Chi-Town Tip Off: Scotty B’s Top 2025 Illinois Prospects
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The Prep Hoops Chi-Town Tip Off was the first big event in Chicago of the season which will see three more stops in the Windy City! We saw a lot of hoops and are ready to get into our thoughts. …
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Chi-Town Tip Off was the first big event in Chicago of the season which will see three more stops in the Windy City! We saw a lot of hoops and are ready to get into our thoughts. Check out Chi-Town Tip Off: Scotty B’s Top 2025 Illinois Prospects!
Ben Gablenz (Fundamental U 16U)
What a performance we saw this Prairie Ridge 6’3” wing put on Friday night. He was absolutely on fire with his scoring repertoire getting whatever he wanted whenever he wanted it. Straight line takes, threes, and was outstanding as a defender. Tough kid with two way potential!
Jax Abalos Jax Abalos 6'7" | SF Batavia | 2025 State IL (M14 Adidas 16U)
Abalos made a major impression over the weekend with his performance first at the M14 workout on Thursday and then at Chi-Town Tip Off. The Batavia 6’6” combo forward is a lefty with a plus plus shooting stroke. Big time shot maker especially off the catch with a lightning quick release. He also is a quality defender that brings athleticism on that end as a shot blocker.
Al Brooks Al Brooks 6'6" | SF Hansberry | 2025 State #239 Nation IL Jr (Grit N Grind 17U)
Brooks went from unknown to top 10 player during his sophomore season. He showed Friday night that might not be high enough. The 6’6” small forward might have as high of ceiling as anyone in the class. He is an athletic two way wing that plays with athleticism on both ends. Defensively he swats shots, chase down blocks, and uses his length for steals. As an offensive threat he was dominant on the offensive glass, won off the bounce with ease, and is an unstoppable force in the open floor. Flashed a mid-range jumper. Has a very strong case to move into the top 5 in the next update.
Shaunassey Hatchett (Capital City Teamwork 16U)
Hatchett was fantastic all weekend, but was at his best Sunday morning against Team Rose. The Springfield Lanphier small forward is a strong bodied wing that plays with power on downhill slashes and uses an explosive second jump for put backs. His growth as a shooter really impressed us as he was more consistent knocking in mid-range pull ups and threes. Lockdown defender that could be next star from Lanphier.
Zerrick Johnson Zerrick Johnson 6'2" | PG St. Laurence | 2025 State IL (Team Rose 3SSB 16U)
Johnson is a physically built lead guard from St. Laurence that puts constant pressure on the rim. Over and over again he attacked the paint scoring at the rack and/or drawing contact. That included the game winner in one contest on Saturday. Finds creases and attacks the defense with force. Has a burst in the half court. Also showed solid passing feel.
Brady Sehlhorst Brady Sehlhorst 6'6" | SF Niles Notre Dame | 2025 State IL (Team Rose 3SSB 16U)
Big fan of this Niles Notre Dame wing. He is a plus shooter that has continued to add more to his bag. Good athlete that scored on straight line takes, pushed in transition off steals, and finishes at the cup with quality body control.
Zion Gross Zion Gross 6'3" | SG Joliet West | 2025 State IL (Team Rose 3SSB 16U)
The Crete Monee small forward is really starting to come into his own. Long and lanky three man that is a plus athlete with skill coming fast. He is a fluid athlete in transition that gets up and down the floor with ease throwing down big dunks in transition. Also displayed growth on his perimeter shot knocking in some threes off the catch.
Anton Strenlnikov Anton Strenlnikov 6'6" | C Lake Zurich | 2025 State IL (All-In Athletics Gold 16U)
Skilled post that was outstanding as an anchor for All-In Athletics. He is a strong bodied five man that plays with his back to the basket as an old school post. Crafty scorer that uses hook shots, footwork, and toughness in the lane to score. Rebounds well in his area.
Colby Smith Colby Smith 6'3" | PG New Trier | 2025 State IL (Full Package Gold 16U)
The New Trier combo guard is a highly skilled prospect that can really shoot the basketball from three and is a solid ball handler. Can create for others both playing on and off the ball.