Midwest Melee: Scotty B’s Top 2024 Performers

PHI was at Midwest Melee all weekend for a big time event!  This week we will have a full examination of the event and prospects in it.  Here are Midwest Melee: Scotty B’s Top 2024 Illinois Performers!

Kaden Faber (DTM 17U)

Faber was a new name that emerged with a strong weekend at Batavia HS.  The Thornwood four man stands at 6’5” with plus physical tools with his size and athleticism.  Active on the offensive glass for put backs, finishes out of the dunker spot, and flashes fluidity although he is a bit raw offensively.  Like the upside here as one to track heading into July.

Joey Pantazis Joey Pantazis 6'2" | SG Niles West | 2024 State IL (Spartan Sports 17U)

This Niles West 6’1” shooting guard is one of the better kept secrets among wings in the 2024 class.  Strong bodied kid that can flat out shoot the rock from distance as he did scoring 18 points in the game we saw.  Also has grit scoring through contact at the rim and contributes on the boards for his size.

Corey Lee (ET21 Buckeyes 17U)

Lee was a pleasant surprise with his play.  The Oak Lawn combo guard has solid size and was in attack mode from the jump.  Got downhill for scores in bunches in transition, straight line takes in the half court, and made quite a few trips to the foul line.  Capable three point shooter and proved to be a more than adequate distributor.

Will Ashford (M14 17U)

Metea Valley 6’5” small forward that is very skilled, but will pop some athleticism as well.  Feathery jumper out to three along with throwing down a couple nice dunks with explosion.

Jeffrey Fleming Jeffrey Fleming 6'3" | SG Plainfield North | 2024 State IL (M14 17U)

Strong bodied two guard who is known for his perimeter marksmanship actually did most of his damage in the game we converted on put backs, reverse layups, and tough takes to the rim.

Devin Tyda Devin Tyda 6'1" | SG Plainfield South | 2024 State IL (Hoops4Health 17U)

Plainfield South 6’1” shooting guard was the show for Hoops4Health throughout the weekend.  He notched 25 points in the game we saw against M14.  Plus jump shooter that drained an array of threes and mid-range jumpers in bunches in the loss.

Josh Pickett Josh Pickett 6'5" | SG St. Laurence | 2024 State #228 Nation IL (Team Rose 17U)

Pickett has added significant strength in his upper body which has helped his all around game while still bringing his great skill set playing both on and off the ball.  What we really like about his game is being able to knock down shots at a high clip while also still being able to play on the ball.

Connor Williams Connor Williams 6'2" | SG Stagg | 2024 State IL (Chicago Lockdown 17U)

Williams made an impression in April and did so again in May with his performance at Melee.  High level shot maker from distance that also mixed in a plethora of mid-range jumpers.  Stagg standout will be a great small college find.

James Pilapil (Illinois T-Wolves 17U)

The Illinois T-Wolves guard was going all Steph Curry in the first game we saw them as the smaller guard drained five triples in the first half from deep making it look like they were going in each time it left his hand.  Keep an eye on him for Joliet Catholic.

Ryan Browder Ryan Browder 6'2" | SG Earlville | 2024 State IL (Illinois Valley Warriors 17U)

Earlville wing is a sleeper that has gained strength since we last saw him in person in July.  Quality shot maker that makes them in bunches from three while crashing the offensive glass and being a solid all-around athlete.

Camden Cerese Camden Cerese 6'2" | PG Lake Park | 2024 State IL (Greater Purpose Athletics 17U)

The Lake Park 6’2” point guard was outstanding in their win against All In.  Creative guard that gets where he wants on the floor for crafty layups, pull up jumpers, and drive/kick dishes.  Came up huge late hitting the game winning jumper at the buzzer. Low-majors and D2s should keep tabs here.

Malachi Johnson Malachi Johnson 6'2" | SG Rockford Guilford | 2024 State IL (Greater Purpose Athletics 17U)

Two guard from Rockford Guilford didn’t have his best game in the one I saw, but the other three contests created buzz among our scouts.  Athletic two guard is a bucket getter that plays with a high-motor.

Camden Lathos (All-In Athletics 17U)

Conant five man had a rock solid outing.  Strong bodied five man that has excellent skill around the hoop with his footwork, using his body, and touch.  Rebounds well in his area and is an adequate face up five that can hit an occasional three and is solid from 15-18 feet.

Sam Lappin Sam Lappin 5'10" | PG Glenbrook North | 2024 State IL (All-In Athletics 17U)

Lappin lit it up for 20 points in the game we caught.  The Glenbrook North point guard was fantastic getting in the lane with his handles for creative layups.  Made them in traffic around defenders always putting the right spin on the shot to make it.  Was in attack mode all game!

Matthew Peczulis (Lituania 17U)

Hinsdale South 6’1” point guard dropped 24 points in the final game of the event.  That included six from beyond the arc.  Also mixed in a trio of runners.  Creative scorer that plays with good pace.

Klaidis Paskauskas (LItuania 17U)

The other Lituania guard that caught our attention was this wing from Lemont who was lethal with his three point shooting as well in a 25 point outing.  Did a nice job getting to the line in addition to his game from deep.