Summer Challenge: 2024 Illinois Top Performers Pt 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Summer Challenge was held over the weekend in Chicago.&nbsp; I was at Wintrust all weekend taking in the action on Saturday and Sunday.&nbsp; Which rising seniors made the biggest impression?&nbsp; Here we examine them in <strong>Summer Challenge: 2024 Illinois Top Performers Pt 2</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1965004' first='Sam' last='Lappin'] (All In Athletics Gold)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lappin has put together an impressive spring and summer both with AIA and his high school team.&nbsp; Very good mid-range shooter from his point guard spot that has an efficient soft touch finishing game and gets to the line at a good rate.&nbsp; Mixes in scoring and distributing well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874672' first='Alex' last='Daniels'] (All In Athletics Gold)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren combo forward has some buzz behind him heading into the live periods.&nbsp; Versatile player on both ends of the floor that can win on straight line takes, get to the foul line, and hit spot up threes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541237' first='Jack' last='Dabbs'] (All In Athletics Gold)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Stevenson small forward brings so much skill on the offensive end.&nbsp; Plus shooter from three off the catch that is a crisp passer on the move and an underrated defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1978579' first='Camden' last='Lathos'] (All In Athletics Gold)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lathos is a strong bodied five man that rebounds well in his area on both ends.&nbsp; Runs the floor well for someone his size and is skilled as a finisher around the hoop with footwork and hook shots.&nbsp; Also has face up skill as a shooter from mid-range and three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432523' first='Connor' last='Woodin'] (All In Athletics Gold)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodin was lights out from three when we saw him over the weekend as the Buffalo Grove point guard drained five triples against Big 3.&nbsp; Small college gem!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1428908' first='Brady' last='Chambers'] (Big 3 Hudson)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The center has a strong frame and rebounds well in his area.&nbsp; Touch around the basket with good low post moves and is adept at being able to step out to shoot it from three.&nbsp; Solid as a passer out of the post and high-post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105085' first='Brendan' last='Savage'] (Big 3 Hudson)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hinsdale South two guard emerged with his scrappy nature and ability to knock down shots from all over the floor in the game we saw netting 15 points against AIA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marko Milacic (Big 3 Hudson)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>International prospect who has yet to pick a high school is one to watch moving forward.&nbsp; Well built two guard that can shoot it off the catch, post up weaker defenders, and brings toughness on the interior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295566' first='Devin' last='Tyda'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyda is a scrappy combo guard who is instant offense.&nbsp; Has emerged out of nowhere for [program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health'] this spring and summer.&nbsp; Bucket getter that plays with hesitation and can knock in shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598743' first='Keshaun' last='Vaval'] (Midwest-G2G)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vaval is one of the better lead guards in the 2025 class.&nbsp; Quick lead guard that wins off the bounce.&nbsp; Gets to the rack for acrobatic finishes and and-1s.&nbsp; He is at his best being slick scoring off the dribble.&nbsp; Burst with the rock in the open floor as he often gets steals pushing them the other way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541240' first='Vontez' last='Dent'] (Midwest-G2G)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dent is a combo forward from Rockford Lutheran that brights a physical frame rebounding well in traffic and converting through defenders.&nbsp; His jumper showed well over the weekend hitting a pair of threes in a 17 point outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104966' first='Fountain' last='Thomas'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075957' first='The' last='Work Foundation'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New name that burst on our radar was this Morgan Park lead guard.&nbsp; Strong and compact guard that plays with acceleration whether in the half court or transition.&nbsp; Tough finisher that can really score it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104970' first='Tay'Shun' last='Russell'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] Napier)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smaller scoring lead guard that is a flat out bucket from Crete!&nbsp; Russell hit an array of threes both creating on his own and spotting up.&nbsp; Speed in the open floor and is a pesky defender with active hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->