State Finals: Top 2024 Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state tournament concluded the high school season over the weekend!&nbsp; PHI gives our <strong>Top 2024 State Finals Performers</strong>!&nbsp; <em>Don't have a subscription?&nbsp; Try it out at a special discounted rate of 30% by using code “Scottburgess30”.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157352' first='Jaylan' last='McElroy'] (DePaul Prep)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McElroy is a long and angular power forward that impacts the game on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; Offensively he is a smooth finisher on dunks on dump offs and rim running.&nbsp; Also can hit a 15 foot jumper and is adept passer.&nbsp; Rebounds well in traffic and is a mobile defender.&nbsp; He had 10 points in the semis.&nbsp; In the championship game he owned the glass.&nbsp; McElroy high-pointed rebounds in traffic snatching them with force.&nbsp; Also was outstanding defensively getting steals and blocks.&nbsp; Offensively he finished with efficiency in a1 11 point and 11 rebound title game showing.&nbsp; Projects as a low-major/mid-major prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157225' first='Payton' last='Kamin'] (DePaul Prep)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great to see Kamin back on the floor after being injured most of the last year.&nbsp; The potential D1 prospect has great size, length, and skill.&nbsp; Plays well off the move catching the ball and making quick moves to the rim or stopping and popping from mid-range.&nbsp; He fits the “connector” bill on the offensive end as a passer as well.&nbsp; Kamin in the championship game had 10 points scoring in the flow of the offense in the paint on spin moves and sweeping layups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157235' first='Cole' last='Certa'] (Bloomington Central Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In his first game at state Certa started off slow, but then got it going in the second half by scoring 16 of his 19 points in that game during the last two quarters.&nbsp; He is a big time shooter that plays with confidence.&nbsp; Clean release and elevation on his shot.&nbsp; Also got out in transition for scores.&nbsp; Showed he can impact in other ways as well with his rebounding, passing, blocking shots, and setting screens which led to hoops.&nbsp; The championship game saw Certa go against a big time defense in DePaul Prep.&nbsp; Despite the face guarding he still put up 18 points including four triples.&nbsp; Definitely forced some shots which he had to with his team down.&nbsp; Best uncommitted junior in state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373447' first='Colin' last='Hayes'] (Bloomington Central Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayes is the workhorse of this team.&nbsp; Every game he puts up about 10 points and double digit rebounds.&nbsp; Did just that in the semi.&nbsp; Tough rebounder in traffic that offensively converts with efficiency down low.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1750712' first='Tyler' last='Mason'] (Metamora)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big game from Mason in the semis against East St. Louis as the junior two guard was effective scoring off the bounce against quality Flyers perimeter defenders.&nbsp; Got to the rim for multiple nifty finishes as he had 11 points.&nbsp; He came up clutch for Metamora in the championship game as the strong bodied two guard got to the rim on takes, cuts, and put backs netting 16 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285524' first='Jack' last='Stanton'] (Downers Grove North)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stanton had been on an absolute tear coming into the state finals carrying them to wins over Whitney Young, Hinsdale Central, and Kenwood.&nbsp; In the semis against Moline he went for 19 points in a loss.&nbsp; Stanton who is known for his sharp shooting ability went 3-10 from distance including banking in a super deep one.&nbsp; I really like his stop and pop mid-range game where he creates separation and elevates getting his shot off over taller defenders.&nbsp; Big spring and summer ahead for the LM/MM guard who has seen his stock soar in the second half of the high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->