Chicago Elite Classic: Friday Standouts

The Chicago Elite Classic tipped off on Friday night with a triple header of games with all six being in-state teams. Here we dive into the standout performers from the first day of action!   Aaron McQueen (Lane Tech – 2021) McQueen might not pass the initial eye test as the 6’6” four man isn’t most athletic post, but this kid just continues to get stuff done every time we see him play. He did it with the Illinois Jaguars on the travel team circuit and has continued this season being the top prospect for Lane Tech. Broad shouldered four man played with his usual brand of physicality on the block mauling on the offensive glass for put backs. Finishes in traffic with his strong hands catching difficult passes. Also is capable as a mid-range shooter knocking in a pair from 15 feet. Went for 13 points (6-11 FG) and 7 rebounds.   Louis Perona (Lane Tech – 2020) Perona put his name on the map with his play on the big college court Friday night. The best way to describe his play is scrappy! He always seemed to be around the ball and making plays. Excellent glue guy at the small college level being able to do a little bit of everything. Most of the points this 6’4” two guard got where at the foul line where he went 7-11. For a wing he rebounded at a very high rate. Finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.   Ian Burns (New Trier – 2021) Burns is the top prospect on New Trier. The 6’5” junior has excellent size on the perimeter and a silky smooth looking jumper. Knocked down 3-5 from behind the arc mostly off the catch. Clean stroke with a free and easy motion. Struggled putting it on the deck, but we liked what he brings to the table as a shooting threat with some projectability. He had 9 points.   Jaylin Gibson (Evanston – 2021) Gibson continues to be one of my favorite players to watch game in and game out. Very rarely does he not stuff the stat sheet. The top 10 2021 prospect did exactly that again on Friday. His line read 15 points (4-7 FG). 6 rebounds, and 4 dimes. Gibson is a 6’4” well-built shooting guard that plays with strength. He was outstanding getting downhill with an explosive burst and combination moves where he got to the rack for scores or often the foul line where he was 7-10. His ability to take it off the defensive glass and push for a score or assist is one of his biggest strengths. In the lane he was excellent dishing to shooters always having his head up to find his teammates. For the majority of the game he fought through foul trouble and still defended at a high level on the perimeter. More mid-majors need to go on Gibson!   Blake Peters (Evanston – 2021) Peters wanted this game! He made that very apparent in the post-game as his sniper teammate from last year Louis Lesmond was now on the other side. Peters is an elite level shooter with one of the best strokes in the state. He hit 3-6 moving without the ball to set up his shot just like always. What impressed us most in his game was his toughness scoring in the lane. Got the ball on the move several times for finishes at the cup along with crashing the glass and getting out in transition. The more ways he can prove he can score it is only going to help his recruiting stock! Went for an efficient 21 points (8-12 FG).   Isaiah Holden (Evanston – 2021) Holden was the conductor for everything Evanston did. He learned from his older brother last year and has stepped right into his role as the leader at the point. His intensity on both ends of the floor set the tone early for the Wildkits. The 5’10” lead guard was dynamic getting to the rim early and often for scores at the cup. Crafty scorer that had all the moves working in the paint on crossovers, behind the back wrap arounds, and more. Really good passer that consistently threw bullet passes to his teammates for dimes. Holden rebounded well from his guard spot and was a constant pressure point on the defensive end. He had 9 points (4-7 FG), 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.   Troy D’Amico (Niles Notre Dame – 2021) D’Amico stands at 6’7” and in our opinion isn’t getting the attention on the college level that he deserves. He is a mismatch with his size and inside-outside game. D’Amico can score on the block posting up smaller defenders. Then take his man to the outside for straight line takes to the cup for layups. Handles it pretty well. Didn’t shoot it much from the perimeter in this game. Hit the glass at a solid rate. Final line was 12 points (5-9 FG), and 8 rebounds.   Louis Lesmond (Niles Notre Dame – 2021) It looked like Lesmond was going to have a very quiet night until he came to life in the fourth quarter. The 6’5” wing originally from France was the focus of Evanston’s D as he transferred over the summer after playing for the Wildkits on their state final run. He was very wild with the ball which was shown in his 5 turnovers. When he gets rolling though he is fun to watch. Went 3-4 from beyond the arc with a feathery shot that goes down from deep. We have always known he is a high level sniper. Wanted to see more of a diverse game. It flashed, but wasn’t consistent. He had a euro step, score on a curl, and missed a monster dunk that showed off his emerging athleticism. His final line read 15 points (5-8 FG).   Bryce Hopkins (Fenwick – 2021 – Louisville) Hopkins recently gave his early verbal commitment to Louisville. This was his first primetime stage since making his college decision. What stands out first is his physical stature. Every time we see him he seems to get taller and trim the baby fat he had earlier in his career. At 6’6” the combo forward played both inside and on the perimeter. He handled it more initiating the offense than we had seen in the past. His biggest damage was done on the glass where he mauled on the offensive end for second chance points. When going downhill he overpowers opponents. Struggled finishing on them at a super high efficient rate, but we love the toughness he brings to the table. He had 17 points (5-16 FG) (7-9 FT) and 10 rebounds.   Trey Pettigrew (Fenwick – 2022) Pettigrew had his breakout game on the Chicago high school basketball scene at the Chicago Elite Classic! The 6’2” point guard is already a top 10 prospect in the sophomore class. He took it to another level than we had even seen him against players older than him. What I liked the most was how well he worked around ball screens. Used the screen to create and had a feel when to pull up for the three ball which he knocked down 2 of the 3 he took. His athleticism shined getting to the rim off the bounce, coming off screens, and in the open floor. Liked what he brought to the table defensively putting pressure on at the point of attack and creating turnovers. He himself turned it over a little more than we would like to see, but overall it was a big time effort from the sophomore. He had 22 points (9-18 FG).   Kyren Gardner (OPRF – 2020) Gardner was one of the smallest players on the floor in the finale on Friday night. That did not stop him from playing way bigger than his height scoring most of his points in the paint. Posted up weaker defenders and found space to operate. It’s not translatable to the college level scoring that way at his 6’1” height, but he is tough as nails and what he brings defensively does translate. Physical in your face defender. He had 14 points (7-9 FG). Small college prospect.   Justin Cross (OPRF – 2021) Cross is a combo forward at 6’8” that is a senior at OPRF, but has already announced that he will be going to prep school next season. There is a lot to like here long term. Length and position versatility on the defensive end of the floor to switch on multiple spots. Offensively most of his points came on short jumpers and getting on the offensive glass with his quickness. On the other end he was a shot blocking presence showing good timing. Brought it late trying to get OPRF back in the game. He had 13 points (5-8 FG) and 10 rebounds.