Run N Slam: Parham’s Top Illinois Saturday Performers
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I spent the day on Saturday in Fort Wayne, IN covering the prestigious Bill Hensley Run & Slam event. One of the only events where most of the states shoe companies and top independent teams all play in. With such…
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Continue ReadingI spent the day on Saturday in Fort Wayne, IN covering the prestigious Bill Hensley Run & Slam event. One of the only events where most of the states shoe companies and top independent teams all play in. With such a busy schedule and teams being spaced out I caught the top 16 and 17 under teams from Illinois. Here are the top performers from Saturday
17U
Asa Thomas Asa Thomas 6'6" | SF Lake Forest | 2023 State #91 Nation IL (Illinois Wolves)
Asa had a pretty big game from behind the arc. The 6’7 wing battled through an ankle injury from a game earlier. Thomas has a such a smooth shot and even with defenders constantly switching on to him Asa found a way to get his shot off. Thomas managed to hit 5 threes in a very physical matchup. He finished with 17 points in a win over Mac Irvin Fire.
Darrin Ames Darrin Ames 6'1" | PG Kenwood | 2023 State #99 Nation IL ( Mac Irvin Fire)
Ames is always a dynamic go to guy for a bucket but Saturday night he was the set up guy. Darrin can get in the lane really easily and early on he scored with his array of finishers. It was the second half while down double digits Ames created for teammate Reggie Bass who seemed to have it going from deep. This is the evolution of his game that will translate to the next level as he matures and reads the game.
Ahmad Henderson Ahmad Henderson 5'10" | PG Brother Rice | 2023 State #291 Nation IL (Y&R)
Henderson played really well in a tough matchup with Indiana Elite. The lead guard was seen hitting numerous big shots usually a feet or two away from the three point line. Ahmad has excellent handles and can find many ways to get separation from defenders to get his shot off. In the loss he finished with 17 points hitting 4 threes in the process.
Cameron Christie Cameron Christie 6'4" | SG Rolling Meadows | 2023 State #76 Nation IL (Illinois Wolves)
Christie is such a smooth scoring guard who isn’t fazed by physical contact or aggressive defense. Cam gets to his spot and was able to score from all three levels in the afternoon matchup with the Fire. He finished with 16 points in a statement win for the Wolves.
16U
James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO (Meanstreets)
The 6’9 high major prospect looked just as that. Playing really well in the post James keeps guys on his back and is able to finish over the right shoulder with a lefty hook. In transition Brown was seen pushing the rock at times and finishing with posterizing dunks. James is finding his niche with this Meanstreets squad.
Jaheem Webber Jaheem Webber 6'9" | C Normal Community | 2024 State #300 Nation IL (IL Wolves)
Webber is a space eating post player that is very mobile. In a morning matchup Jaheem had three monster dunks on consecutive plays that basically destroyed the confidence of his opponents. What I like the most about Jaheem is how he can command rebounds around the rim. Most players don’t challenge when he goes up to snatch em.
Justus McNair Justus McNair 6'3" | SG Joliet West | 2024 State IL (Y&R)
McNair led a strong comeback for his team on Saturday morning. He attacks the rim with no pun intended recklessness, Justus has a strong crossover that helps him beat most defenders off the dribble once he gets in the lane be ready for anything. McNair can score off various ways and has really good body control to maneuver in traffic. His aggressive play led a comeback for a win over Nova Village before falling to an ankle injury in the final minutes of the game.