Open Gym Review: Peoria Manual

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peoria Manual is historically known for their talented backcourts and this year's roster is no different. I was able to attend the Rams open gym last week and here are some observations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Star in the Making</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hottest recruiting names in the Midwest, it's easy to see why [player_tooltip player_id='1576114' first='Dietrich' last='Richardson'] is garnering serious high major D1 interest. At 6'6, Richardson has the physical tools to give him a very high ceiling as a lead guard. He has a smooth all around game with good vision and poise as a ball handler. Richardson currently holds many mid major offers and while he has only one high major offer from Vanderbilt, expect that to change soon. He is receiving interest from Iowa, Northwestern, Wake Forest, and visited Notre Dame this past weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impact Upperclassmen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a brief stint at AZ Compass Prep and sitting out last season due to IHSA rules, [player_tooltip player_id='1571918' first='Gerrell' last='Trapps'] is back in action for the Rams. The 6'0 Sr PG is a lefty dimer who loves to break down his defender 1 on 1 and create. Trapps is good at finding angles to the rim and should have a breakout senior year back at home. 6'0 Jr CG Nas Jackson is another name to watch from Manual's adept group of guards. A high motor combo who plays with energy on both ends and shows flashes playmaking offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sophomore Surge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Manual backcourt depth extends to the JV level as the Rams are also loaded with promising sophomore guards. [player_tooltip player_id='2105417' first='Joshua' last='Humbles'] is a 6'1 SG who could contribute on varsity this season. Humbles brings confidence offensively and is a good athlete with a spring in his step. 6'0 CG [player_tooltip player_id='2323294' first='Tony' last='Bradford'] will be one to watch develop over the next few years. He looks to be a late bloomer who will be an intriguing prospect once he physically matures. Also keep an eye on 6'0 G Reggie Postwaitle and 6'3 W [player_tooltip player_id='2734423' first='Jaquan' last='Brown'] in this stacked 2026 group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->