Chicago Elite Classic: Top Illinois 2024 Performers Pt 1
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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. Time to look at who shined in Chicago Elite Classic: Top Illinois 2024 Performers Pt 1!…
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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. Time to look at who shined in Chicago Elite Classic: Top Illinois 2024 Performers Pt 1!
RJ McKinnie
RJ
McKinnie
6'2" | SG
Simeon | 2024
State
IL
(Simeon)
McKinnie carried Simeon offensively in the opener. The senior scoring guard is a lefty that is a volume bucket getter. That is exactly what he did in the opening game of the event. The southpaw scored from all three levels with reverse layups, mid-range jumpers, and spot up threes. Also effective slicing and dicing in transition where he notched 20 points (9-22 FG) (2-8 FG) and 5 rebounds.
Josh Pickett
Josh
Pickett
6'5" | SG
St. Laurence | 2024
State
#277
Nation
IL
(St. Laurence)
Denver commit is the clear leader for St. Laurence this year. They struggled in their game on Friday, but he took over for a stretch putting his team on his back when they needed him to get back in it. Jumbo guard that can play both on and off the ball. Slick through traffic and is a stellar mid-range player with turnaround jumpers and got to the foul line. Cleared the defensive glass well. He had 18 points (6-14 FG) and 9 rebounds.
Darshan Thomas
Darshan
Thomas
6'6" | SF
Marist | 2024
State
IL
(Marist)
Thomas is a PHI favorite and has been for a while. He is a versatile Swiss Army knife type prospect that can do a little bit of everything. Early in the game it was his defense that stood out as he swatted several shots and locked down on that end. He went back and forth with Pickett shot for shot in the second half making spot up threes, pull ups from 15 feet, and post ups. He had 15 points (7-15 FG) and 8 rebounds. Worth consideration at D2 level.
Shaheed Solebo
Shaheed
Solebo
6'4" | SF
Lane Tech | 2024
State
IL
(Lane Tech)
Solebo is among the better uncommitted wings on the board in the state. On Friday night he came out firing at the beginning of the game super aggressive on both ends. Blocks, steals, coast to coast takes, dunks, and straight line drives. One of the more impressive stretches we saw at the entire event. Slowed down in the second half, but finished with 13 points (5-12 FG), 3 dimes, 2 steals, and 6 turnovers. Low-majors looking for a microwave scorer this would be a nice addition.
Jaylan McElroy
Jaylan
McElroy
6'7" | PF
DePaul Prep | 2024
State
#262
Nation
IL
(DePaul Prep)
McElroy is currently the highest ranked unsigned prospect in the PHI rankings. He is a power forward that brings mobility up front. Gets on the offensive glass for put backs, dunks off dump offs, and seals on the interior for scores. Defensively he really changes the game with his length and versatility blocking shots and getting steals. He had 12 points (5-8 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 6 steals. Low-major and possible mid-major prospect that would be a perfect glue guy at those levels.
PJ Chambers
PJ
Chambers
6'2" | SG
DePaul Prep | 2024
State
IL
(DePaul Prep)
Chambers took over their game against Lane Tech. Crafty scoring two guard that scored on nifty finishes around the cup, scoop shots, transition buckets, and got to the line at a high rate notching 22 points (6-14 FG) (9-10 FT). Stock rising over the last year to priority small college recruit.
Je’Shawn Stevenson
Je’Shawn
Stevenson
6'3" | SG
Lindblom | 2024
State
IL
(Lindblom)
Stevenson is a Cleveland State commit that is a born bucket getter. He is a well built two guard that can score effectively from all three levels. Love the aggressiveness that he attacks downhill. Got to the rim with strength where he would score or get fouled. Knocked in a mid-range jumper and a pair of threes. Also rebounded at a very high level in this game. Against Joliet West Stevenson dropped 26 points (7-15 FG) (2-3 3PT) (10-14 FT) and 11 rebounds.
Quentin McCoy (Lindblom)
McCoy is a sleeper combo guard that was actually more well known early in his career than Stevenson. He is a scoring combo guard that is a microwave guy that when he gets hot like he was on Saturday morning can really go. Got to the rim pretty well in this game scoring 23 points (9-20 FG) and grabbing 8 rebounds.
Justus McNair
Justus
McNair
6'3" | SG
Joliet West | 2024
State
IL
(Joliet West)
Valpo commit is without question the go to guy for Joliet West. The two guard is an athletic scorer that can win on straight line takes, use creativity in the open floor, and really get to the rim with his burst. He also passed it very well getting his teammates involved getting them confidence. In the loss to Lindblom he had 24 points (9-22 FG), 8 rebounds, and 6 dimes.
Drew King (Joliet West)
King is a five man that really impacted their game on the boards and defensively. He displayed good timing defensively blocking shots and got a ton of second chance opportunities on the offensive glass grabbing six offensive rebounds. He can finish with either hand but actually prefers the left hand (off hand) around the hoop. He had 9 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks.