2021 Illinois Prep Hoops Circuit Third Team

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit ran events in July and August.  Many of the top prospects and teams from the state of Illinois participated in the events.  We begin our month long review of the circuit with our Illinois All-Circuit teams.  Check out the <strong>2021 Illinois Prep Hoops Circuit Third Team</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920966" first="Tyler" last="Van Eekeren"] (HIT)</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_1013414" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Tyler-Van-Eekeren-Fitz-3.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1013414" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Tyler-Van-Eekeren-Fitz-3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Photo: Chris Fitzgerald PrepHoops[/caption] <p>It was a huge summer for the Benet wing!  We have always been a fan of what he brings as a spot up shooter, defender, and all-around role player.  While he did showcase all that this summer the area we were most impressed was his improved athleticism and ability to win off the bounce.  He put it on the deck scoring with more consistency on drives which opened up so many avenues for him and his team as a whole.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920942" first="Grant" last="Newell"] (Beyond Ball College Prospects)</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_1025986" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Grant-Newell-PHC-Alec-Schoof-2.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1025986" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Grant-Newell-PHC-Alec-Schoof-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Photo: Alec Schoof PrepHoops[/caption] <p>The Whitney Young power forward was outstanding in Iowa.  Probably the best we had ever seen him during his career.  Newell has always had the projectability and flashed his potential, but the production was never there.  That certainly changed during his time in Omaha.  Newell was excellent knocking down feathery jumpers, posting up strong, hitting the glass, and defending at a high level.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821751" first="Kai" last="Evans"] (Illinois Stars)</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Kai-Evans.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1030669" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Kai-Evans-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="188" /></a>Evans was really good for the Stars in the event they attended.  Power wing that has a physical body.  Played quite a bit on the ball in which he handled well against pressure and was solid as a passer.  Tough cover going downhill when he gets his shoulders turned.  Shot the ball very well from the perimeter on threes and pull ups. Rebounds for his position.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><br /> [player_tooltip player_id="920986" first="Sincere" last="Malone"] (Team RWA)</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Sincere-Malone-2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1027133" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Sincere-Malone-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>The Corliss combo forward displayed his versatility on both ends of the floor for Team RWA in multiple events on the PHC.  Like his long term upside as a prospect, but the way he stuffed the stat sheet was what stood out.  Scored inside and out, ran the floor, hit jumpers, was an impact defender, and rebounded well on both ends.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920977" first="Reggie" last="Ward"] (Chicago Demons)</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_1034661" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Reggie-Ward-PHC-Peter-Spexarth.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1034661" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Reggie-Ward-PHC-Peter-Spexarth-300x217.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="217" /></a> Photo: Peter Spexarth PrepHoops[/caption] <p>Ward is a Curie small forward that was unleashed for the Demons.  Strong bodied forward that can score with power and skill.  Works very well in the mid-range being able to knock down shots in the 15-18 foot range and has the strength to take it right at the defense off the bounce or posting them up.  Rebounded at a high level as well.</p>