PHI Player of the Year Finalists
This year’s season has been as wide open as it has been in recent memory without one overwhelmingly dominant team and a lot of players that have had years worthy of consideration for the Prep Hoops Illinois Player of the Year Award. We are ready to name our finalists for the award.
Ramean Hinton Ramean Hinton 6'4" | SG Curie | 2020 State #181 Nation IL (Curie)
Hinton is one of the toughest players in the Chicago area. He is a high-motor wing that brings it on both ends of the floor with a ton of intensity. This season he has led Curie to one of the best records in the state as the go to guy. His offensive skill set has blossomed which has elevated his value to his team. Recently reopened recruitment after coaching change at SEMO.
Dante Maddox Dante Maddox 6'2" | SG Bloom | 2020 State #254 Nation IL (Bloom)
Maddox has been the straw that stirs the drink for one of the most loaded teams in the state of Illinois. He has brought it consistently every time we have seen him throughout the season. Microwave scorer that can heat up in a hurry and has done so a ton this year! Deep range on his shot and makes acrobatic plays at the rim. Committed to Cal State Fullerton.
Dominic Martinelli Dominic Martinelli 6'5" | PF Glenbrook South | 2020 State IL (Glenbrook South)
Martinelli has one of the most unique games in the state of Illinois. It is old school to the core with crafty moves out of the 6’5” combo forward. He absolutely gets the most out of his ability and has carried his team all year with monster performances night in and night out. Still on the board as an uncommitted prospect.
Adam Miller Adam Miller 6'4" | PG Morgan Park | 2020 State #34 Nation IL (Morgan Park)
Miller has been toward the top of his class from the moment he stepped foot in high school. Electric scoring guard that can get buckets from all three levels. Such an exciting player to watch when the ball is in his hands. Miller is headed to Illinois for his college basketball where he will be the focal point of the Illini program going forward.
Aquan Smart Aquan Smart 6'3" | PG Niles North | 2020 State #167 Nation IL (Niles North)
Smart had one of the biggest rises in recent memory somewhat reminiscent of former PHI Player of the Year Mark Smith. Gradually rose up the rankings with a strong summer and then took it to another planet with his play as a senior for Niles North. Big time slasher that has greatly improved as a shooter and playmaker. Committed to Maryland in February.
DJ Steward DJ Steward 6'2" | PG Whitney Young | 2020 State #22 Nation IL (Whitney Young)
Steward has been a top prospect for his entire career. He has continued to elevate and add to his game over the last four years. Blew up nationally this past summer and has had big performances for Whitney Young including 40 points when we saw him at Highland in January. Elite level shooter from the guard spot that is headed to Duke next year.
Ray’Sean Taylor (Collinsville)
Taylor has without question been the best player in Illinois outside of Chicago area this season. The point guard has led the Kahoks to a tremendous season as the top team in the metro east. He has recorded big wins along the way while having huge performances in those victories. Taylor might mean more to his team than any other high level player on a state title contender. Signed with SIU-Edwardsville in the fall.