Holiday Tournaments: Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the holiday season PHI covered tournaments all across the state.&nbsp; I personally took in 42 games from York, Hinsdale Central, Pekin, Collinsville, Kankakee, State Farm, and Centralia.&nbsp; Wanted to examine some of the best I saw including here in <strong>Holiday Tournaments: Stock Risers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157239' first='Luke' last='Williams'] (Naperville North – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is a dual sport start that might end up playing football at the next level, but he proved he should be under consideration at the D1 level on the hardwood.&nbsp; In the first game of the week at Jack Tosh he was very good getting out in transition, finishing with acrobatics, and slicing through the defense for scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215298' first='Mark' last='Nikolich-Wilson'] (Rolling Meadows – 2023)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no question that this is a D2 prospect!&nbsp; The point forward from Rolling Meadows was a force in their title run at Tosh.&nbsp; The wide-bodied post has such a nice touch around the hoop finishing with efficiency in the paint.&nbsp; Elite passing big man that has a feel for getting others involved.&nbsp; Also a volume rebounder in his area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1279768' first='Andrew' last='Ayeni'] (St. Patrick – 2023)<br></strong><br>This small college big man was really good when we saw him against Glenbard North.&nbsp; His quickness and mobility on the interior are really intriguing.&nbsp; Consistently finished and-1s and used his quick post moves for scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541232' first='AJ' last='Levine'] (York – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Levine continues to emerge in the 2024 class.&nbsp; His athleticism has greatly improved over the last 12 months which has elevated his stock.&nbsp; Makes acrobatic layups on the regular along with being a stellar mid-range jump shooter.&nbsp; Point guard that can set others up while still scoring!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donovan Juzang (Marian Catholic – 2023)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Juzang has gradually improved throughout his career and emerged as a really nice small college prospect.&nbsp; Perfect third scorer for Marian Catholic that brings versatility and defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1488791' first='Carson' last='Brownfield'] (Homewood Flossmoor – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brownfield kept HF in their opening round game by being relentless attacking off the bounce.&nbsp; The strong bodied wing attacked the rim over and over again.&nbsp; Does such a good job of drawing contact and finishing at the rim while also getting to the charity stripe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1476094' first='Koby' last='Wilmoth'] (O'Fallon – 2023)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilmoth is a sleeper for sure in the 618.&nbsp; After transferring over from Centralia Wilmoth has posted monster numbers as a senior.&nbsp; Strong bodied four posts up strong on the block utilizing spins, hooks, and short jumpers while also rebounding at a good clip.&nbsp; Capable of stretching the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385298' first='Bradley' last='Longcor'] (Quincy – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Longcor showcased an impressive all-around game when we saw him at Collinsville for 3 games.&nbsp; The top 10 sophomore has always been known as an elite shot maker which he showed at times, but it was his ability to handle it with precision and pass at a high level that impressed us.&nbsp; Best game was 22 points in the quarters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385308' first='Keshaun' last='Thomas'] (Quincy – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong bodied four was a grown man on the glass throughout the Collinsville tournament.&nbsp; He mauled opponents on the offensive glass and finished with physicality around the hoop.&nbsp; High-motor kid that puts up numbers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1172774' first='Braylon' last='Roman'] (Normal – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great to see Roman back after being out earlier in the month.&nbsp; The central Illinois shooting guard is a smooth scorer that loves the floater game.&nbsp; Brings creativity off the bounce and can score in the open floor.&nbsp; Lot of upside here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576619' first='Jonah' last='Funk'] (El Paso Gridley – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite only scoring 7 points the class of 2025 center was super impressive as a defender and rebounder.&nbsp; Such great length he was a force blocking shots.&nbsp; Swatted shots one after another.&nbsp; Great timing and anticipation as a rim protector.&nbsp; Also rebounds at a high level and flashes a ton of offensive potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157235' first='Cole' last='Certa'] (Bloomington Central Catholic – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Certa is a two guard from central Illinois that is one of the most lethal scorers and shooters in the state.&nbsp; We caught their semi final contest at State Farm.&nbsp; Despite the loss Certa scored 24 points with his NBA range on his three point shot along with his floater game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385292' first='Phoenix' last='Gill'] (St. Ignatius – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gill was St. Ignatius' most consistent player in the two games we saw.&nbsp; The top 5 sophomore scored 17 points in both their opener and 3^rd place game.&nbsp; He was a menace on the defensive end using his length and anticipation to get an array of steals.&nbsp; Offensively plays off his defense in transition with slick moves.&nbsp; Capable pull up jump shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158757' first='Meyoh' last='Swansey'] (Romeoville – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swansey was on point with his pull up game against SHG in the State Farm title game.&nbsp; He was the only consistent presence for his team in the game.&nbsp; Athletic combo guard that can really shoot it elevating over defenders and making shots at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->