Rumble Up North: 2021 Illinois Top Performers

<p>It was quite a weekend of hoops in Minnesota at the Rumble Up North Tournament.  There were high profile teams and prospects from around the country in the house.  We will focus on the Illinois prospects.  Here is our <strong>Rumble Up North: 2021 Illinois Top Performers</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="652088" first="John" last="Poulakidas"] (Young &amp; Reckless)</strong></p> <p>Poulakidas was the top ranked prospects at the event from the state of Illinois and the #5 2021 prospect didn’t disappoint when we saw him on Saturday.  As I had a colleague say to me this weekend he might be one of the best bad shot makers they have ever seen.  At times he will force some contested shots, but he actually makes them at a pretty high rate.  Plus jump shooter from mid-range and when he gets a clean look he is close to automatic.  Crafty with the ball as he has really tightened up his ball handling over the last year.  Can also drive and kick to teammates when the defense collapses on him.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920944" first="Julius" last="Rollins"] (Young &amp; Reckless)</strong></p> <p>The Hillcrest 2021 combo forward brings tremendous versatility.  Can play inside and out.  He shot it well from mid-range with smooth pull ups.  Rollins was also was effective using his length getting steals and taking them the other way for dunks.  Smooth ball handler taking it off the bounce from the high-post area.  Productive player with upside to get even better.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821777" first="Isaiah" last="Holden"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="920961" first="Noah" last="Reynolds"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>We put these two together for the show they put on in the championship game.  Evanston point guard [player_tooltip player_id="821777" first="Isaiah" last="Holden"] is a quick and shifty guard that makes plays in the lane and with a killer pull up game.  Reynolds is coming off an injury and you would have never known it with the way he played in the title game.  The crafty left handed Peoria Notre Dame lead guard made plays in the lane with pull ups and nifty finishes.  Two lead guards that helped themselves over the weekend.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="765212" first="Ismail" last="Habib"] (Illinois Future)</strong></p> <p>Habib was his usual dominant self with his pull up game.  He might be the best shooter in the state from the point guard spot.  He drilled them from mid-range and three all game long when we saw him on Saturday.  Pulls up in a split second getting good elevation and has sound mechanics.  Burst with the ball exploding through holes in the defense.  Also flashes as a passer with his quick dishes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="914058" first="Corey" last="Walker"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>Walker recently committed to Western Michigan for football, but if he were to be a hoops prospect should probably get strong consideration at the D2 level.  Wide bodied five man that has excellent mobility for his size.  He can put it on the deck from the mid-post including a monster dunk.  Powerful around the hoop and has a soft touch.  Good area rebounder.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920983" first="Ashawn" last="Burbridge"] (Illinois T-Wolves)</strong></p> <p>Burbridge just produces.  He might not fit the ideal size for a power forward, but he is going to be an impact small college four man because of his relentless motor.  He is an elite offensive rebounder that brings so much energy on both ends.  Showed more skill than we had previously seen.  Hit a mid-range jumper, slashed from the wing, and pushed in transition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920991" first="James" last="Ogrodnik"] (Illinois T-Wolves)</strong></p> <p>This Lincoln Way Central five man was excellent in their first game on Sunday morning.  He brings athleticism on the front line and runs the floor extremely well where he was consistently rewarded.  The rim running five scored half a dozen points alone just by beating his man down the floor.  Has a solid skill level and is a good offensive rebounder.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="652746" first="Luke" last="Braman"] (HIT)</strong></p> <p>Braman is a strong big man that showed his versatility off over the weekend.  Anchored on the defensive end blocking shots inside, contesting on the perimeter, and walling up.  Offensively he used his power moves inside for scores along with showcasing excellent passing finding his teammates for dimes hitting cutters and shooters consistently.</p>