Chi-Town Tip-Off: GameChangers

A new, recurring segment after each Prep Hoops Circuit event will be our GameChangers series. Bringing you the best scorekeeping, live video streaming, and team management services of any mobile app on the market, GameChanger is a product every grassroots team in the country can use to better serve their players and their families.

So, what makes a Prep Hoops “GameChanger?” That is up to the eyes of the beholder. It may be an additional top performer still leftover from our prior event coverage. A player who made a key play that swung the game or maybe knocked in a game-winning shot could be highlighted here. Or, it simply could be a prospect that brought all of the intangibles to the table that led his team to victory. Let’s dive on in and highlight some of the GameChangers from the Chi-Town Tip-Off.

Ethan Andre Ethan Andre 6'0" | PG Belvidere North | 2023 IL (Belvidere North H.S. 2023/M14 Hoops 2023 Adidas Gold): Throughout the weekend at the Chi-Town Tip-Off, Andre was one of the best shooters in the gym. The 5’10" guard has great range and can make tough threes off of the dribble as well adding an extra dimension to his game.

Landen Babusiak Landen Babusiak 6'11" | C Bosco Institute/Indiana Connections Academy | 2022 State IN (Bosco Institute 2022/Team GRIII 2023 Elite): You can’t teach size and Babusiak has plenty of it. He has a strong 6’10" frame that he put on display over the weekend with an impressive performance around the basket. The big man rebounds well, can finish at the rim, and is can protect the rim with his size. Could be a nice late addition for a college program.

Sean Brown-Coley Sean Brown-Coley 6'0" | SF Whitney Young | 2024 State IL (Whitney Young H.S. 2024/Team Ten Jabari Parker 2024): Brown-Coley is a strong guard with excellent ball skills. He handles it well, is shifty on his feet, and can make defenders bounce off of him on the way to the basket. Really like his game and will be one to watch throughout the rest of the spring and summer months.

Noah Campbell Noah Campbell 5'10" | PG Willowbrook | 2023 IL (Willowbrook H.S. 2023/All in Athletics 2023 Gold): A shifty, lightening quick guard that can get downhill in a hurry. Campbell can create his own off of the dribble and had a great weekend scoring the basketball. He is just 5’10" makes up for his size with toughness and skill level. Fun prospect to watch compete.

Lee Marks Lee Marks 6'6" | SF Mt. Carmel | 2024 State IL (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S. 2024/Meanstreets 2024 EYBL): The development of Marks over the last year has been extremely impressive. The 6'5" forward has  added some strength but still has a long frame with fluid athleticism. Excellent versatility on both ends of the floor. Marks will be a prospect for coaches to get eyes on this spring and summer.

John Mccrear John Mccrear 6'8" | PF Woodfard | 2023 State #219 Nation KY (Woodford County H.S. 2023/Mac Irvin Fire 2023 EYBL): McCrear did all of the dirty work this weekend at the Chi-Town Tip-Off. Whether it be running the floor for a layup, crashing the offensive glass, or protecting the rim defensively, the 6'8" forward was very active and always involved around the ball.

Mark Nikolich-Wilson Mark Nikolich-Wilson 6'7" | C Rolling Meadows | 2023 State IL (Rolling Meadows H.S. 2023/Full Package 2023 Black): A big-bodied 6'8" forward, Nikolich-Wilson has a very intriguing skill set on the low block. He has good hands and feet, great court vision, and can score it around the basket. Continues to attract more and more college interest with a strong start to the spring for Full Package Black.

Connor Woodin Connor Woodin 6'0" | PG Buffalo Grove | 2024 State IL (Buffalo Grove H.S. 2024/All in Athletics 2024 Gold): Woodin is an elite shooter that showed the ability to work off of screening action to get open away from the ball. He understands how to change pace, read screens, and has great footwork moving into his shot. Can really light it up from beyond the arc.