Summer Challenge: Top Illinois Performances

Scott Burgess July 9, 2019 @ 04:30 PM

Davis was dominant to start the event on Friday night for AIA against Gateway. The jumbo wing is playing the best basketball of his career heading into the live period. Strong and athletic slasher that has a burst getting through traffic and finishing at the cup. He has become a much more consistent shooter from mid-range and three.

[player_tooltip player_id="564816" first="Dominic" last="Martinelli"] (All-In Gauntlet 17U)

This Glenbrook South combo forward had all the momentum in the world after a monster showing the weekend before at the Ridgewood Live Event. The crafty lefty scored effectively from all three levels with his slow-mo game.

[player_tooltip player_id="817669" first="Ray’sean" last="Taylor"] (Gateway Illinois 17U)

Taylor showed Chicago basketball fans what the metro east has known for a long time. He is one of the best scoring guards in the state. The Collinsville guard is a three level scorer that went for over 25 points in the opener.

[player_tooltip player_id="916674" first="Armond" last="Williams"] (Southwest Jets 17U)

Really like the continued development of this East St. Louis big man. Long and lanky five who swatted tons of shots, rim ran in transition, and finished dunks on dump off passes. His best basketball is in front of him.

Sincere Parker (Illinois Stars 17U)

Parker is currently just outside the top 10 in the PHI rankings, but will head to Arizona to play his senior season. The Rockford native is a smooth scorer with size. He bombed in an array of super deep threes and went on a personal 7-0 run to give his team the win on Friday.

Dylan Engler (Mercury Elite 17U)

Engler is a tough and athletic wing who will do a prep year at Link Year in Missouri. The former Oswego standout has size and length on the perimeter along with a toughness to his game. He was really good scoring off the bounce on Friday.

[player_tooltip player_id="916719" first="Tagen" last="Pearson"] (Mercury Elite 17U)

Pearson hit the game winner on a Bryce Drew play, but there was more than just that shot for the Nazareth standout. This scoring two guard is a kid that has a natural ability putting the ball in the hoop. Smooth three point shot with deep range.

[player_tooltip player_id="920944" first="Julius" last="Rollins"] (Young & Reckless Brim 16U)

Rollins fits the new age combo forward profile to perfection. Long and lanky forward with versatility to defend multiple positions. Attacks well from the mid-range being able to put it on the deck with his long strides and get to the cup.

Darrell Reed (Young & Reckless Brim 16U)

Reed was dominant all weekend. We first saw the TF North post back in January and were intrigued. He has improved so much since then. Elite level rebounder snatching them out of the air in traffic. Finished with power all weekend throwing down dunks many coming off put backs. Flashed a mid-range game. Defensively he swatted shots and was a physical post defender.

[player_tooltip player_id="920943" first="James" last="Dent"] (All-In 16U)

Dent was lights out shooting the rock when we saw the Springfield Southeast wing over the weekend. Long and rangy two guard who debuted after the high school season as a top 20 prospect and lived up to every bit of that ranking at Summer Challenge. Elite level shot maker with a feathery jumper and projectable upside.

[player_tooltip player_id="920968" first="Alfonso" last="Bailey"] (Full Package 16U)

Bailey put his name squarely on our radar with his play over the weekend. In a game against QC Ballers he was automatic scoring in the first half. The powerfully built 6’3” wing drilled three after three pulling up. Also came away impressed with his ability to rebound, push in the open floor, and he was a really good passer.

[player_tooltip player_id="921032" first="Kyleb" last="Meadows"] (QC Ballers 16U)

Meadows dueled with Bailey in a great 16U contest on Saturday. Rangy point guard from Galesburg who showed an excellent feel for the game as a slick passer while also scoring at a high level.

[player_tooltip player_id="817676" first="Aaron" last="Tims"] (Team RWA 17U)

Tims is one of the more athletic posts in the state’s 2020 class. He is at his best being active on the offensive glass for second chance points. So quick off the floor! Makes quick moves around the hoop and attacks well from the baseline with a couple dribbles and his long strides. Capable mid-range shooter.

[player_tooltip player_id="817679" first="Carson" last="Parker"] (Illinois Bears 17U)

Parker wasn’t shooting great from three in their Saturday night game so he attacked off the bounce getting to the rim and foul line consistently. Smooth scorer that has the versatility to do it in a variety of ways.

[player_tooltip player_id="916676" first="Caleb" last="Zurliene"] (Illinois Bears 17U)

Zurliene is a smooth scorer with length. He is a high level athlete that uses that off playing above the rim on dunks off lobs. Uses his size and length defensively getting in passing lanes for steals.

[player_tooltip player_id="845380" first="Jayden" last="Johnson"] (Fundamental U 17U)

Johnson showed why he is a PrepHoops favorite with his ability to bomb it in from three in the quarterfinals. The Batavia wing hit seven 3s en route to 25 points. Moves well without the ball and can reset his feet if defenders fly at him.

[player_tooltip player_id="916668" first="Connor" last="Kochera"] (Fundamental U 17U)

Kochera is one of the hottest names on the recruiting trail picking up five offers over the last week. Plus three point shooter that can also score effectively off the dribble. Worked well as a screener taking advantage of mismatches in 1-3 ball screens.