Rock N Ball: Steve’s 2021 First Half Standouts

<p>So far the Rock N Ball Winter League has been the only high school basketball action in the Chicago area since the state has pushed back the initial start of high school basketball season. Here is a recap of the top seniors playing in Hammond, Indiana.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Committed Prospects</u></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="652088" first="John" last="Poulakidas"] (Neuqua Valley - Yale)</strong></p> <p>John has been playing well from the perimeter.  Making shots consistently and keeping defenses on their toes with strong attacks to the rim when smaller defenders switch on him. Poulakidas has extended his range since last season and its translating on the court. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="765148" first="Ahamad" last="Bynum"] (Simeon - DePaul)</strong></p> <p>Bynum is a highly skilled guard who has once played in four games in one day. He runs the show whenever he’s on the court humiliating defenders who try to crowd him when they know he has the ball on a string.  Most times opposing guards sit back and Ahamad makes three pointers at a high rate. One of Bynum signature moves is in transition when he stops at the line and just pulls up and knocks down a deep three ball. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920957" first="Brandon" last="Hall"] (Thornton – East Tennessee St.)</strong></p> <p>Hall is a strong bodied guard who has played well.  He gets to the rim off slashing plays and is always able to finish well through contact. Brandon is still working on his shot as he gets ready for college and was seen making a couple of 15 footers in tight stretches of games. Hall is continuing to get better since the summer period. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814694" first="Ty" last="Johnson"] (DePaul Prep - Loyola) </strong></p> <p>TY has been electric in games with his ability to score on all three levels has been one of the highlights when his team plays. Johnson has extended range on his shot but doesn’t settle for long shots all the time. TY is a crafty ball handler who has had some acrobatic moves at the rim that had the crowd in attendance on their feet.  Johnson has become a must see in the Rock N Ball League. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920956" first="Luke" last="Moustakas"] (Brother Rice – Northwest Missouri State)</strong></p> <p>Luke has played very well against some tough competition. The 6’6” stretch forward is a dead eye shooter from three. Moustakas shot brings defenders out of the lane which helps create open lanes for teammates on their drives. On the defensive end he does a good job at keeping athletic bigs off the boards by using his body very well on box outs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Uncommitted Prospects </u></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="830601" first="Tevin" last="Smith"] (Danville)</strong></p> <p>The wing from Danville has been fun to watch. Tevin plays with a good IQ and pace on the court. Smith has shown a couple times he can make shots when left open.  Tevin has done most of his damage around the bucket as he is very explosive when the ball is in his hands. He reads defenses pretty well as he’s able to adjust when defenders clog up lanes and has become a solid passer. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="821763" first="Jakobi" last="Heady"] (Hillcrest)</strong></p> <p>Heady is a smooth operating wing who has been a huge factor in his team’s success during the winter league. Jakobi stretches defenses with corner threes and when they cut that off he makes strong baseline drives. Heady is very long and covers a lot of ground on defense causing havoc when teams look to score.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="920942" first="Grant" last="Newell"] (Whitney Young)</strong></p> <p>As one of the best unsigned seniors in the state Grant is effective using his agility and length on both sides of the ball. The 6’7” forward gets to the rim and finishes with an array of moves. He has become a better shooter 15 feet and out. On defense he disrupts things on the perimeter using his arms to be in passing lanes.  Newell also does a good job rebounding the ball and is able to push it in transition.  He is a can’t miss D1 prospect. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jalen Houston </strong></p> <p>One of the latest Illinois prospects to transfer out of state. Houston is tough defensive guard who doesn’t back down from anyone.  He picks up ballhandlers full court which usually turns into fast break points. Jalen offensively plays at his own pace usually getting to the mid-range where he excels. He will get much attention from schools who are looking solid guards who love to defend. </p>