Cape Holiday Classic: 2021 Standouts

<p>Over the weekend Prep Hoops Illinois took in the action from the Cape Holiday Classic.  Great event by Justin Barrington and company that gave prospects an opportunity to put more game film on tape against quality competition.  For the 2021 class it is even more crucial.  They were also honored in a special ceremony for their senior status with their parents in a “Senior Night” ceremony like what you would see during high school season which we will most likely not have.  Now let us jump into the top performers in <strong>Cape Holiday Classic: 2021 Standouts</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821774" first="Noah" last="Franklin"] (Cobden – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Franklin is a playmaking point-forward with a thick body and an excellent feel for the game.  He handles great at his 6’7” size pushing it in the open floor and making plays as a distributor.  Did a little bit of everything in the game that we saw.  Couple finishes above the rim, posted up weaker defenders, hit a three, got to the foul line, put it on the deck with strength through contact, and displayed nimble footwork in the paint.  Getting quite a bit of consideration at the high D2 and low-major D1 level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="652790" first="AJ" last="Smith"] (Metro East Lutheran – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Smith was one of the more impressive physical prospects at the event.  He has legit size and strength at the two guard spot.  Big and athletic build.  At times he was relentless attacking downhill on drives to the hoop.  Smooth ball handler that accelerates with it in transition.  Hits the hole like a running back.  Had a couple of big dunks.  Strong with the ball in his hands.  Defensively he has a chance when he locks in.  Had one super impressive play where he blocked two shots on the same play.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Quinten Jones (Carlyle – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Jones was one of the stars of the event.  We saw some highlights of him previously, but this was our first full game eval.  We came away very impressed with what the 6’4” wing brought to the table.  Strong and athletic wing that left his impression on the game with his bounce.  Extremely quick around the hoop including throwing down alley oops, getting on the offensive glass, and taking it to the cup strong off the dribble.  Late in the game he connected on a three.  More of a high level athlete right now, but would be a tremendous JUCO player to develop over his first two years because there is a lot of untapped potential in there for this senior guard.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="765214" first="Landon" last="Zurliene"] (Fairfield – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Zurliene is one of the hidden gems in the state.  The rangy two guard is a high level shot maker that has one of the most feathery jumpers in the state.  Knocks down pull up threes along with ones off the catch with such a free and easy release.  Got in the lane for a runner as well, but his biggest value is in his shooting.  A D2 would be wise to investigate this sniper!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921020" first="Dre’" last="Scott"] (Pinckneyville – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Scott is another sleeper in southern Illinois.  Like his size at the small forward spot.  Good frame with nice athleticism.  He was strong putting it on the deck and taking it aggressively to the rim.  Was looking to score.  Knocked down a corner three and a mid-range jumper.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Garrett Gunter (Sesser Valier – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Gunter is a thick bodied shooting guard that gets a lot of junk points and scores on crafty drives.  Glue guy that brings toughness.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kaden Eirhardt (Altamont – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Eirhardt put his name on the map.  The Altamont guard is a gritty combo guard that got to the paint and charity stripe consistently with strong straight line takes.  Solid passer, crisp ball handler, and hit a three late.  Worthy of a look at the small college level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kyler McIntosh (Massac County – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Another new name on the radar.  McIntosh is a 6’4” small forward that is gritty putting it on the deck for scores including euro steps through contact.  Contributes on the glass from his wing spot.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Reece Johnson (Benton – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Johnson is a small college sleeper with the way he shoots it from beyond the arc.  Clean release and is a quality passer as well.  High academic prospect.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jesse Lawler (Harrisburg – 2021)</strong></p> <p>Lawler brings decent size and athleticism in the backcourt.  Drained a pair of threes showcasing a free and easy release.</p>