Chicago Elite Classic: New Names Emerge
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The Chicago Elite Classic was held over the weekend. The event featured some of the best talent from the state of Illinois and beyond. Here we dive into prospects that put their name on the map in Chicago Elite Classic:…
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Continue ReadingThe Chicago Elite Classic was held over the weekend. The event featured some of the best talent from the state of Illinois and beyond. Here we dive into prospects that put their name on the map in Chicago Elite Classic: New Names Emerge!
Kas Nelson (Simeon – 2026)
Nelson emerged as a 6’5” small forward in the sophomore class in the first game of the event. Looks the part with his broad shoulders and strong frame. Transition finishes, active on the offensive glass, good transition athlete, and shined as a quality defender. Didn’t make any jumpers, but the shot looks clean. He had 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals. Very intriguing name in 2026!
Max Carmicle (Hillcrest – 2026)
First look at this power forward with a good frame and strength along with long arms. Active around the hoop. Gets on the offensive glass for put backs. Even hit a turnaround jumper. Carmicle had 11 points, 7 rebounds (3 offensive), and 1 steal.
Jovohn Ratliff Jovohn Ratliff 6'1" | PG Hillcrest | 2025 State IL (Hillcrest – 2025)
Ratliff also caught our attention for Hillcrest. The guard hit a couple of threes, rim runner, nifty finish, and is a solid defender. He had 12 points.
TJ Tate TJ Tate 5'7" | PG Marist | 2026 State IL (Marist – 2026)
Tate is a smaller lead guard for Marist that brought them a lift in the first half of their game. Getting to the rim off the bounce, hitting pull ups from 15 feet, and even stretching it out to three for 10 points.
Deonte Meeks Deonte Meeks 5'6" | PG Fenwick | 2025 State IL (Fenwick – 2025)
The smaller guard from Fenwick came off the bench to provide a major spark for his team. Shifty ball handler with speed got to the line at a high rate (7-12 FT) racking up 11 points while making plays in the lane.
Zack Mazanowski (Lane Tech – 2025)
Long and lanky small forward that is listed at 6’7”. Has some athletic pop to him with his rangy frame. Put back, scoop shot, seal on the block. He had 8 points while showing some intriguing upside.
Kolby Capers Kolby Capers 6'2" Lindblom Math and Science Academy | 2024 IL (Lindblom – 2024)
Capers is a wing that stuffed the stat sheet. Southpaw is a physically built prospect that did his damage in the lane off the bounce. Rebounds well for a guard and is a quality defender. Compliments Lindblom’s stars. He had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Aamir Shannon (Joliet West – 2026)
Shannon was one of the prospects I came away from the event super excited about. Athletic two guard that at about 6’3” projects well long term. His pop showed all over the floor playing above the rim for dunks, rebounding on both ends, and getting after it defensively. He had 10 points (5-16 FG) and 5 rebounds.
Tristian Saunders Tristian Saunders 6'3" | SG Joliet West | 2025 State IL (Joliet West – 2025)
This 2025 combo guard was efficient while getting buckets recording 15 points on 5-7 shooting from the field. He also made both of his three point attempts. Good length and can play on or off the ball.
Immanuel Brown Immanuel Brown 6'4" | SG Warren | 2025 State IL (Warren – 2025)
Brown is a 6’4” two guard that has plus positional size. He was a force on the offensive glass recording seven of them in the game getting second chances for himself and teammates. Finished dump offs inside and got out in transition. Loved the energy that the wing played with. He had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Javerion Banks Javerion Banks 6'1" | SG Warren Township | 2025 State IL (Warren – 2025)
Banks was more of a perimeter shot maker for Warren as a banged in four triples in their win against Bolingbrook. What you have to like about him is he isn’t just a shooter. Also distributed the rock and crashed the defensive glass from the perimeter throughout the game netting 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 dimes.
Mason Minor Mason Minor 6'0" | SG Curie | 2024 State IL (Curie – 2024)
Minor is a senior that has emerged for this year’s Curie squad. Like how he plays within the team concept while attacking with his athleticism at the cup. Also is an adept off ball passer going for 6 points and 4 assists.
Layshawn Scott Layshawn Scott 6'5" | SF Thornton | 2024 State IL (Thornton – 2024)
What a breakout performance for Scott in the marquee game! I honestly didn’t even remember him from the Richwoods game a week ago, but he made a major impression in this one. Got Thornton going with his shot making from beyond the arc. Wing with size at 6’5” that has a clean shot and was excellent rebounder especially offensively snatching 9 on that end. He had 6 points and 12 rebounds.
Jordan Walker Jordan Walker 6'0" | PG Kenwood | 2026 IL (Kenwood – 2026)
Walker brought something off the bench for Kenwood. Good shooter that hit in a couple threes coming off the bench in limited minutes.