#GritSZNKickoff: Illinois Top Performers

<p>What prospects from the land of Lincoln were the best at #GritSZNKickoff over the weekend?  We dive into that here in our <strong>#GritSZNKickoff: Illinois Top Performers</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1055140" first="Billy" last="Bach"] (HIT 17U)</strong></p> <p>It was a breakout weekend for the Lyons Township 6’4” sharp shooter.  He has been our radar for a while, but this was by far and away his best event.  He hit six threes on Friday night in a game and then followed it up on Saturday with another strong outing.  Quick release and moves well without the ball to get open.  He can really let it fly from deep and small colleges should be very intrigued.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863630" first="Ethan" last="Ivan"] (HIT 17U)</strong></p> <p>Ivan is a quality face up four man that can space the floor with his shooting.  Did just that all weekend for Hoops Intensity Training.  The Batavia power forward is a major pick/pop threat that also knocks down spot up threes.  Skilled forward can handle it some and shows nice mobility as an offensive weapon.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863629" first="Sam" last="Bradbury"] (Champaign Heat 17U)</strong></p> <p>Bradbury is a wide bodied 6’8” center that looks like an offensive tackle.  He loves to play physical using his big body to play power ball down low.  This was a good opportunity to see him play against other posts with legit size.  Plays bully ball getting underneath his man and scoring through them.  Mixed in power moves and hook shots for scores in the paint.  Also seals his man off well.  Good rebounder in his area and competes on the defensive end as an anchor on the block.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="996082" first="David" last="Hubbard"] (Champaign Heat 17U)</strong></p> <p>Skilled 6’3” shooting guard that has a silky-smooth game.  He can score from all three levels getting where he needs on the floor.  Likes the floater game, pull ups, and can hit from three.  Also displayed an improved passing feel.  The St. Thomas More wing is one to track as the spring/summer goes along.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1049074" first="Byron" last="Carlo"] (Champaign Heat 17U)</strong></p> <p>Carlo is a smaller guard that brought his A game all weekend.  He is the leader of the Champaign Heat squad from his point guard position.  Pushes the pace with his speed and handle.  Mixes in runners and can hit open threes.  Loves setting up his teammates first and foremost.  Home school prospect!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048329" first="Tylon" last="Toliver"] (Illinois T-Wolves 16U)</strong></p> <p>Toliver is a tough combo guard for the Illinois T-Wolves that was effective winning off the bounce throughout the weekend.  Like the toughness that he brings along with his ability to score at the cup on straight line takes.  Good ball handler with a lot of grit.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="996066" first="Dajuan" last="Bates"] (RISE 17U)</strong></p> <p>Bates made the All 17U team behind a strong weekend.  This De La Salle 2022 point guard is a wiry lead guard that is a blur with the rock in his hands.  Great speed in the open floor and the half court getting past his defender with ease creating scoring opportunities for himself and others.  Also shot it at a high clip from three all weekend long including netting 31 points in one game.  Emerging as a potential low-major/high-D2 prospect.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="996072" first="Jalen" last="Brown"] (RISE 17U)</strong></p> <p>Brown brings a compact build and two way ability at the point.  Also a De La Salle point guard he is more of a distributor from what we saw over the weekend.  Makes sound decisions with the rock both in transition and in half court sets.  A lockdown defender that really gets after it with his physicality and in your face defense.  Can knock down a three ball when left open as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1152911" first="Chaz" last="Harvey"] (RISE 17U)</strong></p> <p>Harvey is an unsigned senior that is debating potentially going the prep route next season.  He looked the part of a D2 caliber guard over the weekend with his play.  Smooth point guard that has effortless handles and great body control in the paint finishing with ease.  Hit a couple triples along with being active on the defensive end.  Went for 25 points in one Saturday game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215293" first="Mekhi" last="Doby"] (Team 815 North 17U)</strong></p> <p>Doby is a 2023 shooting guard from Rockford Guilford.  He showed potential as a shooter from multiple levels along with using his quickness and length to score off the bounce.  Name to continue to track this summer.</p>