Chi-Town Tip Off: Friday Night Lights Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Circuit made its second stop of the year just outside of Chicago at the Romeoville Athletic Club. Following are standouts from the “home team” in the three game Friday night session.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**all players are juniors**</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382445' first='Luke' last='Johnson'] 6-4 Neuqua Valley (pictured) </strong>Long lanky player did the little things for Basketball Paradise in their close Friday night victory. Was a good passer out of the high post. Found seems in the defense and was in constant motion off the ball. You like to see that from a post/forward. Once he caught it, had a smooth and easy rekeyed. Will need to add weight to his frame. But there is a lot to work with already. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1925746' first='Isaiah' last='McKenny'] 6-1 Mundelein </strong>Powerfully built point guard had a good game for All In Athletics in a loss to a team from Indiana. Played with his head up and pushed tempo with both handle and passing ability. Showed a nice crossover and the ability to drive either directions. Used his frame to finish with power at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552411' first='Jalen' last='Boyd'] 6-6 Proviso Math and Science Academy </strong>Passes the eye test in a major way. Is an impressive and well put together athlete. Excelled on the block. Was able to establish deep post position easily and did it often. With quick and easy elevation always seemed to be around the rim. Finished with both hands at the basket. The touch could be a little softer. A little more mechanical out on the perimeter. But with his athleticism, the potential is definitely there to improve further away from the basket. Willing defender who was put on his opponents best perimeter player in the clutch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552437' first='Joey' last='Aniceto'] 5-8 Bolingbrook </strong>Small but heady point loaded with intangibles already. Despite size went to the rim hard and without fear. His Basketball Paradise squad just seemed to run smoother with him out there. That is the best compliment you can give a point guard. Came up big in clutch with a strong late drive that stemmed a run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382447' first='Mariano' last='Velasco'] 5-10 Oswego </strong>With Aniceto's presence, Velasco played mostly off the ball. The lefty knew how pick his spots well. Showed the ability to play the point while Aniceto sat. Was a good shooter and aggressive penetrator. Used his body to shield off bigger defenders. Like Aniceto, can me up big in the clutch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->