Riverside Brookfield: Saturday Standouts
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Phoenix Gill Phoenix Gill 6'3" | SG St. Ignatius | 2025 State #72 Nation IL 6’3 G (St. Ignatius ’25): With the #1 spot up for grabs in the class of 2025 up in the air, Gill made a strong…
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Continue ReadingPhoenix Gill Phoenix Gill 6'3" | SG St. Ignatius | 2025 State #72 Nation IL 6’3 G (St. Ignatius ’25):
With the #1 spot up for grabs in the class of 2025 up in the air, Gill made a strong case for the position. In a game where Ignatius trailed for the most part, Phoenix displayed a takeover gene that is only found in the most special of basketball players. Being held relatively quiet for 3/4 of the game, Gill had a final 8 minutes that had everyone in the gym standing on their feet. He scored 16 points in that span which include a game winning 3 point shot at the buzzer. Finishing with 33 points, he showed that he is not just the son of a former NBA player…He is top player in his own right, and a name we will be talking about for years to come.
Nojus Indrusaitis Nojus Indrusaitis 6'5" | SG Brewster Academy | 2024 State #79 Nation New E 6’5 G (St. Laurence ’25):
Often times the hardest thing for a player is to live up to lofty expectations. Nojus’ St. Laurence was heavily anticipated and he did not disappoint. He lead his team to two victories against Schaumburg and a very tough Curie team. In my opinion the mark of a great player is when they are able to find a way to win games even when their team is not at full strength. Playing without one of the top point guards in the state ( EJ Mosley EJ Mosley 6'0" | PG Romeoville | 2025 State IL ), Nojus left no mistake in the gym that as long as he is on the floor, St. Laurence is a state title contender. The Iowa State commit and Player of the Year candidate lived up to his star billing on Saturday.
Jaden Smith Jaden Smith 6'10" | C Kenwood | 2024 State IL 6’10 C (Kenwood ’24):
This was the best I have seen Jaden play. He has always shown promising signs as a rebounder and rim protector. This weekend I have seen him make significant strides on the offensive end of the floor. In a competitive game against a tough Glenbard North team, Jaden led Kenwood with 18 points. If he continues on this track, skies the limit for him.
Jakob Blakley Jakob Blakley 6'1" | PG Walter Payton | 2024 State IL 6’1 PG (Larkin ’24):
Coming off of a knee injury last year, many questioned if “Cheese” would be able to return back to form. Well if there were any concerns, they were all dispelled today. Blakley was the same lethal three level scorer that the state has come to expect from him. He scored 24 points against Larkin, and 33 points against Bloom Twp. Illinois, Blakley is back and his act is as impressive as ever!
Camden Cerese Camden Cerese 6'2" | PG Lake Park | 2024 State IL 6’2 PG (Lake Park ’24):
The beauty of live periods in June, is that players who may not be talked about as much are able to play and put people on notice. This is definitely the case with Cerese. Following a 33 point explosion yesterday, he followed it up by scoring 25 points today in a game against state powerhouse Whitney Young. He is what we like to call a “professional scorer.” Cerese scored the ball in every way imaginable. He did most of his damage of pull up midrange jumpers and downhill finishes. He also used his bigger frame to post smaller guards and shoot over the top. Colleges should jump on him now. I’m high on productivity, and that is just what Camden Cerese Camden Cerese 6'2" | PG Lake Park | 2024 State IL embodies.
Jax Abalos Jax Abalos 6'7" | SF Batavia | 2025 State IL 6’6 F (Batavia ’25):
I first saw Jax this spring on the Adidas Circuit playing for M14 Hoops. He impressed me then, and he impressed me today. Abalos went for a team high 25 points in a thriller vs St. Ignatius. What stands out to me most, is his ability to really make a vast array of shots from all over the floor. His ability to make shots is staggering. This is a player that is definitely be on everyone’s radar.