Chicago Summer Challenge- Friday 2024 Standouts
In this article:
Games ran a little long so you’re going to get a short into. The field at the Chicago Summer Challenge is stacked. Here are five 2024’s that caught my eye plus a special 2025. James Brown James Brown 6'9" |…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingGames ran a little long so you’re going to get a short into. The field at the Chicago Summer Challenge is stacked. Here are five 2024’s that caught my eye plus a special 2025.
James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO 6-8 St Rita (IL) Most likely the highest ranked 2024 in the field. He did not disappoint. Was playing up a division on Friday night. When you can grab a rebound and fluidly go coast to coast like this young big you are a special prospect. Was imposing defensively making the area around the basket a “no fly zone”. Had multiple blocks in the short time I watched. Skilled with the basketball offensively. Not many holes in his game at such a young age. A truly special prospect.
Payton Kamin Payton Kamin 6'7" | SF Worcester Academy | 2025 State New E 6-5 DePaul Prep (IL) Last time I saw this wing in Michigan he was dropping a 60 piece. While that didn’t happen Friday. He still showed the promise and potential that make an intriguing long term recruit. Was forced to play under the basket as his Team Ten Jabari Parker squad was a little short handed. However when his team needed to get back into the game he got hot from behind the arc. Almost brought them all the way back. Excellent shooter with excellent size. Finished with 16 points in the loss to Fundamental U.
Jaquan Johnson Jaquan Johnson 5'10" | PG Pius XI | 2024 State WI 5-9 Pius XI (WI) Posts and points often have to grow into the nuances of the position. Not in this case. Johnson is already the consummate point guard for Wisconsin Playground Club. Next level passer who put passes in perfect spots for his plethora of shooters. Casually dropped a clever behind the back pass in transition like he’s done it a hundred times. Sturdy well built frame that is not going to get pushed around. Already holds three D1 offers.
JJ Hernandez JJ Hernandez 6'6" | PF Glenbard North | 2024 State IL 6-6 Glenbard North (IL) Bouncy and mobile post prospect who held up well against Wisconsin Playground Club’s imposing frontline (see below) Scored both inside and out. Has a quick and easy release from three. Explosive in transition with a huge euro step. Skilled enough to grab a rebound and lead a break by himself.
Bonus 2025
Kai Rogers 6-10 (WI) I don’t usually write about players who have yet to step foot in high school. But I think I cam make an exception for a mobile and skilled 6-10 phenom. Came off the bench, caught it on the block, one dribble, drop step dunk. Didn’t look back from there. Passed and shot the ball well. Wow. A name you will eventually know.