Romeoville Live’s Overlooked Prospects
In this article:
Taking a look back from this weekend at Romeoville Live, many new faces and slightly recognized players continued to impress scouts and college coaches in attendance. While major prospects listed high on the rankings board received their fair share of…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingTaking a look back from this weekend at Romeoville Live, many new faces and slightly recognized players continued to impress scouts and college coaches in attendance. While major prospects listed high on the rankings board received their fair share of publicity, it was the overlooked and unheralded prospects who also jumped in on the opportunity to showcase their talent. Listed below are six solid athletes that will be intriguing to watch for their respective teams during the rest of summer and regular season time.
Zyheir Gardner – Crete-Monee 2026 / PG 6’0″
Gardner suited up for Simeon last year, but transferred over to Crete-Monee. The athletic and explosive point guard will be a huge boost next fall for Coach Nelson. He’s able to use his quickness to blow past defenders or penetrate into tight defensive gaps. He displayed a silky, smooth, shot release from mid-range and beyond the arc. Gardner showed that he has a quick and effective shot fake which allowed him to create separation or sneak by defenders. In addition to his shot making abilities, Gardner also accurately connected on passes through tight windows. Plus, he competes with a calm demeanor which enhances his overall play style.
Philip Erickson – St. Ignatius 2024 / G 6’2″
There was frequent hype over the weekend regarding Erickson, and the rising senior deserves all of it with his shooting performances. Opening up the tournament against Hillcrest, Erickson drilled an abundance of three’s (9 total), but his constant movement on offense created perimeter opportunities. Even if defenders allowed minimal room for a shot attempt, Erickson’s quick release and pure form disregarded any defensive disturbance. To compliment his accurate shooting ability, Erickson showed he can handle the ball and drive to the rim. When defenders closed out too aggressively he displayed a high IQ to shot fake or drive past, finishing with either hand in the paint, or slipping passes to teammates in open gaps.
Makai Kvamme Makai Kvamme 6'0" | PG DePaul Prep | 2025 State IL – DePaul Prep 2025 / PG 6’0″
Fresh off DePaul Prep’s 2023 state championship, Kvamme continues to grow and impress viewers with his floor general leadership. Kvamme has shown that he can be a reliable option for perimeter shots, because he connects on open looks and doesn’t force any shot attempts. He is explosive coming off screens, yet maintains solid ball-control when attacking the heart of a defense, or when running half-court offense. Also, Kvamme is a selfless player who provides consistent action in getting his teammates involved by displaying strong, fundamental passing.
Leshawn Stowers Leshawn Stowers 6'4" | SF Peoria | 2025 State IL – Peoria 2025 / SG 6’3″
Stowers is a 2025 SG to keep track of throughout the summer. He showed off a tight shooters pocket, with a quick and controlled release from downtown and mid-range pull up jumpers. Defenses cannot lose track of him along the perimeter as Stowers knocked down open three pointers. Stowers provided Peoria with constant and all-out hustle on both ends of the court, diving for loose balls and leaping for balls headed towards out of bounds territory. His high-level motor and lead-by-example leadership style is nice addition to his overall raw talent.
Youssef Hassab Youssef Hassab 6'4" Northridge Prep | 2024 IL – Northridge Prep 2024 / SF 6’4″
Hassab is a large, muscular post presence for Northridge Prep, and he was able to bully his way around the paint. He plays a physical style inside the key where he bodied opponents to snatch down rebounds, finished through contact, or draw a handful of fouls by attacking the board with authority. The game I caught against Crete-Monee, Hassab dominated around the basket converting a few and-1’s. Adding to his post presence, Hassab displayed the IQ to flash up to the high post, receive entry passes, and swish mid-range jumpers with a nice flick of the wrist.
Rashaun Porter Rashaun Porter 6'6" | PF DePaul Prep | 2026 State IL – DePaul Prep 2026 / PF 6’6″
Porter has the full package of raw skill mixed with towering size for a rising sophomore. He’s a physical forward who can handle the ball at times and attack defenders off the dribble. In a tight contest and OT loss to Wendell Phillips, Porter displayed an array of different skills. He filled the high post effectively and made timely reads to dive towards the basket. Around the rim, Porter kept the ball high and away from shorter guards trying to get their hands on the ball, and finished shots with a soft touch. Another part of his game that was impressive, was his vertical ability. He had two back-to-back, two handed dunks while free in transition that left the audience and myself amazed.