Chi-Town Tip Off: Scotty B’s Top Illinois 2023 Performers

What 2023 prospects from the weekend made the biggest impression? Here are the ones that caught our attention in Chi-Town Tip Off: Scotty B’s 2023 Top Performers!   Camron Wilford (BC Elite) This attacking point guard from Hyde Park gets to the line and finishes through contact. He had 16 points on Friday night in an impressive opening game.   [player_tooltip player_id="1215302" first="Da’marion" last="Morris"] (BC Elite) Another Hyde Park 2023 lead guard that shined at Chi-Town Tip Off in that same game. Morris is a plus shooter from deep that connected on four triples in the game we saw while playing a level up at 17U.   [player_tooltip player_id="1148119" first="Jeremy" last="Harrington"] (Team Rose) Harrington jumped on our radar during the high school season for Curie and he had an outstanding weekend for Team Rose 16U. Undersized four man has a strong frame and rebounds well in traffic. Like how he crashes the offensive glass having a feel for where it is coming off and putting it right back in. His ability to knock down shots was also an aspect that opened our eyes. Made four threes in one game along with consistently knocking in mid-range shots throughout the weekend. Tough post defender as well.   [player_tooltip player_id="1156316" first="Bailey" last="Woods"] (Team Rose) Woods is a Hampshire wing that showed flashes as a lefty scorer with slick takes to the hoop, capability as a shooter, and instinctive passing from his off guard spot.   [player_tooltip player_id="1056104" first="Chikasi" last="Ofoma"] (Team Rose) Ofoma is primed to breakout. The Simeon combo forward has a great frame and the ability to use his quickness and power combination effectively all over the court. He loves to face up from the high-post area and take it at his man with shifty drives and spin moves. Handles it well and finishes through contact. High level rebounder.   [player_tooltip player_id="939071" first="Jordan" last="Pickett"] (Brad Beal Elite) This Belleville East product had a nice outing in the first BBE 16U game we caught. His ability to knock down pull up mid-range jumpers at a solid clip was what stood out to us. Stretched it to three as well. Played both on and off the ball throughout the event.   [player_tooltip player_id="939073" first="Macaleab" last="Rich"] (Brad Beal Elite) Rich is what he is. The 6’5” forward is a junk yard dog combo forward with a college football ready made body right now. He crashes the boards with absolute ferocity snatching them and putting it back in for second chance points. Excels in transition as a finisher. Still waiting for the skill set to come along, but with his motor he can be a low-major player for sure right now.   [player_tooltip player_id="939068" first="Sam" last="Lewis"] (Meanstreets) Lewis is a sharp shooting two guard from OPRF. Feathery jump shot is his strength and he displayed that throughout the event draining them from three. Active defender and showed some flashes as a passer. Right now mostly a pure sniper!   [player_tooltip player_id="1048306" first="Miles" last="Rubin"] (Meanstreets) Rubin separated himself from the array of big men on Meanstreets 16U squad with a strong weekend. The Homewood Flossmoor four man brought his A game high pointing rebounds in traffic and finishing with thunderous dunks throughout the event. High activity level with a lot of projectability as a two way post.   [player_tooltip player_id="939078" first="Bryce" last="Tillery"] (Illinois Hoopstars) Tillery is a smaller point guard from Hillcrest that will be their next standout guard. He is quick off the bounce with the ball getting in the lane with ease for runners. Finishes well in the paint despite his lack of ideal size. Solid pull up shooter. Tough lead guard.   [player_tooltip player_id="939048" first="Keon" last="Alexander"] (Illinois Hoopstars) Alexander impressed again this weekend. The Bolingbrook power forward always brings a high motor. The skill is starting to come along as well. He scored with athleticism in the paint along with skilled hook shots and rebounded at a really good rate.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048321" first="Joshua" last="Thomas"] (Illinois Hoopstars) Projectable small forward from Stevenson started to put it together this weekend. Showed flashes of his immense potential. Long and rangy frame with smooth acceleration with the ball in his hands. Got to the rim several times off the bounce for dunks and hit a three as well. Like his long-term potential quite a bit.   [player_tooltip player_id="1113517" first="Maurice" last="Thomas"] (Illinois Hoopstars) The DePaul Prep point guard was lights out shooting it from deep for the Hoopstars. On the ball guard that can really knock down shots at a nice clip   [player_tooltip player_id="1215314" first="Cordy" last="Johnson"] (Illinois Heat) Johnson is a smaller 2023 guard that played up on the 17U level and was not fazed at all. Quick guard with tight handles that can hit a shot every now and then.   Mekhi Lowery (Illinois Stars) Really impressed with Lowery and what he can be long term. The Oswego East 2023 small forward has a long and lanky frame. Did most of his damage in the paint whether it was on put backs, transition, or drives off the bounce. Like what he brought defensively with his versatility being able to guard across the board.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048319" first="Jayden" last="Martin"] (Illinois Stars) Martin is a strong guard that knows how to use his strength to his advantage. Finishes well in the lane through contact and is a solid rebounder for his position. Joliet West guard is a productive player!   [player_tooltip player_id="1048311" first="Tyler" last="Van Gorp"] (Hoops 4 Health) TVG is all upside at 6’10” with a super thin frame and arms that go on for days. He looked much more fluid around the hoop than the mechanical player we saw in the fall. Played with confidence around hoop making aggressive moves for scores including some big dunks. Also stretched it out to three on one occasion. Shot blocking presence who has timing and feel on that end. Only thing holding him back right now is strength.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048328" first="Jackson" last="Niego"] (Chicago Lockdown) Niego was the talk of the other gym with the way he played for Lockdown’s 16U squad. The Lyons Township point guard averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 dimes while leading his team to a 4-0 record. Looking forward to seeing more of him in KC this weekend!