Chi-Town Tip Off: Parham’s Top Performers
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The weekend was full of action at the Chi-Town Tip Off. Here is a look at the players who played well in Romeoville. 17U Standouts Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation…
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Continue ReadingThe weekend was full of action at the Chi-Town Tip Off. Here is a look at the players who played well in Romeoville.
17U Standouts
Darrion Baker Darrion Baker 6'8" | PF St Rita | 2023 State #227 Nation IL Team Rose 3SSB (Hillcrest)
Baker maybe had one of the biggest jumps so far since his junior season. The Hilcrest big man look very skilled and bouncy. He was able to pull down rebounds and push it in transition. What we liked most about about Baker is he is showing his ability to shoot but he isn’t settling at floating around the perimeter as most bigs do. Darrion has developed nicely around the rim using solid footwork and touch.
Kros Barrett Team Rose Adidas (Curie)
Kros is a under the radar player that can light it up at any given moment. Barrett is a smooth scoring talent that can get shots of from all three levels. Against Illinois Stars he had it going hitting several threes in the contest. Kros will be a nice piece for small schools to check out.
Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL Mac Irvin Fire (Kenwood)
Ames was very good in the victory over GRIII on Sunday morning. He was made some tough shots in transition one was a pull up three the hit nothing but the bottom of the net. The other was a mid-range pull up with defenders flying at him from all sides. Ames made some plays on defense as well hounding guys forcing them into tough situations. He was able to turn one steal into a sweet one handed slam.
Mark Nikolich-Wilson Mark Nikolich-Wilson 6'7" | C Rolling Meadows | 2023 State IL Full Package (Rolling Meadows)
As my colleague Scott Burgess said Mark is labeled as “Baby Cam Krutwig”. The wide bodied big man went to work against the much taller and athletic big man of the Fire. Mark was effective all around. He finished well around the rim when he caught passes in the right position. When away from the basket he became a threat at reading defenders and making passes to his teammates. If guys play off of him Mark showed he can hit a shot or two.
Jaloni Johnson Jaloni Johnson 6'4" | SG Proviso East | 2023 State IL Flee Club (Proviso East)
Johnson is a known talent in the state of Illinois who took the opportunity to play on the PHC this weekend with Flee Club. Jaloni played really well Sunday hitting a pair of threes early on before getting attacked the rim. Johnson is an elusive ballhandler that can get to the rim even through the toughest of defenses. He spent the second half getting fouled and making free throws down the stretch.
16U Standouts
Mike Jones Mike Jones 6'7" | PF Chi-Prep | 2025 State #164 Nation IL Team Rose 3SSB (Rockford Lutheran)
In a matchup I was waiting to see all day Jones met my standards and even surpassed to an extent. Mike had a matchup with Meanstreets and their twin tower duo. Jones was on par with the pair playing with a high motor having a spirited competition with Morez in the post was fun to watch. Mike showcased his athleticism and length by blocking shots, rebounding, and scoring over players. I think it may be fair enough to include Jones in the class with the two mentioned players (Brown & Johnson) as well as Webber from Normal Community as the best posts in the class.
Calvin Robins Jr Calvin Robins Jr 6'5" | PF Kenwood | 2024 State IL Mac Irvin Fire (Kenwood)
One word that describes Calvin is human pogo stick. The Kenwood forward made some game momentum changing dunks on Saturday in the Fire’s matchup against Team Ten. Robbins gets off the floor quick which helps him rebound and change shots on the defensive side. Calvin has an upside when he can add more offense polish to his game.
Nojus Indrusaitis Nojus Indrusaitis 6'5" | SG Brewster Academy | 2024 State #79 Nation New E Meanstreets (Lemont)
This is one of my new favorite player to watch in the state. Nojus is so poised as a scoring threat. He can easily become one of the top scoring wings on the EYBL circuit. He scored in bunches against Team Rose getting out in transition scoring on dunks and layups. When the pace slowed down he hit shots from all three levels. Nojus might be the best scorer in the state.
Max Johnson Max Johnson 5'10" | PG Oak Park River Forest | 2024 State IL Mac Irvin Fire (OPRF)
Johnson had a great Sunday morning going 3 for 3 from deep in a blowout win over M14. Max has been finding his niche with the team. Johnson looked good running the show at times. He can be effective getting downhill with his handle and finding his talented big men for dunks. If Max continues to play with this confidence offers and interest will pile up.
Treshawn Blissett Treshawn Blissett 6'5" | SF Waubonsie Valley | 2024 State IL M14 (Waubonsie Valley)
I was impressed with Treshawn on Saturday morning in what was a complete blowout from start to finish. The 6’4 wing didn’t fold at any point during the game. Blissett is very long and active. Equipped with shifty handle he can break guys off the dribble when attacking the rim. If there is no lane or a defender has a slow close out Treshawn can make shots as well.
15U Standouts
Justin Bowen Team Rose (Lincoln Park)
Bowen had a quick start Saturday morning hitting several shots from mid range and the three. He was able to break down guys if they played him too tight. Justin has a good skillset on the perimeter that can make him serious college prospect down the line.
Nevaeh Hawkins Chicago Hoops (St. Laurence)
I was very impressed watching Hawkins. He is very active in transition on both sides. Nevaeh caught several dunks off nice passes when his team played fast. On defense he caught a couple chase down blocks that surprised many in the gym. He has a chance to become a highly coveted player in the class if he continues to play with such a high motor.
Zerrick Johnson Chicago Hoops (St. Laurence)
Zerrick was one of the players this weekend that impressed me and he didn’t put up big numbers to do so. Johnson has a mature frame for a freshman. He has some bounce in his movements that helps him cover ground on defense. Zerrick looked solid moving the ball to his teammates finding guys in stride with some pinpoint passing. His best basketball is ahead of him and if he stays the course Johnson has a chance to be a breakout talent in the 2025 class
Cameron Thomas Cameron Thomas 6'3" | PG Mount Carmel | 2025 State IL M14 (Mt. Carmel)
Thomas led maybe the best comeback of the event Saturday morning. With his team down 20 points to Team Rose Cameron kept playing and made some big shots in the process. Thomas attacked the rim hard with straight drives at times initiating contact and getting fouled in the process. What I was impressed with the most was his awareness to not settle for jump shots and keep attacking the rim while down double digits. Cameron is a strong guard who can become a factor next season for Mount Carmel and take the reins when DeAndre Craig DeAndre Craig 5'11" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2023 State IL leaves the program.