#PHMidwestMelee: Max’s Illinois Standouts
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Seven of the Illinois prospects who impressed over the weekend in the Chicago area at Prep Hoops Midwest Melee! Cale Cosme IL #82 PG #15 HEIGHT 5'7" POS PG CLASS 2024 View Profile Cale Cosme Instagram Twitter State: Illinois School:…
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Continue ReadingSeven of the Illinois prospects who impressed over the weekend in the Chicago area at Prep Hoops Midwest Melee!
I watched Cale make clutch play after clutch play on Sunday with ET21 Buckeyes. In the second half it seemed like every good shot his team got was being created by Cale. Cosme is just too quick with the ball for most defenders to stick in front of, so he was constantly able to get into the paint to make plays. At his size he’s such a crafty finisher who uses his body well to shield off defenders and finish, but he’s also constantly scanning the floor to find open shooters. It seems like he has eyes in the back of his head at times as he’s locating teammates from difficult angles and placing passes right in their hands. Was fouled on a three at the end of regulation and drained all three FT’s to give his team the win against BSB.
Highlights
Not sure I’ve seen a more impactful defender all spring than Al. At 6’6-6’7 with a long and mobile frame, he can defend almost every spot at the high school level. Any time he’s around the basket, he’s using his length and quickness off the floor to either block or alter shot attempts. He’s constantly getting fingertips on lay-up attempts, securing the ball, and then showing off the skill to put it on the floor and go coast-to-coast on his own. Such a fluid athlete at his size who can weave between defenders on his way up the floor. Showed some impressive shot creating ability on the perimeter, and is also a threat cutting off the ball to create looks around the basket. Physical tools and budding skillset make him such an intriguing prospect moving forward.
Gytis Neverauskas
Gytis Neverauskas
Really intrigued with the skill that Gytis showed at 6’5. He has a strong frame to compete in the paint, but showcased a tight handle allowing him to step out to the perimeter and attack off the dribble. Not a lot of forwards at the high school level have both the strength to stop him in the paint and agility to stick with him off the dribble, making him a tough matchup. Uses his size to clear out space and rebound, while also showing off touch on his shot from beyond the arc.
I only got to catch one half of Team Rose 2025’s game on Sunday, but that was more than enough time for Anton to impress. It seemed like any time he touched the ball anywhere near the block he was going to score. He has a strong frame and advanced footwork that allowed him to work his way into deep position, pivot in either direction, and finish at a high level inside. Super skilled post prospect with good court awareness.
Highlights
Malachi has impressed all spring with his ability to create on the perimeter. He did that again over the weekend, but was more aggressive getting into the paint as well. Showcased some explosive pop to get up and finish above the rim multiple times against Team Rose, and also uses that athleticism to create separation with ease on the perimeter. If your offense isn’t getting results, Malachi is the type of player you can just give the ball to and he’ll find a way to put points on the board.
Highlights
Gianni showed why he’s one of the top 2024 point guards in Illinois with some strong performances over the weekend. He impressed on Saturday afternoon just willing his team back from a big deficit against GPA to make it a game down the stretch. On Sunday afternoon against Real Phenom, his team trailed by 2 but Gianni helped them take over in the second half and win by double-figures. As a scorer, facilitator, and defender Gianni had the ability to take game over at any given moment. Excels at jumping passes and turning those steals into easy points on the other end. Shifty handle allows him to get past his man and into the paint where he has the vision to hit his shooters while also being able to finish with touch over the top.
Highlights
Rajan was electric for Team Rose 2026 this past weekend. He’s a gifted shot creator who can separate from his defender for perimeter jumpers, or use a quick first step to attack the rim and finish in a variety of ways. Had some tough lay-ups going right at size and contorting his body to finish in impressive fashion. The freshman guard has the ability to put points on the board in a hurry.