State Finals: Top 2022 Performers Pt 1

<p>The Illinois high school basketball season concluded over the weekend with the state final four and championship.  Here we examine the best seniors at the event in <strong>State Finals: Top 2022 Performers Pt 1</strong>!</p> <p><br /> <br /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863582" first="Jaden" last="Schutt"] (Yorkville Christian – Duke)</strong></p> <p>The top ranked senior in the state did what he set out at the beginning of the year which was win a 1A state championship.  His best stretch of basketball was in the first quarter of the semis where he hit an array of threes and dunks to put Steeleville on notice it wasn’t going to be close.  Played solid defense in that game going for 16 points.  In the championship game he struggled to get going to his usual standard, but managed 12 points on a couple dunks and a three.  Also recorded 4 steals in the title game.  Now it is off to the ACC to play for Duke.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1210394" first="KJ" last="Vasser"] (Yorkville Christian)</strong></p> <p>Vasser had a breakout senior campaign.  He saved his best for last as he went for 15 points and 7 rebounds.  Did it not in his usual way either as he was just 1-6 from three.  Got downhill finding creases in the defense for buckets where he converted layups, euro steps, and got to the line.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1257899" first="Tyler" last="Burrows"] (Yorkville Christian)</strong></p> <p>Burrows was the ultimate glue guy for Yorkville Christian all season long.  The shooting guard had a big showing in the title game stuffing the stat sheet for 13 points (5-7 FG), 7 rebounds, and 5 dimes.  Small college prospect!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Devin Klauser (Liberty)</strong></p> <p>Klauser is a well built 6’6” 200 pound power forward who was a force in their semi final victory over Scales Mound recording 22 points and double digit boards.  He was effective getting second chance points on the offensive glass along with finishing several passes inside.  Rebounds well in his area and was a solid post defender.  Think he could be a solid small college post.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1106938" first="Saxton" last="Hoepker"] (Nashville)</strong></p> <p>Hoepker made the key plays needed to lead his team to a win in the semis.  The 6’7” face up four has a nice combination of strength and athleticism.  Shows flashes or a mid-range game and can put it on the deck from 15 feet in.  Tough defender and rebounder.  He had 13 points in that game and would be a nice small college add.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863618" first="Dylan" last="Arnett"] (DePaul Prep – UW-Wisconsin)</strong></p> <p>It wasn’t his best effort, but you saw flashes of what makes him a D1 prospect in the semis.  He got deep post position and went to three right handed hook shots for buckets.  Also had several blocks and was solid on the glass.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863613" first="AJ" last="Redd"] (St. Ignatius)</strong></p> <p>You saw pretty much what Redd is as a prospect in this game.  The slender built two guard did a nice job of winning off the bounce getting in the lane for conversions at the cup although he did miss a few bunnies.  Got to the foul line at a good rate.  Not much of a perimeter shooter at this stage.  Contributed on the glass and was a good secondary playmaker as a passer in a 14 point, 6 rebound, and 3 dime semi final loss.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1049101" first="Zack" last="Schroeder"] (Metamora)</strong></p> <p>The lone senior for Metamora had his moments in the final four.  He is a crafty scoring shooting guard that likes to get in the lane for runners and floaters while also making trips to the line.  Tough kid that should find a home at the small college level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="771517" first="Jaylen" last="Drane"] (Simeon)</strong></p> <p>One of the state’s top uncommitted seniors was excellent for stretches in their semi final game against Metamora.  He took over for a stretch in the third quarter with three consecutive takes to the hoop score scores.  The wiry combo guard brings athleticism and scoring pop getting downhill.  Picked up his fourth foul and wasn’t the same.  He had 12 points.  Definitely a low-major caliber prospect!</p>