Rock N Ball League: Takeaways Pt 3

<p>The Rock N Ball Winter League in Hammond, Indiana was a tremendous addition during an unusual year.  It gave players an opportunity to play and elevate their games in a time where there was no high school basketball in Illinois.  Here we look at some of our takeaways from the league over the last couple months.  This is <strong>Rock N Ball League Takeaways Part 3</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863583" first="Robbie" last="Avila"] Most Skilled Player in State?</strong></p> <p>There are a lot of prospects that could take the distinction of “Most Skilled Player” in the state of Illinois.  Oak Forest 2022 power forward <strong>Robbie</strong> <strong>Avila</strong> is one that can lay claim to it.  Playing for Next Level Black at Rock N Ball it was Avila who was a one man show.  He did everything for his team.  Score inside with touch, stretch the defense to three with ease, put it on the deck, initiate the offense, throw long outlets, and was one of the best passers we saw.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="652088" first="John" last="Poulakidas"] is Game Changer for Yale in Ivy League</strong></p> <p>The #5 prospect in 2021 Illinois class is headed to play in the Ivy League next year.  Neuqua Valley senior <strong>John</strong> <strong>Poulakidas</strong> is the type of player that programs in that league need to get to win it and make runs in the NCAA Tournament.  He is a high-level scorer that has one of the best shots in the state, crafty game off the bounce, and is so precise with everything he does.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Central Illinois 2021 Talent Shine</strong></p> <p>While most of the prospects at Rock N Ball were from the Chicago area the Money Squad team featured many of the top talents from central Illinois.  That included Danville duo <strong>Tevin</strong> <strong>Smith</strong> and <strong>Nathanael</strong> <strong>Hoskins</strong>.  Smith who committed to Cal State Fullerton recently looked back to his pre injury form as he put on a show one of the nights we saw him.  Hoskins is a no doubt D2 guard with the way he gets in the lane, runs a team, and drills runners for days.  <strong>James</strong> <strong>Dent</strong> is a sniper from deep that is one of the best left on the board from Springfield Southeast.  Another highly ranked prospect from that area <strong>KJ</strong> <strong>Debrick</strong> showed he is a volume rebounder who plays with physicality inside while moving well for his size.  Champaign Centennial’s <strong>Khailieo</strong> <strong>Terry</strong> is a high-motor undersized four that is a relentless offensive rebounder and defender who will excel at the JUCO level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925178" first="Kyle" last="Thomas"] Evolution in Full Effect</strong></p> <p>St. Joseph’s 2022 center <strong>Kyle</strong> <strong>Thomas</strong> is the #3 overall prospect in the junior class.  Running on a loaded Showtime team he made them even better when he was there to play with them.  It was his improved offensive game that stood out to us.  He looks to have grown into his body moving much more fluidly up and down the floor.  Offensively he flashed footwork around the hoop, rim ran, and most impressively knocked down mid-range jumpers at a much better clip than we had ever seen.  Combine that with his defensive prowess and high-majors are going to be all over him going forward!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Mundelein 1-2 Duo are Impactful Gets in MVC</strong></p> <p>Limitless won the title behind their core of northern suburbs prospects.  That included a pair of Missouri Valley recruits from Mundelein.  Southern Illinois big man commit <strong>Scottie</strong> <strong>Ebube</strong> was a force throughout the league on both ends.  Defensively he swatted shots and was a brick wall on the interior.  Offensively he played with physicality scoring on the block with powerful finishes.  Drake commit point guard <strong>Conor</strong> <strong>Enright</strong> got Ebube the ball in positions to succeed.  The high IQ guard is crafty and has an excellent feel for the game.  Plus shooter that can get really hot pulling up from beyond the arc.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="771517" first="Jaylen" last="Drane"] Flashes</strong></p> <p>There were definitely flashes of the potential that Simeon 2022 point guard <strong>Jaylen</strong> <strong>Drane</strong> possess.  It wasn’t consistent, but every game he had one or two moves that made you believe the top 10 prospect could be a big time player.  He did have one game where it all came together and he was without question the best player on the floor doing whatever he wanted whenever he wanted with his athleticism, playmaking, and three level scoring.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>New Names Emerge</strong></p> <p>There were several new names that emerged at the Rock N Ball.  Some of the more notable ones included <strong>Justin</strong> <strong>Mullins</strong> (OPRF – 2022), <strong>Freddie</strong> <strong>Cooper</strong> (Corliss – 2021), <strong>Will</strong> <strong>Grudzinski</strong> (Barrington – 2022), and <strong>Bryce</strong> <strong>Moore</strong> (Carmel – 2022).</p>