Arch Elite Challenge: 5 Intriguing Illinois Guards

<p>The Arch Elite Challenge took place over the weekend at Center St. Louis and Prep Hoops was able to check in on a good amount of the action.  Premier Hoops puts on top notch events throughout the Midwest and this one was certainly no exception.  The gym was swimming with individual talent and competitive match-ups, much to the delight of a host of D2/D2/NAIA/JUCO coaches.  Here is a look at 5 guards from Illinois who caught our eye:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Max Christie - Illinois Wolves (Rolling Meadows)</strong></em></p> <p>Max being on this list is clearly a no-brainer.  He is accustomed to catching the eyes of everyone in the gym when he is involved and Saturday was no exception.  Personally, it was my first chance to see him live and I walked away believing the hype.  Against some quality competition, he showed off the full-array of his advanced skill-set.  He is an elite shooter with range that can burn up the nets in a variety of ways.  When he got even the smallest glimmer of space, it was going up and in.  He is incredibly savvy and really impressed with his footwork, fundamentals, and ability to create space for his jumper without putting the ball on the floor.  He is a dual-threat off the ball screen and a nightmare to guard in transition.  Long and athletic, he racked up some frequent flyer miles and also showed some aggressiveness attacking the glass.  Elite talent.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Ray'Sean Taylor - Gateway IL (Collinsville)</strong></em></p> <p>There is so much to like about Ray'Sean's game.  After bursting onto the scene during the high school season at Collinsville, Taylor's stock continue to stay on the rise during the spring.  He is a multi-dimensional point guard who can score it at multiple levels, distribute, and defend.  He proved to be extremely hard for defenders to keep in front and his strength and elevation make him a strong finisher at the cup.  His left-handed jumper is starting to look much more fluid and as he continues to establish that part of his arsenal he will be all the more dangerous.  Earl Austin Jr. mentioned him in a separate write-up as "one of the best point guards in the St. Louis area".  I'll go ahead and second that.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Caleb Zurliene - Illinois Bears (Mater Dei)</strong></em></p> <p>Love the intangibles that Caleb brings to the table.  He has an athletic frame, one of the best wingspans you'll find on a guard, and may still have some room to grow.  He is a high IQ player and simply put, good things happen when he has the ball.  He is capable of running the show and is an unselfish and willing passer.  He moves extremely well without the ball, constantly making defenses work.  He has a smooth stroke from the outside and has some very impressive athleticism.  Several times, he would sneak backdoor for a dunk or glide through the lane for a put-back slam.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Kaden Froebe - Illini Magic (Lincoln)</strong></em></p> <p>Kaden was the first player to catch my eye when I walked in the gym on Saturday and appears to be flying well under the radar.  He can really shoot it, and at first glance it appeared this was his forte.  WRONG.  He is an extremely crafty ball-handler and finishes in the paint with contact as well as anyone in the tournament.  He is very strong to his left and loves to drive it baseline.  He has great court-vision and awareness and made several eye-opening cross court passes in transition and drop offs on his drives.  I loved his aggressiveness defensively, where he would at times pick up his man full-court and pick his pocket for an easy lay-up.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Justin Guernsey - Illini Magic (Pleasant Plains)</strong></em></p> <p>6'5 and rangy, Justin brings a great amount of positional versatility to the Illini Magic squad and was a key cog for a good Pleasant Plains team during the high school season.  When they play small ball, his length and athleticism allow him to serve as a capable face-up four man that creates match-up problems for larger, less mobile defenders.  He can also operate on the wing and punish smaller defenders.  He did a very nice job of driving by pressure and attacking the rim with crafty finishing ability.  He is also a very good three-point shooter with a smooth, effortless release.</p>