Illinois 2023 Watch List: Point Guards

<p>Like most classes early in the process the point guard group has the most numbers.  Here we dive into some of the best we have seen so far in alphabetical order on our early 2023 Watch List!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-altadonna/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-altadonna/">Cade Altadonna</a></a> (Highland)</strong></p> <p>We had seen Altadonna in some camps and playing with the Illinois Bears during the summer a little, but it was quite impressive to see the young guard be the best player for a varsity basketball team as a freshman.  This lefty point guard is crafty with the ball in his hands being able to get in and out of the defense for scores including and-1s.  Sound three point shooter that can also stop and pop from mid-range.  Has a knack for drawing fouls and getting to the charity stripe. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/darrin-ames/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/darrin-ames/">Darrin Ames</a></a> (Morgan Park)</strong></p> <p>The 6’0” left handed point guard is a guard that looks to score.  He has seen minutes on the varsity as a freshman reserve player including netting 6 points in their opening win against Whitney Young in November.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ahmere-carson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ahmere-carson/">Ahmere Carson</a></a> (Morgan Park)</strong></p> <p>Carson is a 5’11” point guard that fits the mold of former Mustangs point guards with his defensive intensity.  Like what he does getting into his opponents creating turnovers with his hands.  Decent passer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ronald-chambers/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ronald-chambers/">Ronald Chambers</a></a> (North Lawndale)</strong></p> <p>At 6’1” Chambers has quality size for position at the lead guard spot.  Crisp ball handler that has a feel for the game and seems under control most of the time.  Gets in the lane where he passes it to his teammates.  Solid perimeter shooter from three as well. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dalen-davis/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dalen-davis/">Dalen Davis</a></a> (Whitney Young)</strong></p> <p>Davis is a point guard we saw quite a bit playing up with Meanstreets 15U last summer.  He has had an apprenticeship under high major guards <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dj-steward/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dj-steward/">DJ Steward</a></a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyler-beard/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyler-beard/">Tyler Beard</a></a> this season.  What you have to like about Davis is his advanced basketball IQ and feel for the game.  Gets to the rim with his quickness off the bounce and is a pesky on ball defender!  Solid perimeter shooter pulling up from mid-range and can stretch it out to three at a decent clip.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jeremy-fears/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jeremy-fears/">Jeremy Fears</a></a> (Joliet West)</strong></p> <p>Fears has ran the show from the jump as a freshman for a talented Joliet West team.  Plays with a high basketball IQ and doesn’t seem to be rattled playing against players multiple years older than him.  Makes sound decisions passing when winning off penetration and is pesky on the defensive end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-griffith/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-griffith/">Jalen Griffith</a></a> (Simeon)</strong></p> <p>Griffith is a freshman phenom that has seen significant minutes for the state powerhouse.  Shifty ball handler that has it on a string.  He makes defenders older than him look silly trying to guard him at times.  Can hit a mid-range jumper.  Shows leadership skills at a young age.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tevonta-jackson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tevonta-jackson/">Tevonta Jackson</a></a> (Springfield Lanphier)</strong></p> <p>Lanphier has a tradition of high level point guards over the years and Jackson appears to be next in line.  The 6’1” point guard is a quality passer that plays with speed.  Athleticism around the hoop and is a capable shooter.  Has fit right in during his freshman season for Lanphier.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marquez-kelsor/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marquez-kelsor/">Marquez Kelsor</a></a> (North Lawndale)</strong></p> <p>This 5’10” point guard is a tough guard who finishes well in the paint and knocks down jumpers from mid-range and three.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marcus-pigram/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marcus-pigram/">Marcus Pigram</a></a> (Whitney Young)</strong></p> <p>The Whitney Young point guard has good length and plays bigger than his height because of that.  Gets out in transition for scores and is a high level passer in traffic!  Has a projectable frame and can knock down shots.  Finishes in transition.  Can play both on and off the ball.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bryce-shoto/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bryce-shoto/">Bryce Shoto</a></a> (Plainfield Central)</strong></p> <p>Shoto is small at only 5’3”, but this kid is so much fun to watch.  The freshman is a high IQ guard that makes excellent decisions with the ball in his hands well beyond his age.  Has a floater game and shields the ball away from defenders on layups in the lane.  Hits deep threes. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bryce-tillery/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bryce-tillery/">Bryce Tillery</a></a> (Hillcrest)</strong></p> <p>Another small point guard with toughness for Hillcrest.  This tiny point guard is a good passer that dishes the rock with both hands effectively.  Scores with runners and floaters. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sonny-williams/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sonny-williams/">Sonny Williams</a></a> (Niles Notre Dame)</strong></p> <p>Point guard from Niles Notre Dame that has good size and athleticism.  Rebounds well from his guard spot.  Gets after it defensively getting steals and pushing the other way.  Drains pull up threes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/damarion-wyatt/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/damarion-wyatt/">Damarion Wyatt</a></a> (North Lawndale)</strong></p> <p>Wyatt is a point guard that pushes it with speed and plays really fast in the open floor.  Can hit a three, but forces some as well.</p>