Fall 2023 Top Performers: Part 2

Prep Hoops Illinois dives into what we saw from a variety of events during the fall months. We saw tons of basketball over the last few months and now we recap that. Check out our Fall 2023 Top Performers: Part 2!   [player_tooltip player_id="1048326" first="Jeremiah" last="Akin"] (Oswego East) Event: HIT Scrimmages Akin is a big bodied and physical 6’2” combo guard that can play both on and off the ball. A bit wild at times, but we like how he plays strong going downhill for buckets. Shields off defenders on scoop shots. Also can dish it off to a teammate when in the paint. Hits a pull up jumper on occasion. [player_tooltip player_id="939050" first="Darrin" last="Ames"] (Kenwood) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Ames was about as good as we have seen him this past weekend. His game is made for settings like this. The left handed thin bodied lead guard can flat out get buckets. That is exactly what he did throughout the camp. Slithered through the defense for layups. His three ball was falling at a nice clip so he kept pulling up from deep for those. Pushes it with speed in the open floor either getting to the rim or finding teammates for buckets. He has that “it” factor you just can’t teach.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048307" first="Ahmad" last="Henderson"] (Brother Rice) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Henderson shined this summer with the Illinois Hoopstars and had two primetime performances on a big stage. The 5’9” lead guard drilled three after three after three. Shifty playmaker that works well around ball screens either driving, shooting, or dishing. One of the better Catholic League guards next season regardless of class. [player_tooltip player_id="939052" first="Matas" last="Buzelis"] (Hinsdale Central) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Buzelis rose up over 20 spots to #8 in our most recent PHI update and honestly he should be ranked higher after seeing him again on Saturday and Sunday. He has legit size at 6’8” with plus athleticism and skill. Frame to continue to add strength and fill out. The Hinsdale Central standout has a feathery three point stroke along with being an excellent passer. Makes sound decisions both in the half court and transition. Threw down a couple monster dunks including a poster over a near seven footer. Defensively he contested at the rim too. Can play multiple positions from the one through four which is very impressive! [player_tooltip player_id="939056" first="Bryce" last="Coleman"] (St. Joseph’s) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Coleman has grown up to 6’6” and the top 5 prospect was excellent in the opener. He has a strong build, but maintains his athleticism. Very high skill level out of this Catholic League wing. He drilled an array of threes looking super smooth and effortless off the release. Also got loose a few times in transition for scores. Defensively he can check multiple spots and is a shot blocker from his wing position. [player_tooltip player_id="939077" first="Javonte" last="Taylor"] (Kenwood) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp The top 2023 prospect in the state of Illinois lived up to that billing at the camp including winning MVP of the Top 30 game. This 6’8” new age face up four shined in all of his hyped matchups against either in-state or national post prospects. His versatility and ability to be a complete mismatch makes him special. Can take his man out on the perimeter going around or right by them for scores at the cup. When he needs to he uses his quickness and bounce to score in the paint. Also was effective with his second jump throughout the day getting on the offensive glass. For a big man he handles very well being able to go coast to coast like a guard. Even showed a bit of passing flair.   [player_tooltip player_id="939069" first="Davius" last="Loury"] (Kenwood) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Loury was one of the top post prospects in the class coming in and he did nothing to take away from that distinction. The Simeon transfer stands at 6’7’ with a strong build. Physical four man plays with power around the hoop. Quick second jump to the glass snatching rebounds. Finishes with thunderous slams while also really improving his ability to step out and knock down a three. That area of his game continues to develop. Defensively he is a tough post defender that anchors down low and can block shots. [player_tooltip player_id="1048306" first="Miles" last="Rubin"] (Homewood Flossmoor) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Rubin emerged with Chicago Lockdown and he showed again how legit he is as a prospect. The 6’7” four man brings mobility on both ends of the floor. Lefty knocked down a baseline jumper, had a spin move, and finished in the pick/roll. Little tentative at times, but he has so much upside. Quick off the floor for rebounds and has timing as one of the better shot blockers in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id="989265" first="Owen" last="Freeman"] (Bradley Bourbonnais) Event: Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Freeman at 6’9” is among the best post prospects in the class. Rebounded about as well as anyone we saw at the camp. High motor kid that was relentless on the boards and protecting the rim. He racked up quite a few blocks in the paint along with contesting on the perimeter against shooters. Mobility on the defensive end is going to be something that college coaches love about this prospect. Offensively he has major bounce in the paint along with touch when he needs to use it. [player_tooltip player_id="1048305" first="Wesley" last="Rubin"] (Homewood Flossmoor) Event: Chicago Lockdown Scrimmage Rubin stands at 6’7” with a long and lanky frame. In the scrimmage he was effective showing his all-around game. His jump shot from 15-18 feet was straight money all game long. Hit five shots from that range both in the half court and pulling up in transition. Shot it with a ton of confidence. Another area that impressed with this face up four was his ability to handle in the open floor and showed passing feel finding others. Can put it on the deck from the high-post area. Defensively he was good as a shot blocker. [player_tooltip player_id="1048318" first="KJ" last="Cobb"] (Hillcrest) Event: Chicago Lockdown Scrimmage Cobb is a physical 6’0” guard that has been known more for playing off the ball, but in this setting we liked his playmaking feel at the point. He was really good working around ball screens whether it was with his passing or pull up jump shooting. Also is a threat to go to the hoop off the screen where he finishes with strength inside. Uses hesitation in his driving game. Sound pull up jump shooter from both mid-range and three.