Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250: Scotty B’s Standouts

<p>This past weekend was the Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250 Camp.  We will have tons of coverage from our scouts in the gym.  In my first look at the camp I wanted to give some first impressions of the best performances that I saw in <strong>Prep Hoops Illinois Top 250 Camp: Scotty B’s Standouts</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925225" first="Ethan" last="Marlowe"] (St. Charles North - 2022)</strong></p> <p>Marlowe might have the most buzz among college coaches coming out of the camp.  The St. Charles North 6’8” face up four man did what he does best.  He is a versatile inside/outside threat that has a feathery jumper.  Showcased that throughout the event with his smooth ball handling, shooting, and post scoring.  High end D2s and low-majors should get involved.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939068" first="Sam" last="Lewis"] (OPRF – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Lewis might be the prospect right now with the most helium in the state.  It started with his play in June and July and has continued over to the fall.  He stands at 6’6” with excellent size and strength on the perimeter.  One of the top pure shooters in the junior class he displayed that knocking down threes with his effortless stroke.  More than just a shooter he used his burst and hesitation off the dribble to get to the cup for several spectacular finishes.  Mid-major plus right now and its not out of the question he ends up high-major when its all said and done.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="771517" first="Jaylen" last="Drane"] (Simeon – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Drane was one of the more highly regarded senior guards at the camp.  The wiry public league guard has good length and can really score off the bounce.  Explosive scorer when getting downhill.  Crisp ball handler that has a good first burst and displayed that when we saw him winning off the dribble for scores in the paint.  Low-majors this is a great late value with upside!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048315" first="Troy" last="Cicero"] (Romeoville – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Cicero was the biggest stock riser of the event for me.  Didn’t see much of him during the summer so his ranking probably doesn’t reflect his true ability.  He looked like a legit mid-major guy on Sunday.  The 6’1” combo guard has great length which allows him to play bigger than his height.  What initially stood out was how he impacted the game on the defensive end.  In a camp setting guys that get after it on that end are going to get noticed.  Slick passer in the open floor and half court.  Handled well in space and was a solid three point shooter draining several in the contest we saw.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939076" first="Xavier" last="Sulaiman"] (Marist – 2023)</strong></p> <p>This Marist combo guard put together a solid day of work.  The 6’2” guard can play both on or off the ball.  In this setting he was focused on getting buckets.  Did it from all three levels with dunks and acrobatic layup at the cup.  Very smooth and fluid with the rock in his hands operating either in the open floor or half court.  Also has deep range on a pull up jump shot. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215294" first="Mason" last="Funk"] (Normal U-High – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Funk is a player that we came away impressed with as one of the top central Illinois junior stock risers from the summer.  Super skilled combo forward that can handle as he went coast to coast on several occasions converting with euro steps.  We have always been aware of the skill, but it was what he brought on defense that really popped.  He swatted shot after shot in the game we saw and moved his feet on the perimeter.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048328" first="Jackson" last="Niego"] (Lyons – 2023)</strong></p> <p>Niego is your classic heady point guard that makes the correct play and wins games.  Tough as nails he is a prospect that runs this team putting them in positions to succeed.  Crisp ball handler that dishes the rock putting his teammates in perfect spots to score.  His three point shot was on point as well as he was stellar shooting from beyond the arc with his pull up shot.  Kid is a winner!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1210393" first="Colin" last="Schuler"] (Peoria Notre Dame – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Schuler really created some buzz with his play as well among college coaches.  The 6’8” post from PND has excellent size and can operate on the floor in a number of areas.  Finishes well around the hoop with touch.  Stretches the floor with an easy looking perimeter shot.  Protected the rim on the defensive end.  He will be on a talented PND team this year that has a chance to be among the best in central Illinois.</p>