Performance That Caught Our Eyes 2026 Grads ChiTownTipOff
In this article:
There were amazing performances this past weekend in Chicago. A few should definitely be shouted out as loud as we can because the prospects put in the work and need to enjoy their moment in the spotlight to the fullest.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere were amazing performances this past weekend in Chicago. A few should definitely be shouted out as loud as we can because the prospects put in the work and need to enjoy their moment in the spotlight to the fullest.
Travis Marks | 6’1″ | G | 2026 | Flight Athletics 2026
If there was one performance that stood out and above it came out of the Saturday afternoon game for Flight Athletics, out of Illinois. This young player was tremendous. We typically all notice the offense first, but for this one and his teammates, they applied a tenacity of high-pressure defense to the opponent that caused several turnovers before they could get into their offensive side of the floor. From there Marks owned the game and just showed out. He displayed a variety of finishes at the rim or how to use contact to his advantage. He was explosive off a baseline drive and then down the lane on a ‘baby’ dunk. I found him to be a willing passer, but more than that, he knew how to get the ball to a teammate at the right time in order that they could handle it and finish strong. For this game, I could not believe that I was watching a grad year 2026 player, because of the advanced skill work I was seeing. Tweeting during the game that he should be on someone’s watch list.
Andy Saur | 6’4′ | W | Bradford HS (WI) | Wisconsin Elite 2026
I watched at least parts of multiple games of this team and this player. They get after it and typically do a very solid job of smothering an opponent. This prospect didn’t have a crushing point total for the tournament, but why he is here is because he was one of the most active players that I saw during the three days of games. He was always contributing, always making an impact, and never satisfied at standing around. Just look at the stat sheet after a game and he has probably touched every box. He is the team leader without being anointed. Moving forward, if he stays at the 6’3/4″ range, he will have to develop more guard skills, but he has a solid start, with being so active on defense and hitting multiple threes.
Joe Niego | 6’4″ | G/W | Brother Rice | Mike Glennon Elite 2026
This prospect was his team’s unquestioned leader, they looked for him most every time down the court. He had multiple games of high performance including one of 33pts on Saturday. When a player that can be this consistent it certainly helps his team to victory and a coach focus on other areas of development. He scores it in a variety of ways, either long threes, finishing drives, or getting to the line. Moving forward, to jump to the next, level he needs to add weight / strength and he has a small coachable hitch in his outside jumper. For this tournament he easily earn the right to be shouted out.
Others that Showed Out:
Marshawn Cocroft 6’0″ G Aurora Catholic Illinois Attack 2026 – Dropped 26 in a Saturday game going to the rim & line.
Jayson Kowalski Jayson Kowalski 6'1" | PF Milwaukee Pius | 2026 WI 6’2″ G Pius XL Pro Lane BC 2026 -had multiple solid games, he dropped 19 in 1 on Saturday include 15 in 2nd half.
Alexander Komoerech 6’5″ W Mavericks Elite 2026 (MO): went off for 21pts against the Pro Lane, had a complete game.
Anthony Miller Anthony Miller 6'0" | CG Madison Memorial | 2026 State WI 6’1″ G Wisconsin Academy 2026: Team went 4-0 & he dropped 21 in a Saturday game including 10-12 from the line.
Jack Lux G 6’0″ Crown Point (IN) Region Force Elite 2026: Just went off in a game on Saturday. One of the amazing one’s of the tourney. By my count 33pts including 21 in the 1st half WOW! Couldn’t miss & opponent had no answer.
Isaiah McKenny 6’0″ G Mundelien (IL) All in Athletics 2026: If hitting threes were a thing or better yet look at a definition in the dictionary; of course, there is a Curry or a Klay but for at least one game there was a McKenny. This kid hits 9 while tallying 35pts unofficial.
Collin Sinclair 6’1″ G Orchard Farm (MO) Mavericks Elite 2026: in a crazy game that was a physical battle filled with aggressions and unneeded technicals this one rose above to dropped 27pts. Combination of driving the lane, hustle plays or getting to the line.