#HardWorkSZN Kickoff: 2022 Illinois Top Performers

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit began with the #HardWorkSZN Kickoff in Appleton, Wisconsin.  We will have wall to wall coverage of the event including superlatives and film breakdowns!  Here is our <strong>#HardWorkSZN Kickoff: 2022 Illinois Top Performers</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="996069" first="Jimmy" last="Nixon"] (Champaign Heat 16U)</strong></p> <p>Nixon made a huge leap into our last 2022 update and we continue to like what we see.  He has great positional size at the point guard spot.  Has a really good feel for passing making decisions on the move and works well in the pick/roll game.  Even threw a couple impressive outlet passes.  Plays with a swagger and has some pop handling the rock.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Patrick Robinson (HIT 16U)</strong></p> <p>Robinson is another player that made his debut in our 2022 rankings a week ago.  Lived up to it and more in Wisconsin.  The strong 6’5” two guards reminds us in a lot of respects for former Bolingbrook standout Tyler Cochran.  What you have to like about the Oswego East two guard is his strength and natural scoring ability.  He gets to the free throw line at a high rate and rebounds very well for a guard.  Solid mid-range shooter and brings athleticism finishing in the lane.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863599" first="Emondrek" last="Ford"] (Illinois Hoopstars 16U)</strong></p> <p>Ford is already one of the top post prospects in the 2022 class and he played up to that status in Wisconsin.  Ford is a long and angular 6’8” power forward that backed up [player_tooltip player_id="916667" first="Martice" last="Mitchell"] last year.  Now it is time for the Bloom post to shine.  He is very bouncy and active on the glass with a quick second jump.  Once he adds more strength should be an even better rebounder as he high points them in traffic already.  Offensively he opened our eyes knocking down a pair of threes in one game.  We hadn’t seen much of that in the past.  Also put it on the deck from the mid-post and in.  Shot blocking presence that contests shots.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="771544" first="Christian" last="Meeks"] (Illinois Hoopstars 16U)</strong></p> <p>This Homewood Flossmoor 6’5” power forward is a high energy player that has a never ending motor.  He is absolutely relentless on both ends of the floor.  Powerful rebounder that is very explosive in tight areas around the basket.  Chases after rebounds out of his area.  Can put it on the deck with straight line drives.  Defensively he is tenacious with his competitiveness.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Malik Jenkins (The Work Foundation 16U)</strong></p> <p>This lefty small forward popped off the floor.  The Hyde Park wing has good length and makes quick moves off the bounce with the rock in his hands.  Was particularly effective putting it on the deck out of the high-post area.  Hit a mid-range shot.  Like the upside here to continue to develop!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="996068" first="Luke" last="Koller"] (Champaign Heat 16U)</strong></p> <p>Koller is skilled 6’8” power forward who works well in the pick and roll game.  Quality area rebounder that has strong hands.  Broad shoulders and finishes strong through contact getting and-1s.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863630" first="Ethan" last="Ivan"] (HIT 16U)</strong></p> <p>Ivan is an intriguing face up four man.  He is a plus shooter that can knock down spot up shots.  Clean and easy release on his shot.  We came away impressed with his ability to get on the glass for second chance points.  Has a quick second jump.  Also flashed as a rim protector blocking a few shots.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925222" first="Jeremiah" last="Jones"] (Illinois Hoopstars 16U)</strong></p> <p>Jones really elevated his stock with a strong weekend.  The Marian Catholic shooting guard is a long wing that can defend multiple spots.  Really liked how well he shot it from three drilling several in the games we saw.  Projects as a three and D prospect that also plays well in the transition game.  Should see a bigger role this year for Marian Catholic.</p>