Prep Hoops Live: Teddy's Sunday Notebook (Part 1)

Here's a look at part 1 of my Sunday notebook at the prep hoops live, featuring teams from Illinois and Wisconsin   Xia Leads [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 2025 Black vs OTOD   I haven't had the opportunity to watch many Chicago-area teams. So catching [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package']'s 16U Black team was nice. Most of these kids will look to contribute at the varsity level for high school this summer and winter. It was a slow start, but once they hit a shot, they found their groove. 6'1 G Craig Xia was a big contributor off the bench early. He made a nice assists to the corner and followed it up with a step back 3-pointer and a fast-break finish. His speed and agility with the ball are attributes to note. It took a natter of no-time for FP to get an 8 point lead at halftime. Xia found his way again in the second half with some more easy buckets, while also getting his teammates involved. He did a terrific job changing direction and utilizing the pump-fake, which allowed [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] to hold on for a 50-40 win over Florda's OTOD. Craig Xia scored 17 points.   Quick Takes on Chi Demons 2025 Team   After an outstanding showing from the 2026 squad, and hearing good things from Grant Matheny, I wanted to check out the 2025 [program_tooltip program_id='2075383' first='Chicago' last='Demons'] team. The biggest name that stands out is Javion Thompson. The 6'4” F has tremendous strength on the low block and is a physical presence on the boards. Before this game, he scored 19 points in a tight-loss to Minnesota Heat. After a slow start in the first half, he took the best of his opportunities in the second with some solid moves in the post and second-chance conversions. He had eight quick points to begin the second half and ended with 16 total. The explosiveness displayed by Austin Reyna was quite impressive. He almost posterized two defenders in the second half and bursts to the hoops with tremendous confidence. Point Guard Adebowale Sanya is smaller, but flashes terrific ball-handling abilities and quickness up the floor. Dylan Clark also hit four three's, while Kyle Polk capitalized on a handful of scoring opportunities to cut the deficit to 6 at one point.   All Wisconsin 2025 has All Contributors   I was really intrigued by the potential of All Wisconsin's 2026 team. So getting an opportunity to check out the 2025 team against World Class Renegades was worthwhile.  They really gave it to the Renegades and started the game with a 16-2 spurt. Their full-court trap and quick ball-movement made it extremely challenging for WCR to keep pace with them. Their five-man rotations every couple minutes (similar to the Grinnell system) worked heavily in their favor too. There wasn't a specific player or two who I'd say really stood out. 6'2” G Trayveon Lockridge did bits of everything with strong defensive shape and lots of athleticism. Wether it was his scoring or passing, his quick decision-making with the ball almost always led to a positive outcome. 6'3” SG [player_tooltip player_id='2626577' first='Lucas' last='Downs'] was consistent all game and showed excellent three-level scoring capabilities. His length and versatility give him tons of defensive potential. Guards CK White and JC Mukome also had nice performances and have above-average strength for guards their size. Lastly, 6'5” F Owen Sipes had his way in the block with a handful of inside buckets and blocked shots. All Wisconsin was all business and took care of WCR 59-40.   Pride Roc Elite 2025 has a lot of Offensive Firepower   Point Guard Tayshaun Buchanan had an outstanding start to this game with two fast break layups and a four-point play. The 5'7” guard displayed a wide range of skills from the start with some flashy passes and smooth layups. When he got some rest, Raylan Jones knocked down four triples and kept Pride Rock ahead to close out the opening half. Their offense was so hot, they scored 47 opening half points and three players were in double-figures. He's a player with tons of quickness and elite decision-making and ball-handling skills. In the second half, [player_tooltip player_id='1874992' first='Sean' last='Blain-Trotter'] knocked down a pair of three's and had a smooth finish to the hoop. You also saw Tayshaun Buchanan make great plays up the floor, while making quick, accurate passes for crucial buckets late in the game. He was undoubtedly the quickest player in this contest. In a tight game, Keelan Tyler Jr hut two free throws and grabbed a crucial rebound to secure a win.

Here's a look at part 1 of my Sunday notebook at the prep hoops live, featuring teams from Illinois and Wisconsin