Run N Slam: Illinois Stock Boosters

Scott Burgess May 8, 2019 @ 06:00 AM

What players from the state of Illinois helped boost their stock the most with their play at Run N Slam over the weekend? We dive into those prospects here!   Nick Smoldt (Chicago Lockdown) Smoldt is a wing from Plainfield East that flies a bit under the radar. Angular 6’2” guard that plays bigger than his height because of his length. Active defender that can guard both backcourt spots. Offensively he is best as a spot up shooter as he drilled a trio of smooth threes in the opening game of the tournament. Darius Duff (Illinois Wolves 15U) We haven’t ranked the 2022 class yet, but when we do you can bet that Duff will be in the rankings. The 6’3” two guard is a super athlete! The Lake Forest Academy freshman has a plus mid-range jumper that is his go to at this stage. Also slashes in transition scoring at the cup at a high clip.   Brandon Weston (Mac Irvin Fire 17U) Weston was one of the standouts of the weekend. He is excited to be out on the court after missing the majority of the high school season because of his transfer. The explosive shooting guard scored in all kinds of ways. He played above the rim with thunderous slams in transition. His jumper was on point from three. Played with a lot of intensity coming off the bench for the Fire.   Connor Dillon (Illinois Irish 17U) Dillon erupted for 35 points on Saturday morning. The combo guard from Peoria Notre Dame can really shoot the rock from three! Elite lefty stroke both pulling up and off the catch. Also an above average athlete with sneaky bounce at the hoop which he showed posterizing a guy. Slick passer and just an all-around playmaker.   Jaehshon Thomas (Young & Reckless 16U 17U) Thomas played at both the 16U and 17U levels over the weekend for Y&R. Physical combo guard with a strong upper body. He is best as a slasher using his strength and burst to get to the cup. Finishes well through contact. Capable shooter when given an open look. Tough perimeter defender guarding both backcourt spots.   Keshawn Williams (Young & Reckless 17U) Williams is already a highly rated prospect, but the Bloom star was just that good when we saw him Saturday morning. Most consistent we have seen him shoot it from a variety of spots on the floor throughout his career. With his above average athleticism he can make an impact on that alone, but his shooting was outstanding in Fort Wayne drilling threes from all over the court including the game winner!   John Poulakidas (Young & Reckless 16U) Poulakidas continues to see his stock rise every time he hits the court. Legit mid-major player that will start reeling in the offers in the not too distant future. Lefty has a diverse offensive skill set with his ability to knock down jumpers with ease to go along with an improved slashing game. Also he is an above average passer and rebounder for his position. Showed growth as a defender as well.   Jalen Houston (Young & Reckless 16U) Houston played the best we had seen him in their early Sunday morning game. The Hyde Park 2021 point guard is a Chicago tough kid that has strength and a crisp jump shot. Showed that off along with getting after it on the defensive end of the floor.   Tye Banks (Meanstreets 15U) Banks is an ultra-smooth two guard that scores it with ease. Effortless getting his points on drives where he seems to just glide past his opponents. Banks is also a sound jump shooter most effective pulling up from 15 feet. This Springfield Lanphier guard looks likes the next big thing from that historic program.   Jason Bergstrom (Wolverines 17U) Bergstrom has a feathery jump shot that he connected on from three. Broad shouldered three man that has such an easy and fluid shot. Can also hit one dribble pull ups. Tough kid who rebounds well.