Illinois Top 2027 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>We are halfway through the school year in Illinois for the Class of 2027.&nbsp; I have been out consistently in the fall tracking middle school hoops and here are a few of the prospects that have stood out thus far.&nbsp; It is definitely early, and there is much more basketball to evaluate come spring/summer when AAU starts.&nbsp; That being said, here are some of the top prospects that you will want to put on your radar!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Howard Williams</strong>:&nbsp; Howard Williams burst on the scene at Pangos with an outstanding performance that landed him a slot in the Top 60 All-Star Game as an 8^th Grader.&nbsp; Howard at 6'5” is a combination of size and skill that is seldom seen at such a young age. &nbsp;Coaches speak about the ability to dribble, pass, and shoot.&nbsp; Howard can do all three.&nbsp; &nbsp;A player that is in consideration early on in being the #1 player in the class along with Jaxson Davis and Camron Riggs.&nbsp; Special talent!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxson Davis</strong> (Flight 2027):&nbsp; Early in the evaluation process, you cannot have a discussion about the #1 player in the state of Illinois without mentioning Jaxon Davis.&nbsp; At 6'0 ft tall, Jaxon exudes a combination of a physical gift, poise, and a high skill set.&nbsp; He is a three-level scorer at a young age which is rare to find, but even more impressive is one who can score and facilitate simultaneously.&nbsp; He is the son of a coach and it shows through his IQ.&nbsp; With players being so young so many variables go into projecting down the line.&nbsp; That being said, this is one that has Division I written all over him!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davion Thompson</strong> (Flight 2027):&nbsp; One half of the stellar Flight backcourt that consists of him and Jaxson Davis.&nbsp; Davion is a physically built combo guard that brings a lot to the table.&nbsp; Not only can he use his physicality to get downhill on defenders, but he also shoots it well from the perimeter.&nbsp; What stands out to me is his high IQ.&nbsp; He consistently makes the appropriate reads on the basketball floor, which is sometimes rare for young players with such physical advantages.&nbsp; Someone to definitely track!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jamier Montgomery</strong> (Meanstreets 2027):&nbsp; Jamier is an advanced ball handler who can get anywhere he wants to go on the court. &nbsp;He is very elusive and crafty off the bounce, making him a nightmare for defenders.&nbsp; His handle is very “Jamal Crawfordesque.” &nbsp;The one thing that sticks out is his competitive spirit.&nbsp; Every time I have watched him play it is obvious that winning is at the forefront of his focus.&nbsp; &nbsp;For a smaller guard, he rebounds extremely well for his position.&nbsp; What's even more intriguing is that we project him to gain quite a few inches to his 5'9 stature in the future with his father being 6'9.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devin Cleveland</strong>:&nbsp; Young point guard who is regarded as the best shooter in the class of 2027. &nbsp;He is a flat-out knockdown shooter! &nbsp;Devin is the youngest of three brothers who all play college basketball.&nbsp; He has an extremely polished game for an 8^th grader.&nbsp; He has been a young player who has had a target on his back for some time, receiving many players' best efforts, and has maintained his stellar play.&nbsp; His decision for AAU basketball will be heavily anticipated due to his perceived immediate impact on any team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camron Riggs</strong> (Flight 2027):&nbsp; Along with Howard Williams, Camron is another taller player with a strong skill set.&nbsp; At 6'5 Camron is a two-way player who consistently makes plays on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; He is a mismatch nightmare.&nbsp; He has the ability to score down low on smaller players and consistently beat like-sized players off the dribble.&nbsp; He has been an integral component of the Flight 2027 group that will likely be preseason #1 in the state of Illinois.&nbsp;&nbsp; Has the makings of a prototype wing down the line!&nbsp; Definitely checks all the boxes early on! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demari Stephens</strong> (Demons 2027):&nbsp; This 6'4 wing is the most physically imposing player in the class!&nbsp; Demari was a one-man wrecking crew when we evaluated him at the CP3 camp earlier in the fall.&nbsp; What stands out to me is his relentless motor!&nbsp; He handles the ball well and applies pressure on the defense attacking the rim. &nbsp;He also is a young man who we have seen go for several double-doubles in games. &nbsp;Has a very high ceiling especially if he continues to grow. &nbsp;&nbsp;Arguably the toughest player in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->