Summer Challenge: Burish's 15U Weekend Stars

Prep Hoops Circuit brought the Summer Challenge to Chicago and a wide range of talent was demonstrated through a variety of levels. I had the opportunity to scout the 15U class where a bunch of unranked players made a case to place themselves on our radar. Below are the players who I thought truly outshined on the hardwood with their generational talent and leadership mentality.   JR Swift: 2026 PG 5'10" / Proviso East / Aquafina   Be on the lookout for Proviso East's JR Swift. The 2026 guard caught multiple eyes with explosive drives to the rim, and a layup package that includes crafty finishes and mid-air body control. With the authority to attack opposing defenses Swift placed himself at the charity stripe, calmly swishing free scoring opportunities. When he wasn't the primary ball-handler or creating his own shot, Swift smartly located himself along the perimeter draining spot up treys or repositioned when teammates gathered offensive rebounds. Don't overthink his defensive ability either as he portrayed tight on ball defense, and the lateral quickness to stay in the grill of opposing guards.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/jr_swift.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/jr_swift.jpg?w=801" alt="" class="wp-image-2053698" /></a></figure>   Liam Devine 2026 CG 6'2" / Nathan Hale (WI) / 24:UP Batchelor   Nathan Hale 2026 combo guard Liam Devine provided 24:UP Batchelor with three level scoring. He displayed the IQ to flash or cut to the high post area where he was able to control the game from elbow to elbow. Devine either used his quickness to blow past defenders and finish at the rack, or utilized his vision to find open teammates around the low post. He competed with constant energy which led to him chasing down offensive boards, and converted a handful of and ones. Devine's game from inside the arc was a challenge itself for opponents, but Devine upped the difficulty by extending his range, hitting spot up three's or stop and pop triples in transition. Plus, his unselfish play style was on full display by hitting teammates in stride during fast breaks and hustling back on defense to disrupt opposing transition runs.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/liam_devine.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/liam_devine.jpg?w=704" alt="" class="wp-image-2053703" /></a></figure>   Evan Jozsa 2026 PF 6'7" / Muskegon Oakridge (MI) / Hardwood Midwest   The 6'7”, thick bodied, Michiganian power forward was an all out beast for Hardwood Midwest, particularly from inside the key where he was near unstoppable. He creates a wide frame for easy entry passes into the post, and being an immovable force, he put constant pressure on his defender. Once he received the ball in the low post he showcased a soft touch on baby hooks and powerful drop steps. But, his offensive skill set wasn't limited to the post as Jozsa knocked down short, mid-range jumpers, and out battled on the offensive glass. Jozsa is the central hub for Hardwood Midwest because on offense he makes all his teammates around him better, and defensively he's the anchor that creates difficulty for opponents attempting any flow around the rim.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/evan_jozsa.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/evan_jozsa.jpg?w=740" alt="" class="wp-image-2053708" /></a></figure>   Travon Gourdine 2026 PG 6'1" / Richards / Calumet City Thoroughbreds   Gourdine also dazzled viewers with his lead guard style. The 2026 point guard has a wiry build, that with his explosive first step and downhill mentality, he puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenses. Over the weekend Travon displayed strong drives to rack where he could finish with either hand. Plus his body control and adjustments mid flight allowed him to absorb contact and connect on a variety of off-balanced shots. Coast to coast ability is in his package as well as he impressed on a particular play by securing a rebound, weaved his way down the court, and gracefully executed on a euro-step layup. Size ups along the perimeter, popping a three, extends his scoring ability. On the defensive side Gourdine played the gaps effectively as he jumped numerous passing lanes, and took the rock himself in transition.   Mykell Mueller 2028 PG 5'10" / Stephen Mack Middle / Illinois Elite 2026   Mueller was outstanding through the Summer Challenge, and he's only a 7th grader who shined brightly playing two levels above his own. He sinks low with his ball-handling, breaks down defenders, and blasts his way to the rim finishing with soft touch floaters and finger rolls. His skillful dribbling dazed opposing defenders as he weaved through traffic, split double teams, dribble all around defenses. Leading defenders away with his eyes Mueller executed on some nasty no look dimes and even displayed accurate behind the back passes. He pushes the ball quickly up the court in transition either leading teammates into easy layups or taking the rock himself all the way using his body control to connect on off-balanced attempts at the rim. Mueller is the definition of a true competitor who not only has raw talent, but enhances his teammates abilities with his leadership.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/mykell_mueller.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/mykell_mueller.jpg?w=581" alt="" class="wp-image-2053716" /></a></figure>

Prep Hoops Circuit brought the Summer Challenge to Chicago and a wide range of talent was demonstrated through a variety of levels. I had the opportunity to scout the 15U class where a bunch of unranked players made a case to place themselves on our radar. Below are the players who I thought truly outshined on the hardwood with their generational talent and leadership mentality.