Grit Region Finals: Illinois New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a list of some new names from Illinois I watched for the first time that impressed me at the Grit Region Finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105399' first='Ahmad' last='Lee'] - [program_tooltip program_id='2075383' first='Chicago' last='Demons'] 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was really impressed with what [player_tooltip player_id='2105399' first='Ahmad' last='Lee'] did in the 15U Championship. He's a lengthy 6'2" combo-guard with three-level scoring abilities and nice ball work. He displayed an excellent amount of confidence attacking the lane for some smooth finishes at the rim. He also extended his range from deep and got it done at the free throw line in that championship contest. He's so impactful when he's on the floor because every time he's subbed out it led to the opponents going on a run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Naz Leverson - IL Warriors Elite 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the 16U Silver Bracket, there wasn't a player who made more of an impact than Naz Leverson. Although he's a small point guard, he's got exceptional ball-handling skills and can make you pay if you try reaching. He crossed over an IL orange defender for a step-back three and later made two defenders collide while in transition. He's so bursty and can score and facilitate in so many ways. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1429012' first='Elliot' last='Kroeyr'] - IL Attack (3) 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kroeyr's [program_tooltip program_id='2078376' first='Illinois' last='Attack'] squad had a tough opening-round matchup against MAC (OH). But that didn't stop Kroeyr from making a big impact to keep them in the game. He's a highly consistent shooter and went on two separate hot streaks from deep. He's got various hot zones and can make you pay if he's left open. I also like his slashing abilities. Displaying a quick first step and a nice touch around the rim. He also drew several fouls in this game including an and-one three in the final minute of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552409' first='Gage' last='Peterson'] - IL Bears 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got to watch Peterson extra closely Friday afternoon. He's undoubtedly a name to watch in his class. He displayed really nice footwork down low. Often spinning past opponents and using the pump-fake to score easily. He's got decent size in the low block and can also make plays to benefit himself and the guys around him. This includes creating separation off the pick and roll to get himself or a teammate open. Overall, Peterson is a talented, high IQ prospect who should not be overlooked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323278' first='Ty' last='Laur'] - IL Bears Keen 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'5” F From Pinckneyville is another name to watch in his class. He displayed an excellent mix of strength and footwork to find the hoop when I watched him. He also displayed a nice range of skill moves down low with a lot of fake moves and a nice touch at the rim. Laur even gets involved as a passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Griffen Becker - IL Bears Keen 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Griffen Becker gets on his list for his outstanding defensive play. The way he moves his feet and hands defensively made it so challenging for Memphis Knights players to score past him Saturday morning. This allowed him to block many shots and force a string of turnovers and bad misses. He also made a big impact on the glass with a double-digit rebounding performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->