Parham Perspective: Chicago Elite Classic
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The 12th Annual Chicago Elite Classic wrapped up on Saturday and this year’s games were really exciting to watch. As always Prep Hoops was “In the Gym” to cover this year’s matchups. In the article, I speak about the items…
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Continue ReadingThe 12th Annual Chicago Elite Classic wrapped up on Saturday and this year’s games were really exciting to watch. As always Prep Hoops was “In the Gym” to cover this year’s matchups. In the article, I speak about the items that caught my attention.
The Bigs are Back!!!
Long gone are of days of Sean O’Mara, Cliff Alexander, and Jahlil Okafor on this stage, but the current Illinois big man made a statement at the Chicago Elite Classic. OPRF 2025 center Alexander Vincent Alexander Vincent 6'8" | C OPRF | 2025 State IL who is 6’10” played well with 12 points and 8 rebounds vs Fenwick. Lane Tech 6’9” junior Dalton Scantlebury Dalton Scantlebury 6'8" | PF Lane Tech | 2025 State IL had a strong double double performance on Friday of 16 points and 15 rebounds. Joliet West 6’9” senior Drew King provided a needed defensive lift with 9 points,15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Riverside Brookfield big man Stefan Cicic Stefan Cicic 7'0" | C Riverside Brookfield | 2024 State IL held his own as well with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks. In the main event high major commits Kenwood 6’10” center Jaden Smith Jaden Smith 6'10" | C Kenwood | 2024 State IL (Arizona State) led the Broncos with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks while Thornton 6’9” power forward Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (Illinois) had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block. Needless to say, the big men are making an impact this season and it’s nice to have a brief resurgence of post-play back in Illinois.
New Kids on the Block
One of the biggest draws to this year’s event was the matchup of the two of the top freshmen in the state in Davion Thompson Davion Thompson 6'2" | SG Bolingbrook | 2027 IL (Bolingbrook) and Jaxson Davis Jaxson Davis 6'1" | PG Warren | 2027 IL (Warren). This matchup would live up to the billing as Thompson was amazing scoring every which way possible. His smooth demeanor and tight crossovers got him enough space to make shots. Davis was very poised using several set-up moves to get to spots on the court. He either scored or assisted on many of the Blue Devils key possessions. Thompson had 19 points while Davis had 17 points and 10 assists.
Unsigned Seniors Showcase Abilities
Several seniors at the CEC made a case for being recruited at this year’s event. RJ McKinne (Simeon) had a stellar 20 point and 5 rebound game against Hillcrest. With Dekwon Brown Dekwon Brown 6'4" | PG Simeon | 2024 #273 Nation IL being ruled ineligible by IHSA and leaving the state this week RJ looks to be the scoring and defensive presence for Simeon’s success this season. DePaul Prep 6’7” power forward Jaylan McElroy Jaylan McElroy 6'7" | PF DePaul Prep | 2024 State #262 Nation IL had 12 points, but did a lot of the things that don’t show up in the box score. He has tremendous length and covers ground so well defensively that he can guard 1 through 5 on the court. Lane Tech wing Shaheed Solebo Shaheed Solebo 6'4" | SF Lane Tech | 2024 State IL had some moments in the loss to DePaul. He showed his athleticism with a nice dunk in transition. His shot looked good as well hitting a corner three during an early game run. Warren’s Alex Daniels Alex Daniels 6'5" | SF Warren | 2024 State IL is a prospect that I felt has been slept on since the summer. The 6’6” forward had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Alex can play on the perimeter and score well around the basket. He plays with a strong motor especially when attacking for rebounds. Hyde Park small forward Jurrell Baldwin Jurrell Baldwin 6'6" | SF Hyde Park | 2024 State IL made his return to Chicago and even in the loss his 14 points and 8 boards were respectable numbers. Curie’s Will Gonzalez Will Gonzalez 6'5" | SF Curie | 2024 State IL is a lanky 6’6” wing with solid shooting touch which was shown in a loss to Sidwell Friends. He scored 11 points hitting some much-needed shots in a close game. By far the best performances from an uncommitted senior at the Elite Classic goes to Thornton guard Chase Abraham Chase Abraham 6'0" | SG Thornton | 2024 State IL . He did it all in the marquee game scoring 20 points in the win. He’s a shifty guard who scores from all three levels Saturday night. He blew past defenders like they were training cones, finishing tough plays in a crowd of trees. Small colleges and JUCOs should start recruiting Chase.