Show Me Showdown: Scotty B’s Top 2024 Illinois Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who were the top Illinois performers in the class of 2024 from Show Me Showdown?&nbsp; Here are the best performances we saw!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaden Faber (DTM 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faber has been outstanding for several weeks in a row.&nbsp; The Thornwood face up four is a super bouncy post that is a pogo stick on the offensive glass with defensive versatility and the ability to stretch the floor.&nbsp; Stock is on the rise in major way!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Treyvon Ali (DTM 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Westinghouse two guard had a strong showing for the second consecutive weekend.&nbsp; He drained threes, mid-range pull ups, and was a force getting to the cup in transition.&nbsp; One to monitor rest of summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373442' first='Jonathan' last='Calmese'] (Chicago Grinders 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calmese is making the move over to Wells for his senior campaign.&nbsp; It was the best we have seen him play in his career.&nbsp; He showed much improved playmaking feel getting others involved while picking his spots to score using acceleration getting to the cup and knocking in several triples.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Bolden (Chicago Grinders 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bolden is a straight bucket getter!&nbsp; The Westinghouse two guard scored 25 points in the game we saw.&nbsp; He was dynamic with his shot making from two and three along with several acrobatic straight line takes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1428864' first='Mason' last='Shubert'] (Illinois Bears 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shubert is a tough as nails two guard from Breese Central that was gritty taking it to the basket finishing through traffic, pushed off his steals in the open floor, and is a crisp pull up shooter from two and three.&nbsp; Notched 21 points in a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541254' first='Owen' last='Treat'] (Illinois Bears 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Treat is heady lead guard that can shoot the rock while running a team and mixing it up inside on the glass from his guard position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104976' first='Elijah' last='Luxton'] (Meanstreets Napier 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plus shooter from Rochelle that shined with his ability to knock down shots with a clean release from beyond the arc.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ali Mbaye (Chicago Demons 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mbaye really popped to us in their game on Saturday.&nbsp; The long and angular 6'7” power forward has a bright future with his versatility.&nbsp; Finishes around the hoop with either hand especially being effective with hook shots along with dunks.&nbsp; Can drain 15-18 footers at a nice clip.&nbsp; That is in addition to what he does defensively as a rangy defender.&nbsp; De La Salle prospect worth tracking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryant Hedrick (Chicago Demons 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hedrick is a strong bodied combo guard that is a bucket getter.&nbsp; Attacks downhill with power also liking to utilize a spin move on his takes.&nbsp; Capable three point shooter as well who had a 20+ point game when we saw him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874744' first='Jordan' last='Lacey'] (Illinois Orange 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Super athletic 6'0” two guard that played above the rim in a major way.&nbsp; In their Sunday game he threw down some nasty jams.&nbsp; Downhill slasher that rebounds well and has active hands on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Jenkins (Illinois Orange 17U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins was consistent throughout both games we saw Illinois Orange play.&nbsp; The Belleville East 6'0” guard is a microwave scorer that has a good pull up game from inside and behind the arc.&nbsp; Strong takes to the rim and excels taking it coast to coast in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->