South Suburban Hoops Kings of the Court: Standout Performers

<p>Our friends with South Suburban Hoops held the <strong>South Suburban Hoops Kings of the Court</strong> on Sunday featuring many of the top players from the area.  Prep Hoops Illinois took in the action.  Here were our standout performers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048713" first="Kamryn" last="Thomas"] (Hillcrest – 2022)</strong></p> <p>The Hillcrest 6’7” small forward was tremendous all day long for his squad.  Very intriguing prospect with a long and lanky frame to go with a smooth offensive game.  This type of free flowing setting fits his game perfectly.  He drilled an array of feathery jumpers from three with a smooth release off his hand.  Deep range on his shot.  Slick takes to the hoop in both the half court and transition weaving through defenders.  Flashed some passing flair as well dumping it off a few times for dimes.  Defensively his length played well blocking several shots and getting in passing lanes.  Very bright future for Thomas!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="995986" first="Tai" last="Walters"] (Homewood Flossmoor – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Walters stands at 6’3” and is coming off a strong summer with Team RWA.  The lefty combo does a little bit of everything which is exactly what he did today.  Pushed it up the floor in transition with his passing.  Was money all day stopping and popping from mid-range.  He had a couple acrobatic layups along with a runner with his off hand.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>AJ Wells (Homewood Flossmoor – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Wells is a 6’7” power forward for Homewood Flossmoor that has size and strength.  Runs the floor hard in transition where he was rewarded several times with buckets.  Rebounded well in his area and finished his touches in the paint.  Even stepped out to hit a three.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Semaj Greer (Rich Township – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Greer was also on the team with the three players above and ran the show at the point.  Quick and shifty 5’9” ball handling point guard that got in the lane for nifty layups and made solid decisions as a passer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920944" first="Julius" last="Rollins"] (Hillcrest – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Rollins was the top 2021 prospect at the event.  He has excellent size at 6’6” with versatility on the perimeter.  Showcased that by handling it in the half court getting to the cup where he was often fouled and he dished it off a couple times for assists.  Also hit a three.  Really like the long term potential here.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821763" first="Jakobi" last="Heady"] (Hillcrest – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Heady is also a jumbo wing from Hillcrest standing at 6’7”.  He displayed different parts of his game in this setting.  Early on connected from three.  Finished well around the cup on dump off passes and used his bounce to get on the offensive glass for put backs.  Also had a slick pass in transition.  Overall a projectable and smooth forward with his best basketball ahead of him.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920997" first="Kenton" last="Wright"] (Hillcrest – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Wright is a 5’10” point guard that brings toughness and competitiveness every time he steps on the floor.  The senior point guard was effective in the drive and kick game as well as knocking in a few mid-range shots.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939074" first="Khalil" last="Ross"] (Lincoln Way East – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Ross is a high ceiling prospect in the 2023 class.  The 6’6” Lincoln Way East wing has a long and lanky frame where we could easily see him continue growing.  The lefty has a feathery touch from the perimeter with his jumper drilling several of them in the times we were watching.  Force in transition covering ground with his long strides and finishing at the cup.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920957" first="Brandon" last="Hall"] (Thornton – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Hall is a thick bodied 6’4” combo guard that is so physical on the perimeter.  Rebounds incredibly well for a guard getting offensive rebound put backs at a high clip.  Strong straight line takes to the hoop where he either scored or was fouled.  Got after it on the defensive end as well blocking several shots. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920967" first="Donald" last="Coats"] (Thornton – 2021)</strong></p> <p>The John A Logan commit was a bit streaky shooting it from distance throughout the day although he did hit one we saw.  The power forward has a lanky frame and plus athleticism.  Was very active on the glass with his bounce including getting the game winning tip in during the third place game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="995979" first="Devonta" last="Blevins"] (Rich Township – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Blevins is a name to track this season.  The 6’6” small forward was a beast in transition finishing very well and used his long strides to win off the bounce as well taking it right at his defender.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Brandon Gardner (Gray Collegiate, SC – 2023)</strong></p> <p>We only saw a little of this 6’7” sophomore big man from South Carolina, but man did he impress.  Had the play of the day on a spin move where he posterized a defender.  Explosive in the paint with very fluid movements.  Converted quick passes in the paint.  Handled it pretty well for a big man in the open floor.  Excellent shot blocker with timing and feel.  Already holds multiple high-major offers.  He has a family connection to Chicago and trains with Stanley Boateng.</p>