Grit Region Spring Superlatives – Class of 2024
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Believe it or not, the spring AAU season has officially come to a close. The months of April and May were jam-packed with excellent Prep Hoops Circuit events spanning between Indianapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, Louisville, Grand Rapids, Columbus, and other…
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Continue ReadingBelieve it or not, the spring AAU season has officially come to a close. The months of April and May were jam-packed with excellent Prep Hoops Circuit events spanning between Indianapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, Louisville, Grand Rapids, Columbus, and other locations in between. Between Jonathon Gilbert and myself, your two Prep Hoops Regional Scouts for the Grit Region, we’ve had boots on the ground across all events taking in the action and evaluating as many prospects as possible.
Over the next several days we will be handing out plenty of “awards” recapping the spring portion of the Prep Hoops Circuit calendar. All-Grit Region teams will be announced, stock-risers will be highlighted, new names will be brought to your attention, and much more. Today, I’m beginning with some old fashioned superlatives. Here are some of the top players in the Grit Region that I’ve seen in the spring across several different categories.
Best Prospect: Jason Jakstys Jason Jakstys 6'10" | C Yorkville | 2024 State #141 Nation IL (Basketball Paradise 2024)
Anytime you see a 6’8″-6’9″ forward that moves as well as this prospect does it immediately catches your attention. Jakstys is ranked as a Top 20 prospect by Prep Hoops Illinois and it is easy to see why. He is very fluid on both ends of the floor, can rim run in transition, rebounds outside of his area, and can protect the rim. At worst, he is an excellent defender and rebounder who will finish inside. However, the upside is there for him to be much more than that as he gets stronger and continues to develop his back to the basket game.
Best Shooter: Tyler Parrish Tyler Parrish 6'3" | SG Chesterton | 2024 State IN (Team GRIII Elite 2024)
Fresh off a 29-1 high school season that ended as Class 4A state runner-ups, Parrish has moved right into having a great spring. Team GRIII Elite 2024 has really improved over the last few events on the Prep Hoops Circuit in large part due to this 6’2″ guard really shooting the lights out. He has a quick release, moves really well off of the ball, and has a repeatable stroke when his feet are set and ready to fire. Just a big time shooter that shows continued flashes of more and more overall perimeter skill.
Best Under-the-Radar: Braylon Isom Braylon Isom 6'1" | SG Saginaw Heritage | 2024 State MI (DV45 2024)
Isom has burst onto the scene with spring with multiple Grit Region First Team All-Tournament selections including during April’s live period at The Stage in Indianapolis and this past Memorial Day Weekend in Columbus. He is an elite athlete who can fly around the floor making plays on both ends. The 6’2″ wing from Saginaw Heritage High School in Michigan is an above the rim finisher that attacks the basket well off of the dribble and likes to play out in the passing lanes. Up-and-coming prospect to keep tabs on.
Best Playmaker: Mason Lewis Mason Lewis 5'9" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN (EG10 2024)
EG10 2024 has been one of the best teams at their age level on the Prep Hoops Circuit this spring. A primary reason for that is this 5’10″ guard and his excellent playmaking ability. Lewis is lightening quick with the ball in his hands, is a great passer, and can get to the basket to finish seemingly whenever he wants. He is currently ranked as the #11 overall prospect in Indiana’s Class of 2024. Look for Lewis to have a big month of July when he gets back with EG10.
Biggest Stock-Riser: Reis Butcher Reis Butcher 6'4" | SF Brebeuf Jesuit | 2024 State IN (INB Elite 2024)
There aren’t many prospects on the Prep Hoops Circuit that caught more buzz early and often in the Grit Region than this 6’4″ wing. Butcher is an elite athlete who can jump out of the gym as seen by his many highlight reel worthy dunks this spring. He is a dominate force in transition, attacks really well from the wings in the half court, and is a versatile defender with his size and length. It could be a big July with INB Elite for this prospect from Brebeuf Jesuit.