Prep Hoops Next Illinois Camp: Emerging Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the weekend I was able to see some of the future stars of the state of Illinois and Midwest at the <strong>Prep Hoops Next Illinois Camp</strong>!&nbsp; Here we break down more of the prospects who made an impression.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Towne - Brooks Middle (IL) 6'1&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen is a smooth scoring guard who did a little bit of everything. He scored off the dribble with ease and made shots from mid-range and three. He has length combined with agility. Owen has what it takes to play in high school now.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Wheeler- Gifford Middle (WI) 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeler made his presence felt on defense. In the game I watched he made a guy cough up the ball several times and convert them into layups. Anthony may have had 6 consecutive layups at some point. He is pretty smooth and can finish at the rim with either hand.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon Reiner - Haven Middle (IL) 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landon is a smaller guard who commands the offense. As I watched he reminded me of 2024 Brother Rice guard [player_tooltip player_id='1436161' first='Cale' last='Cosme']. Another player who's smaller in stature but can control the game with his play. Reiner shot the ball with confidence from three making a few on the day. But he was impressive playing off pick-and-roll situations that made him look good. For his size he does a terrific job at defending the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Dozie - Gemini Middle (IL) 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was refreshing to see a player like Dozie at the camp. He seems to put a lot of effort into his defense and trying to make teams commit turnovers. Jayden is very active and is a threat to any defense when he uses his first step off the bounce.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KT Thomas - Montessori Academy (IL) 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KT is an athletic wing player who rebounded the ball and blocked several shots in the games I watched. He has a terrific motor and is a willing passer. Would love to see him locked to score more often as I feel I only saw a portion of his talent.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charlie Yellen - Deerfield (IL) 2028 6'1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charlie is an energetic playmaking guard who shoots the ball well from three. He was fun to watch in transition as he made some flashy passes to teammates. Yellen has a handle and will be much better as he adds strength once he gets to high school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Wallace 2028 Glacial Middle (WI) 6'5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wallace is a player who stood out amongst the others when walking in the door. He's a skilled player with some bulk. The motor hasn't reached the level of his skill set but when it does he will be a force to deal with. Can shoot and take guys off the dribble.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jase Navis 2028 Mauston (WI) 6'3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liked Navis a lot. He played with lots of energy, ran the court well, and made plays around the bucket. Jase looks to be still growing and with nice looking shot can become a prospect at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryder Fitzsimons Darlington (WI) 6'2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile forward from Wisconsin who has a good touch on his shot from the wing. Ryder is basketball tough, as he's able to take bumps on his way to the rim and score as if nothing happened. Fitzsimons is also a strong rebounder and will start a fastbreak if guards aren't around. Ryder is a player you expect to hear about every summer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Foley - Grayslake Middle (IL) 5'9&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I liked Will and how he paced himself in the 5 on 5 games. He didn't try to do a lot early and as the game picked up he made plays. Foley is a smaller guard who can play on and off the ball. He made some tough shots from mid-range. He shot several from three but in the game I watched he made just a couple. His handle can sharpen up some but his decision-making in the lane is solid. Foley will be a good addition to any high school next year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->