Chi-Town Tip Off: Top Illinois Wing Performers

The Chi-Town Tip Off over the weekend in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois.  We examine the event from all angles including here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Top Wing Performers!   [player_tooltip player_id='1766460' first='Al' last='Brooks'] Jr ([program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health'] 17U)   Brooks started the event out with a bang in game 1 on Friday night!  The top 5 prospect from Hansberry is an athletic combo forward that was excellent on the offensive glass.  He gets on the boards for second chance points with consistency.  He is so quick off the floor with a knack for getting those points.  Plus athlete that can score off the bounce winning on drives and pushing in transition where he finishes very well.  Rangy defender that uses his length vertically and horizontally.  Didn't shoot it from the line or really even take many jumpers in the game we saw.   [player_tooltip player_id='2105166' first='Vincas' last='Buzelis'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 17U)   Buzelis had a massive weekend at Chi-Town Tip Off.  Big and physical small forward that attacked downhill with force.  Made quite a few trips to the line and was aggressive getting to the rim.  Scored in transition and got after it on the boards on both ends.  Also was impressed with what he brought as a wing defender using his athleticism and strength.   Brad Johnson Jr. ([program_tooltip program_id='2075385' first='Chicago' last='Grinders'] 17U)   The Curie shooting guard made a major impression with his play at the event.  He was Curie's 7th man last year and is looking like he will be one of their top players this upcoming season.  Athletic wing with good size poured in mid-range jumpers and threes at a high level all weekend.  Feathery touch and got it off with ease.  Can win in one on one situations as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1766504' first='Caden' last='Workman'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2414566' first='Mike' last='Glennon Elite'] 17U)   Workman is a combo forward from Brother Rice that is coming off a strong junior year.  The forward deserves another bump after his play in this event.  The broad shouldered forward brings skill to the table.  He was very adept at rebounding on the defensive end pushing in the open floor where he would score or make excellent decisions as a passer.  Rim runs, hit a three off the catch, fluid ball handler in the open floor, and right handed hook shots in the paint.   [player_tooltip player_id='2408296' first='Colin' last='Brodzik'] (Pac Elite 17U)   Brodzik opened eyes with a big showing in Pac Elite's game on Saturday morning.  The Woodstock North shooting guard was absolutely on fire from distance hitting six triples in the game.  He drained an array of threes with even his coaches in awe of how he was carrying them with his deep ball.  Moves well without the ball along with mixing in some soft touch finishes at the hoop.  He had 27 points.   [player_tooltip player_id='2454169' first='Brad' last='Blackmon'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075385' first='Chicago' last='Grinders'] 16U)   Blackmon was the force behind the Grinders win against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] in their win.  He has a long and rangy frame at about 6'3”.  Slick drives off the bounce, reverse layups at the cup, and is an effective offensive rebounder for put backs.  Also really like what he brought defensively blocking shots and getting deflections.  This Crane wing is one to track.   [player_tooltip player_id='2323624' first='Davion' last='Thompson'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] 2027 16U)   Thompson is among the premier prospects in the 2027 class.  The shooting guard from Bolingbrook was very good in their second game.  Silky smooth driver that wins off the bounce with slick takes.  Plus shooter that can hit effectively from two pulling up and three off the catch.  Also displayed improved passing feel in this game and playmaking in the open floor.  Quick hands on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='2323647' first='Howard' last='Williams'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] 2027 16U)   Williams has always been a top freshman prospect, but at times is a little overshadowed by the Big 3 lead guards.  The Whitney Young wing had the best single day we have seen him in his young career.  The big, physical, and athletic wing shot it at a super high rate from the perimeter.  Nailed an array of threes and mid-range jumpers in both games.  Also got on the glass and was impactful defensively with his versatility and toughness.  High-major prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2125674' first='Quinton' last='Kitt'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] 2027 16U)   Kitt is a prospect that we really liked watching him with East Peoria during his freshman season.  What we like about him is how he is so versatile stuffing the stat sheet.  He is a good connector as a passer from his wing spot.  Solid rebounder, good defender, and can hit a mid-range jumper or corner three.  Projects as one of the better wings in the class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552486' first='Danny' last='Houlihan'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] 2026 16U)   Houlihan is a shooter with size which are always valued at the next level.  In [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] 2026 first game the lefty sniper drained four triples from beyond the arc.  Quick release and is a plus three point marksmen.  Also mixed in shot fakes for mid-range shots.  Has definitely emerged as a legit D1 prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='1545122' first='Caleb' last='Lindsey'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2076904' first='Chicago' last='Hoops'] 17U)   Lindsey is a long and rangy small forward that has a ton of projectability.  Like what he brings defensively with his length and athleticism.  Offensively he has improved as a shooter knocking down a couple threes.  Looking forward to seeing where his game continues to grow.   [player_tooltip player_id='2321427' first='AJ' last='Keith'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] 17U)   Keith is an athletic wing from Pinckneyville.  Brings good size on the wing with plus athleticism.  He is very good slashing for scores and converting and-1s.  Also hit a top of the key three.  Has good scoring punch to his game.  Also rebounded on both ends well throughout the event.   Charlie Pomis ([program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 16U)   They Hersey wing put on a show during the last day of the event!  He can shoot it from beyond the arc and the two guard also scored off the deck with acrobatic layups in both the half court and transition. Scored 19 points in that game.   TJ Eaton (Mac Irvin Fire 15U)   Eaton is a 2027 shooting guard that lit it up early in their game against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' last=''] National where he drained four early triples showing a free and easy release.  Good athlete that can deck it a little.  Had 14 points before going down with an arm injury.  Prospect we are very excited to watch his progress.

The Chi-Town Tip Off over the weekend in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois. We examine the event from all angles including here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Top Wing Performers!