Riverside Brookfield: Saturday Standouts

Steve Parham June 23, 2019 @ 09:43 AM

Who stood out on Saturday at the Riverside Brookfield Live Event? PrepHoops Steve Parham breaks it all down here! Bryce Hopkins (Fenwick – 2021) Bryce stared out really strong against Bloom. Playing under control and reading what the defenders through at him. He made the first 7 points before someone else scored for Fenwick. Hopkins has a high IQ on the court, footwork, and ball skills. He made some shots over Bloom’s big man and posted up on the smaller guys picking his opponents apart each possession. Bryce finished with 29 points and a big win over what’s considered one of the state’s tops teams this upcoming season. Ahamad Bynum (Simeon – 2021) Bynum has become a one man show for Simeon so far this summer. His knack for getting bucket after bucket is unparalleled. On Saturday Ahamad lived at the three point line as he looked to shoot from deep majority of the day. In the first matchup with Leo he made seven 3’s and finished with 25 points and in the second game against Lyons Township he made eight 3’s and finished that game with 30 points. His ability to shoot from deep is a staple in his game now and he is definitely one of the best in the state at it. Simeon won both games on Saturday. Keshawn Williams (Bloom – 2020) The very smooth guard went on an unconscious scoring spree in his team’s matchup against Fenwick. Williams had asserted himself when Fenwick stretched the lead to nine. Keshawn would go to score 7 points and made a key steal that led to a score for his team to tie the game. Williams makes scoring look easy the way he gets in the lane and can maneuver between and around players that are in front of him. His athleticism allowed with him to rise over defenders as well making him a player that’s hard to guard. He finish 23 points, but with a loss. Bloom finished 2nd in pool play. Ray’Sean Taylor (Collinsville – 2020) Saturday was my first look at Ray’Sean. He played on and off the ball through his game against St. Laurence. He was effective off the ball coming off single and double screens to make shots. Very good handle on his drives to the rim often finishing. With Taylor he seemed to always be around the ball when his team needed him. He made four three pointers in the win over the Vikings. Taylor finished with 33 points. Connor Kochera (St. Viator – 2020) As the defending champion of this event Connor has to keep the ball rolling for Viator. In what was an early East suburban conference against Marian Catholic Kochera played it was January. Connor does a great job getting to open spots while the ball is moving from side to side on the court. He never stands in one spot making it impossible to always locate him. He uses screens well to get himself open usually by being the guy who sets the screen. At 6’4” he has a good release that seems impossible to block or disrupt. Kochera finished the game with 30 points knocking down 5 threes in the process. Viator won the very early conference matchup.   Dan Florey (St. Ignatius – 2020) The leader of the Wolfpack had a really good day at RB. In his matchup with Evanston Florey made it rain from beyond the arc. His maturity as a guard who’s been on varsity (which seems like forever) has been fun to watch. Dan was once considered a flashy facilitator to a very crafty scorer and now a really good shooter. Florey made five 3’s in the game against state runner up Evanston. But not only did he make shots he found ways to get in the lane and get to the rim for some nice finishes. He finished with 30 points in the win.   Other Notable Performances Jamere Hill (Joliet West) 24 points in win over Mount Carmel. Tough long defender turned steals into scoring also handling press well.   Jayson Kent (Oak Forest) 20 points in win over Riverside Brookfield. Long and rangy shooter made good plays. Darius Burford (Bolingbrook) 27 points in win over DGN. Lighting quick guard was hard for players to stay in front of him.   DJ Steward (Whitney Young) 19 points in win over Schaumburg. Pushing the discussion for #1 player in the state.   Colin Crothers (Benet) 20 points and a win over Cary Grove. Post space eater that has good hands around the bucket. Good small college post prospect.   Paul Zilinskas (Riverside Brookfield) 20 points and win over Uplift. Volume shooter that is emerging as next seasons go to player.   Louis Lesmond (Niles Notre Dame) 15 points in win over De La Salle. Athletic wing with good shooting stroke. High ceiling.