Chicago Elite Classic: Top Illinois Underclassmen Performers
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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 Underclassmen Performers! Class of…
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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 Underclassmen Performers!
Class of 2026
Stephen Brown Stephen Brown 6'7" | PF Marist | 2026 State IL (Marist)
Brown is the highest ranked big man in the 2026 class. His athleticism and strength up front jumps off the table as the profile you want to see in a potential high-major post. Explosive pop off the floor which was shown in this game on the defensive end where he swatted three shots impacting in a major way early in the game on that end. Excellent finisher out of the dunker spot, can post up, and capable face up shooter. In this game didn’t rebound very well and fought foul trouble ultimately fouling out. He had 9 points (4-7 FG) and 3 blocks.
Adoni Vassilakis Adoni Vassilakis 6'0" | PG Marist | 2026 State IL (Marist)
Crafty and tough as nails lead guard that can turn on the scoring when needed. Did just that in the overtime session racking up the points scoring off the bounce and getting in the lane. Plays with great pace and feel for the game pushing in the open floor. He had 9 points.
Michael Oliver Michael Oliver 5'10" | PG Curie | 2026 State IL Jr (Curie)
Spark plug for Curie last year and did it again in their narrow loss to Sidwell Friends. They do a nice job of setting him up for success getting the young guard clean looks for threes to get him going. Plus shooter that continues to add a little bit to his game each time out. Went for 10 points.
Marquis Clark Marquis Clark 6'2" | PG Whitney Young | 2026 State IL (Whitney Young)
Clark is an ultra smooth point guard that weaves in and out of the defense with ease flying past them. In a big time atmosphere especially during their second half I thought he was poised and aggressive getting to the cup off the bounce, knocked in a three, and had a couple nice defensive stops. Line read 11 points (4-6 FG) and 2 steals.
Nasir Rankin Nasir Rankin 6'2" | SG Whitney Young | 2026 State IL (Whitney Young)
Rankin could develop into the energy guy off the bench for the Dolphins this year. Super athletic two guard that is at his best in the open floor, using his burst off the bounce, and knocking in crisp mid-range jumpers. He had 6 points and 2 rebounds.
Class of 2027
Jaxson Davis Jaxson Davis 6'1" | PG Warren | 2027 IL (Warren)
Davis was spectacular in his team’s win against Bolingbrook. The freshman lead guard lived up to the considerable hype with the poise that he played with. Shot fake, drive, and runner started it off. Used his active hands on the defensive end for scores himself or for others on the other end. Crafty finisher inside. His ability to make others around him better was super evident in this game as he set others up throughout the win whether it was cutters, shooters, or big men. He had 17 points (7-15 FG) and 9 assists.
Davion Thompson Davion Thompson 6'2" | SG Bolingbrook | 2027 IL (Bolingbrook)
Thompson was very good in his head to head matchup with Davis. More of a natural two guard Thompson played both on and off the ball. Worked well around ball screens, soft touch finishing game, crisp mid-range jumper which is a huge strength, and can stretch it to three off the catch. He had 19 points (6-12 FG) (6-11 FT), 5 rebounds, and 2 dimes.
Howard Williams Howard Williams 6'5" | SF Whitney Young | 2027 IL (Whitney Young)
Williams showed flashes in his first huge high school game. He is a tremendous athlete that has a physical frame already for a freshman in high school. Excels in transition and got on the glass in limited minutes. 4 points and 3 rebounds for Williams in 8 minutes.
Damari Stephens Damari Stephens 6'3" | SG Kenwood | 2027 IL (Kenwood)
Stephens put himself on our radar in the four minutes he played. Strong frame as a wing that can finish through contact and get after it on the defensive end. One to continue to track as he had 4 points in 4 minutes.