Illinois High School Jamboree: Steve’s Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the weekend, I had the pleasure to coach and scout games at the Illinois High School Jamboree. Terry Head of Michelle Clark does a good job at mixing up teams from all over. Here is a look at some new and some already established players that caught my attention.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282464' first='Malachi' last='Johnson'] 2024 Rockford Guilford&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson was in rare form. Three level scoring guard who got in the lane often mixing in floaters and pull-up jump shots. On transition plays he made some exciting passes and even got up for some crown pleasing dunks. Malachi is one of the top scoring threats in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxon Davis 2027 Warren&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was my first time seeing Davis with his soon to be high school&nbsp;team and what we watched was nothing short of amazing. Jaxson just has a high level of skill and intelligence when on the court. He does a good job at getting to the rim with a solid first step, and scores in the lane while taking bumps. Davis has good vision as well making several flashy passes to teammates for layups. Showing he has a complete offensive arsenal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1978577' first='Calvin' last='Worsham']&nbsp;2024 Christ the King&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Worsham is always a much watch. This was my second time seeing him this week. He is very assertive on both ends. Worsham is a combination of skill and force when on the court. He snatches rebounds and pushes the ball the length of the court and scores at least twice a game in that fashion. Calvin is a force in the paint as he is very physical and has great concentration to score the ball. Will be interesting to see how coaches react to his play during the live periods.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598778' first='Ty' last='Macariola'] 2025 Fenwick </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the better shooters I watched this weekend. Ty is a stocky guard who has a great court sense. He can play on and off the ball but is seen as a knockdown shot maker. On the Saturday he hit four threes in what was a close game where defense was the main focus.  He made shots off the dribble and some off screens. With some players transferring out of Fenwick I look to see Ty as one of their go to guys this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874672' first='Alex' last='Daniels'] 2024 Warren&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like the activity of Alex during his games this weekend. He was good on the boards battling bigger players at times getting several offensive boards for second chance points.&nbsp; Daniels is a hard working forward who shoots the ball at a high rate. He brings opposing bigs out of their comfort zone to the perimeter which opens up the lane more for the guards.&nbsp; Alex is a scholarship player who should get much attention in June.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105276' first='Kamrin' last='King'] 2025 Julian&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kamrin is a bigger guard who can make shots from all over the court. He has range out to the NBA line and his shot often doesn't touch the rim. A huge improvement to his game is his strong attacks off the dribble. He has learned to not settle and become versatile on how he scores the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyjuan Hunter 2026 Hope Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunter is smaller PG who has an advanced knowledge of the game. He is lighting quick with a sharp crossover that he uses to beat defenses with ease. Tyjuan was pesky on defense turning guys often and forcing players to pick up their dribble or make mistakes. Hunter has a nice jumper that he made consistently and is a terrific passer on the move drawing attention from defenders and knowing where his teammates are at all times. He's a guard we will continue to monitor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jamier Montgomery 2027 Crane&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamier is another incoming high school player that has jumped on the radar. He's an extremely confident player who is shifty with his handle using a strong crossover to create for himself and others. Montgomery can score from deep range at a high clip. When getting downhill he has various ways of finishing in the paint. Jamier has good length and showed how he can be a terror when defending ball handlers. A prospect to watch going forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jamal Small 2025 Butler Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamal is a quick lead guard who did an excellent job at moving the ball between his teammates.&nbsp; He seemed to keep everyone involved when he drew attention getting in the lane for dump passes and kick outs. Small guard has a second gear when scoring at the basket, attacking defenders chest, and creating contact to get to the line. His pace is ideal for how Butler Prep plays.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->