Hard Work Region Finals: Saturday Illinois Standouts

Scott Burgess July 28, 2019 @ 01:43 AM

The PrepHoops Hard Work Region Finals continued on Saturday in Minnesota. Who were the stand out performers from Illinois on Saturday?

Armond Williams (Southwest Jets 17U)

The East St. Louis big man continues to see his stock rise. Didn’t score a ton in the opener, but really like what he did defensively blocking shots. High level rim protector the covers a lot of space in a limited amount of time. Can switch in ball screens. On offense he is efficient with his touches around the basket. Works well in the pick and roll.

Jaiden Lee (Illinois T-Wolves 16U)

Lee’s team struggled in their morning game against Playground, but he still had a big game. The Joliet West shooting guard can really score the basketball. Plus shooter from deep with a crisp looking jumper from beyond the arc. Also his off the dribble game continues to improve putting crisp combination moves together to get scores in the paint. He has a chance to become one of the best offense of weapons from the wing position in his class.

Ethyn Brown (Southwest Jets 16U)

Brown transferred to Belleville East for his junior year and he is going to be an instant impact player. The point guard is an excellent floor general being able to get everyone involved. As a scorer he is very good in the mid-range and shows athleticism around the hoop on tough layups. Rebounds well for a guard and is an active defender.

Marcus Skeete (HIT 17U)

Skeete is a big bodied wing that does most of his damage in the paint. Powerful going through his opponent on slashes to the hoop. Played a ton of bully ball on Saturday. Can shoot it from 15 feet as well.

Pee Wee Brown (Peoria Area Elite 17U)

Brown led his team to the Sweet 16 with a 19 point performance including the game-winner in the fourth overtime. He didn’t show much in the way of a jumpshot in this game, but he absolutely lived at the foul line and consistently attack downhill scoring over and over again in the paint.

Isaiah Rivera (Young & Reckless 17U)

Rivera without question showed why he is one of the top 5 2020 prospects in the senior class. High level scorer that gets buckets for all three levels. Showed a more consistent jumpshot on Saturday. He was unguardable getting to the rack where he finishes so well with either hand. Great at absorbing contact at the rim and finishing through it. Also a high level passer for a wing.

Aquan Smart (Young & Reckless 17U)

Smart joined this group for the final weekend of the travel team season. The Niles North stand out continues to elevate his stock each time we see him. One of the premier athletes at the point guard position with his ability to break down defenders off the bounce and finish with acrobatics in the lane. Consistently split the D and finished with ease at the cup. Once he adds a more reliable jumper he has a chance to be one of the best players in the class.

Isaiah Youngquist (Next Generation 17U)

This Dekalb point guard is a microwave scorer and he got hot at the right time for Next Generation in their victory on Saturday. Hit a three and followed that up with a difficult finished at the cup in the second half. Active on ball defender who plays really hard on both ends of the floor.

Johnny Koo (Full Package 17U)

This was a new name that jumped on our radar with a strong second half performance. The Glenbrook North wing can shoot the basketball from deep as he drilled in array of threes for his team to try to get them back in the game.

Dominic Matinelli (All-In Athletics 17U)

Martinelli continued his strong summer with another good outing on Saturday. Versatile scoring wing that is so crafty around the hoop. Not the highest level athlete but he knows how to use what he has to his advantage. Excellent body control around the rim being able to finish around traffic using his length. Just knows how to get things done. Going to have a monster year this high school season.

Jeffery Oakley (Team MORE 16U)

Oakley first jumped on our radar on Friday hitting a game winner. On the second day of action we got a full game look at him and he is really intriguing. Long and rangy wing with a slick scoring offensive game. Capable three point shooter. The thin wing can defend multiple positions. One to watch going forward.

Chase Monkemeyer (IBA Mann 17U)

Another plus shooter from the state of Illinois. This IBA stand out really impressed in our viewing of him in Minnesota. Knocked down threes from the corner consistently. Moves well without the ball to get open. Can put it on the deck a little too.