Hard Work Region Finals: Top Illinois Performances

Who were the top Illinois performers at the Hard Work Region Finals in Minnesota this past weekend? We dive into a few of the best ones here in Hard Work Region Finals: Top Illinois Performers!   Michael Ousley (Capital City Teamwork 16U) Ousley was impressive in the first game of the event against Wisconsin Rap. The central Illinois two guard was a smooth scorer off the bounce. Got to the rim with regularity. The rising junior also knocked down several shots from the mid-range in his standout performance on opening night.   Grant Niego (Chicago Lockdown 17U) Niego went for 28 points in the game we caught. The Lyons 2020 point guard had one of the best games we have seen out of him in his career. This point guard is known for being a high IQ floor general getting others involved which he did, but also really scored it. Knocked down an array of threes and had his runner game flowing.   Isaiah Rivera (Young & Reckless 17U) Rivera is a top 5 prospect in the 2020 class. The Geneseo wing joined Young & Reckless for the last two weeks of the travel team season. He brought a major punch offensively to his new squad. Wow was he impressive as a scoring machine getting buckets from all three levels. Rivera got to the rim finishing with either hand effectively. Showed flashes as a shooter. Underrated passer.   Aquan Smart (Young & Reckless 17U) Smart is an explosive combo guard with size. He was spectacular getting to the rim all weekend for his squad. The lengthy guard was so good at winning off the bounce that at times he would carry his team with his slashing. Sound passer that once he improves his shooting he will be a stellar player.   Martice Mitchell (Young & Reckless 17U) Mitchell played really hard over the weekend on both ends of the floor. The state’s top five man runs the floor with ease, protects the rim, and has a high skill level. When he is as engaged as he was over the weekend he is the best big in the state. Wish his team would have got him more touches on the block.   Ray’Sean Taylor (Gateway Illinois 17U) Taylor is among the best point guards in the state. The metro east product is a dynamic scorer that can get points from all three levels. Deep range on his three point shot, effective in the mid-range game, and wins off the dribble with regularity. Quality passer that just has that “it” factor.   Pee Wee Brown (Peoria Area Elite 17U) Brown came up big for PAE in their 4 OT win against HIT on Saturday. This Peoria Manual two guard is a slick scorer who comes up big in key moments for his team. Slippery through traffic and does most of his damage scoring off the dribble and with short jumpers. His biggest score came on a bucket in the paint to clinch the game and send his team to the quarterfinals.   Caleb Zurliene (Illinois Bears 17U) Zurliene still doesn’t have a D1 offer and it blows my mind. He is an athletic two guard with positional size at 6’4”. The lengthy guard is a versatile player that stuffed the stat sheet for 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 dimes. Played above the rim including a couple big dunks. Right when we sat down he had a reverse dunk. Sound rebounder and has shown growth as a passer.   Jaiden Lee (Illinois T-Wolves 16U) Lee is one of the more under recruited wings in the 2021 class. The Joliet West product is a lanky shooting guard that has the potential to be a big time scorer moving forward. Lee displayed that with a clean looking three point stroke. Fluid mechanically from deep. He has always been an outstanding shooter, but his ball handling especially putting combination moves together has opened up more avenues for him to be effective. Should grow into a nice defender.   Dominic Martinelli (All-In Athletics 17U) Martinelli has a unique and effective game. The 6’5” lefty small forward doesn’t play very fast rather taking quality angles and using his craftiness to covert in the lane. He has an innate ability to finish in traffic using his length putting the ball up on the glass. Skilled wing who has had a strong summer.   Darrion Jones (Young & Reckless 16U) Jones ran with Y&R over the weekend and was a force for their 16U squad. The Bogan guard is a compact bowling ball at the point guard position. Love how he hits the hole and gets to the rim for layups. Has the strength to absorb contact at the rim. Steaky shooter, but is definitely improving in that area.   Paul Zilinskas (ET21 Buckeyes 17U) This Riverside Brookfield small forward is a versatile scorer that is going to be a great find at the next level. Clean looking jump shot from both three and mid-range. His handles have tightened which have allowed him to score at a higher rate off the bounce. All around skilled game that brings size and positional versatility to the table.