Havoc in the Heartland: Illinois 2021 Top Performers

<p>It was a tremendous weekend of basketball in Indianapolis, Indiana for the Prep Hoops Havoc in the Heartland tournament.  We had tons of coverage over the weekend and that continues looking back at the event!  Here is our <strong>Havoc in the Heartland: Illinois 2021 Top Performers</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Chris McQueen (Illinois Jaguars)</strong></p> <p>McQueen has kind of taken a backseat to his twin brother for most of his career, but he had a breakout weekend in Indy for the Illinois Jaguars.  The 6’6” face up forward played with a ton confidence.  McQueen put it on the deck several times from the high-post scoring on slashes and finishing well around the cup through defenders.  Quick off the floor to the glass as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920980" first="Emaryon" last="Byrd"] (Peoria Area Elite)</strong></p> <p>Byrd is one of the prospects that we feel can breakout as a senior if he puts it all together.  Plus size at the two guard spot.  He attacked off the bounce effective throughout the game where he either finished or was fouled.  Also threw down a monster tip slam.  His motor and consistency is the key for him to reach his potential.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821789" first="AJ" last="Storr"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>This Kankakee product continues to see his stock rise.  At 6’6” he has broad shoulders, long arms, and solid strength.  Should be ready physically for college basketball on day 1.  Sound perimeter shooter knocking down threes and pull ups from mid-range. Also is explosive taking it to the hoop off the bounce especially attacking on the baseline.  Bouncy around the hoop for second chance points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920949" first="Brian" last="Mathews"] (HIT)</strong></p> <p>This was the best we have seen the 6’9” DePaul Prep center play.  Already among the top posts in the class he was outstanding on Saturday.  Loved the tenacity he played with including diving on the floor after loose balls.  He was a physical force on both ends.  Defensively he anchored with his shot blocking, rebounding in his area, and just being a wall in the paint.  On the offensive end he finished through contact and showed sound footwork.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jaha Jackson (Chi-Town Warriors)</strong></p> <p>This 6’1” Thornridge point guard put his name on our radar with a strong showing.  The wiry guard was excellent with his quickness.  Shifty ball handler that had it on a string getting in the lane for scoop shots, and-1s, and athletic finishes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920943" first="James" last="Dent"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>Mid-major and low-majors are totally sleeping on this kid!  Dent was absolute FIRE this weekend with outings of 29 points, 18 points, 27 points, and 21 points against quality competition.  He is a 6’5” shooting guard with an elite three point shot.  Free and easy stroke that makes it seem like it is going to go in every time it leaves his hands.  More than just a shooter he has improved his game off the bounce and displays flashes as a playmaker.  Had a poster dunk in the championship game!  Bouncy wing with projectability that can stroke it?  What more do yall want!  He has been a top 20 player his entire career.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>TY Johnson (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>Johnson was the highest ranked prospect from Illinois in the 2021 class at the event.  The DePaul Prep standout was just ok in the championship as his shots didn’t fall, but in the semis against EG10 he was dominant!  The combo guard drilled five from beyond the arc both off the catch and pulling up.  Speed in the open floor and is just so fluid at everything he does on the floor.  Smooth acceleration to the hoop where he finished or got fouled.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920957" first="Brandon" last="Hall"] (Team M.O.R.E.)</strong></p> <p>Hall is a 6’6” guard that has excellent size and strength.  Played mostly off the ball, but can do work as a jumbo combo guard as well.  He is so powerful getting downhill once he gets his shoulders turned.  Overpowers weaker defenders.  Plus rebounder for his position.  Tough kid!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821734" first="Jaiden" last="Lee"] (Illinois T-Wolves)</strong></p> <p>Lee was back with his old group the Illinois T-Wolves and he showed explosion around the rim finishing in the game we saw.  Wiry athlete that can play above the rim which he did with several monster jams.  Exciting scorer that can score from multiple levels.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920983" first="Ashawn" last="Burbridge"] (Illinois T-Wolves)</strong></p> <p>Burbridge is an undersized four that outworks other players and has a relentless motor.  Always seems to be around the basketball and is particularly effective getting points on the offensive glass where he mauled opponents.  His quickness and determination were impressive.  Also flashed a little handling it from the mid-post in.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920948" first="Isaiah" last="Stafford"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>Stafford is one of the silkiest scorers in the class.  The Bolingbrook combo guard can get buckets from all three levels.  Plus shooter and has really developed a runner game effectively.  Like what he did for the Hoopstars in their comeback effort.</p>