of their point guard Beau Frericks. The Cary Grove junior is a knock down three point shooter and overall one of the better snipers in the class of 2020 from the state of Illinois. Short and concise stroke. Improved his passing over the last year.
SF Paul Zilinskas (ET21 Buckeyes 17U)
Zilinskas is a 6’5” small forward that has gotten stronger in his upper body since we saw him mid-way during the high school season. The 2020 wing is a plus perimeter shooter that gets elevation on his shot. Especially good off the catch, but can make one pulling up as well. Was better putting the ball on the deck and with his added strength finished better inside.
G Brandon Malone (Hoops4Health 17U)
Malone was outstanding shooting the basketball for Hoops4Health. This was our first time seeing the St. Joseph product. He was money on his pull up jumpers from both mid-range and three. Plays with bounce and athleticism.
SG Leondre Townsen (Illinois Vipers 17U)
Townsen had the defining performance of his career on Saturday night as the unsigned 2019 prospect from Corliss went for 38 points in the night cap. He was absolutely dominant from the jump. Townsen opened with four dunks in the first two minutes including a nasty windmill! Then he got the perimeter magic working with an array of pull up threes. Smooth jumper that was going down consistently. Also won off the bounce with euro steps. Locked down defensively with his 6’5” frame and length.
SG Tyriel Nelson (Illinois Vipers 17U)
Nelson is also an unsigned senior who impressed. The leading scorer for the 1A state champs Providence St. Mel connected from three at a high rate. Good spot up shooter that can definitely help out a college at the next level.
PF Ola Ajiboye (Team RWA 16U)
Ajiboye is one of the higher upside prospects that was at the 16U pool. Long and rangy power forward with projectability and room to grow strength wise as well as vertically. His ability as a face up player is what truly separates him as he drilled a mid-range jumper and three with ease. Runs the floor well. Snatches rebounds and protects the rim. Lot of upside here!
SG James Dent (Capital City Teamwork 16U)
Dent continues to see his stock rise and is primed to make a monster debut in the next rankings. The Springfield Southeast product is a smooth shooting guard with a feathery jumper out to three. Smooth and easy release. Wins off the dribble with his long strides getting to the rim. Defensively he has a chance to be really good if he wants to lock in and be a force on that end.