Prep Hoops Circuit: Illinois Spring Sleepers

With Prep Hoops spring events coming to a close I wanted to highlight the underrated players who made noise this spring but didn’t get a lot of the publicity as some of their teammates. Here are a talent group of players that coaches should also add on the tracker for June and July events.   [player_tooltip player_id="1049070" first="Drew" last="Cwik"] South Elgin - Breakaway Basketball Drew is a terrific guard who can play on and off the ball. He has been more effective in the spring at the point guard position taking pressure off his teammates (Ben Vander Wal & [player_tooltip player_id="863598" first="Bobby" last="Durkin"]). Cwik keeps plays alive when options break down. If he is left open he will knock down shots if he isn’t respected. On D he does a good job at staying in front of guys not allowing too many paint touches. Any school would like to have a kid like Drew.   [player_tooltip player_id="925222" first="Jeremiah" last="Jones"] Marian Catholic - IL Hoopstars Rhymes The very versatile Jones has flown somewhat under the radar even though he’s had some really good games this spring. He is a talent that is good at many things. As a guard he can handle the ball going either way, has good athleticism on the break. and is able to catch or dish alley-oops. Jeremiah is a very smooth guard that can score all three levels. He is a better slasher then a spot up shooter at this point but Jones can adapt to any style of play. Jeremiah gets after it on defense and is capable of getting a steal or block in most plays when he’s patient.   [player_tooltip player_id="1106946" first="Will" last="Grudzinski"] Barrington - Y&R Boateng/KL Power 5 Grudzinski is a high motor player who can produce scoring and defense in bunches. Will is a big wing player who can stretch defense with his outside shooting. If he doesn’t have it going look for Will to make hard cutting slashing plays at the rim. He has made some strong plays at the rim even catching dunks on guys early this spring. Grudzinski is constantly moving which tires most guys out. He battles hard on the both offensive and defensive boards and occasionally he might push the ball in transition if lanes are open.   [player_tooltip player_id="1056105" first="Sherod" last="Dent"] Providence St. Mel - Hoops 4 Health Dent is a prospect that has shown increases in his production when used in pick and pop situations. Sherod has a high release point and it makes it much harder for teams to disrupt his shot. Dent is pretty mobile and gets to rebounds using length. He is solid around the rim on put back attempts. He made a couple shots from the elbow extended range and will continue to improve that part of his game. Small schools would be smart to keep track of him.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048715" first="Matt" last="Somerville"] Whitney Young - South Cook Jaguars Another big wing on the list is Somerville. Matt is a shooter with size who can beat guys off the dribble and create for himself and others. More of a wing he at times can play inside or guard forwards if needed. Somerville is a three level scoring threat making a bulk of his shots when spaced in the corner. As a bouncy wing he has the tools to become a better rebounder and help side defender. Colleges should keep their eye open on him.   Javon Johnson Proviso East - Y&R Brim Johnson is a gritty wing that picks up the best player on the opposing team full court. Coaches should notice him right away because he seems to always be in the defensive stance ready to steal the ball and score it on the other end at the blink of an eye. Javon plays with a consistent motor and always seems to make the best play available. Even when playing with ball dominant guys at times Johnson is able to get free off screens or set up behind the defense and hit big shots. He’s more of a spot shooter now but his shot fake and drive will easily evolve into shot fake pull up. He has been really solid for his team in the spring and hope to see more off it comes June and July.   [player_tooltip player_id="996072" first="Jalen" last="Brown"] De La Salle - Illinois Rise The physical guard can play either spot as a point or two guard. Jalen is guard who doesn’t play with the ball much. He gets to his spots with tight crossovers and is able to find players spotting up or slashing to the rim. Off the ball he’s a solid plus range shooter than doesn’t get much respect but after he’s made a few coaches yell at guys for not getting a hand up in his face. Brown competes on defense as well usually forcing turnovers with constant pressure and not having to reach as much. Jalen gets in games and does his job without a lot of fanfare.   [player_tooltip player_id="1106930" first="Marquel" last="Saleek"] Willowbrook - Illinois Hoopstars Thomas Saleek is a strong guard who is able to make things happen off the dribble. His elusive handles lure defenders to reach and before you know it Marquel is in the lane finishing through or around contact. Saleek pushes the tempo and does a great job of keeping guys on his hip. Strong upper body helps him absorb contact on finishes. Marquel has good energy on the court and is very active on defense as he plays passing lanes well and can change the game just from his defense alone. Saleek is improving on his jumper and ability to create for teammates. In the spring he has had some clutch shots and will continue to grow from his strong spring performances.